RIDGID R8701 Operator's Manual page 8

OPERATION
LED LIGHT
See Figure 7, page 10 (R8701).
The LED light, located on the front of the tool base, illumi-
nates when the switch trigger is depressed.
If the drill is not in use, the time-out feature will cause the
light to start fading and then shut off.
The LED light illuminates only when there is a charged bat-
tery pack in the tool.
DRILLING/DRIVING SCREWS
See Figure 7, page 10 (R8701).
 Check the direction of rotation selector for the correct
setting (forward or reverse).
 Use low (1) speed for high torque applications and
high (2) speed for fast drilling or driving applications.
Refer to Two-Speed Gear Train and Adjusting Torque.
 Secure the workpiece in a vise or with clamps to keep it
from turning as the bit rotates.
 Hold the drill firmly and place the bit at the point to be
drilled, or where the screw is to be driven.
WARNING:
Do not drive a screw where there is likely to be
hidden wiring behind the surface. Contact with a
"live" wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool
"live" and possibly shock the operator. If you must
drive a screw where hidden wire may be present,
always hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces
(handle) when performing the operation to prevent
a shock to the operator.
 Depress the switch trigger to start the drill.
 Move the bit into the workpiece, applying only enough
pressure to keep the bit cutting or driving the screw. Do
not force the drill or apply side pressure to elongate a
hole. Let the tool do the work.
WARNING:
When drilling, be prepared for binding at bit
breakthrough. When these situations occur, drill
has a tendency to grab and kick opposite to the
direction of rotation and could cause loss of control
when breaking through material. If not prepared,
this loss of control can result in possible serious
injury.
 When drilling hard, smooth surfaces, use a center punch
to mark the desired hole location. This will prevent the bit
from slipping off-center as the hole is started.
 If the bit jams in the workpiece or if the drill stalls, stop
the tool immediately. Remove the bit from the workpiece
and determine the reason for jamming.
NOTE: This drill has an electric brake. When the switch trig-
ger is released, the chuck stops turning.
NOTE: If an operation creates considerable dust resulting
in low visibility of the workpiece, frequent vacuuming of the
work area is recommended.
WOOD AND METAL DRILLING
For maximum performance, use high speed steel bits for
wood or metal drilling. Select drilling mode. Begin drilling
at a very low speed to prevent the bit from slipping off the
starting point.
Wood Drilling
 Increase the speed as the drill bit bites into the material.
 When drilling through holes, place a block of wood behind
the workpiece to prevent ragged or splintered edges on
the back side of the hole.
Metal and Steel Drilling
 Use a light oil on the drill bit to keep it from overheating.
The oil will prolong the life of the bit and increase the
drilling action.
 Maintain a speed and pressure which allows cutting
without overheating the bit. Applying too much pressure
will:
• Overheat the drill;
• Wear the bearings;
• Bend or burn bits; and
• Produce off-center or irregular-shaped holes.
 When drilling large holes in metal, start with a small bit,
then finish with a larger bit.
8 - English