RIDGID R87701 Operator's Manual page 8

OPERATION
DRILLING/DRIVING SCREWS
See Figure 7, page 12.
 Check the direction of rotation selector for the correct
setting (forward or reverse).
 Secure the workpiece in a vise or with clamps to keep it
from turning as the bit rotates.
 Hold the drill firmly as shown and place the bit at the
point to be drilled, or where the screw is to be driven. If
necessary, use other hand to help brace the tool.
WARNING:
Brace the tool properly before use. This tool pro-
duces a high output torque and without properly
bracing the tool during operation, loss of control
may occur resulting in personal injury.
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 break-
through. 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. When the brake is
functioning properly, sparks will be visible through the vent
slots on the housing. This is normal and is the action of the
brake.
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