Performax 241-0932 User manual

Operator’s Manual
18 Volt Lithium-ion Reciprocating Saw
Model No. 241-0932
IMPORTANT
WARNING! To reduce the risk of injury, user must read instruction manual.
Safety symbols in this manual are used to flag possible dangers. The safety
symbols and their explanations require your full understanding. The safety warn-
ings do not by themselves eliminate any danger, nor are they substitute for proper
accident prevention measures.
This Safety Alert Symbol indicates caution, warning, or danger. Failure to
obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or others. To reduce
the risk of injury, fire, or electric shock, always follow the safety precautions.

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Symbols ……………..………………………………………......Page 3
Safety Instructions ……………………………….…...............................Page 5
Description …..…………………………………….…............................Page 9
Assembly ……………..………………………………………...............Page 10
Operation……………..……………………………………….........….Page 13
Maintenance ………..…………………………………….....….........…Page 15
Troubleshooting ……..………………………………………..................Page 17
Warranty ……..………………………………………............................Page 17
INTRODUCTION
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
This reciprocating saw has many features for making its use more pleasant and
enjoyable. Safety, performance, and dependability have been given top priority in
the design of this product, making it easy to maintain and operate.

3
SAFETY SYMBOLS
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers.
The safety symbols and the explanations with them deserve your careful
attention and understanding. The symbol warnings do not, by themselves,
eliminate any danger. The instructions and warning they give are no substitutes
for proper accident prevention measures.
WARNING: Be sure to read and understand all safety instructions in this
manual, including all safety alert symbols such as “DANGER,” ”WARNING” and
“CAUTION,” before using this reciprocating saw. Failure to follow all instructions
listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
DANGER:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation,
which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation,
which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION:
Indicates an potentially hazardous situation,
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTE: (Without SafetyAlert Symbol) Indicates a situation
that may result in property damage.
WARNING: To ensure safety and reliability, all repairs should be performed by
a qualified service technician at Authorized Service Center.
WARNING: The operation of any power tool can result in
foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power
tool operation, always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields and a full-face shield when
needed. We recommend a Wide Vision Safety Mask for
use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with
side shields. Always use eye protection which is marked
to comply with ANSI Z87.1

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Some of these following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them
and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to
operate the tool better and more safely.
SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
V Volts Voltage
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
W Watt Power
min Minutes Time
.../min
Alternating Current Type of current
.../min
Direct Current Type or a characteristic of current
noNo Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load
.../min
Class II Construction Double-insulated construction
.../min
Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute
.../min
Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
.../min
Read The Operator’s
Manual To reduce the risk of injury, user must read operator’s manual.
.../min
Eye Protection Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields, or a full face shield when operating this product.
Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety.
.../min
No Hands Symbol Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
.../min
No Hands Symbol Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
.../min
No Hands Symbol Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
.../min
No Hands Symbol Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
.../min
Hot Surface To reduce the risk of injury or damage, avoid contact with any
hot surface.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
GENRAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING: Read all safety warnings and 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.
The term power tool in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded)
power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
1) 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.
2) 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
residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces
the risk of electric shock.

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3) PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when
operating a power tool. Do not use tool while 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 that 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.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair,
clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.
If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and
collection facilities, ensure that these are connected and properly
used. Use of these devices can reduce dust-related hazards.
4) 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 marking 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.

7
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) BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE
Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A
charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire
when used with another battery pack.
Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of
any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
When 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 fire.
Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery;
avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid
contacts eyes, also seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery
may cause irritation or burns.
6) 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.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR RECIPROCATING SAW
√ Use only with the batteries and charger listed below:
Battery pack Charger
252-0908
252-0900
252-0912
√ Hold the tool by its insulated gripping surfaces when performing an
operation when the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring or its own
cord. Contact with a “live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool
“live” and shock the operator.

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√ If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation of a reciprocating saw,
obtain advice from a qualified person.
√ When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
√ Avoid cutting nails and staples when operating with the wood blade.
Inspect the workpiece carefully and remove all nails and staples before
operation.
√ Make sure that the blade always extends beyond the shoe and the workpiece
throughout the stroke. Blades may shatter if they strike the workpiece or
shoe.
√ Do not cut an oversized workpiece.
√ Check for proper clearance beyond the workpiece before cutting, so that the
blade will not strike the floor, workbench, etc.
√ Make sure that the blade is not contacting the workpiece before the switch
is turned on.
√ Keep the saw blades clean and sharp.
√ Use only correct blades. Always use blades recommended for the type of
workpiece.
√ Do not leave the tool running. Operate the tool only when hand-held.
√ Always release the switch to “OFF” and wait for the tool to come to a
complete stop before removing the blade from the workpiece.
√ Keep the handle dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Always use a
clean cloth when cleaning. Do not use solvents, brake fluids, gasoline or other
petroleum products to clean the tool; they may damage plastic parts.
√ Do not operate this tool in a gaseous or explosive environment or near
explosive materials.
√ Never force the tool. Apply firm pressure against the saw’s pivot shoe for
the sawing operation--too little or too much pressure could cause jumping or
vibration and may break the blade.
√ Never operate the saw without the pivot shoe in position. The spindle may
strike against the workpiece and damage the reciprocating mechanism.
√ Do not touch the blade or the workpiece immediately after the sawing
operation. They may be extremely hot and could burn your skin.
√ Hold the tool firmly with two hands when operating the tool.
√ Do not reach underneath the workpiece. The proximity of the blade to your
hand is hidden from your sight.

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DESCRIPTION
KNOW YOUR RECIPROCATING SAW (Fig. 1)
Before attempting to use this reciprocating saw, familiarize yourself with all of its
operating features and safety requirements.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Motor 18V DC
No load Speed: 0-2800 SPM
Blade stroke 7/8’’ (22mm)
Weight (without battery) 4 lb. 3 oz.
WARNING: The safe use of this product requires an understanding of the
information on the tool and in this operator’s manual, as well as knowledge of the
project you are attempting. Before use of this product, familiarize yourself with
all operating features and safety rules.
TOOL-LESS BLADE CHANGE SYSTEM
The saw has a blade clamp design that does not require the use of a blade wrench
when installing or removing the blade. Pivot the blade clamp lever to install or
remove the saw blade.
Fig. 1 Lock-off button
Tool-less blade
clamp lever
Saw blade Variable speed
trigger switch
Pivot shoe
LED worklight
Tool-less blade clamp

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VARIABLE-SPEED TRIGGER SWITCH
The variable-speed trigger switch delivers higher speed with increased trigger
pressure and lower speed with decreased trigger pressure.
PIVOT SHOE AND SHOE ADJUSTMENT
The shoe pivots to provide maximum control against the surface being cut.
The pivoting shoe slides in and out to allow control of the amount of blade that
is exposed.
LED WORKLIGHT
LED worklight illuminates cutting area.
ELECTRIC BRAKE
To stop the reciprocating saw, release the trigger switch and allow the tool to
come to a complete stop. The electric brake quickly stops the blade action. This
feature engages automatically when you release the trigger switch.
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: If any part is broken or missing, do not attempt to plug in the
power cord or operate the saw until the broken or missing parts are replaced.
Failure to do so could result in possible serious injury.
WARNING: Do not attempt to modify this saw or create accessories not rec-
ommended for use with this saw. Any such alteration or modification is misuse
and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious injury.
WARNING: To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal
injury, always remove the battery pack from the saw when assembling parts.
UNPACKING
This product has been shipped completely assembled.
√ Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the box. Make sure that
all items listed in the packing list are included.
√ Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred
during shipping.
√ Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and
satisfactorily operated the tool.
PACKING LIST
Reciprocating saw, 2pc wood cutting blades, 1pc wrench, Operator’s manual.

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TO ATTACH BATTERY PACK (Fig. 2)
1. Make sure that the reciprocating saw
is in “OFF” position.
2. Align the raised rib on the battery
pack with the grooves on the bottom
of the saw, and then attach the
battery pack to the saw.
CAUTION! when placing battery pack
on the tool, be sure that the raised rib on
battery pack aligns with the groove on the saw and the latches snap into place
properly. Improper assembly of the battery pack can cause damage to internal
components.
CAUTION! Make sure that the latch on the battery pack snaps into place and
the battery pack is secured to the tool before beginning operation.
TO DETACH BATTERY PACK (Fig. 2)
1. Lock the trigger switch in the “off” position.
2. Depress the battery release buttons located on the front of the battery pack
to release the battery pack.
3. Pull the battery forward to remove from the tool.
VARIABLE SPEED TRIGGER SWITCH (Fig. 3)
Your reciprocating saw is equipped with a trigger switch to turn the saw on and
off and to control the speed.
1. To start the saw, depress the lock-
off button and then squeeze trigger
switch.
2. To stop the saw, release the trigger
switch and allow it to return to the
“OFF” position.
3. To vary the speed, simply increase or
decrease the pressure on the trigger
switch. The more tightly the trigger
switch is squeezed, the higher the
speed.
LED WORKLIGHT (Fig. 4)
Your reciprocating saw has a built-in LED
work light for illuminating the cutting area.
To activate the LED work light, depress the
lock-off button and squeeze the trigger
switch.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3 Lock-off button
Trigger switch
Fig. 4
LED
worklight
ATTACH
DETACH

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BLADE SELECTION
To obtain the best performance from the saw, it is important to select the correct
blade for the particular application and type of material to be cut.
INSTALLING A SAW BLADE (Fig. 5)
1. Remove the battery pack from the
saw.
2. Pivot the blade-clamp lever to open the
blade clamp.
3. Insert the saw blade into the blade
clamp as far as possible, and release
the blade-clamp lever to lock the blade
in position.
REMOVING THE SAW BLADE (Fig. 5)
1. Remove the battery pack from the
saw.
2. Pivot the blade-clamp lever to open the
blade clamp.
3. Remove the saw blade from the blade
clamp.
BASE SHOE ADJUSTMENT (Fig. 6-7)
For maximum control and longer blade
life, the base assembly slides in or out to
adjust the effective stroke length.
1. Remove the battery pack from the
saw.
2. Loosen two screws with the hex key
supplied; slide the shoe to the desired
position.
3. Tighten the two screws with the
supplied hex key to secure the shoe.
WARNING: To avoid injury and damage, do not operate the saw without the
pivot shoe in place. The spindle may strike against the workpiece and damage
the reciprocating mechanism.
Fig. 5
Fig. 7
Fig. 6
Shoe adjusting screws

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OPERATION
GENERAL CUTTING (Fig. 8)
WARNING: Before attaching the battery pack on the tool, always check to
determine that the switch performs properly and returns to the “OFF” position
when released.
WARNING: Hold the tool only by the plastic handle and the insulated grip
area to help prevent electrical shock. When sawing into walls or floors you may
encounter electrical wiring. Sawing into a “live” wire will cause electric shock.
1. Remove the battery pack from the
saw.
2. Make sure that the workpiece is firmly
clamped to a stable surface.
3. Use the appropriate type and size of
blade for the workpiece material and
size.
4. Adjust the pivot shoe as necessary to
make sure that the blade will extend
beyond the shoe and the workpiece at all times.
5. Adjust the pivot shoe as necessary to expose unworn blade teeth for longer
blade life.
6. Check for clearance behind the workpiece so that the blade will not impact
another surface.
7. Mark the line of cut clearly. If cutting metal, apply cutting oil on the line.
8. Attach the battery pack on the saw.
9. Hold the saw firmly with both hands. Make sure to keep your hands on the
insulated gripping areas only.
10. Depress the lock-off button and trigger switch to start the saw and bring
it to the maximum desired cutting speed before applying the blade to the
workpiece.
11. Do not force the tool. Place the shoe firmly on the workpiece while cutting.
Use only enough steady pressure on the blade to keep the saw cutting.
12. Reduce pressure as the blade comes to the end of the cut.
13. Release the trigger switch and allow the saw to come to a complete stop
before removing the blade from the workpiece.
14. If sawing fiberglass, plaster, wallboard, or spackling compound, clean the saw
motor vents frequently with a vacuum or compressed air. These materials are
highly abrasive and may accelerate the wear on motor bearings and brushes.
Fig. 8

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WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with the saw to make you careless. One
careless fraction of a second is enough to inflict serious injury.
NOTE: Cutting speeds should vary with the workpiece. Hard materials, such as
metals, require lower speeds; for softer materials use higher speeds.
PLUNGE CUTTING (Fig. 9)
Your reciprocating saw is
ideal for plunge cutting
directly into surfaces that
cannot be cut from an edge,
such as walls or floors.
Plunge cutting may be done
two ways depending on how
the blade is inserted.
Column A shows how to
plunge cut with the teeth
of the blade facing down.
Column B shows how to
plunge cut with the teeth of
the blade facing up.
WARNING: Do not plunge
cut into metal surfaces.
1. Insert the blade into
the tool. If the blade is
inserted with the teeth
facing downward, hold
the tool as shown in
Column A, resting the edge of the shoe on the workpiece.
2. If you inserted the blade with the teeth facing upward, hold the tool as
shown in Column B, resting the edge of the shoe on the workpiece as
shown.
3. With the blade just above the workpiece, depress the trigger switch to bring
the saw up to speed, then using the edge of the shoe as a pivot, lower the
blade into the workpiece.
4. As the blade starts cutting, raise the handle of the tool slowly until the shoe
rests firmly on the workpiece. Then guide the tool along your cutting line to
acquire the desired cut.
5. After the blade has penetrated through the workpiece, continue sawing along
the marked cutting line.
Note: To make plunge cutting easier, use a heavy gauge blade and install the
blade with the teeth facing upward as show in column B.
Fig. 9
A B

15
WARNING: To reduce the risk of explosion, electric shock and property dam-
age, always check the work area for hidden gas pipes, electrical wires or water
pipes when making blind or plunge cut.
WARNING: To avoid loss of control and serious injury, make sure that the
blade reaches maximum speed before touching it to the workpiece.
WARNING: Do not make plunge cuts in metal materials.
METAL CUTTING
The saw can be used to cut metals, such as sheet steel, pipe,steel rods, aluminum,
brass, and copper. Be careful not to twist or bend the saw blade. Do not force.
The use of cutting oil is recommended when cutting soft metals and steel. Cutting
oil will keep the blade cool, increase cutting action, and prolong blade life.
WARNING: Never use gasoline, because normal sparking could ignite
the fumes.
1. Securely clamp the workpiece in position, and make the cut close to the
clamping point in order to minimize vibration of the work being cut.
2. When cutting conduit pipe or angle iron, clamp the work in a vise, if possible,
and cut close to the vise.
3. To cut thin sheet material, “sandwich” the material between pieces of
hardboard or plywood, and clamp the layers together in order to reduce
vibration and tearing of the material.
MAINTENANCE
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
The tool may be cleaned most effectively with compressed dry air. Always wear
safety goggles when cleaning tools with compressed air.
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible
to damage from various types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by
their use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
WARNING: When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any
other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage. To ensure safety and
reliability, all repairs should be performed by a qualified service technician at an
Authorized Service Center.

16
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
during power tool operations, or when blowing dust. If operation is dusty, also
wear a dust mask.
It has been found that electric tools are subject to accelerated wear and possible
premature failure when they are used to work on fiber glass , wallboard, spackling
compounds or plaster. The chips and grindings from these materials are highly
abrasive to electrical tool parts, such as bearings, brushes, commutators, etc.
Consequently, it is not recommended that this tool be used for extended work on
any fiberglass material, wallboard, spackling compound or plaster. During any use
on these materials, it is extremely important that the tool is cleaned frequently by
blowing with an air jet.
WARNING: Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based
products, penetrating oils, etc. come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can
damage, weaken or destroy plastic, which may result in serious personal injury.
Periodic maintenance allows for long life and trouble-free operation. A cleaning
and maintenance schedule should be maintained. As a common preventive
maintenance practice, follow these recommended steps:
√ When work has been completed, clean the tool to allow smooth functioning of
the tool over time.
√ Use clean damp cloths to wipe the tool.
√ Check the state of all electrical cables.
√ Keep the motor air openings free from oil, grease and sawdust or woodchips,
and store tool in a dry place.
√ Be certain that all moving parts are well lubricated, particularly after lengthy
exposure to damp and/or dirty conditions.
LUBRICATION
All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient amount of high-grade
lubricant for the life of the tool under normal operating conditions. Therefore, no
further lubrication is required.
WARNING: For your safety, always turn off switch and remove battery pack
before performing any maintenance or cleaning.

17
TROUBLE SHOOTING
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
The saw does not work No battery pack attached Attach a battery pack
Battery pack is depleted Charge the battery
pack
Blade cannot be
removed
Saw dust in the slot Clean the clamp slot
with brush
Cutting is difficult. Saw is damaged Replace the saw
WARRANTY
If, during normal use, this PERFORMAXTM power tool breaks or fails due to a defect
in material or workmanship within two years from the date of original purchase,
simply bring this tool and its sales receipt back to your nearest Menards®retail
store for a free equivalent replacement within those two years.
The warranty:
(1) excludes expendable parts including but not limited to blades, bits, light
bulbs, and/or batteries;
(2) shall be void if this tool is used for commercial or/and rental purposes; and
(3) does not cover any losses, injuries to persons/properties, or costs. This
warranty does give you specific legal rights and you may have other rights,
which vary from state to state.
*SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS. Your warranty is void without them. For help, please call
to our customer center, toll free number: 1-866-858-2664.