16
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS:
1.
Q - How many crimps/cuts can I get before I
need to recharge the battery?
It is very difficult to estimate the amount of cuts/crimps you
will get before recharging the battery. This will depend
on many factors such as temperature, size, and type of
material being cut or crimped, how the tool is used, the
weather, etc. (see below for more information).
The weather
- Extreme cold temperatures can reduce the
battery charge by up to 60%. Keep charged batteries in a
warm place, but not in your pockets, since coins and other
metal parts may contact the battery terminal strips, causing
a short circuit. Warm weather users will find they get more
crimps/cuts per charge than users in colder climates.
The size and type of material being cut
- All Copper,
Aluminum, and ACSR cables, require different force to
crimp/cut. Diameter is also a factor in determining how
many crimps/cuts you can achieve before a recharge is
needed. Some connectors and cables may require more
frequent battery recharging.
How you use the tool
- If you make multiple crimps/cuts,
one right after another, you will need more frequent battery
recharging than if you make a few and pause a moment
prior to crimping/cutting again. Full retraction after each
crimp/cut is not required if using small cables, while larger
cables may require full retraction. Advancing the ram each
time to approach small cables and connectors drains the
battery faster than just retracting enough to move to the
next crimp location.
The vast number of variables makes it difficult to provide
exact number of crimps/cuts per charge for every
possible field situation.
2.
Q - How long will the batteries last?
Under ideal circumstances each battery could be
recharged up to 1000 times before it will no longer accept
a charge. This number may vary due to individual use
and charging habits.
3.
Q - Can the batteries be recycled?
YES! Once the battery no longer accepts a recharge,
simply follow the recycling instruction included in this
manual for proper recycling. If your local community or
company has a recycling program, you may choose to
contact them for instructions on recycling. Always properly
dispose of spent batteries by following the manufacturers
recommended recycling procedures.
(See "BATTERY RECYCLING" section for details)
4.
Q - How far can the tool be dropped without
damaging it?
The PATRIOT
®
Crimper/Cutter
has been designed to
withstand drops of six feet; however, due to the endless
angles at which a tool can be dropped, damage can still
occur. The outer housing is designed of a high strength
composite polymer plastic, but can be broken depending
upon the surface (pavement, grass, rocks, etc.) being
dropped upon and/or the angle of impact. The internal
working assemblies should survive without damage. We
strongly recommend that the tool restraint lanyard be
used at all times to help prevent dropping the tool. Drops
without the lanyard attached would be considered abusive
treatment.
5.
Q - How do I know when I've properly
completed a crimp?
The PATRIOT
®
Crimper/Cutter produces an audible pop
when the crimp/cut has been properly completed.
6.
Q - Does the tool require a charged battery
in order to retract the ram?
NO, the PATRIOT
®
Crimper/Cutter utilizes a mechanical
retraction mechanism which allows the ram to retract
without the battery.
Tips for maintaining maximum battery life
1. Charge the battery cartridge before completely
discharged. Always stop tool operation and charge
the battery cartridge when you notice less tool power.
2. Never recharge a fully charged battery cartridge.
Overcharging shortens the battery service life.
3. Charge the battery cartridge with room
temperature at 10°C - 40°C (50°F - 104°F).
Let a hot
battery cartridge cool down before charging it.
4. Charge the Lithium-ion battery cartridge when you do
not use it for more than six months.
