Performance Tool M552DB User manual

AIR NIBBLER
Item Number M552DB
WARNING!
READ, UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND
WARNINGS BEFORE OPERATING THIS TOOL. FAILURE TO DO SO
MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE AND
WILL VOID WARRANTY.
Some dust created by power sanding contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive
harm. An example of this type of chemical is lead from lead based paints, Crystalline Silica from bricks and cement or other masonry, Arsenic
and Chromium from chemically treated lumber. Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work.
To reduce your exposure: work in a well ventilated area and work with approved safety equipment, such as dusk masks that are specially
designed to lter out microscopic particles.
OWNER'S MANUAL
1 YEAR WARRANTY
PERFORMANCE TOOL® extends only the following warranties, and only to original retail purchasers. These
warranties give specific legal rights. Except where prohibited by local law, the law of the State of Washington
governs all warranties and all exclusions and limitations of warranties and remedies. There may be other rights
which vary from state to state.
PERFORMANCE TOOL® warrants the product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal
use and service. A defective product may be returned for a free replacement within 90 days from the date of
purchase, provided that product is returned to place of purchase immediately after discovery of defect. After 90
days and up to one year from date of purchase, PERFORMANCE TOOL® will replace at no charge any parts which
our examination shall disclose to be defective and under warranty. These warranties shall be valid only when a sales
receipt showing the date of purchase accompanies the defective product or defective part (s) being returned. For
part (s) after 90 days, please remit your request, postage prepaid to:
PERFORMANCE TOOL, P.O. Box 88259 Tukwila, WA 98138
These warranties exclude blades, bits, punches, dies, bulbs, fuses, hoses, and other consumables which must be
replaced under normal use and service. These warranties shall not apply to any product or part which is used for a
purpose for which it is not designed, or which has been repaired or altered in any way so as to affect adversely its
performance or reliability, nor shall these warranties apply to any product or part which has been subject to misuse,
neglect, accident or wear and tear incident to normal use and service.
PERFORMANCE TOOL® does not authorize any other person to make any warranty or to assume any liability in
connection with its products.
Except for warranties of title and the limited express warranties set forth above, PERFORMANCE TOOL® makes no
express or implied warranties of any kind with respect to its products. In particular, PERFORMANCE TOOL® makes
no implied warranty of merchantability and no implied warranty of fitness for any particular purpose, except that for
goods purchased primarily for personal, family or household use and not for commercial or business use,
PERFORMANCE TOOL® makes an implied warranty of merchantability (and, if otherwise applicable, an implied
warranty of fitness for a particular purpose), but only for the particular qualities or characteristics, and for the
duration, expressly warranted above.
The laws on limitation of implied warranties may differ from state to state, so the above limitations may not apply in
all cases.
PERFORMANCE TOOL® shall not be liable for consequential, incidental or special damages resulting from or in any
manner related to any product, or to the design, use, or any inability to use the product. The sole and exclusive
remedy for a defective product or part shall be the repair, or replacement thereof as provided above. The laws on
limitation of remedies or on consequential, incidental or special damages may vary from state to state, so the above
limitations may not apply in all cases.
© Copyright 2021 WILMAR CORPORATION, P.O. Box 88259 Tukwila, WA 98138
Oil tool before each use. 4 to 5 drops of a good grade Air Tool Oil placed in the air inlet is
sufficient. Use proper air pressure and CFM rating listed for this tool.
Drain water from hoses and
compressor tank. Water in the air
supply line will cause gumming and
loss of power. Clean the air filter on
the supply line and flush the tool with
gum solvent or a 50/50 mix of air tool
oil and kerosene. It may be necessary
to disassemble the tool to properly
clean and re-lubricate.
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE
Motor
Oil
Trans.
Fluid
Brake
Fluid
Water
Whip
hose
Air Tool
Oil
YesNo

Air pressure (P.S.I.) ............................................................................... 90
Average air consumption (C.F.M.)........................................................... 4
Free speed (R.P.M.) ......................................................................... 3,500
Air inlet (N.P.T.)..................................................................................... 1/4
Hose size (I.D.)................................................................................ 3/8 in.
Length (IN.)........................................................................................... 7.6
Weight (LBS.) ....................................................................................... 2.0
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
1. Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries.
2. Observe work area conditions. Do not use machines or power tools in damp or wet
locations. Don’t expose to rain. Keep work area well lighted. Do not use electrically
powered tools in the presence of flammable gases or liquids. Do not bring combustible
materials near the tools.
3. As with any tool, use common sense when operating. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry that could become caught by moving parts, causing injury. Operate tool a safe
distance from yourself and others in the work area.
4. Keep children away. Children must never be allowed in the work area. Do not let them
handle machines, tools, hoses or extension cords.
5. Store idle equipment. When not in use, tools must be stored in a dry location to inhibit
rust. Always lock up tools and keep out of reach of children and other untrained
persons. Switch off all unused electrical tools when stored. Tools are dangerous in the
hands of untrained users.
6.
Always wear approved eye protection when using tools. If raising dust, wear a suitable mask.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
WARNING. READ, UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS
BEFORE OPERATING THIS PRODUCT. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY
RESULT IN FIRE, ELECTRICAL
SHOCK, PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE AND WILL VOID WARRANTY.
This instruction manual is intended for your benefit. Please read and follow the safety, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting
steps described within to ensure your safety and satisfaction. The contents of this instruction manual are based upon the latest
product information available at the time of publication. The manufacturer reserves the right to make product changes at any time
without notice.
SAFETY GUIDELINES / DEFINITIONS

WARNING: Read and understand this entire instruction manual before attempting to assemble, install, operate or maintain
this product. Failure to comply with the instructions may result in serious personal injury and/or property damage!
The following signal words are used to emphasize safety warnings that must be followed when using this product:
DANGER:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, WILL result in death or serious injury.
WARNING:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that,
if not avoided, COULD result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that,
if not avoided, MAY result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTE: Indicates important information, which if not
followed, MAY cause damage to equipment.
SPECIFICATIONS:
7. Work Safe. When wearing gloves to operate the tool, make sure that the gloves do not
interfere with operating the Trigger. Test your gloves with the Trigger before attaching
the unit to an air source. Keep your finger away from the Trigger until you are ready to
work. Never start the tool unless you have a firm grip with both hands and you are
positioned at your work piece or area. Before using the tool, know what is directly
underneath the work area or work piece. The tool can quickly penetrate material. If
working directly on the ground, make sure you are not directly above shallow cables,
lines, or pipes. Keep your limbs and body clear of the tool. If an accessory or
attachment breaks off, the tool tends to surge forward suddenly. Operate tool a safe
distance from yourself and others in the work area. Make sure the immediate area is
clear of other people or animals. Spectators must stay at a safe distance. Never point
the tool or the air hose (not included) at anyone. Keep proper footing and balance at
all times. Do not reach over or across running machines, hoses, etc.
8. Do not operate any tool if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read warning labels
on prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reflexes are impaired while taking
drugs. If there is any doubt, do not operate any tool.
9. Be sure air is in OFF position when connecting tool to air supply.
10. Use only those accessories that are designed for use with tools. For example, with
impact wrenches do not use ordinary sockets. Use impact sockets for all air tools.
11. Be sure to disconnect tool from air supply before changing accessories, performing
service on tool and when not in use.
12. Follow air source manufacturers' directions for connection of regulators, filters, and
other accessories to air source. Do not install quick couplers directly on tool as they
put unnecessary strain on the air inlet threads possibly causing them to wear out
prematurely. Instead, install them on a short length of air hose attached to the tool.
13. Check for damaged parts. Before using any tool, any part that appears damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its
intended function. Check for alignment and binding of moving parts; any broken parts
or mounting fixtures; and any other condition that may affect proper operation. Any
part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician.
14. Maintenance. For your safety, maintenance should be performed regularly by a
qualified technician using original PERFORMANCE TOOLS® replacement parts.
Failure to do so can lead to accidents for the operator. Use of any other parts will void
the warranty. Only use accessories intended for use with this tool. Approved
accessories are available from Performance Tool®. Use only accessories that are
recommended by the manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may be suitable
for one tool may become hazardous when used on another tool.
WARNING:
Repetitive motions or exposure to vibration may be harmful to your hands and arms.
WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Example of this type
of chemical are:
-lead from lead based paints,
-Crystalline Silica from bricks and cement or other masonry,
-Arsenic and Chromium from chemically treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To
reduce your exposure: work in a well ventilated area and work with approved safety
equipment, such as dusk masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

WARNING: The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual
cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be understood by the
operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into this product, but
must be supplied by the operator. Read and understand all of the instructions provided in the
instruction manual of this product, as well as, any other tool (s) used with this product.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Punches (2 PC) ............................................................................. M553C
Air Nibbler Replacement Die ......................................................... M554C
REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE:

EXPANDED PARTS LIST
1. Hold nibbler square with work and start motor. Apply steady, even pressure. Do not
force. Too much pressure can cause punch to overheat and break. Tool little pressure
will keep nibbler from cutting and cause it to overheat.
2. Reduce pressure just before cutting through the work . When nibbler has completed
cut, remove from the work while the motor is running, then turn off the tool.
3. If the nibbler jams while cutting, release throttle immediately. Check to determine cause
of trouble before restarting motor. Do not attempt to free tool by starting and stopping
the motor.
OPERATION
Clean air of correct air pressure is recommended for the power supply for this tool. A
maximum of 90 PSI at the tool is recommended for most air tools of this class. Check
specifications section for recommended pressure. (Depending on length of air hose and
other circumstances, air pressure at compressor may need to be increased to 100 PSI to
ensure 90 PSI at the tool.)
Water in the air hose and compressor tank contributes to reduced performance and
damage of the air tool. Drain the air tank and filters before each use and as necessary to
keep the air supply dry.
Hose length over 25’ causes loss in line pressure. Increase hose I.D. or increase
compressor pressure to compensate for the pressure loss. Use an in-line pressure
regulator with gauge if air inlet pressure is critical.
AIR SOURCE
INSUFFICIENT POWER:
Probable Cause Solution
Dirty or clogged air passages......... Flush and lubricate tool, drain air tank and supply line
Insufficient air supply...................... Increase line pressure, Make sure compressor
matches tool's air pressure and consumption needs
Air leakage...................................... Use Teflon tape at all fittings and joints. Check tool for
worn or damaged O-rings & seals.
Worn/damaged wear & tear parts .. Replace as necessary.
Tool matching ................................. Be sure you are using a tool suited for the torque
requirements of the job at hand.
TROUBLESHOOTING
No. Description Qty.
1 Housing....................................1
2 Trigger......................................1
3 Trigger Pin ...............................1
4 Air Inlet.....................................1
5 O-Ring......................................1
6 Valve Stem...............................1
7 Spring.......................................1
8 O-Ring......................................1
9 Screw Knob..............................1
10 Bearing.....................................1
11 Rear Plate................................1
12 Blade........................................4
13 Motor........................................1
14 Pin............................................2
15 Cylinder....................................1
16 Front plate................................1
17 Bearing.....................................1
18 Washer.....................................1
19 Gear Ring.................................1
No. Description Qty.
20 Idle Gear.................................3
21 Gear Pin .................................3
22 Gear Plate ..............................1
23 Clamp Nut ..............................1
24 Retainer..................................1
25 Bearing...................................2
26 Washer ...................................1
27 Crank Shaft ............................1
28 Driving Bushing ......................1
29 Screw Knob............................1
30 Bushing ..................................1
31 Nibble Head............................1
32 Slide Rod................................1
33 Cutter......................................1
34 Set Screw...............................1
35 Clamp Nut ..............................1
36 Cutter Die ...............................1
37 O-ring .....................................1
38 Cutter......................................2
EXPANDED PARTS LIST
Punch
Safety Lever
Trigger Lever
Air Inlet