SEATEK ROTO-SPLIT ROTO-FLEX RS-101

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ROTO-SPLIT

Made in USA Patent Pending

Standard MC

Small MC

www.SeatekCo.com

RS-101AC AUTOCLAMPING

101 WITH THUMB NUT CLAMPING

Back-up thumb screw a & insert cable b into the channel. Hold cable b

in place with your thumb. Now turn thumb screw a clockwise until the tip

of the clamping stud e falls into the helical groove of the cable casing

b. Secure by hand tightening thumb screw a. Note: Do not tighten with

pliers, only hand tightening is required to clamp the cable securely.

ROTO-SPLIT

SEATEK Co.

STAMFORD, CT

PATENTED

ROTO-SPLIT

SEATEK Co.

STAMFORD, CT

PATENTED

The patented ROTO-SPLIT

strips #14, 12, 10 & 8 gauge BX & MC cable & cuts 3/8" trade size ex. The new patent pending

ROTO-SPLIT

RS-101AC & RS-101B have exclusive auto clamping. The RS-101AC strips new reduced diameter brands

of MC cable. The ROTO-FLEX cuts 1/2" to 3/4" trade size ex & strips large size BX & MC cable such as: AWG #2/3 & AWG

#4/3. For larger cables & ex up to 1-1/2" trade size use our ROTO-FLEX RF-170.

Remove the hex nut from the curved handle c. Put the threaded screw

into the blade shaft and push out the red plug. Screw on the hex nut

with the counterbored side against the blade. Tighten the nut with an

adjustable wrench.

101A, RS

101AL & RF

120A

WITH QUICK CLAMPING

Unscrew knob a and insert cable b into the channel. Squeeze quick

clamping lever until the clamping stud e reaches the bottom of the

cable groove. The tip of the quick clamping lever 4 should be

just above the bottom of the tool. Adjust the depth of the clamping

stud e by turning knob a until the lever is in the correct position. It

is important to note that the cable should be clamped securely

but not overtightened. Adjustment is normally not required

when switching from #14 to #12 cables. The quick clamping &

release feature of the RS-101A makes it twice as fast as the original.

INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR THE ROTO-SPLIT

& ROTO-FLEX

™

RS-101

RS-101A

RS-101, RS-101A, RS-101B, RS-101AC, RS-101AL AND RF-120A

View all of our products at www.SeatekCo.com

THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING A FINE U.S. MADE TOOL

PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO GET YEARS OF SATISFACTION

101AC & RS

101B

WITH EXCLUSIVE AUTO CLAMPING

Insert cable a into the channel and squeeze auto-clamping

lever b until the clamping stud d reaches the bottom of the

cable groove. Hold the tool near the cutting head & squeeze the

RS-101AC or RS-101B until the blade makes contact with the cable.

Hand

Tighten

After the MC cable has been clamped, hold the tool near the cutting

head and squeeze the ROTO-SPLIT or ROTO-FLEX. Do not apply

too much pressure while pushing the "BLUE SAPPHIRE" circular

blade against the cable. Rotate the crank handle c smoothly and

change the amount of pressure to get the most efcient cutting action.

When the force required to turn the crank suddenly decreases,

you have cut all the way through. Release pressure and turn

the crank slightly, the top should snap back to the original position.

DEPTH OF CUT

LEVER

STEP 2 - CABLE CLAMPING

STEP 1 - A S SE MBLY

STEP 3 - CUTTING MC CABLES

RS-101AC & B

RS-101AC: For small diameter MC cable lever f must be in the

forward position and button g must be pushed in completely

(flush with outer channel) to properly position the cable.

Need help?

Do you have a question about the SEATEK ROTO-SPLIT ROTO-FLEX RS-101 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Cable Clamping Procedures

RS-101 Thumb Nut Clamping

Instructions for clamping cables using the thumb nut mechanism on the RS-101 model.

RS-101 A;AL & RF-120 A Quick Clamping

Procedure for clamping cables with the quick clamping lever on RS-101A, RS-101AL, and RF-120A tools.

RS-101 AC & RS-101 B Auto Clamping

Details on using the exclusive auto clamping feature on RS-101AC and RS-101B models.

Specific Cable Cutting Guidelines

Cutting Large MC and Flex Cables

Guidance for cutting larger diameter MC and flex cables using RF-120 or RF-170.

Cutting Reduced Size MC Cable

Instructions for cutting reduced diameter MC cable, like Southwire MCAP, using RS-101AC.

Blade Maintenance and Storage

Blade Replacement Procedure

Step-by-step guide on how to remove and replace the cutting blade on the tool.

Blade Lubrication

Information on using the lubricant stick for optimal blade performance and longevity.

Blade Storage

Details on the blade storage cartridge integrated into the tool's knob.

Replacement Parts

Replacement Blades

List of available replacement blades and their compatibility with different tool models.

Lubricant Stick

Information on the LS-105 lubricant stick for blades.

Hardware Retrofit

Spare parts kit for ROTO-SPLIT and ROTO-FLEX tools.

Power Kit

Kit for motorizing ROTO-SPLIT and ROTO-FLEX tools.

Handle Assembly

Handle assembly for ROTO-SPLIT and ROTO-FLEX models.

The ROTO-SPLIT® and ROTO-FLEX™ are a series of tools designed for stripping and cutting various types of armored cables and flexible conduits. These tools are manufactured in the U.S. and are intended to provide years of reliable service when used according to the provided instructions.

Function Description

The primary function of the ROTO-SPLIT® and ROTO-FLEX™ tools is to efficiently strip the armored casing from BX and MC cables and to cut flexible conduits. The tools utilize a circular blade to make a precise cut in the armor, allowing for its easy removal without damaging the internal conductors. Different models within the series are designed to handle a range of cable sizes and types, from standard gauge BX and MC cable to larger diameter armored cables and various sizes of flexible conduit.

The ROTO-SPLIT® models, such as the RS-101, RS-101A, RS-101AC, and RS-101B, are primarily used for stripping #14, 12, 10, and 8 gauge BX and MC cable, and for cutting 3/8" trade size flex. The RS-101AC and RS-101B models feature an exclusive auto-clamping mechanism, enhancing ease of use. The RS-101AC is specifically designed to strip new reduced-diameter brands of MC cable.

The ROTO-FLEX™ models, including the RF-120A and RF-170, are designed for larger applications. The RF-120A cuts 1/2" to 3/4" trade size flex and strips large size BX and MC cable, such as AWG #2/3 and AWG #4/3. For even larger cables and flex up to 1-1/2" trade size, the RF-170 is recommended.

The cutting process involves clamping the cable securely within the tool, then rotating a crank handle to engage the circular blade, which scores and splits the cable armor. Once the armor is cut, it can be twisted off, exposing the conductors. The tools are designed to provide a clean cut, minimizing the risk of nicking the internal wires.

Usage Features

The ROTO-SPLIT® and ROTO-FLEX™ tools are designed for user-friendly operation, incorporating several features to streamline the cable preparation process.

Assembly: Before first use, the tool requires a simple assembly step. This involves removing a hex nut from the curved handle, inserting a threaded screw into the blade shaft, and then re-securing the hex nut with an adjustable wrench. It's important to ensure the counterbored side of the hex nut is against the blade for proper function.

Cable Clamping: Different models offer various clamping mechanisms:

RS-101 with Thumb Nut Clamping: For this model, the cable is inserted into the channel, held in place with a thumb, and then secured by turning a thumb screw clockwise. The tip of the clamping stud should fall into the helical groove of the cable casing. Hand tightening is sufficient; pliers should not be used to avoid overtightening.
RS-101A, RS-101AL & RF-120A with Quick Clamping: These models feature a quick clamping lever. The knob is unscrewed, the cable inserted, and the quick clamping lever is squeezed until the clamping stud reaches the bottom of the cable groove. The tip of the quick clamping lever should be just above the bottom of the tool. The depth of the clamping stud can be adjusted by turning the knob until the lever is in the correct position. Secure clamping is essential, but overtightening should be avoided. Adjustment is typically not needed when switching between #14 and #12 cables. This quick clamping and release feature significantly speeds up operation.
RS-101AC & RS-101B with Exclusive Auto Clamping: These models offer an auto-clamping feature. The cable is inserted into the channel, and the auto-clamping lever is squeezed until the clamping stud reaches the bottom of the cable groove. The tool is then held near the cutting head, and the tool is squeezed until the blade makes contact with the cable. For small diameter MC cable, a specific lever must be in the forward position, and a button must be pushed in completely to properly position the cable.

Cutting MC Cables: Once the cable is clamped, the tool is held near the cutting head and squeezed. The "BLUE SAPPHIRE" circular blade is then rotated against the cable using the crank handle. It's important not to apply excessive pressure initially. The user should rotate the crank handle smoothly and adjust pressure to achieve the most efficient cutting action. A sudden decrease in the force required to turn the crank indicates that the cut is complete. Releasing pressure and turning the crank slightly allows the top to snap back to its original position.

Removing Armored Casing: After cutting, 2 to 5 brisk turns of the handle should be sufficient to split the BX casing. The cable is held on each side of the cut, and the armored casing is twisted counter-clockwise until it separates. If the casing does not separate, it indicates that the cut was not deep enough, and the cutting steps should be repeated.

Depth of Cut Adjustment: If the tool does not completely cut through the armor, the depth of cut may need to be adjusted. This is done by turning a set screw in the top housing counter-clockwise a 1/4 turn using a 3/32 Allen wrench. A trial cut is then made, and the set screw is adjusted until the casing separates. It is crucial to verify that the blade does not nick a wire after adjustment. Casing can also be separated by inserting a screwdriver blade into the slot and twisting, or by slightly bending the cable at the cut.

Cutting Reduced Size MC Cable: For reduced diameter MC cable, such as Southwire MCAP, the RS-101AC is used. The lever must be slid towards the front of the tool, and a button pushed in completely to center the cable on the blade. After cutting, the lever should be returned to the rear position for standard MC cable. A warning emphasizes that for reduced wall MC, the lever must be set forward to prevent damage to conductors.

Safety Warning: It is critical never to attempt to cut already installed BX, MC, or Flex cables on live lines, as contact with a live wire and ground can be lethal.

Maintenance Features

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of the ROTO-SPLIT® and ROTO-FLEX™ tools.

Blade Replacement: The tools are equipped with replaceable blades. To replace a blade:

Remove the knurled screw.
Using an adjustable wrench, remove the nut.
Swing up the top housing and push the handle assembly back about 1/2 inch.
Lift out the old blade and replace it with a new one, ensuring that the arrow and logos on the blade are facing up.
Replace the hex nut and knurled screw. Only a slight tightening of the nut is necessary, as it will automatically secure during the first cut.
Always oil the blade shaft and thumb screw when replacing the blade.

Blade Lubrication: To extend blade life and prevent clogging, especially with non-aluminum armor, a Lubricant Stick (LS-105) should be used. The lubricant sticks are available from distributors. The armored cable cutters have an opening in front to apply the lubricant stick; simply rotate the handle with the LS-105 inserted into the tool.

Blade Storage: All Roto-Split and Roto-Flex models (except the RS-101) include a blade storage cartridge within the knob. To access the cartridge, it can be popped out with the tip of a screwdriver. Spare blades (up to six) can be stored inside, and the cartridge snapped back into the knob. For best results, genuine "BLUE SAPPHIRE" Cat. B-102 or B-107 blades should always be used.

Warranty: The ROTO-SPLIT® and ROTO-FLEX™ models come with a lifetime guarantee, except for the blade. This warranty covers defects in workmanship and material. Defective parts will be serviced or replaced free of charge. The warranty is void if the tools have been damaged by accident or mishandling. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, and Seatek Company assumes no liability for damage to replacement blades or other damages.

Left-Handed Users: The tool can be used by left-handed individuals by holding it upside down in the right hand and turning the crank clockwise with the left hand.