Ryobi PCL901 Operator's Manual page 6

STARTING/STOPPING THE CAULK GUN
See Figure 2, page 9.
Before attempting to start the caulk gun, be sure the switch
lock is in the unlocked position.
 To turn the caulk gun ON, depress the switch trigger.
 To turn the caulk gun OFF, release the switch trigger.
WARNING:
Battery tools are always in operating condition. Lock the
switch when not in use or carrying at your side, when
installing or removing the battery pack, and when loading
or removing caulk tubes.
VARIABLE SPEED DIAL
See Figure 3, page 9.
The variable speed dial, located on the top of the tool,
allows the caulk gun to operate at different maximum
speeds. The maximum speed can be adjusted before or
during operation. To change the maximum speed during
operation, hold the caulk gun in a normal operating position,
fully depress the switch trigger, and rotate the dial clockwise
or counterclockwise. To change the maximum speed prior
to operation, rotate the dial clockwise or counterclockwise.
LOADING CAULK
See Figures 4 - 5, page 9.
 Lock the switch trigger by sliding the switch lock to the
left.
 Using a utility knife, cut off the tip of the spout on a
standard 10 oz. tube of caulk. Cut the tip at a 45˚ angle.
Remove as little as possible, taking into consideration
the size of the "bead" of caulk you need.
 Check for a second inner seal at the base of the spout. If
found, insert the puncture tool inside the spout to break
the seal before using. If using a partially filled tube, use
the puncture tool to remove any hardened material from
the tip.
NOTE: An inner seal is usually found only in cardboard
caulk tubes.
 While holding the caulk gun steady with one hand, pull
the handle of the plunger rod away from the caulk gun.
Continue pulling until plunger base reaches the back of
the carriage frame.
NOTE: Removing the plunger rod from the caulk gun is
not recommended. Improper reinstallation can lead to
decreased performance until reassembled correctly.
 Insert the flat end of the caulk tube into the carriage frame
then lower the nozzle. Make sure the tube is well seated
at both ends.
To remove:
 Lock the switch trigger.
OPERATION
 While holding the caulk gun steady with one hand, pull
the handle of the plunger rod away from the caulk gun.
Continue pulling until plunger base reaches the back of
the carriage frame.
 Lift the tube up and away from the caulk gun.
ELECTRONIC OVERLOAD PROTECTION
The caulk gun has an electronic overload protection feature.
If too much pressure is exerted on the tube, the motor will
shut down. This helps to prevent damage to the tool and the
caulk tube. If the motor shuts off, make sure that:
 Nozzle tip is cut
 Inner seal in the caulk tube is broken
 Hardened material is removed from the nozzle
 Caulk tube is not damaged or frozen
 Plunger rod is free of caulk/adhesive materials
Release the trigger and wait for 3 to 5 seconds to allow the
electronics to reset. If the motor again shuts off, move the
variable speed selector to the middle position and press the
trigger again. If the motor continues to shut off, try another
tube of material or take the tool to an authorized service center.
APPLYING CAULK
See Figures 6 - 7, page 10.
 Prepare the surface to be caulked by removing any dust,
dirt, or remnants of old caulking. Make sure the area to
be caulked is clean and dry.
 Unlock the switch trigger.
 Set the speed of the caulk gun to match your application
needs, using just enough caulk to do the job. Experiment
in an out-of-the-way area to find the best speed to use
to deliver the caulk bead you want.
 Hold the gun at a slight angle. If filling a crack, insert the
spout into the crack, if possible; otherwise, run the caulk
gun along the surface.
 Squeeze the trigger allowing the caulk to extrude from
the tube tip.
NOTE: If the bead of caulk is too narrow, re-cut the nozzle
to provide a larger opening. However, it is better to apply
a thin bead of caulk and add a little more if necessary than
to apply too much and attempt to remove the excess.
 Carefully move the caulk gun at an even pace along the
gap to be filled as you continue to depress the switch
trigger. Make sure the caulk comes in full contact with
both application surfaces. If necessary, use your finger
to gently press the caulk into a corner or crack.
NOTE: The best fill is usually achieved by pushing the
caulk out into the gap in a forward motion. However, in
some cases (particularly where the side materials are
rough or uneven), a pulling motion may work better as
the cartridge will be less likely to get snagged along the
joint.
6 – English