20V Brushless 16 Gauge Nibbler
Model
HC711B
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 1‑888‑866‑5797
as soon as possible. Reference 58413.
Owner’s Manual &
Safety Instructions
23f
Battery and Charger Sold Separately
Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 58413
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
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.
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
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool
will increase 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. Do not leave the tool unattended when the
Battery Pack is connected. Turn off the tool,
and remove the Battery Pack before leaving.
Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 58413
11. This product is not a toy.
Keep it out of reach of children.
12. 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.
13. 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. Never service damaged BATTERY
packs. Service of BATTERY packs should
only be performed by the manufacturer
or authorized service providers.
3. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 58413
Battery tool use and care
1. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before connecting
to battery pack, picking up or carrying the
power tool. Carrying the power tool with your
finger on the switch or energizing power tool
that have the switch on invites accidents.
2. Disconnect the battery pack from the
power tool before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing power tool.
Such preventive safety measures reduce the
risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
3. 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.
4. Use power tools only with specifically
designated battery packs. Use of any other
battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Do not use a battery pack or power tool that
is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified
batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior
resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
8. Do not expose a battery pack or power tool to
fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or
temperature above 140°F may cause explosion.
9. Follow all charging instructions and do
not charge the battery pack or power tool
outside of the temperature range specified
in the instructions. Charging improperly or at
temperatures outside of the specified range may
damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
10. Have servicing performed by a qualified
repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that
the safety of the product is maintained.
11. Do not modify or attempt to repair the power
tool or the battery pack except as indicated
in the instructions for use and care.
12. The battery Charger gets hot during
use. The Charger’s heat can build up to
unsafe levels and create a fire hazard if
it does not receive adequate ventilation,
due to an electrical fault, or if it is used in a
hot environment. Do not place the Charger on a
flammable surface. Do not obstruct any vents on
the Charger. Especially avoid placing the
Charger on carpets and rugs; they are not only
flammable, but they also obstruct vents under
the Charger. Place the Charger on a stable, solid,
nonflammable surface (such as a stable metal
workbench or concrete floor) at least 1 foot away
from all flammable objects, such as drapes or walls.
Keep a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in
the area. Frequently monitor the Charger and
Battery Pack while charging.
Lithium Battery Safety Warnings
LITHIUM BATTERIES STORE
A LARGE AMOUNT OF ENERGY AND
WILL VENT FIRE OR EXPLODE
IF MISTREATED:
a. Keep Battery Pack dry.
b. DO NOT DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
TO THE BATTERY PACK:
• Open,
• Drop,
• Short-circuit,
• Puncture,
• Incinerate, or
• Expose to temperatures
greater than 140°F.
c. Charge Battery Pack only according
to its Charger’s instructions.
d. Inspect Battery Pack before every use;
do not use or charge if damaged.
Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 58413
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 medical or
physical 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 between different processes.
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:
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.
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.
Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 58413
Symbology
V
Volts
Direct Current
A
Amperes
n
0
xxxx/min.
No Load Revolutions
per Minute (RPM)
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 Charger
ventilation ducts.
Charge on fireproof 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.
Specifications
Battery Type
Hercules 20 V Li‑Ion 57373
(sold separately)
Charger Type
Hercules 20V/12V Li‑Ion
56559 (sold separately)
Electrical Rating 20 V
No Load Speed 2200 SPM
Max Cutting
Capacity
16 Gauge – Steel
18 Gauge – Stainless Steel
Min Cutting
Radius
Outside radius: 2 in (50.8 mm)
Inside radius: 1‑3/4 in (44.5 mm)
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
1. Power
Switch
2. Indicator
Light
3. Lock Nut
4. Die Holder
5. Die
6. Handle
7. Battery
Receptacle
1
4
7
6
2
5
3
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.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Switch is in the OFF position
and remove the Battery Pack before performing
any procedure in this section.
Tool Changing
Charging
Charge battery after unpacking and before using
this tool. Follow instructions included with battery
charger (Battery and Charger sold separately).
Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 58413
Adjusting Die Position
1. The Die Holder rotates 360° and has four pre‑set
detents (stops) at 0°, 90° right, 90° left, and 180°.
2. To change die position, loosen the Lock Nut and
rotate the Die Holder to the desired location.
3. Tighten the Lock Nut securely.
Die Holder
Die
Lock Nut
Wrench
4. To use a pre‑set stop, loosen the Lock
Nut, pull and turn the Die Holder until it
locks into the chosen stop position.
5. Make sure the Die Holder is securely locked
in position and tighten the Lock Nut.
Indicator Lights
1. When the Battery Pack charge is nearly
spent during use, the Indicator Lights come
on and the tool stops. When this occurs
replace with a fully charged Battery Pack.
2. If the Battery Pack is installed with the Power
Switch ON, the Indicator Lights flicker and
the tool will not start. To start the tool, slide
the Power Switch to OFF and then ON.
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.
4. Workpiece thickness should not exceed cutting
capacity in specifications chart on page 6.
5. Always lubricate the material to be cut. Lubricate
steel with cutting fluid; lubricate aluminum with
aluminum cutting fluid or mineral spirits.
General Instructions for Use
1. Make sure the material to be cut does not
exceed the capacity for this Nibbler. Use
the grooves in the Die Holder as a thickness
gauge to check material thickness.
Die
Holder
Notch
16 Gauge
Steel
18 Gauge
Stainless
Steel
2. Mark the line or shape to be cut on the workpiece.
3. Make sure that the Power Switch is in the OFF
position, then insert a fully charged 20 V Hercules
Battery Pack (sold separately) into the Battery
Receptacle, making sure it clicks in place securely.
4. Slide the Power Switch to the ON position to start
the Nibbler. To lock the Power Switch ON, press
down on the front of the Switch. To unlock the
Switch and stop the tool, press down on the rear
of the Switch and slide to the OFF position.
NOTE: Practice with the Nibbler on a scrap piece
of material before using on the actual workpiece.
5. Line up the notch on the Die Holder with the
cut line marked on the workpiece. Hold the
Nibbler so the Die Holder is perpendicular to
the workpiece. Apply light pressure to move
the Nibbler through the workpiece. If the
tool bogs down, use lighter pressure.
6. To make a pocket cut, first drill a hole larger
than 13/16 inch (20.6 mm). Insert the Die
Holder in the hole to make the cut.
7. When cutting across profiles on shaped
metal like corrugated roofing, make sure to
follow the angle of the profile, keeping the
Die Holder perpendicular to the profile.
8. When finished cutting, slide the Power Switch
to the OFF position to turn off the tool.
WARNING! If the Nibbler stalls while
cutting, turn off the tool. Back the tool out
an inch and restart the cutting process.
9. To prevent accidents, turn off the Nibbler and remove
its Battery Pack after use. Clean, then store tool
indoors out of children’s reach.
Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 58413
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
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 Switch is in the OFF position
and the Battery Pack is removed 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:
• leaking, swollen, or cracked battery pack
• loose hardware
• misalignment or binding of moving parts
• 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. Li‑Ion BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Do not short, incinerate or open battery.
4. Disconnect battery pack and store battery pack,
charger, and tool in dry, indoor area out of
reach of children and away from metal objects
(i.e., paperclips, coins) to prevent shorting.
Replacing Punch and Die
Note: Replace Punch and Die together as a pair.
1. Loosen and remove the Lock Nut
and Die Holder from the tool.
2. Loosen two Cap Screws holding the Die
and remove Die from Die Holder.
3. Loosen the Punch Screw and remove
the Punch from the Punch Holder.
4. Place the new Punch into the Punch Holder
with the alignment notch in the Punch facing
the Punch Screw and tighten the Screw.
5. Place the new Die in position on the Die Holder.
Replace the Cap Screws and tighten securely.
Die Holder
Punch
Punch
Holder
Punch
Screw
Lock
Nut
Cap Screws
Die
6. Replace the Die Holder onto the Nibbler with the
Punch placed through the hole in the Die Holder.
Die
Holder
Punch
Hole
Die
7. Replace the Lock Nut and tighten securely.
Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 58413
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Tool will not start. 1. Battery Pack not properly
connected.
2. Battery Pack not properly
charged.
3. Battery Pack worn out.
4. Internal damage or wear.
(Power Switch, for example.)
1. Remove Battery Pack, make sure there are no
obstructions, reinsert the Battery Pack according
to its shape (it should only fit one way), and press
firmly until the Battery Pack locks in place.
2. Make sure Charger is connected and
operating properly. Give enough time for
Battery Pack to recharge properly.
3. Dispose of old Battery Pack
properly or recycle. Replace Battery Pack.
4. Have technician service tool.
Tool operates slowly. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Battery Pack wearing out.
3. Material thickness exceeds
maximum cutting capacity.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Dispose of old Battery Pack
properly or recycle. Replace Battery Pack.
3. Cut only proper thickness and materials.
Refer to Specifications chart on page 6.
Performance
decreases over time.
Punch dull or damaged. Replace punch and die as needed.
Excessive noise
or rattling.
Internal damage or wear.
(bearings, for example.)
Have technician service tool.
Overheating. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Punch dull or damaged.
3. Blocked motor housing vents.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Replace punch and die as needed.
3. 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.
Page 10 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 58413
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 193175438843.
Page 11For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 58413
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
This Hercules tool is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of five (5) years beginning on the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover battery packs
and battery chargers, which are covered under separate warranties. To obtain warranty service, visit your local
Harbor Freight retail store. Warranty registration is not required. The product or part must be returned to us with
proof of purchase (e.g. in‑store receipt or packing slip/invoice) and may require shipment by purchaser to a service
center at purchaser’s expense. If our inspection verifies a covered defect in materials or workmanship during the
warranty period, we will, at our option, repair or replace the defective product. We will return repaired products
within a reasonable time at our expense, but if we determine that there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from
causes not within the scope of our warranty, then we will return the product to you if you pay return shipping costs.
This warranty does not cover any failure or damage that we determine is due directly or indirectly to normal
wear and tear, misuse, use not for the intended purpose or not in accordance with the product manual,
abuse, accident, rental, modification or alteration, unauthorized repair, improper installation, neglect, lack of
maintenance, or any other failure not arising from defective materials or workmanship. Fraudulent returns or
claims will be denied. The repair or replacement described in this warranty shall be your sole and exclusive
remedy. THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES, WRITTEN
OR ORAL, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW
AND OTHERWISE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN. HARBOR
FREIGHT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR COSTS ARISING FROM THIS WARRANTY
OR THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN
IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THESE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC
LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
26677 Agoura Road • Calabasas, CA 91302 • 1-888-866-5797
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Email our technical support at: [email protected]
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797
Copyright
©
2023 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.
