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CHARGING THE POWER PACK

THE BATTERIES IN YOUR POWER PACK ARE NOT FULLY CHARGED AT THE
FACTORY. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO CHARGE THEM, THOROUGHLY READ ALL OF
THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
The charger is designed to use standard household 120 volt 60 Hz power.

1. Plug the charger into any standard 120 Volt 60 Hz electrical outlet. 
2. Slide the charger onto the battery pack as shown in Figure 1 and let it charge initially for

9 hours. After the initial charge, under normal usage, your power pack should be fully
charged in 

3 to 6 hours

.

3. Remove pack from the charger and place in tool. NOTE: To remove the battery from the

saw, press down on the release button on the back of the battery (Figure 2) and pull out.

IMPORTANT CHARGING NOTES

1. After normal usage, your power pack should be fully charged in 3 to 6 hours. If the power

pack is run-down completely, it may take up to 6 hours to become fully charged. Your
power pack was sent from the factory in an uncharged condition. Before attempting to use
it, it must be charged for at least 9 hours.

2. DO NOT charge the power pack in an air temperature below 40°F or above 105°F. This

is important and will prevent serious damage to the power pack. Longest life and best per-
formance can be obtained if power pack is charged when air temperature is about 75°F.

3. While charging, the charger may hum and become warm to touch. This is a normal con-

dition and does not indicate a problem.

4. If the power pack does not charge properly—(1) Check current at receptacle by plugging

in a lamp or other appliance. (2) Check to see if receptacle is connected to a light switch
which turns power off when you turn out the lights. (3) Move charger and power pack to
a surrounding air temperature of 40°F to 105°F. (4) If the receptacle and temperature are 
OK, and you do not get proper charging, take or send the power pack and charger to your
local Black & Decker service center. See Tools Electric in yellow pages.

5. The power pack should be recharged when it fails to produce sufficient power on jobs

which were easily done previously. DO NOT CONTINUE using saw with its power pack
in a depleted condition.

6. To prolong power pack life, avoid leaving the power pack on charge for extended periods

of time (over 30 days without use). Although overcharging is not a safety concern, it can
significantly reduce overall power pack life.

7.  When the battery is inserted into the charger, the red “Charging Indicator” light will come

on  indicating that there is contact between the battery and charger. The light will stay on
as long as the battery is in the charger and the charger is plugged into a working outlet. It
WILL NOT flash, go out or change to a different color when the charging cycle is
complete.

8. The power pack will reach optimum performance after being cycled 5 times during normal

usage. There is no need to run the batteries down completely before recharging. Normal
usage is the best method of discharging and recharging the batteries.

OPERATION

CAUTION: Always wear eye protection while operating this power tool.

NOTE: Before cutting any type of material, be sure it is firmly anchored or clamped to pre-
vent slipping.

Place blade and shoe lightly against work to be cut.

Switch on saw motor and allow it to obtain maximum speed before applying pressure.

Always hold saw firmly with both hands while cutting as shown in Figure 3. Whenever pos-
sible, the saw shoe must be held firmly against the material being cut. This will prevent the
saw from jumping or vibrating and minimize blade breakage.

TRIGGER SWITCH (FIGURE 4)

Release lock-off by switching to the unlocked position shown in  Fig. 4 from either side of the
saw. Pull the trigger switch to turn the motor ON. Releasing the trigger turns the motor OFF.
NOTE: This tool has no provision to lock the switch in the ON position, and should never be
locked in the ON position by any other means.

BLADE CLAMP RELEASE LEVER (FIGURE 5) 

CAUTION: TURN OFF AND REMOVE BATTERY FROM TOOL.

To install blade into saw:
1. Open blade clamp release lever to its full open position as shown in Figure 5.
2. Insert blade shank from the front. 
3. Close blade clamp release lever.  
To remove blade from saw:
1. Open blade clamp release lever to its full open position.
2.  Remove blade.

FLUSH CUTTING (FIGURE 6)

The compact design of the reciprocating saw motor housing and pivoting shoe permit close
cutting to floors, corners and other difficult areas.

To maximize flush cutting capabilities, insert the blade shaft into the blade clamp with the
teeth of the blade facing up.

Turn the saw upside down so you are as close to the work surface as possible.

WOOD CUTTING (FIGURE 7)

Before cutting any type of wood, be sure the work piece is firmly anchored or clamped to
prevent slipping.

Place blade and shoe lightly against work to be cut.

Switch on saw motor before applying pressure.

Always hold saw firmly with both hands while cutting. Whenever possible, the shoe must be
held firmly against the material being cut. This will prevent the saw from jumping or vibrat-
ing and minimize blade breakage.

METAL CUTTING 

Use a finer blade for ferrous metals and a coarse blade for non-ferrous materials.

In thin gauge sheet metals it is best to clamp wood to both sides of sheet. This will ensure
a clean cut without excess vibration or tearing of metal.

Avoid forcing cutting blade as this reduces blade life and causes costly blade breakage.

NOTE: You should spread a thin film of oil or other coolant along the line ahead of the saw
cut for easier operation and longer blade life.  For cutting aluminum, kerosene is preferred.

POCKET CUTTING - WOOD ONLY (FIGURE 8)

Measure the surface area to be cut and mark clearly with a pencil, chalk or scriber.

Insert pocket cutting blade in blade clamp and tighten blade clamp securely.

Tip the saw backward until the back edge of the shoe is resting on the work surface.

Switch motor on, permitting blade to attain maximum speed.

Grip handle steadily and begin a slow, deliberate upward swing with the handle of the saw.

The blade will begin to feed into material. Always be sure blade is completely through mate-
rial before continuing with pocket cut.

NOTE: In areas where blade visibility is limited, use the edge of the shoe as a guide.

PROJECT TIPS

Cut only with sharp blades; they cut cleaner, faster and put less strain on the motor while
cutting.

When cutting, always ensure that the shoe is resting against the workpiece. This will improve
operator control and minimize vibration.

For longer blade life, use bi-metal blades. These utilize a carbon steel back welded to high
speed steel teeth making the blade more flexible and less prone to breaking.

MAINTENANCE
REMOVE BATTERY FROM SAW WHEN PERFORMING ANY CLEANING OR OTHER
MAINTENANCE.  WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.

Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to various
types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove
dirt, carbon dust etc.

When electric tools are used on fiberglass boats, sports cars, drywall etc.,they are subject
to accelerated wear and possible premature failure, as the fiberglass chips and grindings
and drywall dust are highly abrasive to bearings, brushes, commutator, etc. During any use
on fiberglass or drywall it is extremely important that the tool be cleaned frequently by blow-
ing with an air jet.

LUBRICATION

Your tool was properly lubricated before leaving the factory. Once every year take or send
your tool to a Black & Decker service center, or authorized service station, for a complete
cleaning, inspection and lubrication. Tools "out of service" for long periods should be
relubricated before being put back to work.
IMPORTANT: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and
adjustment should be performed by authorized service centers or other qualified service
organizations, always using identical replacement parts

ACCESSORIES

The CRS144 FIRESTORM

TM

reciprocating saw will accept up to a 12 inch long blade.

Always use the shortest blade suitable for your project. Longer blades are more likely to be
bent or damaged during use. During operation some longer blades may vibrate or shake if
the saw is not kept in contact with the workpiece.
Recommended accessories for use with your tool are available from your local dealer or
authorized service center. If you need assistance regarding accessories, please call:           
1-800-54-HOW-TO. (800-544-6986)

WARNING: The use of any accessory not recommended for use with this tool could be

hazardous. 

THE RBRC™ SEAL

The RBRC™ (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation)                             
Seal on the nickel-cadmium battery (or battery pack) indicates that the costs to
recycle the battery (or battery  pack) at the end of its useful life have already
been paid by Black & Decker. In some areas, it is illegal to place spent nickel-
cadmium batteries in the trash or municipal solid waste stream and the RBRC
program provides an environmentally conscious alternative.
RBRC in cooperation with Black & Decker and other battery users, has established programs
in the United States and Canada to facilitate the collection of spent nickel-cadmium batteries.
Help protect our environment and conserve natural resources by returning the spent nickel-
cadmium battery to an authorized Black & Decker service center or to your local retailer for
recycling. You may also contact your local recycling center for information on where to drop
off the spent battery, or call 1-800-8-BATTERY.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Black & Decker offers a full network of company-owned and authorized service locations
throughout North America. All Black & Decker Service Centers are staffed with trained
personnel to provide customers with efficient and reliable power tool service.
Whether you need technical advice, repair, or genuine factory replacement parts, contact the
Black & Decker location nearest you. To find your local service location, refer to the yellow
page directory under "Tools—Electric" or call: 1-800-54-HOW TO (544-6986).

SPECIAL WARRANTY NOTE TO CONTRACTORS:

FIRESTORM

TM

branded products are offered as high end consumer home use tools and

carry a HOME USE WARRANTY. These tools are designed, manufactured and tested to
meet or exceed the needs of the do-it-yourselfer in the execution of projects and repairs in
and around the home. With proper use they will provide the home owner with step up power
and performance well beyond their two year warranty. However, if you use tools for a living
and use FIRESTORM

TM

branded products or any of Black & Decker’s other Consumer Home

Use tools ON THE JOBSITE you should know that they CANNOT BE COVERED UNDER
OUR WARRANTY.

FULL TWO-YEAR HOME USE WARRANTY 

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. warrants this product for two years against any defects in material
or workmanship. The defective product will be replaced or repaired at no charge in either of
two ways.
The first, which will result in exchanges only, is to return the product to the retailer from whom
it was purchased (provided that the store is a participating retailer). Returns should be made
within the time period of the retailer’s policy for exchanges (usually 30 to 90 days after the
sale). Proof of purchase may be required. Please check with the retailer for their specific
return policy regarding returns that are beyond the time set for exchanges.
The second option is to take or send the product (prepaid) to a Black & Decker owned or
authorized Service Center for repair or replacement at our option. Proof of purchase may be
required. Black & Decker owned and authorized Service Centers are listed under "Tools-
Electric" in the yellow pages of the phone directory.
This warranty does not apply to accessories. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and
you may have other rights which vary from state to state. Should you have any questions,
contact the manager of your nearest Black & Decker Service Center.

3

4

5

6

ROCK TOOL UP TO NORMAL CUTTING POSITION
AFTER BLADE HAS CUT THROUGH MATERIAL
BERCER L’OUTIL EN POSITION NORMALE DE
COUPE ÁPRES AVOIR TRAVERSÉ MATÉRIAU AVEC
LA LAME.
BALANCEE LA HERRAMIENTA HASTA LA POSICION
DE CORTE NORMAL DESPUES DE HACER EL
CORTE A TRAVES DEL MATERIAL

STARTING POSITION FOR POCKET CUTTING
POSITION DE DÉPART POUR LES COUPES EN RETRAIT
POSICION DE INICIO PARA EL CORTE DE BOLSILLO

1

2

7

8

See ‘Tools-Electric’

– Yellow Pages –

for Service & Sales

Imported by

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., 

701 E. Joppa Rd.

Towson, MD 21286 U.S.A.

 

 

 

Summary of Contents for FIRESTORM CRS180B

Page 1: ... may result in serious personal injury Dress properly Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry Contain long hair Keep your hair clothing and gloves away from moving parts Loose clothes jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts Avoid accidental starting Be sure switch is in the locked or off position before inserting battery pack Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or inserting the ...

Page 2: ... battery in charger or tool WARNING Do not store or carry battery so that metal objects can contact exposed battery terminals For example do not place battery in aprons pockets tool boxes product kit boxes drawers etc with loose nails screws keys etc without battery cap Without cap in place battery could short circuit causing fire or burns or damage to battery SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS CHAR...

Page 3: ...icantly reduce overall power pack life 7 When the battery is inserted into the charger the red Charging Indicator light will come on indicating that there is contact between the battery and charger The light will stay on as long as the battery is in the charger and the charger is plugged into a working outlet It WILL NOT flash go out or change to a different color when the charging cycle is comple...

Page 4: ...aged during use During operation some longer blades may vibrate or shake if the saw is not kept in contact with the workpiece Recommended accessories for use with your tool are available from your local dealer or authorized service center If you need assistance regarding accessories please call 1 800 54 HOW TO 800 544 6986 WARNING The use of any accessory not recommended for use with this tool cou...

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