Performax 241-0994 User manual

1
18GA METAL SHEAR
241-0994
Owner’s Manual
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Rating: 120 V, 60 Hz, AC
Amperes: 4.0 AMP
Speed: 0-2,500 SPM (no load)
Minimum cutting radius: 1"
Maximum cutting capacity: Steel - 1.2 mm (18 ga)
Stainless Steel – 0.9 mm (20 ga)
Aluminum – 2 mm (14 ga)
Weight: 4 lb 15 oz (1.77 kg)
Need Assistance?
Call us on our toll free customer support line:
1-866-349-8665
•Technical questions
•Replacement parts
•Parts missing from package

2
Product specifications ………….……………………………………………………. 1
Table of contents ……………………………………………………………………... 2
General safety warnings …………………………………………………………….. 3–4
Eye, ear & lung protection …………………………………………………………… 3–4
Electrical safety ………………………………………………………………………. 4
Power tool safety ……………………………………………………………………... 5–6
General safety rules ………………………………………………………………….. 5
Work area ………………………………………………………………….………….. 5
Electrical safety ………………………………………………………………………. 5
Personal safety ……………………………………………………………………….. 5–6
Power tool use and care .……………………………………………………………. 6
Service ………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Specific safety rules ………………………………………………………………….. 7
Extension cord safety ………………………………………………………….…….. 8
Symbols ……………………………………………………………………………….. 9
Know your metal shear ………………………………………………………………. 10
Assembly and operating …………………………………………………………….. 11–12
Adjusting the 360°swivel head …………………………………………………….. 11
LED work light button ………………………………………………………………… 11
Trigger switch & lock-on button …………………………………………… 11–12
Cutting …………………………………………………………………………………. 12
Maintenance ………………………………………………………………………….. 13
Exploded view ………………………………………………………………………… 14
Parts list ……………………………………………………………………………….. 15–16
Warranty ……………………………………………………………………….……… 17
TABLE OF CONTENTS

3
EYE, EAR & LUNG PROTECTION
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERENCE
This instruction manual includes the following:
•General Safety Rules
•Specific Safety Rules and Symbols
•Functional Description
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Accessories
WARNING: Use hearing protection, particularly during extended
periods of operation of the tool, or if the operation is noisy.
!
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERENCE
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING:
Before using this tool or any of its accessories, read this
manual and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions. The important
precautions, safeguards and instructions appearing in this manual are not
meant to cover all possible situations. It must be understood that common
sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into the product.
!
!
ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION THAT CONFORMS WITH CSA
REQUIREMENTS or ANSI SAFETY STANDARD Z87.1
FLYING DEBRIS can cause permanent eye damage. Prescription
eyeglasses ARE NOT a replacement for proper eye protection.
WARNING: Non-compliant eyewear can cause serious injury if
broken during the operation of a power tool.

4
EYE, EAR & LUNG PROTECTION – cont’d
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
WEAR A DUST MASK THAT IS DESIGNED TO BE USED WHEN
OPERATING A POWER TOOL IN A DUSTY ENVIRONMENT.
WARNING: Dust that is created by power sanding, sawing, grinding,
drilling, and other construction activities may contain chemicals that are
known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other genetic abnormalities. These
chemicals include:
Lead from lead-based paints
Crystalline silica from bricks, cement, and other masonry products
Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber
The level of risk from exposure to these chemicals varies, according to how
often this type of work is performed. In order to reduce exposure to these
chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area, and use approved safety
equipment, such as a dust mask that is specifically designed to filter out
microscopic particles.
!
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERENCE
WARNING: To avoid electrical hazards, fire hazards or damage to
the tool, use proper circuit protection.
This tool is wired at the factory for 120 V AC operation. It must be
connected to a 120 V AC, 15 A circuit that is protected by a time-delayed
fuse or circuit breaker. To avoid shock or fire, replace power cord
immediately if it is worn, cut or damaged in any way.
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS

5
WARNING: Read all safety warnings and
all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings
and instructions may result in electric shock, fire
and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future
reference.
Work area safety
Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or
dark areas invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable 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 adapter plugs with earthed
(grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and
matching outlets will reduce 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 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
ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) reduces
the risk of electric shock.
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 influence 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 the
switch is in the off-position before
connecting to power source and/or battery
pack, picking up or carrying the tool.
Carrying power tools with your finger 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.
POWER TOOL SAFETY
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERENCE
!

6
PERSONAL SAFETY – cont’d
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing
or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and
gloves away from moving parts. Loose
clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in
moving parts.
If devices are provided for the connection of
dust extraction and collection facilities,
ensure these are connected and properly
used. Use of dust collection 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 safer 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 and 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.
Service
Have your power tool serviced by a qualified
repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the
safety of the power tool is maintained.
POWER TOO
L SAFETY
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERENCE

7
WARNING: Know your metal shear. Do
not plug the metal shear into the power
source until you have read and understand
this Instruction Manual. Learn the tool’s
applications and limitations, as well as the
specific potential hazards related to this tool.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric
shock, fire, or serious injury.
WARNING: Always wear
eye protection. Any power tool
can throw foreign objects into
your eyes and cause permanent
eye damage. ALWAYS wear a safety shield (not
glasses) that comply with ANSI safety standard
Z87.1. Everyday glasses have only impact
resistant lenses. They ARE NOT safety glasses.
WARNING: Glasses, goggles or safety
shields not in compliance with ANSI Z87.1
could cause serious injury when they break.
WARNING: Always hearing protection.
WARNING: Always wear appropriate
protective gloves, long sleeved shirt and
blue jeans when using the metal shear. Sheet
metal is very sharp. Any sheet metal or cuttings
contacting your skin may result in serious cuts.
WARNING: Always keep your hands out of
the path of the cutting blades. Avoid awkward
hand positions where a sudden slip could cause
your hand to move into the path of the cutting
blades.
Always remove the plug from the power source
before adjusting or changing the blades and
then rotating the swivel head.
The warnings, precautions and instructions
discussed in this Owner’s 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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERENCE
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
!
!
!
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERENCE
!
!
!

8
WARNING: Keep the extension cord
clear of the working area. Position the cord so
it will not get caught on the workpiece, tools or
any other obstructions while you are working
with the power tool.
Make sure any extension cord used with this
tool is in good condition. When using an
extension cord, be sure to use one of heavy
enough gauge to carry the current the tool will
draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in
line voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating.
The table at right shows the correct size to use
according to cord length and nameplate ampere
rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.
The smaller the gauge number the heavier the
cord.
Be sure your extension cord is properly wired
and in good condition. Always replace a
damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a
qualified electrician before using it. Protect your
extension cord from sharp objects, excessive
heat and damp or wet areas.
Use a separate electrical circuit for your power
tools. This circuit must not be less than 14
gauge wire and should be protected with either
a 15 A time delayed fuse or circuit breaker.
Before connecting the power tool to the power
source, make sure the switch is in the OFF
position and the power source is the same as
indicated on the nameplate. Running at lower
voltage will damage the motor.
MINIMUM GAUGE (AWG)
EXTENSION CORDS (120 V use only)
Amperage
rating Total length
More
than
Not
more
than
25'
(7.5 m)
50'
(15 m)
100'
(30 m)
150'
(45 m)
0 6 18 16 16 14
6 10 18 16 14 12
10 12 16 16 14 12
12 16 14 12 Not Applicable
EXTENSION CORD SAFETY
!
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERENCE

9
V
Volts
A
Amperes
Hz
Hertz
W
Watts
kW
Kilowatts
Microfarads
L
Litres
kg
Kilograms
H
Hours
N/cm
2
Newtons per square
centimetre
Pa
Pascals
OPM
Oscillations per minute
Min
Minutes
S
Seconds
or a.c.
Alternating current
Three-phase alternating
current
Three-phase alternating
current with neutral
Read all safety warnings
and instructions
Direct current
No load speed
Alternating or direct
current
Class II construction
Splash-proof
construction
Watertight construction
Protective grounding at
grounding terminal,
Class I tools
Revolutions or
reciprocations per
minute
Diameter
Off position
Arrow
Warning symbol
Wear your safety
glasses
Wear hearing protection
SYMBOL
S
WARNING: Some of the following symbols may appear on the metal shear. Study
these symbols and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will
allow for more efficient and safer operation of this tool.
!
304259
7
JD20
2
0U
This symbol designates that this tool is
listed with U.S. requirements by
Underwriters Laboratories.
Conforms to UL Std. 60745-1 and
60745-2-8.

10
KNOW YOUR
METAL SHEAR
Blade cover
Lock-on
button
LED work light LED work light
button
Varia
ble speed
trigger switch
Cutting blade
set
360°Swivel head
Air vents
4 mm
Hex key

11
ADJUSTING THE 360°SWIVEL HEAD
The cutting head can be rotated through 360°to
allow the handle to be positioned so it will not
interfere with the cutting area.
WARNING: Remove the plug from the
power source before adjusting the swivel head.
WARNING: Wear heavy duty protective
gloves when adjusting the cutting head. The
blades are sharp and can pinch your fingers,
causing serious injury.
1. Loosen the swivel head screw (1) using the
4 mm hex key (2) (Fig. 1).
NOTE: Rotate the screw two turns counter
clockwise.
2. Grasp the body of the tool with one hand
and the body of the swivel head (3) with
the other hand and rotate the swivel head
to the desired position.
3. Re-tighten the swivel head screw.
LED WORK LIGHT
To turn the LED work light ON, press the LED
work light button (1) once (Fig. 3). To turn the
LED work light OFF, press the LED work light
button a second time.
TRIGGER SWITCH & LOCK-ON BUTTON
The metal shear has a variable speed trigger
switch (1) (Fig. 4).
1. To start the tool at the lowest speed, gently
squeeze the trigger switch. To increase the
speed, squeeze the trigger switch harder.
2. To stop the tool. Release the trigger switch.
When operating the tool for extended periods of
time at its fastest speed, the lock-on button can
be used to lock the trigger switch ON.
3. To lock the trigger ON, squeeze the trigger
until the tool is running at its fastest speed.
While squeezing the trigger, press the
lock-on button (2) into the handle. While
holding the lock-on button into the handle,
release the trigger. The tool will continue to
run at its fastest speed.
4. To turn the tool OFF, squeeze and then
release the trigger.
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING
!
!
Fig. 2
Fig. 1
Fig. 3

12
TRIGGER SWITCH & LOCK-ON BUTTON –
cont’d
CUTTING
WARNING: Before beginning to cut, make
sure the work area is clear of any foreign
objects and the cutting line is clearly marked on
the workpiece. Secure small workpieces in a
vise or to a stable platform.
Before cutting the "good" workpiece, make
practice cuts on a "scrap" workpiece until you
are comfortable with operating the tool and with
your ability to follow cutting lines.
1. Place the cutting jaws of the tool at the
edge of the workpiece.
NOTE: Make sure the cutting jaws are
aligned with the cutting mark, allowing for
adequate room for the material being cut
away. The cut will be at least 1/16" wide.
2. Squeeze the switch trigger and gradually
move the cutting blades into the workpiece
(Fig. 5).
NOTE: The scrap piece that is being
removed will normally curl out of the way.
3. When cutting a large workpiece or cutting
curves, you may wish to rotate the cutting
head to reduce the interference with the
tool handle. Refer to "ADJUSTING THE
360°SWIVEL HEAD" (Fig. 1).
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING
Fig. 4
For safety reasons, the operator must
read the sections of this Owner’s Manual
entitled "GENERAL SAFETY
WARNINGS", "POWER TOOL SAFETY",
"SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES",
"EXTENSION CORD SAFETY" and
"SYMBOLS" before using this metal
shear.
Verify the following every time the metal
shear is used:
1. Safety shield, hearing protection,
heavy gloves and protective clothing
are being worn.
2. The blades are sharp and in good
condition.
Failure to observe these safety rules will
significantly increase the risk of injury.
WARNING
!
!
Fig. 5

13
REPLACING THE CUTTING BLADES
WARNING: Remove the plug from the
power source before removing or installing
cutting blades. Use caution when handling the
cutting blades, as they are sharp and can cause
serious injury.
After considerable use, the cutting blades will
become worn and will have to be replaced. The
following instructions detail how to remove and
replace the blades.
Removing old cutting blades
1. Remove all three blade screws (1) (Fig. 6).
NOTE: Turn the screws counter clockwise
using the 4 mm hex key.
2. Remove all three blades (2, 3 & 4).
NOTE: Do not lose the two short spacers
(5 & 6) and the lone spacer (7).
Installing new cutting blade set 236-0994
(Available at your nearest Menards store)
3. Install the new in the reverse order of
"removing old blades" above.
NOTES:
a. The left blade (2) has two slotted holes.
The right blade (4) has one slotted hole
and one round hole.
b. Place the long spacer (7) to the rear of the
cutting head
c. Make sure the blade screw nuts are
properly nested in the swivel housing
before tightening the blade screws. Do not
over tighten the screws.
GENERAL
WARNING: When servicing, use only
identical replacement parts. The use of any
other part may create a hazard or cause
product damage.
DO NOT use solvents when cleaning plastic
parts. Plastics are susceptible to damage from
various types of commercial solvents and may
be damaged by their use. Use a clean cloth to
remove dirt, dust, oil, grease etc.
WARNING: Do not allow brake fluids,
gasoline, petroleum-based products,
penetrating oils, etc. to come into contact
with plastic parts. They contain chemicals
that can damage, weaken or destroy plastic.
DO NOT abuse power tools. Abusive practices
can damage the tool and the workpiece.
WARNING: DO NOT attempt to modify
tools or create accessories. Any such
alteration or modification is misuse and
could result in a hazardous condition
leading to possible serious injury. It will also
void the warranty.
LUBRICATION
All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with
a sufficient amount of high-grade lubricant for
the life of the unit under normal conditions.
Therefore, no further lubrication is required.
MAINTENENCE
!
!
!
!
Fig. 6

14
E
XPLODED VIEW

15
WARNING: When servicing, use only original equipment replacement parts. The use of any other
parts may create a safety hazard or cause damage to the metal shear.
Any attempt to repair or replace electrical parts on this metal shear may create a safety hazard unless
repairs are performed by a qualified technician. For more information, call the Toll-free Helpline, at
1-866-349-8665.
Always order by PART NUMBER, not by key number.
Key #
Part #
Part Name
Quantity
1 3011290001 Housing cover 1
2 3120020057 LED S/W knob 1
3 1130030029 LED s/w 1
4 3150060002 Brush holder 2
5 2030070004 Brush holder sleeve 2
6 1230010103 Carbon brush 2
7 1010300001 Rotor 1
8 1020300001 Stator 1
9 4010010036 Bearing 1
10 4010020036 Needle bearing 1
11 4020010051 Screw M4X10 2
12 3150160183 LED cover 1
13 1220040020 LED 1
14 3110010185 LED support 1
15 2020020036 Gear box cover 1
16 2040080038 Output gear 1
17 2040290077 Output shaft 1
18 4010010043 Bearing 1
19 4100010002 Circlip 1
20 2030020271 Washer I 1
PARTS LIST
!

16
Key #
Part #
Part Name
Quantity
21 2030020272 Washer II 1
22 4010020037 Needle bearing 1
23 2040310032 Bearing washer 2
24 2040290076 Nut shaft 2
25 4030010112 Screw ST3.9X39 1
26 3190060009 Washer 1
27 2040160168 Pin 3X25 1
28 2020020037 Gear box support 1
29 1190030033 Cable 1
30 3140010037 Cable plug 1
31 1130060014 PCB 1
32 1061020006 Switch 1
33 4010010035 Bearing 1
34 3140060014 Rubber spacer 2
35 3011290001 Right housing 1
36 4030010106 Screw ST3.9X20 7
37 4020080021 Bolt M5X30 3
38 2020150072 Shear cover 1
39 4060010012 Nut M5 3
40 2040250018 Left shear 1
41 2040250020 Fork 1
42 6090030022 Spacer I 2
43 2040250019 Right shear 1
44 3160040081 Shear protective cover 1
45 6140020011 Hex key 1
46 4030010168 Screw ST3.9X50 2
47 2040310035 Spacer II 1
48 3140060031 Rubber pin 1
236-0994 Replacement blade set 1
PARTS LIST

17
PERFORMAX
®
18GA
METAL SHEAR
WARRANTY
30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE:
This PERFORMAX
®
brand power tool carries our 30-Day Money Back
Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your PERFORMAX
®
brand
power tool for any reason within thirty (30) days from the date of purchase, return
the tool with your original receipt to any MENARDS
®
retail store, and we will
provide you a refund – no questions asked.
2-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY:
This PERFORMAX
®
brand power tool carries a 2-Year Limited Warranty to the
original purchaser. If, during normal use, this PERFORMAX
®
power tool breaks
or fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within two (2) years from the
date of original purchase, simply bring this tool with the original sales receipt
back to your nearest MENARDS® retail store. At its discretion, PERFORMAX
®
agrees to have the tool or any defective part(s) repaired or replaced with the
same or similar PERFORMAX
®
product or part free of charge, within the stated
warranty period, when returned by the original purchaser with original sales
receipt. Not withstanding the foregoing, this limited warranty does not cover any
damage that has resulted from abuse or misuse of the Merchandise. This
warranty: (1) excludes expendable parts including but not limited to blades,
brushes, belts, bits, light bulbs, and/or batteries; (2) shall be void if this tool is
used for commercial and/or rental purposes; and (3) does not cover any losses,
injuries to persons/property or costs. This warranty does give you specific legal
rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state. Be careful,
tools are dangerous if improperly used or maintained. Seller’s employees are
not qualified to advise you on the use of this Merchandise. Any oral
representation(s) made will not be binding on seller or its employees. The rights
under this limited warranty are to the original purchaser of the Merchandise and
may not be transferred to any subsequent owner. This limited warranty is in lieu
of all warranties, expressed or implied including warranties or merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose. Seller shall not be liable for any special,
incidental, or consequential damages. The sole exclusive remedy against the
seller will be for the replacement of any defects as provided herein, as long as
the seller is willing or able to replace this product or is willing to refund the
purchase price as provided above. For insurance purposes, seller is not allowed
to demonstrate any of these power tools for you.
For questions / comments, technical assistance or repair parts –
Please Call Toll Free at: 1-866-349-8665 (M-F 8am – 6pm)
SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS. THIS WARRANTY IS VOID WITHOUT THEM.
Rev 1.4 30/05/2013
Distributed by: Menard, Inc., Eau Claire, WI 54703