12 Amp Electric Reciprocating Saw
Model
HE75
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, User must read and understand
Owner’s Manual. SAVE THIS MANUAL.
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and undamaged.
If any parts are missing or broken, please call 1‑800‑444‑3353
as soon as possible. Reference 56879.
®
Owner’s Manual &
Safety Instructions
25e
Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 56879
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 mains-operated (corded) power tool
or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
Work Area Safety
1. Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
2. 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.
3. Keep children and bystanders
away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
Electrical Safety
1. Power tool plugs must match the outlet.
Never modify the plug in any way.
Do not use any adapter plugs with grounded
power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching
outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
2. Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces
such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of
electric shock if your body is grounded.
3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool
will increase the risk of electric shock.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Personal Safety
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 energizing power
tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
4. 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.
5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better control
of the power tool in unexpected situations.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Avoid unintentional starting.
Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool.
11. Do not lay the tool down until it has come to
a complete stop. Moving parts can grab the
surface and pull the tool out of your control.
12. When using a handheld power tool,
maintain a firm grip on the tool with both
hands to resist starting torque.
Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 56879
13. Do not leave the tool unattended when it is plugged
into an electrical outlet. Turn off the tool, and
unplug it from its electrical outlet before leaving.
14. This product is not a toy.
Keep it out of reach of children.
15. 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.
In addition, people with pacemakers should:
• Avoid operating alone.
• Do not use with Trigger locked on.
• Properly maintain and inspect to avoid
electrical shock.
• Properly ground power cord.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
should also be implemented – it prevents
sustained electrical shock.
16. 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.
Power Tool Use and Care
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/
or remove the battery pack, if detachable, 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges
are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
7. 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.
8. 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.
Service
1. 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.
2. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
Safety Instructions for
Reciprocating Saws
1. Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces
when performing an operation where the cutting
accessory may contact hidden wiring or its own
cord. Cutting accessory contacting a “live” wire
may make exposed metal parts of the power tool
“live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
2. Use clamps or another practical way to secure
and support the workpiece to a stable platform.
Holding the workpiece by hand or against your body
leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.
3. Keep hands away from moving parts.
Never place your hands near the cutting area.
4. Use extra caution when cutting overhead and
pay particular attention to overhead wires which
may be hidden from view. Anticipate the path
of falling branches and debris ahead of time.
Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 56879
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:
1. 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.
2. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces
the blood supply to the hands and fingers,
increasing the risk of vibration‑related injury.
3. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the
vibration effects on the user.
4. Use tools with the lowest vibration
when there is a choice.
5. Include vibration‑free periods each day of work.
6. Grip tool as lightly as possible (while still keeping
safe control of it). Let the tool do the work.
7. 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 WIRE CONNECTION:
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 tool. Never remove the grounding
prong from the plug. Do not use the tool 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.
Grounded Tools: Tools with
Three Prong Plugs
3-Prong Plug and Outlet
1. Tools marked with “Grounding Required” have
a three wire cord and three prong grounding
plug. The plug must be connected to a properly
grounded outlet. If the tool should electrically
malfunction or break down, grounding provides
a low resistance path to carry electricity away
from the user, reducing the risk of electric shock.
(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
2. The grounding prong in the plug is connected
through the green wire inside the cord to the
grounding system in the tool. The green wire
in the cord must be the only wire connected to
the tool’s grounding system and must never
be attached to an electrically “live” terminal.
(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
3. The tool must be plugged into an appropriate outlet,
properly installed and grounded in accordance
with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet
should look like those in the preceding illustration.
(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 56879
Double Insulated Tools: Tools
with Two Prong Plugs
Outlets for 2-Prong Plug
1. Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not
require grounding. They have a special
double insulation system which satisfies
OSHA requirements and complies with
the applicable standards of Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc., the Canadian Standard
Association, and the National Electrical Code.
2. Double insulated tools may be used in either of the
120 volt outlets shown in the preceding illustration.
(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
Extension Cords
1. Grounded tools require a three wire extension cord.
Double Insulated tools can use either
a two or three wire extension cord.
2. As the distance from the supply outlet increases,
you must use a heavier gauge extension cord.
Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire
causes a serious drop in voltage, resulting in loss of
power and possible tool damage. (See Table A.)
3. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the
greater the capacity of the cord. For example,
a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current
than a 16 gauge cord. (See Table A.)
4. When using more than one extension cord to make
up the total length, make sure each cord contains at
least the minimum wire size required. (See Table A.)
5. If you are using one extension cord for more
than one tool, add the nameplate amperes
and use the sum to determine the required
minimum cord size. (See Table A.)
6. If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make
sure it is marked with the suffix “W‑A” (“W” in
Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.
7. Make sure the extension cord is properly wired
and in good electrical condition. Always replace
a damaged extension cord or have it repaired
by a qualified electrician before using it.
8. Protect the extension cords from sharp objects,
excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.
TAbLE A: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE
GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS* (120/240 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE
AMPERES
(at full load)
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
25´ 50´ 75´ 100´ 150´
0 – 2.0 18 18 18 18 16
2.1 – 3.4 18 18 18 16 14
3.5 – 5.0 18 18 16 14 12
5.1 – 7.0 18 16 14 12 12
7.1 – 12.0 18 14 12 10 ‑
12.1 – 16.0 14 12 10 ‑ ‑
16.1 – 20.0 12 10 ‑ ‑ ‑
* based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at
150% of the rated amperes.
Symbology
V
Volts
Direct Current
AC
Alternating Current
A
Amperes
Hz
Hertz
n
0
xxxx/min.
No Load Revolutions
per Minute (RPM)
SPM
Strokes Per Minute
WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI‑approved
safety goggles with side shields.
Read the manual before
set‑up and/or use.
WARNING marking
concerning Risk of Fire.
Do not cover ventilation ducts.
Keep flammable objects away.
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 1-800-444-3353. Item 56879
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical Rating 120VAC / 60Hz / 12A
No Load Speed 0-2800 SPM
Max. Workpiece Thickness 1‑1/8"
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.
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.
Power Supply Requirements
120VAC, 60Hz
Functions
1
2
3
5
4
1. Pivoting Shoe
2. Blade Clamp
3. Work Light
4. Hook
5. Trigger
6. Handle
7. Power Cord
6
7
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 Changing
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Trigger is in the OFF position
and unplug the tool from its electrical outlet before
performing any procedure in this section.
Installing / Removing Blade
1. Rotate the sleeve of the Clamp counterclockwise
and insert the saw blade (sold separately) fully into
the Clamp. Release the sleeve to close the Clamp.
2. Check that the Saw Blade is firmly locked in
place and that the teeth are pointed downward.
3. To remove blade, rotate the sleeve of the Clamp
counterclockwise to open the Clamp. Remove
blade from Clamp and then release the sleeve.
WARNING! To prevent serious injury: Before
connecting the power cord for each use, wear
work gloves and pull on the Saw Blade to make
sure it is securely locked in the Clamp.
Clamp sleeve
Adjusting Hook
1. The Hook may be used to hang the saw, if desired.
2. Grasp Hook and pull out. Rotate Hook
to desired position.
3. Return Hook to holding position when not in use.
Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 56879
Adjusting Pivoting Shoe
1. Press the Pivoting Shoe Lock in and adjust
the Pivoting Shoe to the desired location.
2. Release the Pivoting Shoe Lock
to lock Shoe in place.
Pivoting Shoe Lock
Setting and Testing
1. Set the Trigger to the OFF position and ensure
the Blade is correctly attached to the Saw.
2. Connect the power cord to the outlet.
3. Be sure saw blade is not touching any
surface and squeeze Trigger to start the tool.
Continue to run the tool for 30 seconds.
4. If abnormal noise/vibration occurs or
the blade loosens, have the problem
corrected before further use.
5. Release the Trigger. Allow the saw to come
to a complete stop before setting it down.
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.
This is especially critical for plunge cuts.
4. Using a glove, push blade holder all the
way back. The workpiece must be thinner
than minimum blade extension.
5. CAUTION! To prevent injury, do not use on
workpieces thicker than the minimum blade
extension at their maximum thickness.
Blade tip can strike workpiece and may shatter.
Workpieces that are Too Thick
PVC Pipe
Properly Sized Workpieces
PVC Pipe
®
Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 56879
General Instructions for Use
1. Set Trigger to OFF position, then plug Saw
into 120VAC, 60Hz grounded outlet.
2. Grip Saw firmly with both hands, rest the
front of the Pivoting Shoe on workpiece
with the blade above the work.
CAUTION! Do not start the Saw if the
blade is in contact with anything.
3. Press the Trigger to start the tool. The Work
Light will turn on when Trigger is pressed
and turn off when Trigger is released.
4. The tool has variable speed. To increase
speed, apply more pressure to Trigger. To
decrease speed, apply less pressure.
Note: When cutting softer materials, use a faster speed.
When cutting harder materials, use a slower speed.
5. Allow the Saw to come up to full speed
before touching the workpiece.
6. Guide the saw blade into the workpiece.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
Keep the Shoe pressed firmly against the
workpiece while cutting to prevent kickback.
7. Maintain a smooth motion, guiding the blade
through the material as it is cut. Follow the cut.
Do not press too hard. If the Saw slows down as
it is cutting, apply less pressure on the Saw.
8. To stop the Saw, release the Trigger.
9. Allow the Saw to come to a complete
stop before setting it down.
10. To prevent accidents, unplug the tool. Clean, then
store the Saw indoors out of children’s reach.
Plunge Cutting
Plunge cut into plywood, sheetrock, and thin
board panels. Do not attempt to plunge cut
into thick, hard wood or metal panels.
1. Mark the cut line.
2. Place Pivoting Shoe on workpiece with blade parallel
to cut line, and NOT touching the workpiece.
WARNING! To prevent serious injury due
to kickback, do not start a plunge cut with
the blade touching the workpiece.
3. Press the Trigger.
4. Allow the saw to come up to full speed, then slowly
rotate saw on the Pivoting Shoe as the blade
contacts the workpiece. Hold the saw firmly.
5. Continue to slowly rotate the saw until the
blade has penetrated through the workpiece.
Press the Pivot Shoe firmly against the
workpiece and continue to make the cut.
6. To stop the saw, release the Trigger.
7. Allow the saw to come to a complete
stop before removing from cut.
8. To prevent accidents, unplug Saw after use. Clean,
then store the Saw indoors out of children’s reach.
Metal Cutting
1. Install a metal cutting blade.
2. Coat the cutting surface with cutting oil to
prevent the blade from overheating.
3. Follow General Instructions for Use on page 8.
Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 56879
MAINTENANCE AND
SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS
Procedures not specifically explained
in this manual must be performed
only by a qualified technician.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Trigger is in the OFF position
and unplug the tool from its electrical outlet
before performing any procedure in this section.
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:
• loose hardware
• misalignment or binding of moving parts
• damaged cord/electrical wiring,
• cracked or broken parts
• any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
2. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces
of the tool with clean cloth.
3. For blade changing instructions
see Installing / Removing Blade on page 6.
4. WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY: If the supply cord of this power
tool is damaged, it must be replaced only
by a qualified service technician.
Page 10 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 56879
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Tool will not start. 1. Cord not connected.
2. No power at outlet.
3. Tool’s thermal reset breaker
tripped (if equipped).
4. Internal damage or wear.
(Carbon brushes or
Trigger, for example.)
1. Check that cord is plugged in.
2. Check power at outlet. If outlet is unpowered,
turn off tool and check circuit breaker.
If breaker is tripped, make sure circuit is right
capacity for tool and circuit has no other loads.
3. Turn off tool and allow to cool. Press reset button on tool.
4. Have technician service tool.
Tool operates
slowly.
1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Extension cord too long or
cord diameter too small.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Use correct extension cord.
Performance
decreases
over time.
1. Carbon brushes worn
or damaged.
2. Blade dull or damaged.
1. Have qualified technician replace brushes.
2. Keep blades sharp. Replace as needed.
Excessive noise
or rattling.
Internal damage or
wear. (Carbon brushes or
bearings, for example.)
Have technician service tool.
Overheating. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Blade dull or damaged.
3. Blocked motor housing vents.
4. Motor being strained by
long or small diameter
extension cord.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Keep blades sharp. Replace as needed.
3. Wear ANSI‑approved safety goggles and
NIOSH‑approved dust mask/respirator while
blowing dust out of motor using compressed air.
4. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an extension
cord is needed, use one with the proper diameter
for its length and load. See Extension Cords
in Grounding section on page 4.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect power supply before service.
Page 11For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 56879
Record Product’s Date Code Here:
Note: If product has no Date Code, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Replacement parts are not available for this item. Reference UPC 193175553713.
®
26677 Agoura Road • Calabasas, CA 91302 • 1-800-444-3353
Visit our website at: https://www.harborfreight.com
Email our technical support at: [email protected]
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353
Copyright
©
2025 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.
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.
