RIDGID RT-175 Manual page 2

not use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medications. A moment of
inattention while operating tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing,
and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is OFF before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on
the switch or plugging tools in that have the switch ON invites accidents.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables
better control of the tool in unexpected situations.
• Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or
hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Tool Use and Care
• Do not use tool if switch does not turn it ON or OFF. Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
• Store idle tools out of the reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the
hands of untrained users.
• Maintain tools with care. Properly maintained tools are less likely to cause injury.
• Check for breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the tool's operation. If damaged,
have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.
• Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model. Accessories that
may be suitable for one tool may become hazardous when used on another tool.
• Inspect tool and extension cords periodically and replace if damaged. Damaged cords increase the
risk of electrical shock.
• Keep handles dry and clean; free from oil and grease. Allows for better control of the tool.
• Check electrodes for wear and replace before the threaded studs show. Prevents electrical arcing and
excessive current draw.
Service
• Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed
by unqualified repair personnel could result in injury.
• When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance
Section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may create a
risk of electrical shock or injury.
• Disconnect all power from the unit before servicing. Eliminates the risk of electrical shock and
accidental starting.
Specific Safety Information
** Warning
WARNING
Read this operator's manual carefully before using the Electric Soldering Gun. Failure to understand and follow
the contents of this manual may result in electrical shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
Call the Ridge Tool Company, Technical Service Department at (800) 519-3456 if you have any questions.
Tool Safety
• Tool is made to solder copper pipe. Follow instructions on proper use. Other uses may increase the
risk of injury.
• Do not leave the unit unattended. Such preventive measures reduce the risk of injury or fire.
• Do not touch solder gun sleeves or carbon tips. They remain hot after use.
• Do not operate unit with the electrical box cover removed. Exposure to internal parts increases the risk
of electrical shock.
• Use soldering sleeves and carbon tips provided with unit. Incorrect carbon tips or sleeves may result
in overheating of the wires.
• Keep soldering sleeves away from combustible materials or articles that can be damaged by heat.
Soldering sleeves and carbon tips remain hot after use.
• Do not solder near combustible materials. Copper pipe and soldering sleeves reach temperatures that
can result in fire.
• Do not store the handle in the case until the carbon tips have cooled. They may burn the cord or solder
gun cable.
• Do not clamp or touch threaded studs or stainless steel sleeves against pipe or fittings. Prevents
electrical arcing and excessive current draw that may kick out circuit breaker.