The DEWALT D51238 is a pneumatic nailer designed for driving fasteners into wooden workpieces. It is a robust tool, reflecting DEWALT's commitment to reliability for professional power tool users, built on years of experience, product development, and innovation.
Function Description
The primary function of the D51238 nailer is to efficiently and accurately drive nails into wood. It operates using compressed air and features a contact trip mechanism for actuation. The tool can be configured for two distinct operating modes: sequential action mode and bump action mode, catering to different nailing requirements.
- Sequential Action Mode: This mode is ideal for intermittent nailing where precise and careful fastener placement is crucial. In this mode, the user must first push the contact trip against the work surface and then pull the trigger to drive one nail. Each trigger pull, with the contact trip engaged, drives a single nail. This mode is activated by installing the grey trigger, which has a single nail printed on its side.
- Bump Action Mode: Designed for rapid nailing on flat, stationary surfaces, the bump action mode allows for quick fastener application. To drive a single nail, the operation is similar to sequential action. However, to drive multiple nails, the user pulls the trigger first and then repeatedly pushes the contact trip against the work surface. This mode is activated by installing the black trigger, which has three nails printed on its side.
The tool is equipped with a trigger/lock-off switch (1) which, when rotated to the right, prevents accidental actuation, enhancing safety when the tool is not in use.
Important Technical Specifications
The D51238 nailer boasts several key technical specifications that define its performance:
- Sound Pressure (LPA): < 75 dB(A)
- Acoustic Power (LWA): < 88 dB(A)
- Hand/Arm Weighted Vibration: 2.3 m/s² (Note: This value is a tool-related characteristic and does not directly represent the hand-arm system's exposure, which depends on factors like gripping force, contact pressure, working direction, energy supply adjustment, workpiece, and support.)
- Recommended Operating Pressure: 4.8 - 8.0 bar
- Max. Operating Pressure: 8.0 bar
- Air Consumption per Shot: 4.5 l (at 6.9 bar)
- Actuating Mode: Contact actuating
- Magazine Angle: 0°
- Fastener Length: 16 - 50 mm
- Fastener Shank Diameter: 1.2 mm (18 gauge)
- Fastener Angle: 0°
- Weight: 1.27 kg
The tool is designed to comply with relevant safety regulations, specifically 98/37/EC, EN 792-13, EN 12549, and EN 12096.
Usage Features
The DEWALT D51238 incorporates several features to enhance usability and safety:
- Trigger Selection: The tool comes with both a bump action trigger (black, three nails) and a sequential action trigger (grey, single nail), allowing users to choose the appropriate mode for their task. The triggers are interchangeable, and instructions are provided for their removal and fitting.
- Air Fitting: A standard 1/4" pipe thread air fitting (2) is provided for connecting to a compressed air supply. Teflon tape is recommended for the male end to prevent leaks.
- Magazine (4): The magazine holds collated nail sticks. It features a pusher release button (11) to facilitate loading and unloading of nails. The magazine must be pushed forward until it locks in place after loading.
- Depth Setting (fig. F): The depth to which nails are driven can be adjusted on the nosepiece. By pressing the adjustment button (15) and sliding the slider switch (16) downward, the depth is reduced. Sliding it upward increases the depth. This adjustment should always be performed with the tool disconnected from the air supply.
- Belt/Rafter Hook: An integrated belt/rafter hook allows for convenient storage and transport. It can be rotated to either side of the tool or folded out of the way when not in use. Instructions are provided for its removal if necessary.
- Clearing Jams (fig. E): In the event of a nail jam in the nosepiece, the manual provides clear steps for safe removal, including disconnecting the airline, locking the trigger, and opening the barrel (14) to access the jammed nail.
- Cold Weather Operation: Specific instructions are given for operating the tool in freezing temperatures, including warming the tool, lubricating with pneumatic oil, and adjusting air pressure.
- Hot Weather Operation: The tool is designed to operate normally in hot weather, but users are advised to avoid direct sunlight to protect rubber parts.
Maintenance Features
Proper maintenance is crucial for the D51238's longevity and performance:
- Lubrication: Regular lubrication with 5-7 drops of DEWALT pneumatic tool oil is essential. The oil should be inserted into the air fitting on the end cap of the tool.
- Condensation Drainage: Users must regularly drain all condensation from the air compressor tanks and hoses by opening petcocks or drain valves. Accumulated water in hoses should also be drained.
- Cleaning: The magazine, pusher, and contact trip mechanism should be cleaned by blowing with compressed air to ensure smooth operation.
- Fastener Tightness: All fasteners on the tool must be kept tight and undamaged. Loose fasteners should be tightened using the appropriate tool.
- Authorized Service: For repairs or if the tool frequently jams, it should be serviced by an authorized DEWALT repair agent to ensure compliance with safety regulations and proper functioning. Users are explicitly warned against disassembling or blocking safety parts like the safety yoke.
- Spare Parts: Only spare parts specified by the manufacturer or authorized agents should be used for repairs.
The D51238 comes with a kitbox, a bottle of DEWALT pneumatic tool oil, an Allen key, safety glasses, and an instruction manual, ensuring users have everything needed for safe and effective operation and maintenance.