Black & Decker NST-2018 Assembly Instructions, Operating Instructions, Maintenance

SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS

CHARGING THE BATTERY

1.This manual contains important safety and operating instructions.

2.Before using battery charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) battery charger, (2) battery, and (3) product using battery.

3. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of injury, charge only Black & Decker Power Packs. Other types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage.

4.Do not expose charger to rain or snow.

5.Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by Black & Decker may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

6.To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when disconnecting charger.

7.Make sure cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.

8.An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire, electric shock or electrocution.

a.Two-wire cords can be used with 2-wire or 3-wire extension cords. Only round jacketed extension cords should be used, and we recommend that they be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.). If the extension is to be used outside, the cord must be suitable for outdoor use. Any cord marked for outdoor use can also be used for indoor work. The letters "W" or "WA" on the cord jacket indicate that the cord is suitable for outdoor use.

b.An extension cord must have adequate wire size (AWG or American Wire Gauge) for safety, and to prevent loss of power and overheating. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cable; that is, 16 gauge has more capacity than 18 gauge. When using more than one extension to make up the total length, be sure each extension contains at least the minimum wire size.

CHART FOR MINIMUM WIRE SIZE (AWG) OF EXTENSION CORDS

	NAMEPLATE RATING AMPS – 0 – 10.0
Total Extension Cord Length (ft)	25	50	75	100	125	150
Wire Gauge	18	18	16	16	14	14

9.Use only the supplied charger when charging your unit. The use of any other charger could damage the battery or create a hazardous condition.

10.Do not attempt to open the charger or the unit. There are no customer serviceable parts inside. Return to any authorized Black & Decker service center.

11.DO NOT incinerate battery packs even if they are severely damaged or completely worn out.

12.Do not incinerate the batteries. They can explode in a fire. A small leakage of liquid from the battery cells may occur under extreme usage, charging or temperature conditions. This does not indicate a failure. However, if the outer seal is broken and this leakage gets on your skin:

a.Wash quickly with soap and water.

b.Neutralize with a mild acid such as lemon juice or vinegar.

c.If the battery liquid gets in your eyes, flush them with clean water for a minimum of 10 minutes and seek immediate medical attention. MEDICAL NOTE: The liquid is a 25-35% solution of potassium hydroxide.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT CHARGING SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

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. NOTE: Do not charge by means of an engine generator or DC power source. Use only 120V AC.

2.Slide the charger onto the power pack as shown in Figure 6 & 7 and let the power pack 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.Unplug charger, and remove the power pack. Place the power pack in the unit and be certain that it is inserted fully into the battery cavity until it “clicks” into place.

NOTE: To remove the power pack from the unit, press down on the release button on the back of the pack (Figure 8) and slide 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(+4.5°C), or above +105°F (+40.5°C). This is important and will prevent serious damage to the power pack. Longest life and best performance can be obtained if power pack is charged when air temperature is about 75°F (24°C).

3.While charging, the charger may hum and become warm to touch. This is a normal condition 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 unit. (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 (+4.5°C) to 105°F (+40.5°C). (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 unit with its power pack in a depleted condition.

6.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 power pack.

LEAVING THE BATTERY PACK IN THE CHARGER

The charger and battery pack can be left connected with the red light glowing indefinitely. The charger will keep the battery pack fresh and fully charged.

NOTE: A battery pack will slowly lose its charge when kept out of the charger. If the battery pack has not been kept on maintenance charge, it may need to be recharged before use. A battery pack may also slowly lose its charge if left in a charger that is not plugged into an appropriate AC source.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Before assembling your Cordless String Trimmer, check that you have received the following in the shipping

carton. See Figure 1.
A. Guard.		C. Nicad Battery Pack. E. Auxiliary Handle.
B. Charger. (NOT SHOWN)		D. Trimmer/Edger.
ATTACHING THE GUARD
•	WARNING: NEVER OPERATE TOOL WITHOUT GUARD FIRMLY IN PLACE.
	THE GUARD MUST ALWAYS BE ON THE TOOL TO PROTECT THE USER.

•Assemble the guard as shown in Figure 2, over the lug on the motor housing, then slide guard forward to lock on the lug. Then with a phillips screw driver, screw the preassembled screws in the guard into the motor housing. Figure 3.

AUXILIARY HANDLE ADJUSTMENT

•For maximum comfort and control, adjust the auxiliary handle to suit your height (Figure 4A). Shorter users adjust handle to a lower position (away from you) and taller users, adjust handle to an upper position (towards you). The handle should be adjusted so that your front arm is straight as shown in Figure 9.

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

•The overall height of the trimmer can be adjusted by loosening the lock collar and rotating it opposite to the arrow shown in Figure 4B. The tubes can then be extended shorter or longer. When the desired height is achieved tighten the collar by rotating in the direction shown in Figure 4B.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

• CAUTION: ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION.

• CAUTION: Inspect area to be trimmed and remove any wire, cord, or string-like objects which could become entangled in the rotating line or spool. Be particularly careful to avoid any wire which might be bent outwardly into the path of the tool, such as barbs at the base of a chain link fence.

OPERATE THE TRIMMER/EDGER

•To turn trimmer on, pull the lock out button, shown in Figure 5, back and, then squeeze the trigger switch. To turn the tool off, release the trigger.

•Slowly swing trimmer side-to-side as shown in Figure 9.

•To convert for maintenance edging, turn off the tool. (See Figure 10) Holding the trimmer with one hand by the auxiliary handle, grasp the collar and push in direction of arrow and rotate the trimmer head until it stops, (half turn), release your hand, (rotate clockwise when viewed from the switch end). The tool is locked in the edger position.

Rotate the wire edge guide forward and down into place before edging, as shown in Figure 11.

•To operate as a maintenance edger, position trimmer above sidewalk as shown in Figure 12.

•Return to trimming position by turning the tool off, push in direction of arrow and rotating the trimmer head counter clockwise until it stops. When using the tool in the trimmer mode you may choose to fold the wire edge guide up out of the way.

LINE FEEDING

Your trimmer uses .065” (1.65mm) diameter nylon line to cut grass and weeds quickly and easily. In time, the tip of the nylon line will become worn and the auto feed mechanism will automatically feed and trim a fresh length of line.

The cutting line will wear faster if the cutting is done along sidewalks or other abrasive surfaces or heavier weeds are being cut. The automatic feed mechanism senses when more cutting line is needed and feeds and trims the correct length of line whenever it is required. You don’t even have to think about it. Do not bump unit on ground in attempt to feed line or for any other purpose.

REPLACING SPOOL/CLEARING JAMS AND TANGLED LINES

From time to time, especially when cutting thick or stalky weeds, the line feeding hub may become clogged with sap or other material and the line will become jammed as a result. To clear the jam, follow the steps listed below.

•Turn off the trimmer and remove the battery.

•Press the release tabs on the line spool cover, as shown in Figure 13 and remove the cover by pulling it straight off.

•Lift the spool of nylon line out of the hub and clear any broken line or cutting debris from the spool area.

•In case of jams and tangled line unwrap about one foot (30cm) of line to ensure that it is undamaged. If it is OK rewind it and insert the line end through the eyelet in the spool hub, as shown in Figure 14. Pull the line through the hole to maintain tension while placing the spool down into the hub with the notched side exposed, as shown in Figure 15.

•Press the spool down GENTLY and rotate it until you feel it drop into place. (When in place, the spool will turn a few degrees left and right freely.)

•Snap the spool cover back on, insert the battery and turn the tool on. In a few seconds or less you’ll hear the nylon line being cut automatically to the proper length.

REWINDING SPOOL FROM BULK LINE (USE ONLY .065” DIAMETER LINE)

Bulk line for your trimmer/edger is available at extra cost from your local dealer or Black & Decker Service Center. To install bulk line, follow the steps below.

•Turn off the trimmer and remove the battery.

•Press the release tabs on the line spool cover, as shown in Figure 13 and remove the cover by pulling it straight off.

•Remove the spool from the tool and remove and discard all line on the spool.

•Insert one end of the bulk line into the hole in the spool shown in Figure 16 about 1/2” (12mm).

•Hold the line in the hole and pull the rest of the line through the slot in the spool, shown in Figure 16.

•Snugly and evenly wind the bulk line onto the spool in the direction of the arrow on spool in Figure 16 until it is nearly full. (The spool holds 50 ft. (15.2m) of line and bulk line is sold in 50 foot sections.)

•Insert the line end through the eyelet in the spool hub, as shown in Figure 14. Pull the line through the hole to maintain tension while placing the spool down into the hub with the notched side exposed, as shown in Figure 15.

•Press the spool down GENTLY and rotate it until you feel it drop into place. (When in place, the spool will turn a few degrees left and right freely.)

•Snap the spool cover back on, insert the battery and turn the tool on. In a few seconds or less you’ll hear the nylon line being cut automatically to the proper length.

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
	Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
1.	Unit won’t run.	A. Battery not charged.	A. Charge for at least 12 hours.
		B. Battery not properly attached.	B. Remove and reattach
			battery/handle.
2.	Line won’t feed.	A. Line tangled in spool.	A. Unwrap 24” of line and rewind.
3.	Line fails to cut off.	A. Line cutter in guard is	A. Return to service center for
		damaged or missing.	replacement/repair.
		B. Line extends past guard.	B. Rewind or trim line to line
			cutter.

MAINTENANCE

CLEANING

•Use only mild soap and damp cloth to clean the tool. Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid.

• WARNING: Remove or disconnect battery before servicing, cleaning or removing material from the gardening appliance.

ACCESSORIES

•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.

•Use Black & Decker replacement spool No. AF-100.

•Reload nylon line (either bulk or prewrapped replacement spool) as shown in this manual.

•USE ONLY .065" (1.65mm) DIAMETER NYLON MONOFILAMENT LINE.

Heavier line will overload the motor, cause overheating and will impair the automatic feed. This line is available at your local dealer or authorized service center.

•Do not use fishing line or other lines that are not recommended.

• 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

IMPORTANT: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and adjustment should be performed by Black & Decker service centers or other qualified service organizations, always using identical replacement parts.

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.

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.

This tool is not intended for commercial use.

Imported by	See ‘Tools-Electric’
Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc.,	– Yellow Pages –
701 E. Joppa Rd.	for Service & Sales
Towson, MD 21286 U.S.A.