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Bosch DDB181 Manual

Functional Description and Specifications


Disconnect battery pack from tool before making any assembly, adjustments or changing accessories. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

Cordless Drill Driver
Cordless Drill Driver Description

Model number DDB181
Voltage rating 18 V
No load speed 1 n 0 0-400/min
No load speed 2 n 0 0-1300/min
Maximum Capacities
Chuck size 1/2"
Wood 1"
Metal 3/8"

Battery Packs/Chargers
Please refer to the Charger Manual included with your tool.
NOTE: For tool specifications refer to the nameplate on your tool.

Assembly


Disconnect battery pack from tool before making any assembly, adjustments or changing accessories. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

INSERTING BITS
Move reverse switch lever to the center "OFF" position. Remove battery pack and rotate the clutch ring to the drill bit symbol " ". Rotate the chuck sleeve counterclockwise viewing from chuck end, and open chuck to approximate drill bit diameter. Insert a clean bit up to the drill bit flutes for small bits, or as far as it will go for large bits. Close chuck by rotating the chuck sleeve clockwise and securely tighten by hand (Fig. 2).

Do not use the power of the drill while grasping chuck to loosen or tighten bit. Friction burn or hand injury is possible if attempting to grasp the spinning chuck.
INSERTING BITS

BELT CLIP

When the tool is attached to the belt, position yourself to avoid entanglement with surrounding objects. Unexpected entanglement could cause the tool to fall resulting in injury to the operator or bystanders.
The belt clip accessory will allow you to conveniently attach your tool to your belt. This feature will allow you to have both hands free when climbing a ladder or moving to another work area.
The belt clip can be attached to either side of the tool by securing it with a mounting screw. Always make sure you securely tighten the mounting screw before use (Fig. 3).
To use clip, turn tool upside down and attach to your belt.
BELT CLIP

Operating Instructions

VARIABLE SPEED CONTROLLED TRIGGER SWITCH
Your tool is equipped with a variable speed trigger switch. The tool can be turned "ON" or "OFF" by squeezing or releasing the trigger. The speed can be adjusted from the minimum to maximum nameplate RPM by the pressure you apply to the trigger. Apply more pressure to increase the speed and release pressure to decrease speed (Fig. 1).

FORWARD/REVERSING LEVER & TRIGGER LOCK

After tool use, lock trigger in "OFF" position to help prevent accidental starts and accidental discharge.
FORWARD/REVERSING LEVER & TRIGGER LOCK - Step 1
Your tool is equipped with a forward/ reversing lever and trigger lock located above the trigger (Fig. 4). This lever was designed for changing rotation of the bit, and for locking the trigger in an "OFF" position. For forward rotation, (with chuck pointed away from you) move the lever to the far left (Fig. 4).
For reverse rotation move the lever to the far right (Fig. 5). To activate trigger lock move lever to the center off position.

Do not change direction of rotation until the tool comes to a complete stop. Shifting during rotation of the chuck can cause damage to the tool.
FORWARD/REVERSING LEVER & TRIGGER LOCK - Step 2

GEAR SHIFTING
Your tool is equipped with two separate gear ranges, low gear and high gear. Low gear provides high-torque and slower drilling speeds for heavy duty work or for driving screws. High gear provides faster speeds for drilling lighter work. To change speeds slide switch, to the high or low position (Fig. 6).
warningATTENTION: If your tool appears to be running, but the chuck will not turn, check to make sure the gear shifting switch is pushed fully into desired setting.
GEAR SHIFTING

ADJUSTABLE CLUTCH
Your tool features 21 clutch settings. Output torque will increase as the clutch ring, is rotated from 1 to 20. The drill "" position will lock up the clutch to permit drilling and driving heavyduty work, and also enables bits to be changed quickly and easily in the keyless chuck (Fig. 7).
ADJUSTABLE CLUTCH

BRAKE
When the trigger switch is released it activates the brake to stop the chuck quickly. This is especially useful in the repetitive driving and removal of screws.

BUILT IN WORK LIGHT
Your tool is also equipped with a light that turns on automatically when the switch is activated, for better visibility when drilling/driving (Fig. 1).

INSERTING AND RELEASING BATTERY PACK
Set Forward/Reversing lever to the center (off position). Slide charged battery pack into the housing until the battery pack locks into position (Fig. 8). Your tool is equipped with a secondary locking latch to prevent the battery pack from completely falling out of the handle, should it become loose due to vibration.
INSERTING AND RELEASING BATTERY PACK - Step 1
To remove the battery pack, press the battery pack release button and slide the battery pack forward (Fig. 9). Press the battery pack release button again and slide the battery pack completely out of tool housing (Fig. 9).
INSERTING AND RELEASING BATTERY PACK - Step 2

Operating Tips
You will extend the life of your bits and do neater work if you always put the bit in contact with the work before pulling the trigger. During the operation, hold the tool firmly and exert light, steady pressure. Too much pressure at low speed will stall the tool. Too little pressure will keep the bit from cutting and cause excess friction by sliding over the surface. This can be damaging to both tool and bit.

DRILLING WITH VARIABLE SPEED
The trigger controlled variable speed feature will eliminate the need for center punches in hard materials. The variable speed trigger allows you to slowly increase RPM. By using a slow starting speed, you are able to keep the bit from "wander ing". You can increase the speed as the bit "bites" into the work by squeezing the trigger.

DRIVING WITH VARIABLE SPEED
Variable speed drills will double as a power screwdriver by using a screwdriver bit in the drill mode. The technique is to start slowly, increasing the speed as the screw runs down. Set the screw snug ly by slowing to a stop. Prior to driving screws, pilot and clearance holes should be drilled.

FASTENING WITH SCREWS
This procedure shown in (Fig. 10) will enable you to fasten ma terials together with your Cordless Drill/Screwdriver without stripping, splitting or separating the material.
First, clamp the pieces together and drill the first hole 2/3 the diam eter of the screw. If the material is soft, drill only 2/3 the proper length. If it is hard, drill the entire length.
Second, unclamp the pieces and drill the second hole the same diameter as the screw shank in the first or top piece of wood.
Third, if flat head screw is used, countersink the hole to make the screw flush with the surface. Then, simply apply even pressure when driving the screw. The screw shank clearance hole in the first piece allows the screw head to pull the pieces tightly together.
The adjustable screw drill accessory will do all of these oper ations quickly and easily. Screw drills are available for screw sizes No. 6, 8, 10 and 12.
FASTENING WITH SCREWS

DRILL BITS
Always inspect drill bits for excessive wear. Use only bits that are sharp and in good condition.
TWIST BITS: Available with straight and reduced shanks for wood and light duty metal drilling. High speed bits cut faster and last longer on hard ma terials.
CARBIDE TIPPED BITS: Used for drilling stone, con crete, plaster, cement and other unusually hard nonmetals. Use continuous heavy feed pres sure when employing carbide tip bits.

DRILLING WOOD
Be certain workpiece is clamped or anchored firm ly. Always apply pressure in a straight line with the drill bit. Maintain enough pressure to keep the drill "biting".
When drilling holes in wood, twist bits can be used. Twist bits may overheat unless pulled out frequently to clear chips from flutes.
Use a "back-up" block of wood for work that is likely to splinter, such as thin materials.
You will drill a cleaner hole if you ease up on the pressure just before the bit breaks through the wood. Then complete the hole from the back side.

DRILLING METAL
There are two rules for drilling hard materials. First, the harder the material, the greater the pres sure you need to apply to the tool. Second, the harder the material, the slower the speed. Here are a couple of tips for drilling in metal. Lubri cate the tip of the bit occasionally with cutting oil except when drilling soft metals such as alu minum, cop per or cast iron. If the hole to be drilled is fairly large, drill a smaller hole first, then enlarge to the required size, it's often faster in the long run. Main tain enough pressure to assure that the bit does not just spin in the hole. This will dull the bit and greatly shorten its life.

SANDING AND POLISHING
Fine sanding and polishing re quire "touch". Select the most efficient speed.
When using polishing bonnets, always be sure the excess string that secures the bonnet is tucked well within the bonnet during operation.

WIRE BRUSHES
Work with brushes requires high speeds.

BRUSHING PRESSURE

  1. Remember, the tips of a wire brush do thework. Operate the brush with the lightest pressure so only the tips of the wire come in contact with the work.
  2. If heavier pressures are used, the wireswill be overstressed, resulting in a wiping action; and if this is continued, the life of the brush will be shortened due to wire fatigue.
  3. Apply the brush to the work in such a waythat as much of the brush face as possible is in full contact with the work. Applying the side or edge of the brush to the work will result in wire breakage and shortened brush life.

CORRECT: Wire tips doing the work.

INCORRECT: Excessive pressure can cause wire breakage.

RUNNING NUTS AND BOLTS
Variable speed control must be used with caution for driving nuts and bolts with socket set attachments. The technique is to start slowly, increasing speed as the nut or bolt runs down. Set the nut or bolt snugly by slowing the drill to a stop. If this procedure is not followed, the tool will have a tendency to torque or twist in your hands when the nut or bolt seats.

Maintenance

Service

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. Preventive maintenance performed by un au thorized personnel may result in misplacing of internal wires and components which could cause serious hazard. We recom- mend that all tool service be performed by a Bosch Factory Service Center or Authorized Bosch Service Station. SERVICE MEN: Disconnect tool and/or charger from power source before servicing.

BATTERIES
Be alert for battery packs that are nearing their end of life. If you notice decreased tool performance or significantly shorter running time between charges then it is time to replace the battery pack. Failure to do so can cause the tool to operate improperly or damage the charger.

TOOL LUBRICATION
Your Bosch tool has been properly lubricated and is ready for use.

MOTOR
The motor in your tool has been engineered for many hours of dependable service. To maintain peak efficiency of the motor, we recommend it be examined every six months. Only a genuine Bosch replacement motor specially designed for your tool should be used.

Cleaning

To avoid accidents, always disconnect the tool and/or charger from the power supply before cleaning. The tool may be cleaned most effectively with com pressed dry air. Always wear safety goggles when cleaning tools with compressed air.

Ventilation openings and switch levers must be kept clean and free of foreign matter. Do not attempt to clean by inserting pointed objects through opening. Certain cleaning agents and solvents damage plastic parts. Some of these are: gasoline, car bon tetrachloride, chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia and household detergents that contain ammonia.

Accessories

(* = standard equipment)
(** = optional accessories)
* Screwdriver bit * Carrying case

General Power Tool Safety Warnings


Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

Work area safety
Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical safety
Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock. If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of an GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and / or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dustrelated hazards.

Power tool use and care
Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
Battery tool use and care Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery, avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.

Service
Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Safety Rules for Cordless Drill/Drivers

Use auxiliary handle(s), if supplied with the tool. Loss of control can cause personal injury.
Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring. Cutting accessory contacting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock. Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.
Do not drill, fasten or break into existing walls or other blind areas where electrical wiring may exist. If this situation is unavoidable, disconnect all fuses or circuit breakers feeding this worksite.
Always hold the tool with both hands. If the bit jams two hands will give you maximum control over torque reaction or kickback.
Always wear safety goggles or eye protection when using this tool. Use a dust mask or respirator for applications which generate dust.
Secure the material being drilled. Never hold it in your hand or across legs. Unstable support can cause the drill bit to bind causing loss of control and injury.
Disconnect battery pack from tool or place the switch in the locked or off position before making any assembly, adjustments or changing accessories. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
Position yourself to avoid being caught between the tool or side handle and walls or posts. Should the bit become bound or jammed in the work, the reaction torque of the tool could crush your hand or leg.
If the bit becomes bound in the workpiece, release the trigger immediately, reverse the direction of rotation and slowly squeeze the trigger to back out the bit. Be ready for a strong reaction torque. The drill body will tend to twist in the opposite direction as the drill bit is rotating.
Do not grasp the tool or place your hands too close to the spinning chuck or drill bit. Your hand may be lacerated.
When installing a bit, insert the shank of the bit well within the chuck. If the bit is not inserted deep enough, the grip of the chuck over the bit is reduced and the loss of control is increased. After bit insertion, pull on bit to ensure it is locked.
Do not use dull or damaged bits and accessories. Dull or damaged bits have a greater tendency to bind in the workpiece.
When removing the bit from the tool avoid contact with skin and use proper protective gloves when grasping the bit or accessory. Accessories may be hot after prolonged use.
Check to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from the drill before switching the tool "ON". Keys or wrenches can fly away at high velocity striking you or a bystander. Do not run the drill while carrying it at your side. A spinning drill bit could become entangled with clothing and injury may result.

Additional Safety Warnings

GFCI and personal protection devices like electrician's rubber gloves and footwear will further enhance your personal safety.
Do not use AC only rated tools with a DC power supply. While the tool may appear to work, the electrical components of the AC rated tool are likely to fail and create a hazard to the operator.
Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery hands cannot safely control the power tool.
Develop a periodic maintenance schedule for your tool. When cleaning a tool be careful not to disassemble any portion of the tool since internal wires may be misplaced or pinched or safety guard return springs may be improperly mounted. Certain cleaning agents such as gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, ammonia, etc. may damage plastic parts.
Ensure the switch is in the off position before inserting battery pack. Inserting the battery pack into power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.


Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

  • Lead from lead-based paints,
  • Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
  • Arsenic and chromium from chemicallytreated lumber.

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

Symbols


Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.

Symbol Name Designation/Explanation
V Volts Voltage (potential)
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
W Watt Power
kg Kilograms Weight
min Minutes Time
s Seconds Time
Diameter Size of drill bits, grinding wheels, etc.
n0 No load speed Rotational speed, at no load
n Rated speed Maximum attainable speed
.../min Revolutions or reciprocation per minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc. per minute
0 Off position Zero speed, zero torque...
1, 2, 3, ...
I, II, III,
Selector settings Speed, torque or position settings.
Higher number means greater speed
Infinitely variable selector with off Speed is increasing from 0 setting
Arrow Action in the direction of arrow
Alternating current Type or a characteristic of current
Direct current Type or a characteristic of current
Alternating or direct current Type or a characteristic of current
Class II construction Designates Double Insulated Construction tools.
Earthing terminal Grounding terminal
warning Warning symbol Alerts user to warning messages
Li-ion RBRC seal Designates Li-ion battery recycling program
Ni-Cad RBRC seal Designates Ni-Cad battery recycling program
Read manual symbol Alerts user to read manual
Wear eye protection symbol Alerts user to wear eye protection


Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories.
This symbol designates that this component is recognized by Underwriters Laboratories.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories, to United States and Canadian Standards.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association, to United States and Canadian Standards.
This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Intertek Testing Services, to United States and Canadian Standards.
T his symbol designates that this tool complies to NOM Mexican Standards.

Documents / Resources

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