Ryobi 301913871, Operator'S Manual

Page: 6 / 24

6 – English
VARIABLE SPEED SWITCH TRIGGER
See Figure 4, page 8.
The variable speed switch trigger delivers higher speed with
increased trigger pressure and lower speed with decreased
trigger pressure.
To turn the tool
ON , slide lock-off button to the unlocked
position and depress the switch trigger. To turn it OFF , re-
lease the switch trigger and allow the blades to come to a
complete stop.
NOTE:
A whistling or ringing noise coming from the switch
during use is a normal part of the switch function.
NOTE: Running at low speeds under constant usage may
cause the tool to become overheated. If this occurs, cool the
motor by running it without a load and at full speed.
ROTATING COLLAR
See Figure 5, page 8.
The cutting blades can be rotated to eight different settings
to allow for various cutting angles.

Slide back and hold the collar release button.

Rotate the collar in either direction until the desired angle
is achieved, aligning the arrow to the notch.

Release the button and move the collar slightly back and
forth until it locks into one of the eight preset positions.
NOTE: Always make sure the collar is locked into one of
the preset positions before using the shears.
MAKING A CUT
See Figure 6, page 9.
WARNING:
Cutting blades are sharp. Keep them away from any part
of your body. Failure to do so can result in a serious injury.
The cutting blades are designed to cut through several
kinds of materials, including sheet and corrugated metal,
vinyl siding, asphalt roofing materials, linoleum, plastic, and
chicken wire. When cutting sheet or corrugated metal, limit
the thickness to 20 gauge for stainless steel and 18 gauge
for mild steel. For proper adjustment for different materials,
see
Adjusting the Cutting Blades later in this manual.
WARNING:
Always wear gloves when working with rigid materials,
especially sheet metal. Sharp edges can cause serious
personal injury.
Make sure the material is secure before cutting begins.
Always clamp or fasten the piece so it will not move during
the cutting process. For best results, the angle of the cut-
ting blades should be approximately 45
˚
to the material. It
is recommended to cut with the waste falling to the right of
the cutting blades.
NOTE: Practice on scrap pieces of the material to help be-
come familiar with the operation of the tool.
 Depress trigger.

Move shears into material with a steady, forward pressure.
 Higher speeds are best for straight or gradual curved
cuts.

Use lower speeds for tighter curves or more detailed cuts.
ADJUSTING THE CUTTING BLADES
See Figure 7, page 9.
The cutting blades come with the cutting gap preset to
.004 in. for working with most of the recommended materials
and should not need to be adjusted.
However, the blades should be readjusted for cutting sheet
and corrugated metals based on material thickness. See the
chart below for the recommended clearances.
METAL THICKNESS BLADE GAP/CLEARANCE
0.012 in. – 0.024 in. 0.002 in.
0.051 in. – 0.063” 0.006 in.
To adjust:

Remove the battery pack.

Lay the tool on a flat surface with the gap adjustment
screw facing upward.

Select the correct size feeler gauge (not included) for the
gap needed.

Insert the included hex wrench into the gap adjustment
screw. Turn counterclockwise to increase the gap and
clockwise to decrease the gap.

Slide the feeler gauge between the blades and adjust the
gap until the gauge easily slides between the blades with
little resistance.
NOTE: The cutting blades should not be touching each
other during use.
REPLACING THE CUTTING BLADES
See Figures 8 - 10, page 9.
When cutting blades become worn and dull, the cuts can
become jagged and uneven. Replace the blades to restore
cutting precision.

Remove the battery pack.

Remove the two bolts in the cutting head using the hex
wrench provided. Cover the lock nuts with your hand to
prevent them from falling when the bolts are removed.

Turn the tool over and lay it down on a flat surface so the
blades point downward.

Lift the top of the cutter housing from the unit and set
aside.

Remove the washer and both blades from the spindle.

Set washer aside and discard old blades.
OPERATION