RAMSET Cobra Tool Maintenance and service guide

THIS TOOL FOR USE BY LICENSED OPERATORS ONLY.
READ AND OBEY ALL SAFETY AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING TOOL.
COBRA TOOL
OPERATOR’S
SAFETY &
OPERATING
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
SEMI-AUTOMATIC, LOW VELOCITY
PISTON TYPE FASTENING TOOL
DANGER

DANGER
SAFETY INTRODUCTION
DANGER
SAFETY INTRODUCTION
2
DANGER
THIS TOOL IS TO BE USED ONLY BY PROPERLY TRAINED
AND LICENSED OPERATORS.
YOU MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE ITW RAMSET/RED HEAD’S
TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE TOOL AND OBTAIN
A CERTIFIED OPERATOR’S LICENSE BEFORE HANDLING,
LOADING OR OPERATING THIS TOOL.
ATTEMPTING TO HANDLE OR OPERATE THIS TOOL
WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING AND LICENSING CAN RESULT IN
SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OPERATOR OR BYSTANDERS.
Operator’s and bystanders
must wear eye and hear-
ing protection.
Read manual before
operating tool.
Never close tool with hand over fastener loading end of the tool.
A serious hand injury from penetration by the piston or a
discharged fastener could result.
DANGER
Just as no one can merely read a book about driving an automobile and then hope
to drive one safely, no one should attempt to use any Ramset tool without adequate,
competent personal instruction. And just as one must be licensed to drive an
automobile, one must also be licensed to use a powder actuated tool.
No automobile instruction book or instructor can forewarn a learner against all pos-
sibilities and emergencies, nor can ITW Ramset/Red Head instructors and printed
material detail all possible conditions surrounding the use of ITW Ramset/Red Head
tools and products.
Responsibility for the safe and proper use of this tool rests with the tool
user and the employer.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS DANGER
DANGER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
3
Preparation
Acceptable Base Materials
Powder actuated fastening is suit-
able for use in the following base
materials only:
• Poured Concrete
• Structural Steel
• Masonry Joints ( see page 8)
Never attempt to fasten into any
other type of material. Fastening into
other materials can cause blindness or
other serious injury.
Unacceptable Base Materials
Never attempt to fasten into very
hard or brittle materials such as cast
iron, tile, glass, or rock of any type.
These materials can shatter, causing
the fastener and/or base material
fragments to fly free and cause
serious injury to the tool operator
and others.
Never fasten into soft base
materials, such as drywall or lumber
products. These materials may allow
the fastener to travel completely through
and out the other side, endangering
those in the path of the fastener.
Never fasten into any base material
that does not pass the Center Punch
test. Failure to assure the suitability of
the base material can result in serious
injury to the eyes or other body parts.
NEVER FASTEN INTO VERY
HARD OR BRITTLE MATERIALS
NEVER FASTEN INTO SOFT
MATERIALS SUCH AS DRYWALL
Center Punch Test
ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES
WHEN PERFORMING THIS TEST.
1. Always check the material
being fastened into for hard-
ness before attempting any
fastening operation.
2. Using a fastener as a center
punch, strike the fastener
against the work surface using
an average hammer blow and
check the results.
Center Punch Test Results
1. If the fastener point is flattened,
the material is too hard for a
powder actuated fastening.
2. If the fastener penetrates the
material easily, the material is
too soft.
3. If the material cracks or
shatters, the material is too
brittle.
4. If the fastener makes a small
indentation into the material,
the material is suitable for
fastening.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS DANGER
DANGER
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
4
Loads & Load Selection Safety
1. Always make a test fastening
after being sure that the base
material is suitable for powder
actuated fastening. Failure to
determine the correct power level
to be used may result in the use
of excessive power, allowing the
fastener to pass completely
through the work material,
causing serious or fatal injuries to
others who may be in the path of
the fastener.
2. Color-blind operators must al-
ways select loads by load number
to prevent use of an incorrect
load for the same reasons as in #1
above.
Workplace Safety
1. Operators and bystanders must
always wear approved safety
goggles and approved hearing
protection. Failure to do so may
result in blindness or serious eye
injury from flying debris and loss
of hearing from constant or
repeated unprotected exposure to
fastening noise.
2. Always keep the work area clear
of bystanders and unnecessary
materials that could interfere with
safe tool operation. Operating the
tool in a congested or cluttered
area may affect your ability to
operate the tool safely.
3. Never operate tool if flammable or
explosive materials are nearby.
Powder loads burn and create
sparks when fired and could ignite
these materials or fumes.
4. Always post warning signs within
50’ of the area where fastening is
to be done. Sign must state:
“Caution- Powder Actuated Tool
In Use”. Failure to warn others may
result in serious injury to them. Con-
tact ITW Ramset/ Red Head at
1-800-354-7432 to obtain this sign.
ALWAYS MAKE A TEST
FASTENING
COLOR-BLIND OPERATORS
MUST ALWAYS SELECT
LOADS BY NUMBER
4
KEEP WORK AREA CLEAR OF
BYSTANDERS AND CLUTTER
NEVER OPERATE THE TOOL
AROUND FLAMMABLE OR
EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS
ALWAYS POST WARNING SIGNS

DANGER
DANGER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
5
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Tool Handling Safety
1. Always be sure tool is operating
properly before attempting to
use it. Follow the “Daily
Function Check” shown to the
right and described on page 9.
2. Always load tool using a load
strip selected directly from a box
indicating the power load type
and number. Never attempt to use
loose strip loads that could be
mis-identified.
3. Never carry loose strip loads in
pockets with pins or other hard
objects.
4. Never load a tool unless you
intend to immediately make a
fastening. Loading a tool and
leaving it unattended in the work
area can result in the tool being
accidentally discharged by others.
5. Never place your hand or any
other body part over the fastener
loading end of the tool. Serious
hand injury could result from being
struck by either a fastener or the tool
piston should the tool be accidentally
fired.
6. Always store the tool unloaded
and keep the tool and the loads
securely locked in a tool box.
Keep keys away from children
and unlicensed persons.
7. Always keep the tool pointed
away from yourself and others.
8. Never carry a loaded tool around
the work area.
9. Never allow anyone not trained to
use the tool.
10.Never engage in horseplay with
the tool.
11.Using tool in poorly ventilated
areas, cleaning tool or handling
loads may result in exposure to
lead or other substances known
to cause birth defects, and other
physical harm. Have adequate
ventilation at all times and wash
thoroughly after exposure.
ALWAYS DO A DAILY
FUNCTION CHECK BEFORE
LOADING THE TOOL
NEVER LOAD TOOL UNLESS IT
IS TO BE USED IMMEDIATELY
NEVER PLACE HANDS OR
BODY OVER MUZZLE OPENING
KEEP TOOL LOCKED & OUT OF
THE REACH OF CHILDREN

DANGER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
DANGER
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
FAILURE TO FOLLOW
INSTRUCTIONS CAN CAUSE
INJURY TO THE TOOL OPER-
ATOR OR TO BYSTANDERS.
Fastener Driving Safety
1. Only use the tool for fastening
into a suitable base material.
2. Never fire the tool without a
fastener. Firing a tool without a
fastener will cause the piston to
strike the work surface, and may
cause serious injury to you and
others in the work area.
3. Always use the spall guard
whenever possible to minimize
flying particles or debris.
4. Always hold the tool perpendic-
ular to and firmly against the
work surface when making a
fastening. Failure to do so could
allow a fastener to ricochet.
5. Never attempt to drive a fastener
close to an edge or to another
fastener. See page 8 for guidelines.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MISFIRE
PROCEDURE
If the tool does not fire after pull-
ing the trigger, continue to hold the
depressed tool against the work
surface for at least 30 seconds. Then
carefully open the tool, remove the load ,
strip and put it in a can of water or other
non-flammable liquid. Never carelessly
discard a strip with live loads into a trash
container.
If the tool becomes stuck or jammed
with a live powder load, keep the tool
pointed in a safe direction, and immedi-
ately tag it, “Danger-defective-do not
use”. Lock the tool in a tool box and call
your local Ramset Distributor for assist-
ance.
ALWAYS USE THE SPALL GUARD
WHENEVER POSSIBLE
ALWAYS HOLD THE TOOL
PERPENDICULAR TO THE
WORK SURFACE
NEVER DRIVE A FASTENER
CLOSE TO AN EDGE
SPALL GUARD
➤
HOLD THE TOOL FIRMLY AGAINST
THE WORK SURFACE
FOR AT LEAST 30 SECONDS.
➤➤ ➤➤
➤
6

FASTENERS / LOADS
FASTENERS / LOADS
7
Your Ramset Cobra tool uses only the Ramset fasteners and loads shown
below or listed for the tool in the Product Catalog.
DANGER
.300 HEAD PLASTIC FLUTED DRIVE PINS .300 HEAD PLASTIC FLUTED DRIVE
PINS WITH 7/8" WASHER
1/4"-20 Threaded studs
.300 HEAD TOP-HAT DRIVE PINS
.300 HEAD POWER POINT
PLASTIC FLUTED DRIVE PINS
CONDUIT CLIP ASEMBLIES
For 1/2" and 3/4” Diameter Conduit with
1" premounted fastener
CEILING CLIP ASSEMBLIES
Ceiling Clip with 1" or 1-1/4" premounted
.145 shank pin and Ceiling Clip with 1" or
1-1/4" premounted .150/.180 shank pin.
Never use any other types of fasteners or strip loads in the Cobra tool.
Use of other types of fasteners or loads may cause unintentional load discharge,
damage the tool, cause poor fastening performance, or create a risk of seroius
injury to the operator or bystanders.
FASTENERS
.145 Shank Diameter in Shank lengths from
1/2” to 2 1/2” .145 Shank Diameter in Shank Lengths from
1” to 3”
.145 Shank Diameter in Shank Lengths of
1/2” and 1” and thread lengths of 1/2”,
3/4” and 1” .150 Straight Shank in Shank Lengths from
1/2” to 7/8”
.150 / .180 Step Shank in Lengths from
1” to 1 7/8”
.145 Shank Diameter in Shank Lengths from
1/2” to 1”
LOADS
RS 27 10 SHOT
STRIP LOAD
POWER CATALOG LOAD CASE
LEVEL NUMBER COLOR COLOR
3 3RS27 Green Brass
4 4RS27 Yellow Brass
5 5RS27 Red Brass
The power level of the loads is indicated by
the number marked on each box, the color of
the box and the color on the tip of each load.
As the number increases, the power level
also increases.
Always perform the center punch test
described on page 3 to test the base
material.
Always make a test fastening using the #3,
Green, power level first. If more power is
required to set the fastener, use the next
higher power level until the power level
necessary to drive the fastener is reached.
Ramset RS 27 strip loads are specially made for use in the Cobra Tool.

FASTENING APPLICATIONS
FASTENING APPLICATIONS
8
FASTENING APPLICATIONS
Your Ramset tool can be used for a wide
range of fastening needs in a variety of
base materials. Reading and following
these important fastening guidelines will
help you get the best results from your
tool, fasteners, and powder loads, as
well as help you perform these fastening
operations safely and effectively.
Powder actuated fastenings are perm-
anent fastenings so attempting to
remove a fastener from concrete or
steel may result in a serious injury.
Fastening to Concrete
When fastening into concrete, always
maintain a minimum spacing of 3"
between fastenings and 3" from any
free edge. Concrete thickness should
be at least three times the intended
penetration depth into the concrete. The
primary exception to the 3" edge
distance can occur in a sill plate
application where, by necessity, the
edge distance is reduced.
Driving fasteners too close to an edge
or too close to each other can cause
the concrete edge to fail or fasteners to
fly free.
Fastening to Concrete Block or
to Masonry Walls
While this application is not recom-
mended, when used, it is necessary to
take care to observe a 3” edge distance
to avoid cracking the block and over
penetration of the fastener to avoid a
loss of holding value. Fastenings may be
made into the horizontal joint but not into
the vertical joint.
SPACING
WOOD TO CONCRETE
PENETRATION - THIN GAUGE
METAL TO CONCRETE
➤➤
➤➤
➤
➤➤
➤➤
➤
➤➤ ➤➤
➤
➤➤ ➤➤
➤
3" MIN.
3" MIN.
➤➤
➤➤
➤
➤➤
➤➤
➤
➤➤
➤➤
➤
3" 3"
MIN. MIN.
SPACING - FURRING
STRIP TO CONCRETE
Fastening to Steel
Your Ramset tool can be used for
fastening on the flat surfaces of
structural steel.When fastening into
steel, always maintain a minimum
spacing of 1-1/2" between fastenings
and 1/2" from any edge.
SPACING
STEEL TO STEEL

TOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
TOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
9
TOOL OPERATION
Daily Function Test
Always check the tool first to make
sure that it does not contain a load
strip or fastener. Test the tool several
times by depressing the muzzle bushing
fully on a hard surface and pulling the
trigger. You should hear an audible click
as the firing pin releases. Let up on the
tool and check to be sure that the barrel
has opened to the semi- open position. PERFORM THE FUNCTION TEST
WITH EMPTY, UNLOADED TOOL
FULLY OPEN AND CLOSE TOOL
TO THE SEMI-CLOSED POSITION
INSERT FASTENER INTO THE
MUZZLE END OF THE TOOL
WITH THE POINT OUT
OPERATING THE COBRA TOOL
1. After checking to be sure that
the tool is not loaded, point it in a
safe direction and be sure that
the barrel is fully extended and then
close the tool to the semi-closed
position This assures that the piston
is in position for the next fastening.
Use the spall guard every time
possible to minimize the risk of
being struck by flying debris.
2. With finger off the trigger, place
the fastener, point out, into the
muzzle end of the tool until the
point end is inside the muzzle.
NEVER load a fastener with
your finger on the trigger. DO
NOT use excessive force when
inserting a fastener. STOP
immediately if excessive force is
required, inspect the barrel to
find out why the fastener is not
entering the muzzle freely. DO
NOT continue loading unless
the problem is corrected.
3. With the tool pointed in a safe
direction and finger away from the
trigger, insert a load strip into the
bottom of the handle and push it in
until your finger is in firm contact
with the handle recess.
➤➤ ➤➤
➤
➤➤ ➤➤
➤
INSERT LOAD STRIP INTO THE
OPENING IN THE BOTTOM OF
THE HANDLE

TOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
TOOL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
10
4. Hold the tool perpendicular (90°) to
the work surface with both hands
and press firmly to fully depress the
tool. Maintain firm downward
pressure on the tool with both
hands and pull the trigger to drive
the fastener. DO NOT DEPRESS
THE TOOL AGAINST ANYTHING
OTHER THAN THE INTENDED
WORK SURFACE. Holding the tool
firmly in place will produce more
consistent fastening quality and
minimize tool wear or damage.
6. After making the fastening, fully
open and then close the tool to the
semi-closed position. This resets
the piston and indexes a new load
into place for the next fastening.
7. Insert another fastener in the
muzzle end of the tool as before
and the tool is ready for the next
fastening. Keep your finger off of the
trigger until the tool is in position to
drive the fastener.
8. To remove a used or partially used
load strip from the tool, pull the strip
out from the top of the tool. Do not
try to remove the strip by pulling
it out from the bottom of the handle.
NEVER try to remove a jammed or
stuck load strip that contains
unfired loads. Should a “jammed”
load strip occur, call your local
Authorized Ramset Distributor for
technical assistance.
HOLD THE TOOL FIRMLY AND
PERPENDICULAR TO THE
WORK SURFACE
FULLY OPEN THE TOOL AND
THEN CLOSE IT TO THE
SEMI-CLOSED POSITION
INSERT THE NEXT
FASTENER
REMOVE THE LOAD STRIP
ONLY FROM THE TOP OF THE
TOOL

TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING
11
REFER TO PARTS SCHEMATIC FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY OF PARTS
- Overdriving of fasteners - Excessive power - Change to next lower
power level load strip
color and number.
- Soft base material - Check base material
(see page 3)
- Tool fails to fire - Failure to depress - See “ Tool does not
completely completely depress”
- Excessive dirt buildup - After following misfire
on breech face not allow- procedure, check firing
ing proper penetration of pin indentation on load.
firing pin Clean breech face
- Firing pin and/or breech - Replace damaged parts
damaged
- Tool does not completely - Misassembled or damaged - Check all parts in the
depress parts receiver for damage or
improper assembly.
- Reduction or loss of - Piston not being returned - Barrel must be pulled
power to the full rear position completely open to
properly position the
piston.
- Worn or damaged piston - Replace worn or
or piston ring damaged parts
- Worn or broken pawl - Replace pawl
- Tool cannot be cocked or - Excessive dirt buildup - Clean tool thoroughly
opened
- Damaged or bent piston - Replace piston
- Broken or damaged parts - Tag tool with warning
“Defectine- Do Not Use”.
Place in a locked con-
tainer and contact your
ITW Ramset/Red Head
representative for
service.
- Failure to index strip - Strip not inserted in tool - Check load strip
correctly or is damaged Properly dispose of
damaged strip.
(See page 6)
- Damaged indexing mechanism - Contact your Ramset
Distributor for assistance
- Failure of tool to stay - Retaining ball missing - Contact your Ramset
closed when pointed in Distributor for assistance
the downward position

PARTS SCHEMATIC
PARTS SCHEMATIC
12
15
13
12
10
12
16
*
11
14 18
17
19

PARTS LISTING / MAINTENANCE
PARTS LISTING / MAINTENANCE
13
COBRA TOOL PARTS LIST
KEY PART NO. DESCRIPTION
1 SC301500 SPALL GUARD
2 SC301009 FRONT BARREL (BASEPLATE )
3 SC301011A SHEAR CLIP (PKG. OF 3)
4 SC301010 FASTENER GUIDE
5 SC301200A PISTON ASSEMBLY
6 SC301208 PISTON RING
7 SC302012 PAWL ( STOP )
8 SC301006 REAR BARREL ( PISTON SLEEVE )
9 SC301014A BARREL RETENTION ASSEMBLY
10 SC301016 PUSH PIN
11 SC301046A DETENT BALL ASSEMBLY
12 SC301034A TRIGGER ASSEMBLY AND PIN
13 SC301001 TOOL BODY
14 SC301113 BOLT ( 2 )
15 SC301300A SEAR HOLDER ASSEMBLY
16 SC301531 SPRING, ADVANCE BAR
17 SC301400 FIRING PIN ASSEMBLY
18 SC301026A FIRING PIN SPRING ASSEMBLY
19 SC301600 HANDLE ASSEMBLY
MAINTENANCE
IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED TOOLS CAN CAUSE SEROIUS INJURIES
TO TOOL OPERATORS AND BYSTANDERS
CLEAN TOOL DAILY
Always make sure the tool is not loaded before performing any service or
repair and always wear safety goggles when cleaning or servicing the tool.
NORMAL CLEANING
All front end parts shown in the disassembly section are to be cleaned daily with a
good detergent oil and wire brush. Remove all dirt and carbon buildup and wipe
parts dry with a clean rag. Check all parts for wear or damage before reassembly
and replace or repair any worn or damaged parts.
COMPLETE CLEANING / GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Heavy use or constant exposure to dirt and debris may require that the tool be
cleaned more extensively. Complete disassembly and cleaning of all parts may be
necessary to restore the tool to normal operation. General maintenance should be
performed every six months or more often if the tool is subjected to heavy use.
Contact your authorized Ramset Distributor for assistance.
ALWAYS FUNCTION TEST THE TOOL AFTER PERFORMING ANY SERVICE.
SEE PAGE 9 FOR DETAILS ON THE FUNCTION TEST.

DISASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY
14
TOOL DISASSEMBLY
1. Rotate the barrel retention clip
off of the pawl using a flat blade
screwdriver or the point of a long
fastener.
2. Remove the pawl by lifting it up and
away from the tool body.
3. Slide the front barrel assembly out
of the tool body.
4. Unseat and remove the shear clip
by prying it up with a flat blade
screwdriver or fastener point.
Remove the clip from the barrel by
prying it up and away from the
groove in the barrel. Use care to
keep the clip from flying free when
it is removed.
5. Separate the front barrel and guide
from the rear barrel assembly
ROTATE THE BARREL RETEN-
TION CLIP AWAY FROM PAWL
REMOVE THE PAWL
REMOVE THE BARREL ASSEMBLY
REMOVE THE SHEAR CLIP
SEPARATE THE FRONT BARREL
FROM THE REAR BARREL

DISASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY
15
6. Slide the piston out of the rear
barrel assembly and slide the guide
out of the front barrel.
The tool is now disassembled for
normal cleaning. Inspect all parts for
wear or damage and clean or replace
as required. Use detergent oil and
cleaning brushes to remove dirt and
powder residues. Wipe all parts dry
before reassembly. Wear safety
goggles when cleaning tool parts.
7. Check the piston tip for damage and
grind flat. The tip of the piston must
be 90° to the shank. Grinding should
only be done by qualified personnel.
The minimum overall length of the
piston must not be less than 5 5/8”
long. When less than 5 5/8” long, the
piston must be replaced to avoid tool
damage.
8. Reassemble the tool in the reverse
order of disassembly. When sliding
the front barrel onto the rear barrel,
align the groove in the rear barrel
with the groove in the front barrel.
9. Align the groove in the rear barrel
with the pawl opening in the tool body
when placing the barrel assembly
into the tool body. Replace the pawl
and install the barrel retention clip.
ALWAYS PERFORM THE DAILY
FUNCTION TEST BEFORE
USING THE TOOL AFTER
CLEANING OR SERVICING.
REMOVE THE PISTON AND
FASTENER GUIDE
GRIND THE PISTON TIP FLAT
AND BEVEL THE EDGE
ALIGN THE FRONT AND REAR
BARREL GROOVES
ALIGN THE BARREL ASSEMBLY
GROOVE WITH THE PAWL
OPENING

WARRANTY
ALL WARRANTIES OF THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PUR-
POSES, ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED, EXCEPT FOR THE
FOLLOWING: Ramset will repair or replace, at its sole option, any
tool, part, or fastener which, within 90 days after sale by Ramset,
is found by Ramset to be defective in material or workmanship,
normal wear and tear excluded. THIS IS THE SOLE WARRANTY OF
RAMSET AND THE SOLE REMEDY AVAILABLE TO THE BUYER
AND IN NO EVENT WILL ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES,
BE AVAILABLE.
Copyright 2000 ITW Ramset/Red Head
THE COBRA TOOLCOMPLIES WITH OSHA REQUIREMENTS
AND WITH ANSI A10.3 SPECIFICATIONS
FOR TOOL REPAIR SERVICE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL
AUTHORIZED ITW RAMSET/RED HEAD DISTRIBUTOR OR CALL
THE ITW RAMSET/RED HEAD TOOL REPAIR DEPARTMENT AT
1-800-354-7432
Wood Dale, IL 60191
[phone]
Buy With Confidence ....
Buy From Your Authorized Diistributor
© ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS 2000
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
REVISED 1/00