Textron GREENLEE BC14 - User Manual

999 2799.3 © 2003 Greenlee Textron IM 1352 REV 2 12/03
Bolt Cutters
INSTRUCTION SHEET
Read and understand all of the instructions and
safety information in this manual before operating
or servicing this tool.

Summary

Bolt Cutters

Safety Information

Essential safety warnings and cautions for tool operation.

Jaw Adjustment

Procedures for correctly adjusting the bolt cutter jaws.

Parts List

Comprehensive list of components and their details.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Available Lengths
4. Weight (approximate, in pounds)
5. Cutting Capacities (Diameter)
6. Standard Duty
7. Heavy Duty
8. Heavy Duty Fiberglass Handle
9. Head Color
10. Component Part Numbers (Example for 14" Standard Duty / BC14)
11. Usage Features
12. Safety Warnings
13. Jaw Adjustment Procedure
14. Maintenance Features

This document describes a series of Greenlee Bolt Cutters, including both standard-duty and heavy-duty models, with some heavy-duty models featuring fiberglass handles. These tools are designed for cutting various materials, primarily bolts, and are intended for two-handed operation to ensure proper control and leverage.

Function Description

The Greenlee Bolt Cutters are manual cutting tools designed to sever bolts and similar materials. The core function involves applying force through the handles, which is then amplified and transferred to the cutting jaws. The jaws are designed to shear through the material when the handles are brought together. The tool features an adjustment mechanism to align the cutter jaws, ensuring optimal cutting performance and extending the life of the blades.

Important Technical Specifications

The bolt cutters are available in a range of sizes and capacities, categorized into Standard Duty, Heavy Duty, and Heavy Duty with Fiberglass Handles.

Available Lengths:

• Standard Duty: 14", 18", 24", 30", 36", 42"
• Heavy Duty: 24", 30", 36", 42"
• Heavy Duty Fiberglass Handle: 18", 24", 30", 36"

Weight (approximate, in pounds):

• Standard Duty:
  • 14": 2.4 lb
  • 18": 3.4 lb
  • 24": 5.8 lb
  • 30": 8.9 lb
  • 36": 13.3 lb
  • 42": 19.8 lb
• Heavy Duty:
  • 24": 5.8 lb
  • 30": 8.9 lb
  • 36": 13.3 lb
  • 42": 19.8 lb
• Heavy Duty Fiberglass Handle:
  • 18": 4.2 lb
  • 24": 6.2 lb
  • 30": 9.0 lb
  • 36": 14.0 lb

Cutting Capacities (Diameter):

Standard Duty:

• Cap @ Rb 85 Dia. (Rockwell B 85 Hardness):
  • 14": 1/4"
  • 18": 5/16"
  • 24": 3/8"
  • 30": 1/2"
  • 36": 5/8"
  • 42": 3/4"
• Cap @ Rc 40 Dia. (Rockwell C 40 Hardness):
  • 14": 3/16"
  • 18": 1/4"
  • 24": 5/16"
  • 30": 11/32"
  • 36": 3/8"
  • 42": 7/16"
• Cap @ Rc 48 Dia.: Not Rated for Standard Duty models.

Heavy Duty:

• Cap @ Rb 85 Dia.:
  • 24": 3/8"
  • 30": 1/2"
  • 36": 5/8"
  • 42": 3/4"
• Cap @ Rc 40 Dia.: Not Rated for Heavy Duty models.
• Cap @ Rc 48 Dia.:
  • 24": 9/32"
  • 30": 5/16"
  • 36": 11/32"
  • 42": 3/8"

Heavy Duty Fiberglass Handle:

• Cap @ Rb 85 Dia.:
  • 18": 5/16"
  • 24": 3/8"
  • 30": 1/2"
  • 36": 5/8"
• Cap @ Rc 40 Dia.: Not Rated for Heavy Duty Fiberglass Handle models.
• Cap @ Rc 48 Dia.:
  • 18": 9/32"
  • 24": 5/16"
  • 30": 11/32"
  • 36": 7/32" (Note: This seems to be an anomaly in the table, as it's smaller than the 30" capacity. It might be a typo in the original document or indicate a specific design limitation for the 36" fiberglass model at Rc 48.)

Head Color:

• Standard Duty models feature Black heads.
• Heavy Duty and Heavy Duty Fiberglass Handle models feature Red heads.

Component Part Numbers (Example for 14" Standard Duty / BC14):

• Blade Unit w/bolts: 11281
• Adjustment Assembly: 11282
• Left Handle w/bolts: 11283
• Right Handle w/bolts: 11284
• ID Decal: 11285
• Jaw Adjustment Decal: 05484

Usage Features

Safety Warnings:

• Electric Shock Hazard: This tool is NOT insulated. Contact with live circuits can cause severe injury or death. Users must ensure the material being cut is not electrically live.
• Eye Protection: Always wear eye protection when using this tool. Flying debris from cutting operations can cause serious eye injury.
• Two-Handed Operation: The tool is designed for two-handed use. Users must maintain a firm grip on both handles during operation to ensure control and prevent injury.
• No Handle Extensions: Do not use handle extensions (cheaters) to increase leverage. This can damage the tool and lead to injury.
• Rated Capacity: Do not exceed the rated capacity of the tool. Attempting to cut materials beyond the specified hardness or diameter can damage the tool and pose a safety risk.

Jaw Adjustment Procedure:

1. Loosen Lock Nut: Locate and loosen the lock nut on the adjusting bolt.
2. Align Cutter Jaws: Rotate the adjusting bolt to bring the cutter jaws into proper alignment. The goal is to ensure the jaws meet cleanly and evenly for an effective cut.
3. Tighten Adjusting Bolt: Once the jaws are aligned, tighten the adjusting bolt to close the jaws.
4. Secure Lock Nut: After the adjustment is complete, securely tighten the lock nut to prevent the adjustment from shifting during use.

Maintenance Features

While the manual primarily focuses on usage and safety, the inclusion of part numbers for various components suggests that certain parts, such as the blade unit and adjustment assembly, are replaceable. This implies a degree of maintainability for the tool, allowing for the replacement of worn or damaged components rather than requiring a full tool replacement. Regular inspection of the blade unit for wear and proper jaw alignment, as described in the adjustment procedure, would be key maintenance activities to ensure the tool's longevity and performance. The "Jaw Adjustment Decal" also suggests that instructions for this critical maintenance step are readily available on the tool itself.

Textron GREENLEE BC14 Specifications