Ryobi P344 - 18 VOLT 3/8 in. RATCHET Manual

GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS

Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below 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 mainsoperated (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 a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.
• Use this product only with batteries and chargers listed in tool/appliance/battery pack/charger correlation supplement 987000-432.

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, nonskid 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 dust-related hazards.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn into air vents.
• Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable footing on a solid surface enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

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 remove the battery pack, if detachable, 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 and accessories. 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.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

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.
• Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion, or risk of injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 265°F may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

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.
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

RATCHET SAFETY WARNINGS

• Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the fastener may contact hidden wiring. Fasteners contacting a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Wear ear protectors during operation. Exposure to noise can cause hearing loss.
• Use auxiliary handle(s), if supplied with the tool. Loss of control can cause personal injury.
• Know your power tool. Read operator's manual carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as well as the specific potential hazards related to this power tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious injury.
• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1 when assembling parts, operating the tool, or performing maintenance. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during extended periods of operation. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Battery tools do not have to be plugged into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards when not using your battery tool or when changing accessories. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.
• Do not place battery tools or their batteries near fire or heat. This will reduce the risk of explosion and possibly injury.
• Do not crush, drop or damage battery pack. Do not use a battery pack or charger that has been dropped or received a sharp blow. A damaged battery is subject to explosion. Properly dispose of a dropped or damaged battery immediately.
• Batteries can explode in the presence of a source of ignition, such as a pilot light. To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, never use any cordless product in the presence of open flame. An exploded battery can propel debris and chemicals. If exposed, flush with water immediately.
• Under extreme usage or temperature conditions, battery leakage may occur. If liquid comes in contact with your skin, wash immediately with soap and water. If liquid gets into your eyes, flush them with clean water for at least 10 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention. Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If you loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions also.

SYMBOLS

The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.

SYMBOL	SIGNAL	MEANING
	DANGER:	Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
	WARNING:	Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
	CAUTION:	Indicates a hazardous situation, that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
	NOTICE:	(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates information considered important, but not related to a potential injury (e.g. messages relating to property damage).

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

SYMBOL	NAME	DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
	Safety Alert	Indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
	Read Operator's Manual	To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand operator's manual before using this product.
	Eye Protection	Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
	Wet Conditions Alert	Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
	Hot Surface	To reduce the risk of injury or damage, avoid contact with any hot surface.
	Recycle Symbol	This product uses lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Local, state or federal laws may prohibit disposal of batteries in ordinary trash. Consult your local waste authority for information regarding available recycling and/or disposal options.
V	Volts	Voltage
min	Minutes	Time
	Direct Current	Type or a characteristic of current
	No Load Speed	Rotational speed, at no load
.../min	Per Minute	Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute

OVERVIEW

1. Anvil
2. Dial
3. Collar
4. LED lights
5. Switch trigger
6. Lock out lever
7. Adaptor storage area

ASSEMBLY

Do not use this product if it is not completely assembled or if any parts appear to be missing or damaged. Use of a product that is not properly and completely assembled or with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.

Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories or attachments not recommended for use with this product. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.
If any parts are damaged or missing, please call 1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

OPERATION

Do not allow familiarity with this product to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.

Always remove battery pack from the tool when you are assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning, or when not in use. Removing battery pack will prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury.

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and other possible serious injuries.

Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this product. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.

APPLICATIONS

You may use this product for the purposes listed below:

• Removing and installing threaded fasteners

OVERLOAD PROTECTION

When the tool is forced or overloaded, the Li-ion battery pack will automatically shut off the tool. To reset the tool, release the trigger and resume operation. If the tool still does not resume operation, remove and reinsert the battery. Do not force the tool.

HIGH TEMPERATURE PROTECTION

Li-ion battery packs are equipped with a high temperature protection feature that automatically deactivates the tool when the motor is overheated. To resume operation, allow the tool to cool and then squeeze the trigger.

INSTALLING/REMOVING THE BELT CLIP

(NOT INCLUDED)

1. Belt clip (not included)

The belt clip (not included) can be installed on either side of the tool.

• Squeeze the prongs together as shown.
• Insert the prongs into the belt clip slot on either side of the tool.
• When the belt clip (not included) is fully inserted into the slot, release the prongs.
• To remove, squeeze the prongs together and pull the belt clip (not included) out of the slot on the side of the tool.

INSTALLING/REMOVING BATTERY PACK

1. Depress latches to release battery pack
2. Battery pack

• Lock the switch trigger.
• Insert the battery pack into the product as shown.
• Make sure the latches on each side of the battery pack snap into place and that battery pack is secured in the product before beginning operation.
• Depress the latches to remove the battery pack.

For complete charging instructions, see the operator's manuals for your battery pack and charger.

ROTATING THE RATCHET HEAD

1. Ratchet head
2. Collier

The ratchet head may become hot during periods of extended use or when the tool is under stress. Allow the ratchet head to cool completely before touching the ratchet head. Touching a hot ratchet head could result in burns or other injuries.

• Lock the switch trigger and remove the battery pack.
• Grab the collar firmly and pull it away from the tool.
• Rotate the ratchet head to your desired position.
  NOTE: The head can be set to 0˚, 90˚, 180˚, and 270˚. Once the ratchet head is in one of the four indexed positions, the spring loaded collar will snap back into place.

LOCK OUT LEVER

1. Switch trigger
2. Lock out lever
3. Unlocked position
4. LED lights

The lock out lever reduces the possibility of accidental starting. The lock out lever is located on the handle above the switch trigger. The lock-lever must be in the unlocked position before you pull the switch trigger. When not in use, slide lock-lever down to lock the switch trigger.

VARIABLE SPEED SWITCH TRIGGER

See Figure 5.
The variable speed switch trigger delivers higher speed with increased trigger pressure and lower speed with decreased trigger pressure.
To turn the tool ON, move the lock out lever to the unlocked position and depress the switch trigger. To turn it OFF, release the switch trigger and allow the tool to come to a complete stop.
NOTE: A whistling or ringing noise coming from the switch during use is a normal part of the switch function.

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 installing or removing sockets.

LED LIGHTS

See Figure 5.
The LED lights near the collar illuminate when the switch trigger is depressed.
If the tool is not in use, the time-out feature will cause the light to start fading and then shut off.
The LED lights illuminate only when there is a charged battery pack in the tool.

INSTALLING AND REMOVING SOCKETS

1. 3/8 in. socket (not included)
2. Anvil

Always select the correct size socket for nuts and bolts. Using the wrong size socket may damage the nut or bolt and cause the fastening torque to be inaccurate or inconsistent.

• Lock the switch trigger and remove the battery pack.
• Push a 3/8 in. socket (not included) onto the anvil until the detent pin locks it into place.
• To remove the socket (not included), pull it away from the anvil.

OPERATING THE RATCHET

1. Dial

Do not drive a bolt 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 shock the operator. If you must drive a bolt where hidden wire could be present, always hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces (handle) when performing the operation to prevent a shock to the operator.
NOTICE:
The ratchet is not designed to be used as a drill.

Proper fastening torque is determined by the kind of bolt, the size of the bolt, or the material of the workpiece. This tool is designed only to speed the installation and removal process and is not intended to replace a torque wrench. For applications where proper torque is important, always use a torque wrench to verify that proper torque is achieved.
NOTE: Do not use this tool to install lug nuts on wheels.

• Install the desired socket.
• Adjust the dial on the back of the ratchet head to choose the desired rotation direction of the socket.
• Hold the tool in front of the workpiece with the socket over the nut or bolt.
• Depress the switch trigger and fasten or loosen as desired.
  NOTE: After fastening, always check the torque with a torque wrench.

NOTICE:
Do not turn the tool off and attempt to use the tool manually to gain extra torque on the nut or bolt being tightened. Doing so could cause damage to the fastener and/or the tool.

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