DeWalt DCLE34021, DCLE34021B, ATOMIC COMPACT Series Manual

Components

1. Battery
2. Battery release button
3. Horizontal laser line on/off button
4. Vertical laser line on/off button
5. Pendulum locking switch
6. Magnetic pivot bracket
7. Keyhole slot
8. Laser window
9. Laser label location
10. Drop ceiling and tripod mount bracket
11. Tripod thread (1/4"-20 and 5/8"-11)

BATTERIES AND CHARGERS

The battery pack is not fully charged out of the carton. Before using the battery pack and charger, read the safety instructions below and then follow charging procedures outlined. When ordering replacement battery packs, be sure to include the catalog number and voltage.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

Important Safety Instructions for All Battery Packs

Read all safety warnings, instructions, and cautionary markings for the battery pack, charger and product. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

• Do not charge or use the battery pack in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust.Inserting or removing the battery pack from the charger may ignite the dust or fumes.
• NEVER force the battery pack into the charger. DO NOT modify the battery pack in any way to fit into a non‑compatible charger as battery pack may rupture causing serious personal injury.Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of batteries and chargers.
• Charge the battery packs only in DeWALT chargers.
• DO NOT splash or immerse in water or other liquids.
• DO NOT allow water or any liquid to enter battery pack.
• Do not store or use the tool and battery pack in locations where the temperature may reach or exceed 104°F (40°C) (such as outside sheds or metal buildings in summer). For best life store battery packs in a cool, dry location.
  NOTE: Do not store the battery packs in a tool with the trigger switch locked on. Never tape the trigger switch in the ON position.
• Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is severely damaged or is completely worn out. The battery pack can explode in a fire. Toxic fumes and materials are created when lithium‑ion battery packs are burned.
• Do not expose a battery pack or appliance to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265°F (130°C) may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or appliance outside of the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside of the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
• If battery contents come into contact with the skin, immediately wash area with mild soap and water. If battery liquid gets into the eye, rinse water over the open eye for 15 minutes or until irritation ceases. If medical attention is needed, the battery electrolyte is composed of a mixture of liquid organic carbonates and lithium salts.
• Contents of opened battery cells may cause respiratory irritation. Provide fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

• Battery liquid may be flammable if exposed to spark or flame.
• Never attempt to open the battery pack for any reason. If the battery pack case is cracked or damaged, do not insert into the charger. Do not crush, drop or damage the battery pack. Do not use a battery pack or charger that has received a sharp blow, been dropped, run over or damaged in any way (e.g., pierced with a nail, hit with a hammer, stepped on). Damaged battery packs should be returned to the service center for recycling.

Storage Recommendations
The best storage place is one that is cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and excess heat or cold. Store the fully charged battery pack out of the charger.

Battery Pack Cleaning Instructions
Dirt and grease may be removed from the exterior of the battery pack using a cloth or soft non-metallic brush. Do not use water or any cleaning solutions.

Fuel Gauge Battery Packs (Fig. B)
Some battery packs include a fuel gauge. When the fuel gauge button is pressed and held, the LED lights will indicate the approximate level of charge remaining. This does not indicate tool functionality and is subject to variation based on product components, temperature, and end-user application.

Transportation

Fire hazard. Do not store, carry, or transport the battery pack so that metal objects can contact exposed battery terminals. For example, do not place the battery pack in aprons, pockets, tool boxes, product kit boxes, drawers, etc., with loose nails, screws, keys, coins, hand tools, etc. When transporting individual battery packs, make sure that the battery terminals are protected and well insulated from materials that could contact them and cause a short circuit.
NOTE: Li‑ion battery packs should not be put in checked baggage on airplanes and must be properly protected from short circuits if they are in carry‑on baggage.

Important Safety Instructions for All Battery Chargers

Read all safety warnings, instructions, and cautionary markings for the battery pack, charger and product. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

• DO NOT attempt to charge the battery pack with any chargers other than a DeWALT charger. DeWALT chargers and battery packs are specifically designed to work together.
• These chargers are not intended for any uses other than charging DeWALT rechargeable battery packs. Charging other types of battery packs may cause them to overheat and burst, resulting in personal injury, property damage, fire, electric shock or electrocution.

Minimum gauge for Cord sets

• Do not place any object on top of the charger or place the charger on a soft surface that might block the ventilation slots and result in excessive internal heat.
  Place the charger in a position away from any heat source. The charger is ventilated through slots in the top and the bottom of the housing.
• Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug. Have them replaced immediately.
• Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped or otherwise damaged in any way. Take it to an authorized service center.
• Do not disassemble the charger; take it to an authorized service center when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock, electrocution or fire.
• The charger is designed to operate on standard 120V household electrical power. Do not attempt to use it on any other voltage.This does not apply to the vehicular charger.
• Foreign materials of a conductive nature, such as, but not limited to, grinding dust, metal chips, steel wool, aluminum foil or any buildup of metallic particles should be kept away from the charger cavities and ventilation slots.
• Always unplug the charger from the power supply when there is no battery pack in the cavity.

Charging a Battery (Fig. C)

1. Plug the charger into an appropriate outlet.
2. Insert and fully seat battery pack . The red charging light(s) will continuously blink while charging.
3. Charging is complete when the red charging light(s) remain(s) continuously ON. Battery pack can be left in charger or removed. Some chargers require the battery pack release button to be pressed for removal.
   
   Only charge batteries in air temperature over 40°F (4.5°C) and below 104°F (40°C).
4. Charger will not charge a faulty battery pack, which may be indicated by the charging light(s) staying OFF. Take charger and battery pack to an authorized service center if light(s) stay(s) OFF.
   NOTE: Refer to label near charging light(s) on charger for blink patterns. Older chargers may have additional information and/or may not have a yellow indicator light.
   NOTE: To remove the battery pack, some chargers require the battery pack release button to be pressed.

Hot/Cold Pack Delay
When the charger detects a battery pack that is too hot or too cold, it automatically starts a Hot/Cold Pack Delay, suspending charging until the battery pack has reached an appropriate temperature. The charger then automatically switches to the pack charging mode. This feature ensures maximum battery pack life.
A cold battery pack may charge at a slower rate than a warm battery pack.
The hot/cold pack delay will be indicated by the red light(s) continuing to blink but with the yellow light continuously ON. Once the battery pack has reached an appropriate temperature, the yellow light will turn OFF and the charger will resume the charging procedure.

DCB118 and DCB1112 Chargers
The DCB118 and DCB1112 chargers are equipped with an internal fan designed to cool the battery pack. The fan will turn on automatically when the battery pack needs to be cooled.
Never operate the charger if the fan does not operate properly or if ventilation slots are blocked. Do not permit foreign objects to enter the interior of the charger.

Electronic Protection System
Li-Ion tools are designed with an Electronic Protection System that will protect the battery pack against overloading, overheating or deep discharge. The tool will automatically turn off and the battery pack will need to be recharged.

Important Charging Notes

1. Longest life and best performance can be obtained if the battery pack is charged when the air temperature is between 65°F – 75°F (18°C– 24°C). DO NOT charge when the battery pack is below 40°F (4.5°C), or above 104°F (40°C). This is important and will prevent serious damage to the battery pack.
2. The charger and battery pack may become warm to the touch while charging. This is a normal condition, and does not indicate a problem. To facilitate the cooling of the battery pack after use, avoid placing the charger or battery pack in a warm environment such as in a metal shed or an uninsulated trailer.
3. If the battery pack does not charge properly:
   1. Check operation of receptacle by plugging in a lamp or other appliance;
   2. Check to see if receptacle is connected to a light switch which turns power off when you turn out the lights;
   3. If charging problems persist, take the tool, battery pack and charger to your local service center.
4. You may charge a partially used pack whenever you desire with no adverse effect on the battery pack.

Charger Cleaning Instructions

Shock hazard. Disconnect the charger from the AC outlet before cleaning. Dirt and grease may be removed from the exterior of the charger using a cloth or soft non‑metallic brush. Do not use water or any cleaning solutions.

Wall Mounting
Some DeWALTchargers are designed to be wall mountable or to sit upright on a table or work surface. If wall mounting, locate the charger within reach of an electrical outlet, and away from a corner or other obstructions which may impede air flow. Use the back of the charger as a template for the location of the mounting screws on the wall. Mount the charger securely using drywall screws (purchased separately) at least 1" (25.4 mm) long, with a screw head diameter of 0.28–0.35" (7–9 mm), screwed into wood to an optimal depth leaving approximately 7/32" (5.5 mm) of the screw exposed. Align the slots on the back of the charger with the exposed screws and fully engage them in the slots.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE

Powering the Laser
This laser can be powered by either of these battery packs:

• A DeWALT 20V MAX* li‑ion Battery Pack. *Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18.

Use of any other batteries may create a risk of fire.

Installing and Removing the Battery Pack (Fig. D)


Ensure the tool/appliance is in the off position before inserting the battery pack.
NOTE: For best results, make sure your battery pack is fully charged.

1. To install the battery pack into the tool handle, align the battery pack with the rails inside the tool's handle and slide it into the handle until the battery pack is firmly seated in the tool and ensure that it does not disengage.
2. To remove the battery pack from the tool, press the release button and firmly pull the battery pack out of the tool handle. Insert it into the charger as described in the charger section of this manual.

OPERATING TIPS

• To extend battery life per charge, turn the laser off when it is not in use.
• To ensure the accuracy of your work, check the laser calibration often. Refer to Checking laser Accuracy.
• Before attempting to use the laser, make sure it is positioned securely, on a smooth, flat stable surface that is level in both directions.
• To increase beam visibility, use a Laser Target Card (Figure O).
  
  To reduce the risk of serious injury, never stare directly into the laser beam with or without these glasses. Refer to Accessories for important information.
• Always mark the center of the beam created by the laser.
• Extreme temperature changes can cause movement or shifting of building structures, metal tripods, equipment, etc., which can effect accuracy. Check your accuracy often while working.
• If the laser has been dropped, check to make sure your laser is still calibrated. Refer to Checking laser Accuracy.

Turning the Laser On

(Fig. E)
With the laser off, place it on a flat surface. This model has a pendulum locking switch and a keypad to activate the laser beams with two ON/OFF buttons; one for a horizontal laser line and one for a vertical laser line . Each laser line is powered on by moving the pendulum lock switch to the UNLOCKED/ON position and pressing the required ON/OFF button on the keypad. The laser lines can be powered one at a time or at the same time. Pressing the ON/OFF buttons again turns the laser lines off. The pendulum locking switch disables the lasers as well as locking the pendulum, and should always be placed in the LOCKED/OFF position when the laser is not in use.

Checking Laser Accuracy

The laser tools are sealed and calibrated at the factory. It is recommended that you perform an accuracy check prior to using the laser for the first time (in case the laser was exposed to extreme temperatures) and then regularly to ensure the accuracy of your work. When performing any of the accuracy checks listed in this manual, follow these guidelines:

• Use the largest area/distance possible, closest to the operating distance. The greater the area/distance, the easier to measure the accuracy of the laser.
• Place the laser on a smooth, flat, stable surface that is level in both directions.
• Mark the center of the laser beam.

Using the Laser

Leveling the Laser
As long as the laser is properly calibrated, the laser is self-leveling. Each laser is calibrated at the factory to find level as long as it is positioned on a flat surface within average ± 4 ° of level. No manual adjustments are required. If the laser has been tilted so much that it cannot self-level (> 4 °), the laser beam will flash. There are two flashing sequences associated with the out-of-level condition.

Using the Pivot Bracket (Fig. I, J, M)
The laser has a magnetic pivot bracket permanently attached to the unit.

Position the laser and/or wall mount on a stable surface. Serious personal injury or damage to the laser may result if the laser falls.

• The bracket has a keyhole slot so it can be hung from a nail or screw on any kind of surface.
• The bracket has magnets which allow the unit to be mounted to most upright surfaces made of steel or iron. Common examples of suitable surfaces include steel framing studs, steel door frames, and structural steel beams. Before attaching the pivot bracket against a stud , place the Metal Enhancement Plate on the opposite side of the stud.
• The bracket has tripod threads on the bottom, so it can be mounted to a tripod and placed where need.

Field Calibration Check

Checking Accuracy – Horizontal Beam, Scan Direction (Fig. F)
Checking the horizontal scan calibration of the laser requires two walls at least 30' (9 m) apart. It is important to conduct a calibration check using a distance no shorter than the distance of the applications for which the tool will be used.

1. Attach the laser to a wall using its pivot bracket. Make sure the laser is facing straight ahead.
2. Turn on the laser's horizontal beam and pivot the laser approximately 45˚ so that the rightmost end of the laser line is striking the opposing wall at a distance of at least 30' (9 m). Mark the center of the beam (a).
3. Pivot the laser approximately 90˚ to bring the leftmost end of the laser line around to the mark made in Step 2. Mark the center of the beam (b).
4. Measure the vertical distance between the marks.

• If the measurement is greater than the values shown below, the laser must be serviced at an authorized service center.

Distance Between Walls	Allowable Distance Between and
30'	1/8"
40'	5/32"
50'	7/32"
Distance Between Walls	Allowable Distance Between and
9.0 m	3.1 mm
12.0 m	4.2 mm
15.0 m	5.2 mm

Checking Accuracy – Horizontal Beam, Pitch Direction (Fig. G)
Checking the horizontal pitch calibration of the laser requires a single wall at least 30' (9 m) long. It is important to conduct a calibration check using a distance no shorter than the distance of the applications for which the tool will be used.

1. Attach the laser to one end of a wall using its pivot bracket.
2. Turn on the laser's horizontal beam and pivot the laser toward the opposite end of the wall and approximately parallel to the adjacent wall.
3. Mark the center of the beam at two locations (a, b) at least 30' (9 m) apart.
4. Reposition the laser to the opposite end of the wall.
5. Turn on the laser's horizontal beam and pivot the laser back toward the first end of the wall and approximately parallel to the adjacent wall.
6. Adjust the height of the laser so that the center of the beam is aligned with the nearest mark (b).
7. Mark the center of the beam (c) directly above or below the farthest mark (a).
8. Measure the distance between these two marks (a, c).

• If the measurement is greater than the values shown below, the laser must be serviced at an authorized service center.

Distance Between Walls	Allowable Distance Between and
30'	1/4"
40'	5/16"
50'	13/32"
Distance Between Walls	Allowable Distance Between and
9.0 m	6.2 mm
12.0 m	8.3 mm
15.0 m	10.4 mm

Checking Accuracy – Vertical Beam (Fig. H)
Checking the vertical (plumb) calibration of the laser can be most accurately done when there is a substantial amount of vertical height available, ideally 20' (6 m), with one person on the floor positioning the laser and another person near a ceiling to mark the position of the beam. It is important to conduct a calibration check using a distance no shorter than the distance of the applications for which the tool will be used.

1. Start by marking a 5' (1.5 m) line on the floor.
2. Turn on the laser's vertical beam and position the unit at one end of the line, facing the line.
3. Adjust the unit so its beam is aligned and centered on the line on the floor.
4. Mark the position of the laser beam on the ceiling (a). Mark the center of the laser beam directly over the midpoint of the line on the floor.
5. Reposition the laser at the other end of the line on the floor. Adjust the unit once again so its beam is aligned and centered on the line on the floor.
6. Mark the position of the laser beam on the ceiling (b), directly beside the first mark (a).
7. Measure the distance between these two marks.

• If the measurement is greater than the values shown below, the laser must be serviced at an authorized service center.

Distance Between Walls	Allowable Distance Between and
8'	1/8"
10'	3/16"
14'	1/4"
20'	3/8"
Distance Between Walls	Allowable Distance Between and
2.5 m	3.4 mm
3.0 m	4.2 mm
4.0 m	5.5 mm
6.0 m	8.2 mm

Maintenance

• To maintain the accuracy of your work, check the laser often to make sure it is properly calibrated. SeeField Calibration Check.
• Calibration checks and other maintenance repairs may be performed by DeWALT service centers.
• When not in use, store the laser in the kit box provided. Do not store your laser at temperatures below -5 ˚F (-20 ˚C) or above 140 ˚F (60 ˚C).
• Do not store your laser in the kit box if the laser is wet. The laser should be dried first with a soft dry cloth prior to storage.

Cleaning
Exterior plastic parts may be cleaned with a damp cloth. Although these parts are solvent resistant, NEVER use solvents. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove moisture from the tool before storage.

Troubleshooting

The Laser Does Not Turn On

• Fully charge the battery pack and then reinstall it in the laser unit.
• If the laser unit is heated above 120 ˚F (50 ˚C), the unit will not turn on. If the laser has been stored in extremely hot temperatures, allow it to cool. The laser level will not be damaged by pressing the on/off button before cooling to its proper operating temperature.

The Laser Beams Flash

(Fig. K)
The lasers are designed to self-level up to an average of 4 ° in all directions. If the laser is tilted so much that the internal mechanism cannot level itself, the laser beams will flash indicating that the tilt range has been exceeded. THE FLASHING BEAMS CREATED BY THE LASER ARE NOT LEVEL OR PLUMB AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR DETERMINING OR MARKING LEVEL OR PLUMB. Try repositioning the laser on a more level surface.
When the beams flash THE LASER IS NOT LEVEL (OR PLUMB) AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR DETERMINING OR MARKING LEVEL OR PLUMB. Try repositioning the laser on a more level surface.
If the laser battery pack has a low state of charge, the beams will flash in a distinctive pattern of 3 quick flashes in 1 second, followed by constant light output for 4 seconds. This flashing pattern indicates that the battery pack should be replaced with a fully charged battery pack.

The Laser Beams Will Not Stop Moving

The laser is a precision instrument. Therefore, if it is not positioned on a stable (and motionless) surface, the laser will continue to try to find level. If the beam will not stop moving, try placing the laser on a more stable surface. Also, try to make sure that the surface is relatively flat, so that the laser is stable.

Accessories (Fig. L – N)
Some laser kits are packaged with a drop ceiling bracket . The drop ceiling bracket contains a steel plate and attaches to the magnetized pivot bracket (Fig. L).
The drop ceiling bracket is equipped with both 1/4" - 20 and 5/8" - 11 female threads on the bottom of the unit.
This thread is to accommodate current or future DeWALT accessories. Refer to Figure M and N for examples of accessories sold separately. Only use DeWALT accessories specified for use with this product. Follow the directions included with the accessory.

Since accessories, other than those offered by DeWALT, have not been tested with this product, use of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous. To reduce the risk of injury, only DeWALT‑recommended accessories should be used with this product.
If you need any assistance in locating any accessory, please contact your nearest DeWALT service center or go to www.DeWALT.com.

Target Card (Fig. O)
This laser kit includes a Laser Target Card to aid in locating and marking the laser beam. The target card enhances the visibility of the laser beam as the beam crosses over the card. The card is marked with standard and metric scales. The laser beam passes through the green plastic and reflects off of the reflective tape on the reverse side. The magnet at the top of the card is designed to hold the target card to ceiling track or steel studs to determine plumb and level positions. For best performance when using the Target Card, the DeWALT logo should be facing you.

Service and Repairs
NOTE: Disassembling the laser level(s) will void all warranties on the product.
To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and adjustment should be performed by authorized service centers. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury. To locate your nearest DeWALT service center call 1‑800‑4‑DeWALT (1‑800‑433‑9258) or go to www.DeWALT.com.

	DCLE34021
Light Source	Laser diodes
Laser Wavelength	510 – 530 nm visible
Laser Power	≤1.50 mW (each beam) CLASS 2 LASER PRODUCT
Working Range	180' (55 m) 330' (100 m) with detector (sold separately)
Accuracy (Level)	±1/8" per 30' (±3.1 mm per 9 m)
Battery Low	Laser beams flash with 3 quick pulses
Continuous Flashing Laser Beams	4 ° tilt range exceeded/unit is not level
Power Source	DeWALT 20V MAX Battery Pack (see Battery Compatibility Chart)
Service Temperature	39.2°F to 104°F (4°C to 40°C)
Storage Temperature	39.2°F to 104°F (4°C to 40°C)
Humidity	Maximum 80% for temperatures up to 88°F (31°C), decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 104°F (40°C)
Environmental	Water & Dust Resistant to IP54. Applies to product, not battery or charger. This product (not including the battery pack or charger) has an IP rating which provides some level of protection from dust (limited ingress) and liquids (light splashing) during normal and reasonably foreseeable use. The battery pack and charger do not have an IP rating on their own. NEVER submerge the product, battery or charger in liquid.
Altitude	Up to 6500' (2000 m)