Black & Decker CST500 - Manual (Page 2)

CLEARING JAMS AND TANGLED LINES
From time to time, especially when cutting thick or stalky weeds, the line feeding hub may
become clogged with sap or other material and the line will become jammed as a result.
To clear the jam, follow the steps listed below.
1. Remove battery and turn the unit upside down.
2. Press the release tabs on the line hub cover and remove by pulling it straight off (Figure 10).
3. Lift the spool of nylon line out of the hub and clear any broken line or cutting debris from the
spool area. (If you plan to replace the spool or rewind it, this is the place to do so, other
wise, move on.)
4. Unwrap about one foot (30 cm) of line to ensure that it’s undamaged. If it is okay, rewind it
and insert the line end through the eyelet in the spool hub as shown in figure 11. Ensure the
spring is in place under the spool. Pull the line through the hole to maintain tension while
placing the spool down into the hub with the arrow up, as shown in figure 11.
5. Press the spool down GENTLY on the spring and rotate it until you feel it drop into place.
Take care to keep the line from becoming trapped under the spool.
6. Snap the hub cap back on. Hold the tool in the trimming position, and turn the tool on. In a
few seconds or less you’ll hear the nylon line being cut to the proper length; if not, bump the
feed head gently on the ground to initiate a fresh length of line.
SPOOL OR LINE REPLACEMENT (Use 0.065” diameter ROUND line only.)
1. Remove battery and turn the unit upside down.
2. Press the release tabs on the line hub cap, as shown in Figure 10 and remove the cap by pulling
upward.
3. Remove the spool from the tool and remove and discard all line on spool.
4. Choose either OPTION 1 or OPTION 2 below for spool or line replacement.
5. Insert the line end through the eyelet in the spool hub, as shown in figure 11. Ensure the spring is
in place under the spool. Pull the line through the hole to tighten tension while placing the spool
down into the hub, as shown in Figure 11.
6. Press the spool down GENTLY on the spring and rotate it until you feel it drop into place. Take
care to keep the line from becoming trapped under the spool.
7. Snap the hub cap back on holder with the tool in the trimming position, turn the tool on. In a few
seconds or less you’ll hear the nylon line being cut to the proper length; if not bump the feed
head gently on the ground to release a fresh length of line.
OPTION 1: ACCESSORY REPLACEMENT SPOOL
Use replacement spool Model No. RS-136.
OPTION 2: REWINDING SPOOL USING BULK LINE
Bulk line for your trimmer is available at extra cost from your local dealer or Black & Decker
Service Center. To install bulk line, follow the steps below. (Use 0.065” DIAMETER ROUND LINE
ONLY).
1. Insert one end of the bulk line into the hole in the spool as shown in Figure 12 about 1/8”
(3.2mm).
2. Snugly and evenly wind the bulk line onto the spool in the direction of the arrow on the
spool, (figure 13), until the line builds up to the notches in the spool rim. Do not overfill
spool. The spool holds about 20 feet (6 m) of line.
MAINTENANCE
CLEANING AND STORAGE
1. Keep the air intake slots (Figure 8) clean to avoid overheating.
2. Your trimmer line can dry out over time. To keep your line in top condition, store spare
prewound spools or bulk line in a plastic, sealable bag with a tablespoon of water.
3. Plastic parts may be cleaned by using a mild soap and a damp rag.
4. DO NOT immerse tool in water or squirt it with a hose. DO NOT allow any liquid to get
inside it.
5. Do not store the tool on or adjacent to fertilizers, gasoline, or other chemicals.
6. DO NOT clean with a pressure washer.
7. The line cutter on the edge of the guard can dull over time. It is recommended you
periodically touch-up the sharpness of the blade with a file.
ACCESSORIES
• Reload nylon line (either bulk or prewound replacement spool) as shown in this manual. Use
Black & Decker Replacement spool, Model No. RS-136.
• USE ONLY 0.065” (1.65 mm) diameter ROUND monofilament trimmer line. Do not use
heavier gauge line, as it will overload the motor and cause overheating. The unit functions
properly only with 0.065” diameter ROUND monofilament line. This line is available at your
local dealer or Black & Decker Service Center.
WARNING: The use of any accessory not sold by Black & Decker for use with this tool could
be hazardous.
IMPORTANT: To assure product SAFETY AND RELIABILITY, repairs should be performed by a
Black & Decker or other qualified service personnel, using only identical
replacement parts.
THE RBRC™ SEAL
The RBRC™ (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation) Seal on the
nickel-cadmium battery (or battery pack) indicates that the costs to recycle the
battery (or battery pack) at the end of its useful life have already been paid by Black & Decker. In
some areas, it is illegal to place spent nickel-cadmium batteries in the trash or municipal solid waste
stream and the RBRC program provides an environmentally conscious alternative.
RBRC in cooperation with Black & Decker and other battery users, has established programs in the
United States and Canada to facilitate the collection of spent nickel-cadmium batteries. Help protect
our environment and conserve natural resources by returning the spent nickel-cadmium battery to
an authorized Black & Decker service center or to your local retailer for recycling. You may also
contact your local recycling center for information on where to drop off the spent battery, or call
1-800-8-BATTERY
.
SERVICE INFORMATION
Black & Decker offers a full network of company-owned and authorized service locations
throughout North America. All Black & Decker Service Centers are staffed with trained personnel
to provide customers with efficient and reliable power tool service.
Whether you need technical advice, repair, or genuine factory replacement parts, contact the
Black & Decker location nearest you. To find your local service location, refer to the yellow page
directory under “Tools—Electric”or call: 1-800-544-6986.
FULL TWO-YEAR HOME USE WARRANTY
Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. warrants this product for two years against any defects in material or
workmanship. The defective product will be replaced or repaired at no charge in either of two
ways:
The first, which will result in exchanges only, is to return the product to the retailer from whom it
was purchased (provided that the store is a participating retailer). Returns should be made within
the time period of the retailer’s policy for exchanges (usually 30 to 90 days after the sale). Proof
of purchase may be required. Please check with the retailer for their specific return policy
regarding returns that are beyond the time set for exchanges.
The second option is to take or send the product (prepaid) to a Black & Decker owned or
authorized service center for repair or replacement at our option. Proof of purchase may be
required. Black & Decker owned and authorized service centers are listed under “Tools-Electric”
in the yellow pages of the phone directory.
This warranty does not apply to accessories. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and
you may have other rights which vary from state to state. Should you have any questions,
contact the manager of your nearest Black & Decker Service Center.
This tool is not intended for commercial use .
The label on your tool may include the following symbols.
V ..........................volts A ........................amperes
Hz ........................hertz W ......................watts
min ......................minutes ......................alternating current
....................direct current no ......................no load speed
........................Class II Construction ........................earthing terminal
........................safety alert symbol .../min ................revolutions or
reciprocations
per minute
BATTERY CAP INFORMATION
Battery storage and carrying caps are provided for use whenever the battery is out of the tool or
charger. Remove cap before placing battery in charger or tool.
WARNING: Do not store or carry battery so that metal objects can contact exposed battery
terminals. For example, do not place battery in aprons, pockets, tool boxes, product kit boxes,
drawers, etc. with loose nails, screws, keys, etc. without battery cap. Without cap in place, battery
could short circuit causing fire or burns or damage to battery.
CHARGING THE POWER PACK
THE BATTERIES IN YOUR POWER PACK ARE NOT FULLY CHARGED AT THE FACTORY. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO CHARGE THEM, THOROUGHLY READ ALL OF THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
The charger is designed to use standard household 120 volt 60 Hz power.
1. Remove the power pack from the tool by squeezing the tabs as shown in Figure 2.
2. Plug the charger into any standard 120 Volt 60 Hz electrical outlet.
3. Insert the power pack into the charger (Fig. 3) and let the battery charge initially for 9 hours.
After the initial charge, under normal usage, your power pack should be fully charged in 3
to 6 hours.
4. Remove pack from the charger and replace in tool.
Important Charging Notes
1. After normal usage, your power pack should be fully charged in 3 to 6 hours. If the power
pack is run-down completely, it may take up to 8 hours to become fully charged. Your power
pack was sent from the factory in an uncharged condition. Before attempting to use it, it must
be charged for at least 9 hours.
2. DO NOT charge the power pack in an air temperature below 40°F (5°C) or above 105°F
(41°C). This is important and will prevent serious damage to the power pack. Longest life and
best performance can be obtained if the power pack is charged when the air temperature is
about 75°F (25°C).
3. While charging, the charger may hum and become warm to touch. This is a normal
condition and does not indicate a problem.
4. If the power pack does not charge properly — (1) Check current at 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) Move charger and power pack to a
surrounding air temperature of 40°F (5°C) to 105°F (41°C). (4) If the receptacle and
temperature are ok, and you do not get proper charging, take or send the power pack and
charger to your local authorized service center. See “Tools Electric” in yellow pages.
5. The power pack should be recharged when it fails to produce sufficient power on jobs which
were easily done previously. DO NOT CONTINUE to use the trimmer with its power pack in
a depleted condition.
6. To prolong power pack life, avoid leaving the power pack on charge for more than 8 hours.
Although overcharging is not a safety concern, it can significantly reduce overall power pack
life.
7. When the battery is inserted into the charger, the red “Charging Indicator” light will come on
indicating that there is contact between the battery and charger. The light will stay on as long
as the battery is in the charger and the charger is plugged into a working outlet. It WILL NOT
flash, go out or change to a different color when the charging cycle is complete.
8. Do not charge power pack in rain or in wet conditions.
9. Use only the batteries and charger supplied with your string trimmer or identical replacement
parts.
10.Do not incinerate the batteries. They can explode in a fire. A small leakage of liquid from the
battery cells may occur under extreme usage, charging or temperature conditions. This does
not indicate a failure. However, if the outer seal is broken and this leakage gets on your skin:
a. Wash quickly with soap and water.
b. Neutralize with a mild acid such as lemon juice or vinegar.
c. If the battery liquid gets in your eyes, flush them with clean water for a minimum of 10 minutes
and seek immediate medical attention. MEDICAL NOTE: The liquid is a 25-35% solution of
potassium hydroxide.
11.Do not open or mutilate the batteries. Released electrolyte is corrosive and may cause
damage to the eyes or skin. It may be toxic if swallowed.
12.Exercise care when handling batteries in order not to short the battery with conducting
materials such as rings, bracelets and keys. The battery or conductor may overheat and
cause burns.
13.Use only the following type and size battery: PS140 Power Pack - 14.4V.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
• WARNING: The guard must always be on the tool to protect the user and the tool.
UNIT ASSEMBLY
Layout the unit as shown in figure 4. Align the 3 raised ribs on the lower half with the 3 slots on
the upper half and slide the two halves together until they snap into place. The unit should now
be rigidly secured.
GUARD ASSEMBLY
Remove the two screws from the housing shown in figure 5. Align the tab on the guard with the
recess at the bottom of the lower half housing as shown in figure 6. Push the guard down onto
the housing and ensure that it is fully seated. Re-insert the two screws through the guard and into
the trimmer housing and tighten as shown in figure 7.
NEVER OPERATE THE TOOL WITHOUT THE GUARD PROPERLY IN PLACE. Use of the unit
without having installed the guard will cause the motor to overheat, and void the warranty.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
• CAUTION: ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION .
• CAUTION: Inspect area to be trimmed and remove any wire, cord, or string-like objects which
could become entangled in the rotating line or spool. Be particularly careful to
avoid any wire which might be bent outwardly into the path of the tool, such as
barbs at the base of a chain link fence.
• To turn trimmer on, push the lock off button, shown in Figure 1, and squeeze the trigger
switch. To turn the tool off, release the trigger switch.
• Angle unit as shown in figure 8.
• Slowly swing trimmer side-to-side as shown in Figure 9.
CUTTING LINE / LINE FEEDING
Your trimmer only uses .065” (1.65 mm) diameter, ROUND nylon line to cut grass and weeds
quickly and easily. During use, the tip of the nylon line will become frayed and worn. Gently
bump the feed head of the trimmer on the ground to release a fresh length of line. Cutting line
will wear faster and require more feeding if the cutting is done along sidewalks or other abrasive
surfaces or heavier weeds are being cut.
See ‘Tools-Electric’
– Yellow Pages –
for Service & Sales
Imported by
Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc.,
701 E. Joppa Rd.
Towson, MD 21286 U.S.A.