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20181F-B
4V CORDLESS
STAPLER
57241
tM
Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the back
of the manual (or month and year of purchase if product has no number). Keep this manual and the receipt
in a safe and dry place for future reference. 24d
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact
and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,
please call 1‑888‑866‑5797 as soon as possible.
Copyright
©
2020 by Harbor Freight Tools
®
. All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in
any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 57241
SaFety OperatiOn MaintenanceSetup
table of contents
Safety ......................................................... 2
Specifications ............................................. 6
Setup .......................................................... 6
Operation .................................................... 7
Maintenance .............................................. 10
Warranty .................................................... 12
WarninG SyMBOLS anD DeFinitiOnS
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential
personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not related to personal injury.
iMpOrtant SaFety inFOrMatiOn
General power tool Safety Warnings
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 battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
1. Work area Safety
a. Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
b. 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.
c. Keep children and bystanders
away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
2. electrical Safety
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool
will increase the risk of electric shock.
Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 57241
SaFetyOperatiOnMaintenance Setup
3. personal safety
a. 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.
b. use personal protective equipment. always
wear eye protection. Protective equipment
such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard
hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate
conditions will reduce personal injuries.
c. prevent unintentional starting.
ensure the trigger is in the off-position
before connecting to power source, picking
up or carrying the tool.
Carrying power tools with your finger on
the Trigger or energizing power tools that
have the Trigger on invites accidents.
d. Do not overreach. Keep proper
footing and balance at all times. This
enables better control of the power
tool in unexpected situations.
e. 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.
f. 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.
g. Only use safety equipment that has been
approved by an appropriate standards agency.
Unapproved safety equipment may not provide
adequate protection. Eye protection must be
ANSI‑approved and breathing protection
must be NIOSH‑approved for the
specific hazards in the work area.
h. This product is not a toy.
Keep it out of reach of children.
i. People with pacemakers should
consult their physician(s) before use.
Electromagnetic fields in close proximity to
heart pacemaker could cause pacemaker
interference or pacemaker failure.
j. The warnings, precautions, and instructions
discussed in this instruction manual cannot
cover all possible conditions and situations
that may occur. It must be understood by the
operator that common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into this product,
but must be supplied by the operator.
k. always wear hearing protection
when using the tool.
Prolonged exposure to high intensity
noise is able to cause hearing loss.
l. always wear eye protection. Wear
ANSI-approved safety goggles with
side shields.
m. always assume that the tool contains
fasteners. Do not point the tool toward yourself
or anyone whether it contains fasteners or not.
n. WarninG – Do not drive fastener on
top of another fastener. This is able to
cause the fastener to be deflected and hit
someone, or cause the tool to react and
result in a risk of injury to persons.
o. WarninG – remove finger from the
trigger when not driving fasteners.
Never carry the tool with finger on Trigger,
the tool is able to discharge a fastener.
p. Only use safety equipment
that has been approved by an
appropriate standards agency. Unapproved
safety equipment may not provide adequate
protection. Eye protection must be
ANSI-approved and breathing protection
must be NIOSH-approved for the
specific hazards in the work area.
4. power tool use and care
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. Maintain power tools and accessories.
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.
e. 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.
Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 57241
SaFety OperatiOn MaintenanceSetup
f. 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.
g. use only those fasteners listed in the
Specifications chart of this manual.
Fasteners not identified for use with this
tool by the tool manufacturer are able
to result in a risk of injury to persons or
tool damage when used in this tool.
5. Stapler Safety Warnings
a. always assume the tool contains fasteners.
Careless handling of the tacker can result in
unexpected driving of fasteners and personal
injury.
b. Do not point the tool toward yourself or
anyone nearby. Unexpected triggering will
discharge the fastener causing an injury.
c. Do not actuate the tool unless the tool is
placed firmly against the workpiece. If the tool
Is not in contact with the workpiece, the fastener
may be deflected away from your target.
d. Disconnect the tool from the power source
when the fastener jams in the tool. While
removing a jammed fastener, the nailer may be
accidentally activated if it is energized.
e. use caution while removing a jammed
fastener. The mechanism may be under
compression and the fastener may be
forcefully discharged while attempting
to free a jammed condition.
f. Do not use this tacker for fastening
electrical cables. It is not designed for
electric cable installation and may damage
the insulation of electric cables thereby
causing electric shock or actuate hazards.
g. Operators and others in work area MUST
wear ANSI‑approved safety goggles with
side shields during use. The employer is
responsible to enforce the use of eye protection
by the operator and others in the work area.
h. Keep fingers away from Trigger when not
driving fasteners to avoid accidental discharge.
i. Choice of triggering method is important.
Check manual for triggering options.
j. Respect the tool as a working implement.
k. No horseplay. This tool is not a toy and can be
deadly if misused.
l. Do not load the tool with fasteners when any
one of the operating controls, such as the
Trigger or Workpiece Contact, is activated.
m. Do not remove, tamper with, or
otherwise cause the tool operating
controls to become inoperable.
n. Do not operate the tool if any portion of
the tool operating controls is inoperable,
disconnected, altered, or not working properly.
o. Do not make any modifications to this tool.
p. Refer to the tool maintenance
instructions for detailed information on
the proper maintenance of the tool.
q. Drive fasteners into an appropriate
work surface only. Do not attempt to
discharge fasteners into surfaces too hard to
penetrate. Do not drive fasteners on top of
other fasteners, or at too steep of an angle.
Fasteners can ricochet causing personal injury.
r. Do not drive fasteners too close to the edge
of a workpiece. They may split the workpiece
and fly free, causing personal injury.
s. Keep clear of the workpiece near the area being
fastened. Fasteners may bend sideways during
driving, causing them to exit the workpiece at
an unexpected point, causing personal injury.
t. Transport tool safely. Always turn off the tool
when moving the tool. Carry the tool by the
handle and avoid contact with the Trigger.
u. Hold tool away from head and body.
During operation the tool may
kick back causing injury.
v. Do not drive fasteners into a workpiece
that has people, utility lines, or other
objects behind or inside it.
w. Keep balance while using this tool.
Keep area below clear if working
in an elevated location.
x. Do not engrave or stamp anything into
the housing to avoid weakening it.
6. Service
a. 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.
b. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
7. Battery tool use and care
Contains Li‑Ion battery. Battery must be
recycled or disposed of properly. Do not open,
crush, heat above 140° F or incinerate.
Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 57241
SaFetyOperatiOnMaintenance Setup
8. Vibration Safety
This tool vibrates during use.
Repeated or long‑term exposure to vibration may
cause temporary or permanent physical injury,
particularly to the hands, arms and shoulders.
To reduce the risk of vibration‑related injury:
a. Anyone using vibrating tools regularly or for
an extended period should first be examined
by a doctor and then have regular medical
check‑ups to ensure medical problems are not
being caused or worsened from use. Pregnant
women or people who have impaired blood
circulation to the hand, past hand injuries,
nervous system disorders, diabetes, or
Raynaud’s Disease should not use this tool.
If you feel any symptoms related to
vibration (such as tingling, numbness,
and white or blue fingers), seek medical
advice as soon as possible.
b. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces
the blood supply to the hands and fingers,
increasing the risk of vibration‑related injury.
c. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the
vibration effects on the user.
d. Use tools with the lowest vibration
when there is a choice.
e. Include vibration‑free periods each day of work.
f. Grip tool as lightly as possible (while still keeping
safe control of it). Let the tool do the work.
g. To reduce vibration, maintain the tool as
explained in this manual. If any abnormal
vibration occurs, stop use immediately.
SaVe tHeSe inStructiOnS.
Grounding
tO preVent eLectric SHOcK anD DeatH FrOM incOrrect GrOunDinG:
check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly
grounded. Do not modify the power cord plug provided with the charger. Do not use the
charger if the power cord or plug is damaged. if damaged, have it repaired by a service facility
before use. if the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
extension cords
note: Extension cords must not be used with this item’s Charger.
Symbology
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Eye Injury. Wear
ANSI‑approved safety
goggles with side shields.
Warning marking concerning
Risk of Puncture Injury.
Wear heavy‑duty work gloves.
Read the manual before
set‑up and/or use.
WARNING marking
concerning Risk of Fire.
Do not cover Charger
ventilation ducts.
Charge on actuateproof surface only.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Electric Shock.
Properly connect Charger’s power
cord to appropriate outlet.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Explosion.
Do not puncture, short, or open
battery packs and do not charge
damaged battery packs.
Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 57241
SaFety OperatiOn MaintenanceSetup
Specifications
Charger Input Rating 120VAC / 60Hz / 1000mA
Battery Rating 4V / 1500mAh
Battery Type Li‑Ion
Actuation System Single Sequential
Staple Length 1/4″ / 5/16″ / 3/8″ / 1/2″
Staple Type 3/8″ Crown
Setup - Before use:
read the entire iMpOrtant SaFety inFOrMatiOn section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
Functions
Battery Status
indicator
trigger
Handle
charge port
(not shown)
power Switch
(not shown)
Magazine
Lock
Workpiece contact
charging
indicator
Workpiece contact ‑ The Workpiece Contact helps prevent the tool
from driving unless it is pressed against an object.
Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 57241
SaFetyOperatiOnMaintenance Setup
Operating instructions
read the entire iMpOrtant SaFety inFOrMatiOn section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
tool Set up
tO preVent SeriOuS inJury FrOM acciDentaL DiScHarGe:
Make sure that the trigger is in the off-position and remove its Battery
pack before performing any procedure in this section.
charging
read the entire iMpOrtant SaFety inFOrMatiOn section at the beginning of this document
including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
nOte: Before using Stapler for the first
time, fully charge the Battery.
1. Plug Adaptor into Charge Port on back of Stapler.
2. Plug Adaptor into a grounded 120VAC outlet.
3. The Charge Indicator on the tool will turn Red
during charging. When charging is done,
it will turn Green. Unplug the Adaptor.
nOtice: Do not leave the Battery in a discharged
state. Charge the Battery every 3 months if the
Stapler is not in use. This will keep the Battery
from wearing down and add to its life. Do not
charge the Stapler at temperatures below 40° F.
Workpiece and Work area Set up
1. Designate a work area that is clean and well lit.
The work area must not allow access by children
or pets to prevent distraction and injury.
2. Secure loose workpieces using a vise or clamps
(not included) to prevent movement while working.
3. There must not be objects, such as utility lines,
nearby that will present a hazard while working.
Single-Sequential actuation Mechanism Definition
The single‑sequential actuation mechanism is designed to allow accurate placement of fasteners.
The tool should only actuate if the Workpiece Contact is pressed against the workpiece prior to
pulling the Trigger. It should only actuate again if the trigger is released and squeezed again.
The Tool should not actuate if the Workpiece Contact is not pressed against an object.
Single-Sequential actuation Mechanism testing procedure
tO preVent SeriOuS inJury FrOM acciDentaL DiScHarGe:
empty the tool before this procedure. point the tool at a piece of scrap wood when testing.
1. Turn off the tool.
2. Empty the magazine of fasteners.
3. Check that the Trigger and the Workpiece Contact
move freely, without sticking.
4. Turn on tool.
5. Test the tool by pressing the Workpiece Contact
against the workpiece without pulling the Trigger.
the tool must not cycle (actuate).
If it cycles (actuates), stop immediately and have
it repaired by a qualified service technician.
Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 57241
SaFety OperatiOn MaintenanceSetup
6. Hold the tool away, or off of the workpiece.
The Workpiece Contact should return to its original
position. Squeeze the Trigger.
the tool must not cycle (actuate).
If it cycles (actuates), stop immediately and
take the tool to a qualified service technician.
7. Press the Workpiece Contact against the workpiece
and squeeze the Trigger.
the tool must cycle (actuate) only once.
Release the Trigger, slide the Stapler to a fresh
piece of wood, and squeeze it again.
the tool must cycle (actuate) again only once.
With the Trigger held, carefully lift the tool and
press it against the workpiece again.
the tool must not cycle (actuate).
If it fails to act in the manner explained in bold,
have it repaired by a qualified service technician.
Loading the tool
tO preVent SeriOuS inJury FrOM acciDentaL DiScHarGe, BeFOre LOaDinG:
• Wear anSi-approved safety goggles with side shields.
Other people in the work area must also wear ANSI‑approved impact safety goggles with side shields.
• turn power Switch off.
• attempt to discharge the tool into a piece of scrap wood to
1. Turn Stapler upside down. Pull Magazine Lock
down and pull the Pusher out as far as it will go.
Magazine Lock
2. Insert staples into Magazine with
pointed ends facing up.
Loading
compartment
3. Slide Pusher in until Magazine Lock
snaps securely in place.
Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 57241
SaFetyOperatiOnMaintenance Setup
General Operating instructions
1. Turn the power switch on.
2. Before each use, test the tool as
directed in the prior section.
WarninG! tO preVent
SeriOuS inJury: Keep second hand
away from tool discharge area,
especially if holding workpiece.
tool applies extreme force to fastener, and
fasteners may deflect or discharge in an
unexpected direction.
WarninG! tO preVent SeriOuS
inJury: Do not hold tool near body while
driving. tool recoil can cause injury.
WarninG! tO preVent SeriOuS
inJury, incLuDinG perManent
HearinG LOSS: always wear hearing
protection when using the tool.
3. Position tool at desired fastener location
and depress the Workpiece Contact
fully against the workpiece. Squeeze
the Trigger to discharge a fastener.
note: Depress the Workpiece Contact
before each squeeze of the Trigger.
4. after use, to prevent accidents:
a. release the trigger.
b. turn the power Switch off.
c. attempt to discharge the tool into a piece of
scrap wood to ensure that it is disconnected
and is incapable of driving any fasteners.
d. release the trigger again.
e. clean external surfaces with clean, dry cloth.
f. Store indoors out of children’s reach.
clearing a Jam
1. Turn Power Switch off.
2. If a fastener is jammed in the discharge
area, remove it with pliers.
3. If a fastener is jammed in the Magazine, turn
Stapler upside down. Pull Magazine Lock down
and pull the Pusher out as far as it will go.
Magazine Lock
4. Pull out the jammed fastener and the remainder
of the fastener strip that is still in the magazine.
Dispose of the remaining fastener strip; it may
be bent or damaged in some other way.
5. After removing and discarding jammed
staple, Insert staples into Magazine
with pointed ends facing up.
Loading
compartment
6. Slide Pusher in until Magazine Lock
snaps securely in place.
Page 10 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 57241
SaFety OperatiOn MaintenanceSetup
Maintenance and Servicing
procedures not specifically explained in this manual must
be performed only by a qualified technician.
tO preVent SeriOuS inJury FrOM acciDentaL DiScHarGe,
BeFOre any Maintenance Or repairS are DOne (including clearing jams):
• Wear anSi-approved safety goggles with side shields.
Other people in the work area must also wear ANSI‑approved impact safety goggles with side shields.
• release the trigger.
• attempt to discharge the tool into a piece of scrap wood to ensure that
it is disconnected and is incapable of driving any fasteners.
• empty the Magazine and leave it open during service.
tO preVent SeriOuS inJury FrOM tOOL FaiLure:
Do not use damaged equipment. if abnormal noise or vibration
occurs, have the problem corrected before further use.
cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication
1. BeFOre eacH uSe, inspect the general
condition of the tool. Check for:
• proper Workpiece Contact operation
• free Workpiece Contact and Trigger movement
• loose hardware,
• misalignment or binding of moving parts,
• cracked or broken parts, and
• any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
2. aFter eacH uSe, perform the
following procedures:
• empty the Magazine
• attempt to discharge the tool into a
piece of scrap wood to ensure that it is
incapable of driving any fasteners
• clean the Pusher and Magazine to remove
any accumulated dirt and debris.
• clean external surfaces with clean, dry cloth
• store indoors out of children′s reach.
3. Store tool and charger in dry, indoor area out of
reach of children and away from metal objects
(i.e., paperclips, coins) to prevent shorting.
Battery removal
nOte: Contains Li‑Ion battery. Battery must
be recycled or disposed of properly.
1. Remove six screws from side of
Stapler, then remove housing.
2. Disconnect Battery wires.
3. Remove Battery.
Page 11For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 57241
SaFetyOperatiOnMaintenance Setup
troubleshooting
problem possible causes Likely Solutions
Tool cycles without
driving fastener.
1. Jammed fastener.
2. Tool empty.
3. Incorrect fasteners used.
4. Magazine and Pusher dirty.
1. Clear jammed fastener according
to Clearing Jams instructions.
2. Reload with correct fasteners.
3. Empty, then reload with correct fasteners.
4. Clean Magazine and Pusher.
Frequent jamming. Incorrect staple type. Confirm staple crown and length.
Correct as needed.
Tool will not start. 1. Battery not properly charged.
2. Battery worn‑out.
3. Internal damage or wear.
(Carbon brushes or
Trigger, for example.)
1. Make sure Charger is connected and
operating properly. Give enough time
for Battery to recharge properly.
2. Have qualified technician service tool.
3. Have qualified technician service tool.
Tool operates slowly. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Battery wearing out.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Have qualified technician service tool.
Performance
decreases over time.
Internal damage or wear. (Carbon
brushes or bearings, for example.)
Have qualified technician service tool.
Excessive noise
or rattling.
Internal damage or wear. (Carbon
brushes or bearings, for example.)
Have qualified technician service tool.
Overheating. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Blocked motor housing vents.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Wear ANSI‑approved safety goggles and
NIOSH‑approved dust mask/respirator while
blowing dust out of motor using compressed air.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect Battery pack and charger power supply before service.
record product’s Serial number Here:
note: if product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
note: Replacement parts may be available for this item.
Visit harborfreight.com/parts for a list of in stock parts. Reference UPC 792363572415.
tM
26677 agoura road • calabasas, ca 91302 • 1-888-866-5797
Limited 90 Day Warranty
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability
standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials
and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to
damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside
our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance.
We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent,
special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion
may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges
prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise.
If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may
elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will
return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted
from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
