RYOBI 18V CUT-OFF TOOL/GRINDER PBLAG01 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL
18 V CUT-OFF TOOL/GRINDER

INCLUDES: Cut-Off Tool/Grinder, Side Handle/Wrench, Wheel Guard, Grinding Wheel, Guard Insert, Cutting Wheel, Operator’s Manual

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING
Read all safety warnings and all 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 mainsoperated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

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.

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 ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.
• Use this product only with batteries and chargers listed in tool/appliance/battery pack/charger correlation supplement 987000-432.

PERSONAL SAFETY

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are 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, nonskid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure 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 energising 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 these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn into air vents.
• Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable footing on a solid surface enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

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 safer 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 making 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.
• 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 and 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.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

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, like 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, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
• Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion, or risk of injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265° F may cause an explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

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.
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service provider.

CUT-OFF TOOL/GRINDER SAFETY WARNINGS

SAFETY WARNINGS COMMON FOR GRINDING OR ABRASIVE CUTTING-OFF OPERATIONS

• This power tool is intended to function as a grinder or cutoff tool. Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
• Operations such as sanding, wire brushing, or polishing are not recommended to be performed with this power tool. Operations for which the power tool was not designed may create a hazard and cause personal injury.
• Do not use accessories which are not specifically designed and recommended by the tool manufacturer. Just because the accessory can be attached to your power tool, it does not assure safe operation.
• The rated speed of the accessory must be at least equal to the maximum speed marked on the power tool. Accessories running faster than their rated speed can break and fly apart.
•  The outside diameter and the thickness of your accessory must be within the capacity rating of your power tool. Incorrectly sized accessories cannot be adequately guarded or controlled.
• Threaded mounting of accessories must match the grinder spindle thread. For accessories mounted by flanges, the arbour hole of the accessory must fit the locating diameter of the flange. Accessories that do not match the mounting hardware of the power tool will run out of balance, vibrate excessively and may cause loss of control.
• Do not use a damaged accessory. Before each use inspect the accessory such as abrasive wheels for chips and cracks, backing pad for cracks, tear or excess wear, wire brush for loose or cracked wires. If power tool or accessory is dropped, inspect for damage or install an undamaged accessory. After inspecting and installing an accessory, position yourself and bystanders away from the plane of the rotating accessory and run the power tool at maximum no-load speed for one minute. Damaged accessories will normally break apart during this test time.
• Wear personal protective equipment. Depending on application, use face shield, safety goggles or safety glasses. As appropriate, wear dust mask, hearing protectors, gloves and workshop apron capable of stopping small abrasive or workpiece fragments. The eye protection must be capable of stopping flying debris generated by various operations. The dust mask or respirator must be capable of filtrating particles generated by your operation. Prolonged exposure to high intensity noise may cause hearing loss.
• Keep bystanders a safe distance away from work area. Anyone entering the work area must wear personal protective equipment. Fragments of workpiece or of a broken accessory may fly away and cause injury beyond immediate area of operation.
• Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, when performing an operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring. Contact with a “live” wire will also make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Never lay the power tool down until the accessory has come to a complete stop. The spinning accessory may grab the surface and pull the power tool out of your control.
• Do not run the power tool while carrying it at your side. Accidental contact with the spinning accessory could snag your clothing, pulling the accessory into your body
• Regularly clean the power tool’s air vents. The motor’s fan will draw the dust inside the housing and excessive accumulation of powdered metal may cause electrical hazards.
• Do not operate the power tool near flammable materials. Sparks could ignite these materials.
• Do not use accessories that require liquid coolants. Using water or other liquid coolants may result in electrocution or shock.

KICKBACK AND RELATED WARNINGS

Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched or snagged rotating wheel, backing pad, brush or any other accessory. Pinching or snagging causes rapid stalling of the rotating accessory which in turn causes the uncontrolled power tool to be forced in the direction opposite of the accessory’s rotation at the point of the binding. For example, if an abrasive wheel is snagged or pinched by the workpiece, the edge of the wheel that is entering into the pinch point can dig into the surface of the material causing the wheel to climb out or kick out. The wheel may either jump toward or away from the operator, depending on direction of the wheel’s movement at the point of pinching. Abrasive wheels may also break under these conditions. Kickback is the result of power tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below.

• Maintain a firm grip on the power tool and position your body and arm to allow you to resist kickback forces. Always use auxiliary handle, if provided, for maximum control over kickback or torque reaction during start-up. The operator can control torque reactions or kickback forces, if proper precautions are taken.
• Never place your hand near the rotating accessory. Accessory may kickback over your hand.
• Do not position your body in the area where power tool will move if kickback occurs. Kickback will propel the tool in direction opposite to the wheel’s movement at the point of snagging.
• Use special care when working corners, sharp edges etc. Avoid bouncing and snagging the accessory. Corners, sharp edges or bouncing have a tendency to snag the rotating accessory and cause loss of control or kickback.
• Do not attach a saw chain woodcarving blade or toothed saw blade. Such blades create frequent kickback and loss of control.

SAFETY WARNINGS SPECIFIC FOR GRINDING AND ABRASIVE CUTTING-OFF OPERATIONS

• Use only wheel types that are recommended for your power tool and the specific guard designed for the selected wheel. Wheels for which the power tool was not designed cannot be adequately guarded and are unsafe.
• The grinding surface of centre depressed wheels must be mounted below the plane of the guard lip. An improperly mounted wheel that projects through the plane of the guard lip cannot be adequately protected.
• The guard must be securely attached to the power tool and positioned for maximum safety, so the least amount of wheel is exposed towards the operator. The guard helps to protect the operator from broken wheel fragments, accidental contact with wheel and sparks that could ignite clothing.
• Wheels must be used only for recommended applications. For example: do not grind with the side of cut-off wheel. Abrasive cut-off wheels are intended for peripheral grinding, side forces applied to these wheels may cause them to shatter.
• Always use undamaged wheel flanges that are of correct size and shape for your selected wheel. Proper wheel flanges support the wheel thus reducing the possibility of wheel breakage. Flanges for cut-off wheels may be different from grinding wheel flanges.
• Do not use worn down wheels from larger power tools. Wheel intended for larger power tool is not suitable for the higher speed of a smaller tool and may burst.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY WARNINGS SPECIFIC FOR ABRASIVE CUTTING-OFF OPERATIONS

• Do not “jam” the cut-off wheel or apply excessive pressure. Do not attempt to make an excessive depth of cut. Overstressing the wheel increases the loading and susceptibility to twisting or binding of the wheel in the cut and the possibility of kickback or wheel breakage.
• Do not position your body in line with and behind the rotating wheel. When the wheel, at the point of operation, is moving away from your body, the possible kickback may propel the spinning wheel and the power tool directly at you.
• When wheel is binding or when interrupting a cut for any reason, switch off the power tool and hold the power tool motionless until the wheel comes to a complete stop. Never attempt to remove the cut- off wheel from the cut while the wheel is in motion otherwise kickback may occur. Investigate and take corrective action to eliminate the cause of wheel binding.
• Do not restart the cutting operation in the workpiece. Let the wheel reach full speed and carefully reenter the cut. The wheel may bind, walk up or kickback if the power tool is restarted in the workpiece.
• Support panels or any oversized workpiece to minimize the risk of wheel pinching and kickback. Large workpieces tend to sag under their own weight. Supports must be placed under the workpiece near the line of cut and near the edge of the workpiece on both sides of the wheel.
• Use extra caution when making a “pocket cut” into existing walls or other blind areas. The protruding wheel may cut gas or water pipes, electrical wiring or objects that can cause kickback.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY WARNINGS

• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 when assembling parts, operating the tool, or performing maintenance. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during extended periods of operation. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Battery tools do not have to be plugged into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards when not using your battery tool or when changing accessories. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.
• Do not place battery tools or their batteries near fire or heat. This will reduce the risk of explosion and possibly injury.
• Do not crush, drop or damage battery pack. Do not use a battery pack or charger that has been dropped or received a sharp blow. A damaged battery is subject to explosion. Properly dispose of a dropped or damaged battery immediately.
• Batteries can explode in the presence of a source of ignition, such as a pilot light. To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, never use any cordless product in the presence of open flame. An exploded battery can propel debris and chemicals. If exposed, flush with water immediately.
• Do not charge battery tool in a damp or wet location. Do not use, store, or charge battery packs or products in locations where the temperature is less than 50°F or more than 100°F. Do not store outside or in vehicles.
• Under extreme usage or temperature conditions, battery leakage may occur. If liquid comes in contact with your skin, wash immediately with soap and water. If liquid gets into your eyes, flush them with clean water for at least 10 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions also.

SYMBOLS

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.

	SIGNAL	MEANING
	DANGER:	Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious  injury.
	WARNING:	Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
	CAUTION:	Indicates a hazardous situation, that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
	NOTICE:	(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates information considered important, but not related to a potential injury (e.g. messages relating to property damage).

Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.

SYMBOL	NAME	DESlGNATION/EXPLANATION
	Safety Alert	Indicates a potential personai injury hazard.
	Read Operator’s Manual	To reduce the risk of injury, user must raad arid understand operator’s manuai before using this product.
	Eye Protection	Always wear eye protection with side shields ITlarki2d IO COmply with ANSI Z87.1.
	Eye and Hearing Protection	Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 as well as hearing protection when operating this equip- ment.
	Wet Conditions Alert	Do not expose to rain or use in damp locabons.
	Battery Removal Required	Remove the battery.
	Recycle Symbol	This product uses lithium-ion (Li ion) batteries. Local, state or federal laws may prohibit disposal of batteries in ordinary trash. Consult your local waste authority for information regarding available recycling and/ or disposal options.
V	Volts	Voltage
min	Minuti2s	Time
	Oirect Current	Type or a characteristic of current
n	Rated Speed	Rotational speed, at no load
…/min	Per Minute	Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute

FEATURES

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Wheel Capacity ……………………………………………..4-1/2 in.
Rated Speed ……………………………………. 9,200/min. (RPM)
Spindle Thread …………………………………. 5/8 in. x 11 UNC
Wheel…………………..Grinding (Type 27) or Cutting (Type 1)

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING
This product requires assembly.

• Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the box. All items listed in the Includes section must be included at the time of purchase.

WARNING:
Items in this Assembly section are not assembled to the product by the manufacturer and require customer installation. Use of a product that may have been improperly assembled could result in serious personal injury.

• If any parts are damaged or missing, please call 1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

WARNING:
If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this product until the parts are replaced. Use of this product with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories or attachments not recommended for use with this product. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.

INSTALLING/REMOVING WHEEL GUARD
See Figures 1 – 3, page 12.
To install:

• Place the guard on the shoulder of the bearing cap by aligning index arrows on guard and bearing cap. Press down on guard until it is fully seated.
• Depress the lever and rotate guard to the correct position. Refer to Positioning the Wheel Guard.
  NOTE: Be sure the raised ridge on the guard is seated in the groove on the bearing cap.
• Install disc flange, grinding or cutting wheel, and Fixtec nutas described later in this section.
• Tighten Fixtec nut securely by hand or with the wrench provided.

To remove:

• Remove the disc flange, grinding or cutting wheel, and Fixtec nut.
• Depress the lever and rotate guard to align index arrows on guard and bearing cap.
• Remove the guard.

INSTALLING/REMOVING GRINDING WHEEL
See Figure 1, page 12.

WARNING:
Thoroughly inspect a new grinding wheel before you install it on the grinder.

• Tap lightly around the wheel using a wooden hammer.
• Listen carefully to the resulting sounds. Places with fissures or cracks will result in a different sound.

Do not use a wheel containing fissures or cracks. When you install a new grinding wheel, carry out a no load revolution test of approximately one minute with the grinding wheel facing a safe direction, i.e., away from people or objects.

•  Install the wheel guard.
• Place the disc flange onto the spindle. Make sure the flats on the bottom of the disc flange are engaged with the flats on the spindle.
• Place the grinding wheel over the spindle.

WARNING: Always install a grinding wheel with the depressed center against the disc flange. Failure to do so will cause the grinding wheel to crack when tightening the Fixtec nut. This could result in serious personal injury because of loose particles breaking off and being thrown from the grinder. Do not overtighten.

• Thread the Fixtec nut on the spindle with the flat side of the nut facing up.
• Fit the raised, small-diameter portion of the Fixtec nut into the hole in the wheel and finger tighten.
• Depress the spindle lock button and rotate the wheel clockwise until the spindle locks in position.
• Tighten the Fixtec nut securely by hand or with the wrench provided. Do not overtighten.

To remove:

• Depress the spindle lock button and rotate the Fixtec nut until the spindle locks.
  NOTE: To prevent damage to the spindle or spindle lock, always allow motor to come to a complete stop before engaging spindle lock.
• Loosen and remove the Fixtec nut from the spindle.
• Remove the grinding wheel and disc flange.

INSTALLING/REMOVING CUTTING WHEEL
See Figure 3, page 12.

•  Install the wheel guard.
• Place the disc flange onto the spindle. Make sure the flats on the bottom of the disc flange are engaged with the flats on the spindle.
• Place the cutting wheel over the spindle.

WARNING:
Always install a cutting wheel with the flat side of the Fixtec nut against the wheel. Failure to do so may cause the cutting wheel to crack when tightening the Fixtec nut. This could result in serious in serious personal injury because of loose particles breaking off and being thrown from the tool. Do not overtighten.

• Thread the Fixtec nut on the spindle with the raised, small diameter portion of the Fixtec nut facing up.
• Fit the flat side of the Fixtec nut against the outside of the wheel and finger tighten.
• Depress the spindle lock button and rotate the wheel clockwise until the spindle locks in position.
• Tighten the Fixtec nut securely by hand or with the wrench provided. Do not overtighten.
• Install guard insert as described later in this section.

To remove:

• Depress the spindle lock button and rotate the Fixtec nut until the spindle locks.
  NOTE: To prevent damage to the spindle or spindle lock, always allow motor to come to a complete stop before engaging spindle lock.
• Loosen and remove the Fixtec nut from the spindle.
  NOTE: The Fixtec nut may be too tight to remove by hand. In this case, use the wrench provided.
• Remove the guard insert, cutting wheel, and disc flange.

ATTACHING THE GUARD INSERT
See Figure 4, page 13.

WARNING:
Always attach the guard insert to the wheel guard when using a cutting wheel. Failure to use the guard insert could result in serious personal injury.

Always install the guard insert before performing cutting operations. When attached correctly, the guard insert and wheel guard provide protection on both sides of the cutting wheel.

• Install wheel guard and cutting wheel.
• Place the edge of the guard insert closest to the label over the edge of the wheel guard.
  NOTE: The label on the guard insert should be pointing away from the cutting wheel.
• Slide the guard insert over the grinding wheel and rotate it until the tab snaps into place.
• To remove, pull the tab away from the wheel guard and rotate guard insert off of the wheel guard.

INSTALLING THE SIDE HANDLE
See Figure 5, page 13.

WARNING:
The side handle must always be used to help prevent loss of control and possible serious injury.

The side handle can be installed on the top, left, or right side of the tool, depending on operator preference.

• Insert the side handle into the desired operating position.
• Turn the side handle clockwise to securely tighten.

WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with this product to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.
WARNING: Always remove battery pack from the tool when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, or when not in use. Removing battery pack will prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury.
WARNING: Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries.
WARNING: Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this product. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.

APPLICATIONS You may use this product for the purpose listed below:

• Grinding metals
• Cutting metals such as sheet steel, pipe, steel rods, aluminum, brass, and copper

WARNING: Battery products are always in operating condition. Therefore, the switch should always in the OFF position when not in use or carrying at your side.

INSTALLING/REMOVING BATTERY PACK
See Figure 6, page 13. To install:

• Insert the battery pack.
• Make sure the latches on each side of the battery pack snap in place and that battery pack is secured in the product before beginning operation.

To remove:

• Depress the latches on each side of the battery pack. For complete charging instructions, see the operator’s manuals for your battery pack and charger.

STARTING/STOPPING CUT-OFF TOOL/ GRINDER
See Figure 7, page 13.
To turn the tool ON:

• Install the battery pack.
• Hold the tool in front and away from you, keeping the wheel clear of the workpiece.
• To start the tool, grasp the handle and side handle firmly. Push the lock-out switch forward and squeeze the paddle switch.

To turn the tool OFF: 

• To stop the tool, release the paddle switch. Make sure the tool comes to a complete stop before laying down the tool.

POSITIONING THE WHEEL GUARD
See Figures 8 – 12, pages 13 and 14.
NOTE: The procedure for positioning the wheel guard is the same with or without the guard insert attached. The wheel guard on the tool should be correctly positioned depending on which location the side handle is mounted and depending on what type of operation you are performing (cutting or grinding).
Never use the tool without a wheel guard correctly in place or when the index arrows are aligned.

WARNING: Never place the wheel guard so that it is in front of the tool. This could result in serious injury because sparks and loose particles thrown from the grinding or cutting wheel would be directed toward the operator. Always place the wheel guard in the correct location as shown.

To adjust the wheel guard:

• Remove the battery pack.
• Depress lever and rotate the guard to its correct position as shown.
  NOTE: Be sure the raised ridge on the guard is seated in the groove on the bearing cap. Never use the tool without a guard in place and properly adjusted.

GRINDING WITH THE TOOL
See Figure 13, page 14. Always carefully select and use grinding wheels that are recommended for the material to be ground. Make sure that the minimum operating speed of any accessory wheel selected is 9,200/min. or more. The grinding wheel provided with the tool is suitable for grinding welds, preparing surfaces to be welded, grinding structural steel, and grinding stainless steel.

To grind with the tool:

• Secure all work in a vise or clamp to a workbench.

DANGER: Never use the tool with the guard removed. It has been designed for use only with the guard installed. Attempting to use tool with guard removed will result in loose particles being thrown against the operator resulting in serious personal injury.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Install wheel guard and grinding wheel.
• Install the battery pack.
• Hold the grinder in front and away from you with both hands, keeping the grinding wheel clear of the workpiece.
• Turn the tool ON and let the motor and grinding wheel build up to full speed.
• Lower the grinder gradually until the grinding wheel contacts the workpiece.

WARNING: To prevent loss of control and possible serious personal injury, always operate the grinder with both hands, keeping one hand on the side handle.

• Keep the grinder tilted at an angle from 5° to 15° and continuously moving at a steady, consistent pace.
  NOTICE:
  If the grinder is held in one spot too long, it will gouge and cut grooves in the workpiece. If the grinder is held at too sharp an angle, it will also gouge the workpiece because of concentration of pressure on a small area.

• Use just enough pressure to keep the grinder from chattering or bouncing.
  NOTE:
  Heavy pressure will decrease the grinder’s speed and put a strain on the motor. Normally the weight of the tool alone is adequate for most grinding jobs. Use light pressure when grinding jagged edges or loose bolts where there is the potential for the grinder to snag on the metal edge.
• Lift the grinder away from the workpiece before turning off the grinder.

CUTTING WITH THE TOOL
See Figure 14, page 14.
It is important to understand the correct method for cutting with this tool. Refer to the figure in this section to learn the correct way to handle the tool during a cutting operation.

WARNING:
To maintain proper control, always operate the tool with both hands, keeping one hand on the side handle. Loss of control could cause an accident resulting in possible serious injury. WARNING: Since wheel is exposed on underside of work, keep hands and fingers away from cutting area. Any part of your body coming in contact with moving wheel may result in serious injury.
WARNING:
Do not grind with the side of the cutting wheel. Abrasive cutting wheels are intended for peripheral grinding, side forces applied to these wheels may cause them to shatter.

To make the best possible cut:

• Clamp the workpiece firmly and cut close to the clamping point to eliminate any vibration of the work. Cut the workpiece using the peripheral edge of the cutting wheel. When cutting conduit pipe or angle iron, clamp the workpiece in a vise if possible and cut close to the vise. To cut thin sheet material, “sandwich” the material between hardboard or plywood and clamp the layers to eliminate vibration and material tearing.

DANGER:
Never use the tool with the guard removed. It has been designed for use only with the guard and guard insert installed. Attempting to use tool with guard removed will result in loose particles being thrown against the operator resulting in serious personal injury.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Install cutting wheel and wheel guard with guard insert.
• Install the battery pack.
• Hold the tool in front and away from you with both hands, keeping the cutting wheel clear of the workpiece.
• Turn the tool ON and let the motor and cutting wheel build up to full speed.
• Move the cutting wheel into the workpiece. NOTE: Do not force. Use only enough pressure to keep the tool cutting. Let the wheel and tool do the work.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other part could create a hazard or cause product damage.
WARNING: Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the tool when cleaning, performing any maintenance, or when storing the tool.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents and can be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
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 could result in serious personal injury.

REPLACING THE GUARD
See Figures 1 – 3, page 12. After extended use, the guard may wear and need replacing. If you drop the tool and damage the guard it may also be necessary for you to replace it. Refer to Installing/Removing Wheel Guard earlier in this manual.

NOTE: ILLUSTRATIONS START ON PAGE 12 AFTER FRENCH AND SPANISH LANGUAGE SECTIONS.

PBLAG01

A – Lock-out switch	F – Wrench
B – Spindle lock button	G – Guard insert
C – Wheel guard	H – Cutting wheel
D – Grinding wheel	I – Fixtec nut
E – Side handle

Fig.1

A – Fixtec nut	F – Spindle lock
B – Grinding wheel	G – To loosen
C – Disc flange	H – To tighten
D – Wheel guard	I – Index arrows
E – Spindle

A – Wheel guard
B – Index arrows
C – Depress lever to rotate

A – Fixtec nut	F – Spindle lock
B – Cutting wheel	G – To loosen
C – Disc flange	H – To tighten
D – Wheel guard with guard insert attached	I – Index arrows
E – Spindle

A – Wheel guard
B – Guard insert
C – Label
D – Edge
E – Tab

A – Side handle

A – Battery port
B – Battery pack

A – Lock-out switch
B – Paddle switch

SIDE HANDLE ON LEFT SIDE OF GRINDER
A – Wheel guard

SIDE HANDLE ON RIGHT SIDE OF GRINDER
A – Wheel guard

UNIT IN CUTTING POSITION 
A – Wheel guard with guard insert

A – Wheel guard
B – Grinding wheel

A – Wheel guard with guard insert
B – Cutting wheel

NOTES

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

To request service, purchase replacement parts,
locate an Authorized Service Center or obtain Customer or Technical Support:
Visit www.ryobitools.com or call 1-800-525-2579
If any parts or accessories are damaged or missing, do not return this product to the store.
Call 1-800-525-2579 for immediate service.
Please obtain your model and serial number from the product data plate.
This product is covered under a 3-year limited Warranty. Proof of purchase is required.

MODEL NUMBER* _______________ SERIAL NUMBER ____________________________
*Model number on product may have additional letters at the end. These letters designate
manufacturing information and should be provided when calling for service.

RYOBI is a registered trademark of Ryobi Limited and is used pursuant to a license granted by Ryobi Limited.

ONE WORLD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
P.O. Box 1288, Anderson, SC 29622 • Phone 1-800-525-2579
États-Unis, Téléphone 1-800-525-2579 • USA, Teléfono 1-800-525-2579
www.ryobitools.com

Documents / Resources

RYOBI 18V CUT-OFF TOOL/GRINDER PBLAG01 [pdf] User Manual RYOBI, PBLAG01, 18V, CUT-OFF, TOOL, GRINDER

References

• REIMAGINE WITH RYOBI - RYOBI Tools
• Herramientas Eléctricas Ryobi
• User Manual