RIDGID R8611501 Operator's Manual page 9

OPERATION
TWO-SPEED GEAR TRAIN
See Figure 8, page 14.
The drill has a two-speed gear train designed for drilling or
driving at LO (1) or HI (2) speeds. A slide switch is located on
top of the drill to select either LO (1) or HI (2) speed. When
using drill in the LO (1) speed range, speed will decrease
and unit will have more torque. When using drill in the HI
(2) speed range, speed will increase and unit will have less
torque. Use LO (1) speed for high torque applications and
HI (2) speed for fast drilling or driving applications.
NOTE: If you have difficulty changing from one gear range
to the other, turn the chuck by hand until the gears engage.
CAUTION:
Never change gears while the tool is running.
Failure to obey this caution could result in serious
damage to the drill.
ADJUSTABLE TORQUE CLUTCH
This product is equipped with an adjustable torque clutch
for driving different types of screws into different materials.
The proper setting depends on the type of material and the
size of screw you are using.
ADJUSTING TORQUE
See Figure 9, page 14.
When using the hammer drill for various driving applications,
it becomes necessary to increase or decrease the torque
to help prevent the possibility of damaging screw heads,
threads, workpiece, etc. In general, torque intensity should
correspond to the screw diameter. If the torque is too high or
the screws too small, the screws may be damaged or broken.
The torque is adjusted by rotating the torque adjustment ring.
The torque is greater when the torque adjustment ring is
set on a higher setting. The torque is less when the torque
adjustment ring is set on a lower setting.
The proper setting depends on the type of material and the
size of screw you are using.
NOTE: The torque adjustment ring only functions in drive
mode.
There are twenty-four torque indicator settings located on
the front of the drill.
 Rotate the torque adjustment ring to the desired setting.
• 1 - 4 For driving small screws
• 5 - 8 For driving screws into soft material
• 9 - 12 For driving screws into soft and hard
materials
• 13 - 16 For driving screws into hard wood
• 17 - 24 For driving large screws
MODE SELECTOR
See Figure 10, page 14.
The mode selector allows you to quickly switch from drill
mode to drive or hammer mode.
In general, drill mode should be used for drilling and other
heavy duty applications. Drive mode should be used for
driving screws. Hammer mode should be used for hammer
drilling.
NOTE: The hammer drill has not been designed for reverse
hammering.
Use carbide-tipped bits and select hammer mode when
drilling in hard materials such as brick, tile, concrete, etc.
Select drilling mode when drilling with twist drills, hole saws,
etc., in soft materials.
NOTE: When drilling in hammer mode, it is advisable to use
LO (1) Speed.
SELECTING DRILL, DRIVE, OR HAMMER MODE
See Figure 10, page 14.
Select the option that best matches the type of bit, fastener,
and material you will be using.
 Choose your application
 Choose the correct speed: LO (1) or HI (2)
 Choose the correct mode: drill, drive or hammer.
INSTALLING/REMOVING BITS
See Figure 11, page 15.
To install:
 Lock the switch trigger by placing the direction of rotation
selector in the center position.
 Open or close the chuck jaws to a point where the open-
ing is slightly larger than the bit size you intend to use.
Also, raise the front of the drill slightly to keep the bit from
falling out of the chuck jaws.
 Insert the drill bit.
WARNING:
Make sure to insert the drill bit straight into the
chuck jaws. Do not insert the drill bit into the chuck
jaws at an angle then tighten, as shown in figure 12.
This could cause the drill bit to be thrown from the
drill, resulting in possible serious personal injury or
damage to the chuck.
 Tighten the chuck jaws securely on the bit.
NOTE: Rotate the chuck body in the direction of the ar-
row marked LOCK to close the chuck jaws. Do not use
a wrench to tighten or loosen the chuck jaws.
9 - English