Kobalt K20LW-26A User manual

KOBALT®and the K Design®are registered
trademarks of LF, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
ITEM #0437515
20-VOLT
IMPACT WRENCH
MODEL #K20LW-26A
Français p. 11
Español p. 21
ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE
Serial Number _______________ Purchase Date _______________
Questions, problems, missing parts? Before returning to your retailer, call our customer
service department at 1-888-3KOBALT (1-800-356-2258), 8 a.m.-8 p.m., EST, Monday - Friday.
AB12443 kobalttools.com

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Product Specications..............................................................2
Safety Information .................................................................3
Preparation ......................................................................5
Package Contents .................................................................6
Operating Instructions ..............................................................7
Care and Maintenance ............................................................10
Troubleshooting..................................................................10
Warranty .......................................................................10
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS
Motor 20V D/C
Switch VSR (Variable Speed Reversible)
No-load speed 0-1,900 RPM
Impacts per minute 0-2,100 IPM
Maximum torque 350 ft. lb.

3
SAFETY INFORMATION
Know the Tool
To operate this tool, carefully read this manual and all labels afxed to the impact wrench before using
it. Keep this manual available for future reference.
Important
This tool should only be serviced by a qualied service technician.
Read all Instructions Thoroughly
General Safety Rules for all Power Tools
WARNING: Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow all warnings and
instructions may result in electric shock, re and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains operated (corded) power tool or battery
operated (cordless) power tool.
Work Area Safety
• Keeptheworkareacleanandwelllit.Cluttered and dark areas invite accidents.
• Donotoperatepowertoolsinexplosiveatmospheres,suchasinthepresenceofammable
liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks, which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keepchildrenandbystandersawaywhileoperatingapowertool. Distractions can cause you
to lose control.
Electrical Safety
• Powertoolplugsmustmatchtheoutlet.Nevermodifythepluginanyway.Donotuseany
adaptor plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodied plugs and matching outlets will
reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Avoidbodycontactwithearthedorgroundedsurfacessuchaspipes,radiators,rangesand
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Donotexposepowertoolstorainorwetconditions.Water entering a power tool will increase
the risk of electric shock.
• Donotabusethecord.Neverusethecordforcarrying,pullingorunpluggingthepower
tool. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled
cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• Whenoperatingapowertooloutdoors,useanextensioncordsuitableforoutdooruse.Use
of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• Ifoperatingapowertoolinadamplocationisunavoidable,useaground-faultcircuit
interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

4
SAFETY INFORMATION
Personal Safety
• Stayalert,watchwhatyouaredoingandusecommonsensewhenoperatingapowertool.
Donotuseapowertoolwhileyouaretiredorundertheinuenceofdrugs,alcoholor
medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal
injury.
• Usepersonalprotectiveequipment.Alwaysweareyeprotection. Protective equipment
such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection, used for appropriate
conditions, will reduce personal injuries.
• Preventunintentionalstarting.Ensurethattheswitchisintheoff-positionbefore
connecting to a power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying
power tools with your nger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites
accidents.
• Removeanyadjustingkeyorwrenchbeforeturningthepowertoolon. A wrench or a key left
attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Donotoverreach.Keepproperfootingandbalanceatalltimes.This enables better control of
the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dressproperly.Donotwearlooseclothingorjewelry.Keepyourhair,clothingandgloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothing, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• Ifdevicesareprovidedfortheconnectionofdust-extractionandcollection,ensurethat
these are connected and properly used. Use of these devices can reduce dust-related hazards.
Power Tool Use and Care
• Donotforcethepowertool.Usethecorrectpowertoolforyourapplication.The correct
power tool will do the job better and more safely at the rate for which it was designed.
• Donotusethepowertooliftheswitchdoesnotturnitonandoff.Any power tool that cannot
be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnecttheplugfromthepowersourceand/orthebatterypackfromthepowertool
beforemakinganyadjustments,changingaccessories,orstoringpowertools.Such
preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Storeidlepowertoolsoutofthereachofchildrenanddonotallowpersonsunfamiliarwith
the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in
the hands of untrained users.
• Maintainpowertools.Checkformisalignmentorbindingofmovingparts,breakageofparts
and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the
power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keepcuttingtoolssharpandclean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges
are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Usethepowertool,accessories,toolbits,etc.inaccordancewiththeseinstructions,taking
into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for
operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

5
SAFETY INFORMATION
Battery Tool Use and Care
• Rechargeonlywiththechargerspeciedbythemanufacturer.A charger that is suitable for
one type of battery pack may create a risk of re when used with another battery pack.
• Usepowertoolsonlywithspecicallydesignatedbatterypacks.Use of any other battery
packs may create a risk of injury and re.
• Whenabatterypackisnotinuse,keepitawayfromothermetalobjects,suchaspaper
clips,coins,keys,nails,screwsorothersmallmetalobjectsthatcanmakeaconnection
from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a re.
• Underabusiveconditions,liquidmaybeejectedfromthebattery;avoidcontact.Ifcontact
accidentallyoccurs,ushwithwater.Ifliquidcontactseyes,seekmedicalhelp.Liquid
ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
Service
• Haveyourpowertoolservicedbyaqualiedrepairpersonusingonlyidenticalreplacement
parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
SpecicSafetyRulesforImpactWrench
• Holdapowertoolbytheinsulatedgrippingsurfaceswhenperforminganoperationwhere
the fastener may contact hidden wiring. Fasteners contacting a “live” wire may make exposed
metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Useclampsoranotherpracticalwaytosupportandsecuretheworkpiecetoastable
platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of
control.
• Alwayswaituntilthemachinehascometoacompletestopbeforeplacingitdown.The tool
insert can jam and lead to loss of control over the power tool.
• Beforeperforminganykindofworkonthemachine(e.g.,maintenance,toolchange,etc.),
as well as when transporting and storing it, always set the rotational direction switch to the
center position. Unintentional activation of the On/Off switch may result in personal injury.
• Donotopenthebattery.Thereisriskofashortcircuit.
• Protectthebatteryfromheatandre.There is risk of explosion.
PREPARATION
Know Your Cordless Impact Wrench
Before attempting to use the impact wrench, familiarize yourself with all of its operating features and
safety requirements.

6
PACKAGE CONTENTS
PARTS DESCRIPTION
A Variable-speed trigger switch
B Direction-of-rotation selector (forward/center lock/reverse)
C 1/2 in. square driver
D Battery pack
E Battery-release button
F LED work light
WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with the impact wrench to cause carelessness. Remember
that one careless moment is enough to cause severe injury. Before attempting to use any tool, be
sure to become familiar with all of the operating features and safety instructions.
A
D
F
E
B
C

7
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. To Attach Battery Pack
a. Place the direction-of-rotation selector (B) in the
center (locked) position.
b. Align the raised portion on the battery pack (D) with
the grooves on the bottom of the impact wrench, and
then slide the battery pack onto the impact wrench
as shown.
c. Make sure that the latch on the battery pack snaps
into place and the battery pack is secured to the
impact wrench before beginning operation.
NOTICE: When placing the battery pack on the tool, be
sure that the raised rib on battery pack aligns with the
groove on the impact wrench and the latches snap into
place properly. Improper assembly of the battery pack
can cause damage to internal components.
To Detach Battery Pack (Fig. 1)
a. Place the direction-of-rotation selector (B) in the center (locked) position.
b. Press the battery-release button (E) to release the battery pack.
c. Pull forward on the battery pack to remove it from the impact wrench.
WARNING: Battery tools are always in operating condition. Therefore, the direction-of-rotation
selector should always be locked (center) when the tool is not in use or when carrying the tool at your
side.
2. Trigger Switch
To turn the impact wrench ON, depress the trigger
switch (A). To turn it OFF, release the trigger switch.
Variable Speed
The variable-speed trigger switch delivers higher
speed with increased trigger pressure and lower
speed with decreased trigger pressure.
2
A
A
DETACH
ATTACH
1
D
E

8
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3. Direction-Of-Rotation Selector
(Forward/Center Lock/Reverse)
The direction of bit rotation is reversible and is
controlled by a selector located above the trigger
switch (A). With the impact wrench held in the normal
operating position, pointing away from you:
a. Position the direction-of-rotation selector (B) to the
left of the tool for forward rotation.
b. Position the direction-of-rotation selector to the right
of the tool for reverse rotation.
c. Setting the switch in the OFF (center lock) position
helps reduce the possibility of accidental starting
when not in use.
NOTICE: To prevent gear damage, always allow the
impact wrench to come to a complete stop before
changing the direction of rotation.
NOTICE: The impact wrench will not run unless the
direction-of-rotation selector is engaged fully to the left or
right.
4. Installing and Removing Socket
a. Lock the trigger switch by placing the direction-of-
rotation-selector (B) in the OFF (center) position.
b. To install a 1/2 in. socket, simply push it completely
onto the square driver (C). To remove, pull it off the
square driver.
WARNING: Only use sockets designed for impact
wrenches. Sockets not designed for impact wrenches
could break and result in user injury. Inspect sockets prior
to use to ensure that they have no cracks or other visible
damage.
FORWARD
REVERSE
3
B
4
C

9
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Tightening Fasteners
WARNING: Battery tools are always in operating condition. Therefore, the direction-of-rotation
selector should always be locked when not in use or carrying at your side.
Tighten fasteners with the impact wrench. The proper fastening torque may differ depending on the
type or size of the bolt, the material of the workpiece to be fastened, etc. Before starting your job,
always perform a test operation to determine the proper fastening time for your bolt or nut.
a. Check the direction-of-rotation selector for the correct setting (forward or reverse).
b. Hold the tool rmly and place the socket over the bolt or nut.
c. Depress the trigger switch to turn the impact wrench on. The variable-speed trigger switch
delivers higher speed with increased trigger pressure and lower speed with decreased trigger
pressure.
d. Fasten the bolt or nut to the proper torque.
e. To turn the impact wrench OFF, release the trigger switch.
f. After fastening, always check the torque with a torque wrench.
NOTICE: Hold the tool straight along the axis of the bolt or nut.
NOTICE: Excessive fastening torque may damage the bolt/nut or socket.
Practice with various fasteners, noting the length of time required to reach the desired torque. Check
the tightness with a torque wrench. If the fasteners are too tight, reduce the impacting time. If they are
not tight enough, increase the impacting time.
The fastening torque is affected by a wide variety of factors, including the following:
• Socket
— Failure to use the correct size socket will cause a reduction in the fastening torque. A worn
socket (wear on the hex end or square end) will cause a reduction in the fastening torque.
• Bolt
— Although the torque coefcient and the class of bolt may be the same, the proper fastening
torque will differ according to the diameter of the bolt. Although the diameters of bolts may be
the same, the proper fastening torque will differ according to the torque coefcient, the class
of bolt and the bolt length.
• The use of a universal joint or an extension bar (both available separately) will reduce the fastening
force of the impact wrench somewhat. Compensate by fastening for a longer period of time.
• The manner of holding the tool or the material to be fastened will affect the torque.
Loosening Fasteners
The torque that is required to loosen a fastener averages 75% to 80% of the tightening torque,
depending on the condition of the contacting surfaces. However, if rust or corrosion causes seizing,
more torque may be required.

10
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
All maintenance should only be carried out by an authorized service organization.
Cleaning
Before cleaning or performing any maintenance, remove the battery pack from the tool. For safe
and proper working, always keep the tool and its ventilation slots clean. Always use only a soft, dry
cloth to clean your impact wrench, never use any detergent or alcohol.
TROUBLESHOOTING
WARNING: Turn the switch to the “OFF” position and remove the battery pack from the tool
before performing troubleshooting procedures.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
The impact wrench does
not work
Battery is depleted Charge the battery
Sockets cannot be installed An adapter is required Use suitable adapter
Motor overheating Cooling vents are
obstructed
Clean, clear vents. Do not cover
vents with hand during operation
5-YEAR HASSLE-FREE WARRANTY
This impact wrench is warranted to the original purchaser from the original purchase date for ve (5)
years subject to the warranty coverage described herein.
This impact wrench is warranted for the original user to be free from defects in material and
workmanship.
If you believe that the impact wrench is defective at any time during the specied warranty period,
simply return the impact wrench along with proof of purchase to the place of purchase for a free
replacement or refund, or call 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258) for warranty service.
This warranty is void if: defects in materials or workmanship or damages result from repairs or
alterations which have been made or attempted by others or the unauthorized use of nonconforming
parts; the damage is due to normal wear, damage is due to abuse (including overloading of the tool
beyond capacity), improper maintenance, neglect or accident; or the damage is due to the use of the
tool after partial failure or use with improper accessories or unauthorized repair or alteration.
This warranty excludes blades, bits, bulbs and accessories.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state
to state.
Printed in China
KOBALT®and the K Design®are registered trademarks
of LF, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
kobalttools.com