ELECTRIC REBAR CUTTER

OWENER’S MANUAL

WARNING:
Read carefully and understand RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION and instructions
before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety precautions
may result in serious personal injury.

It e m# 9 9 9 3 2 1
 For technical questions and replacement parts, please call 1-800-222-5381.

Thank you very much for choosing a NORTHERN TOOL + EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Product! For
future reference, please complete the owner’s record below:
Model: _______________ Purchase Date: _______________
Save the receipt, warranty and these instructions. It is important that you read the entire manual
to become familiar with this product before you begin using it.

This machine is designed for certain applications only. Northern Tool + Equipment strongly
recommends this machine is not modified and/or used for any application other than that for
which it was designed. If you have any questions relative to a particular application, DO NOT use
the machine until you have first contacted Northern Tool + Equipment to determine if it can or
should be performed on the product.

INTENDED USE
The Electric Rebar Cutter is used for cutting concrete reinforcing bars only.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Description Specifications
Voltage 110V
Power 1440 Watts
Max. Cutting Capacity 1" (25mm)
Min. Cutting Capacity 5/16" (8mm)
Cutting Cycle 5 seconds
Cutting Pressure 30 tons
Dimensions 15 1/2" x 10" x 6"
Net Weight 56 Lbs.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

WARNING: Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed
below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

WARNING: The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction

manual cannot cover all possible conditions or situations that could occur. It must be
understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be
built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WORK AREA
Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark work areas can cause accidents.
Do not use your tool where there is a risk of causing a fire or an explosion; e.g. in the
presence of flammable liquids, gasses, or dust. Power tools create sparks, which may ignite
the dust or fumes.

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 Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause
you to lose control, so visitors should remain at a safe distance from the work area.
Provide safety barriers. Erect safety screens to protect co-workers from possible flying
ends. Place a safety screen under the rebar when working in high places.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

WARNING! Always check to ensure the power supply corresponds to the voltage on
the rating plate.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry the tool. Keep cord away from heat,
oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords
may cause a fire and increase the risk of electric shock.
Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet properly installed and grounded in
accordance with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the grounding prong or modify
the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs. Check with a qualified electrician if
you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded.
Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the
other.) This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in
the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still doesn’t fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a
polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and
refrigerators. There is an increase risk of electric shock if you body is grounded.
When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or
“W.” These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will
increase the risk of electric shock.
Do not let your fingers touch the terminals of plug when installing or removing the plug
to or from the outlet.

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.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing of jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and
gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving
parts. Air vents often cover moving parts and should be avoided.
Always use ANSI Standard Z87.1 eye protection and other safety equipment. Safety
equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hardhat, or hearing protection used for
appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Avoid accidental starting. Ensure the switch is in the off position before plugging tool
into power outlet. Do not carry the power tool with your finger on the switch.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control
of the power tool in unexpected situations.
Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool on. A wrench or key that is left
attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.

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 Restrict use to designated materials. There is always a chance that the cut end may shoot
out, especially if less than 1 foot (30 cm) in length. Exceeding designated material specifications
greatly increases this risk and will also damage the tool. Do not attempt to cut rebar harder,
thicker or thinner than those specified.
Exercise proper control. Hold cutter firmly and maintain proper footing and balance. When
working in a high place, secure cutter to scaffolding with safety rope.

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 by an authorized
service representative.
Disconnect the power from tool and place the switch in the locked or off position before
making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive
safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
Secure work with clamps or a vise instead of your hand to hold work when practical.
This safety precaution allows for proper tool operation using both hands.
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.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting
edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil
and grease.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model.
Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may create a risk of injury when used on another
tool.
Keep guards in place and in working order.
Never leave tool running unattended.
Maintain cutter with care. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other
condition that may affect the power tools operation. If damaged, have the power tool
repaired before use. Inspect cutter before each application. Faulty or loose cutter blocks could
results in personal injury. Keep handle dry, clean and free from oil and/or grease. Keep housing
and piston free of dirt and iron filings. Check that no screws or bolts are loose or missing.
Following instruction for maintenance. Inspect switch, cord, plug and any extension cable at
regular intervals.

OPERATION
Pre-Use Check
1. Check oil level.
2. Check condition of cutter blocks and tightness of cutter block bolts.
CAUTION: Using loose or cracked cutter blocks may result in injury to operators as well as
cause damage to the cutter.
3. Check that the power source is appropriate to the cutter. If voltage is too high, the motor will
burn out. If the voltage is too low, insufficient power will be generated. Never use DC
current.
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4. Check that power supply is properly grounded.
CAUTION: Failure to ground power supply may result in electric shock to operator.
5. Check that the cord is undamaged and that the plug is not loose.
CAUTION: Cut or damaged covering could result in a short and electric shock to operator.
If an extension cord is to be used, make sure that it is undamaged and that it is the proper thickness
for the length. See table below.

Cord Length Cord size (AWG)

Up to 10 m (33 ft) 16
Up to 15m (50 ft) 14
Up to 30m (100 ft) 10

6. Before plugging in, make sure that the switch lock is OFF.
CAUTION: If switch lock is ON, cutter will start as soon as it is plugged in. To disengage
lock, pull trigger-switch and press lock-button, which will pop out.
Warm Up
In cold weather, warm up unit for 30–60 seconds so that the hydraulic oil reaches the proper
viscosity. Pull trigger-switch to extend piston and release when it has reached its full stroke. Repeat
15–20 times.

Stopper Adjustment
The adjustment stopper functions to maintain the rebar in the correct position during cutting and
must be properly set for each size of rebar before making a cut.
1. Screw in stopper to provide sufficient clearance for rebar .
2. Insert rebar fully into U-shaped support. Make sure that rebar is resting on the base of the
support.
3. Keeping rebar at right-angles (90°) to front cutter block. Screw out stopper until it is just touching
the rebar. Once set, the stopper needs no further adjustment while cutting rebar of the same
diameter, but must be re-set for a different size rebar.
CAUTION: Failure to correctly set the stopper will result in excessive wear of cutter blocks
and may cause cut end to fly out.

Cutting
1. Be especially careful when cutting off short lengths (12 inches or less) as the but end tends to
fly out.
CAUTION: Flying ends are a hazard to all personnel in the vicinity. Erect safety screens.
2. Do not cover air vents. If the events are covered, motor will overheat and may burn out.
3. If hydraulic oil exceeds 158°F in temperature, power will drop.
Allow unit to cool before resuming operation. (Be particularly careful in summer, when the
aluminum pump case heats up quicker.)
4. If a drop in power is noticed and the motor is unusually hot, check carbon brushes.
5. If piston should ever fail to retract completely, push rear cutter block backwards to manually
retract piston.
CAUTION: Use a rebar or flat metal bar for this purpose. Never push cutter block with any
part of the hand, even if gloved.
Once piston has been retracted, pull trigger-switch long enough to partially advance piston.
Unplug unit. Check piston and housing for accumulated dirt and iron filings that maybe jamming

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 the piston. If, after cleaning, piston still does not automatically retract when fully extended, the
piston itself may be damaged. Return the unit to an authorized service center for repair.

MAINTENANCE

Cutter Blocks
Before using, always check that the two bolts on each cutter block are properly tightened. Operating
with a loose block will result in damage to block and housing. Also check condition of cutter blocks.
If either cutting edge is dull or chipped, remove retaining bolts and rotate both blocks so that two
new edges come into use. Replace and tighten bolts (each block has four cutting edges). When all
four cutting edges have been used or if either block is cracked or otherwise damaged, replace both
blocks.
CAUTION: A loose or cracked block may result in injury to operator.

Cleaning
Clean cutter every day, preferably immediately after use.
CAUTION: Wear gloves to protect hands from metal splinters. Do not use an air-gun —
blasting with air can cause metal filings and/or dust to get into eyes and respiratory system.
1. Disconnect unit.
2. Wipe or brush away all dirt and metal filings. Pay particular attention to the lower half of the
piston, where dirt is more easily accumulated.

Hydraulic Oil Level Check

As the cutters are hydraulically operated, the hydraulic oil level must be checked at frequent
intervals, preferably every results in a drop in pressure and loss of cutting power.
CAUTION: Hydraulic oil is highly flammable. Keep away from sparks and open flames. Do
not smoke.
CAUTION: Hydraulic oil may cause inflammation of the eyes and skin. If ingested, it will
cause diarrhea and vomiting.
In case of eye contact, rinse in clean water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
In case of skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
In case of ingestion, consult a physician immediately. Do not deliberately induce vomiting.
1. Oil should be warm but not hot. Warm up unit if cold.
2. Adjust stopper and make three or four cuts, but not all the way through the rebar.
3. Pinch a short piece of rebar, stopping just before it breaks off. Unplug unit from power source.
4. With partially severed rebar in place, turn unit over so that oil plug is facing up. (If unit is hot,
allow to cool down.)
5. Remove oil plug and seal washer (packing).
CAUTION: Never remove oil plug when unit is hot or oil will spurt out.
6. Check that oil is level with bottom of plug hole (i.e., that pump case is full to the brim). If oil level
is too low, top off with 20-weight hydraulic oil with anti-foam and anti-abrasion properties.
7. After topping off, extract air from system by gently tilting cutter lengthwise and return it to a level
position.
Top up again and tilt in the opposite direction. Repeat this process until all air has been extracted.
Cutter cannot function properly if oil contains air bubbles.
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8. Replace seal washer (packing) and plug. Connect cutter power source and completely sever
rebar.

Oil Change
The hydraulic oil should be changed at least once a year sooner if it appears dirty.
1. Unplug unit from power source. Remove oil plug and packing. Turn cutter over and drain oil into
a suitable receptacle. When oil ceases to drain out, tilt unit to rear so that oil trapped in the
piston housing can run out.
When housing is empty, tilt unit in the opposite direction to empty the residue in the pump case.
2. With drain hole uppermost, slowly fill the unit with fresh oil. Replace plug and lightly tighten.
Connect unit to power source and advance piston two or three times. Unplug unit and remove
oil plug. Top off oil level and replace plug.
3. Finally, follow procedure for oil level check (Steps 2–8).
Note: Dispose of used hydraulic oil in accordance with local regulations. Do not pour onto the
ground or into sewer drains, rivers or lakes.

Bolt Tightness
Once a week, or after every 500 cuts, check the tightness of all bolts, especially those securing the
housing to the cylinder. Loose bolts will result in a loss of power.

Carbon Brushes
Inspect the two carbon brushes at least once every two months. (Nominal brush life is 200 hours).
Worn brushes will result in loss of power, cause the motor to run hot and irreparably
damage the armature’s commutator.
1. Disconnect unit from power supply.
2. Unscrew both brush caps and pull out carbon brushes.
3. Replace brushes if less than 6cm in length.

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1 Housing 37 Seal washer
2 Seal packing 38 Oil seal
3 O Ring 39 Bearing
4 Cutter blocks 40 Handle piece
5 Air bag 41 Handle
6 Air bag nut 42 Switch cover
7 Air bag cap 43 Steel ball
8 Air bag set bolt 44 Carbon brush set
9 Seal 45 Switch/trigger
10 Seal 46 Stator coil
11 Cutter blocks 47 Armature
12 Stopper bolt with nut 48 Electric cord
13 Nut 49 Screw
14 Return spring 50 Motor housing

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15 Cylinder packing 51 Brush holder
16 Piston 52 Carbon brush cap
17 Seal packing/piston 53 Cord armor
18 Return valve 54 Condenser
19 Return valve spring 55 Rear housing cover
20 Valve end spring 56 Seal
21 Piston key 57 Armature bearing
22 Cylinder 58 Gasket
23 Snap ring 59 Screw
24 Bearing guide 60 Cap bolt M6
25 Needle bearing 61 Cap bolt M6
26 Bearing 609 62 Cap bolt M6
27 Ram 63 Cap bolt M6
28 Ram return spring 64 Cap bolt M6
29 Delivery valve 65 Cap bolt M6
30 Delivery valve spring 66 Cap bolt M6
31 Spring guide 67 Cap bolt M6
32 Pump head seal 68 Gasket
33 Filter magnet 69 Switch cover bolt
34 Pump case packing 70 Switch bolt
35 Pump case 71 Bolt
36 Bolt/oil plug 72 Stator coil bolt

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 WARNING
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains
chemicals known to the State of California 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 chemically treated 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.

Northern Tool + Equipment Co.,

2800 Southcross Drive West
P.O. Box 1499 Burnsville, MN 5337-0499
Made in China

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