OPERATOR’S MANUAL
18 VOLT RECIPROCATING SAW
VARIABLE SPEED
R844
®
Your reciprocating saw has been engineered and manufactured to our high standards for dependability, ease of operation,
and operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.
Thank you for buying a RIDGID product.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
1
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
nDo not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. Proper footing and balance enable better
control of the tool in unexpected situations.
WARNING!
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below, may
result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal
injury.
nUse safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing
protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
nDo not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long
hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn
into air vents.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WORK AREA
nKeep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
benches and dark areas invite accidents.
nDo not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable
footing on a solid surface enables better control of the
tool in unexpected situations.
nDo not operate power tools in explosive atmo-
spheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which nUse clamps or other practical way to secure and
TOOL USE AND CARE
may ignite the dust or fumes.
support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding
the work by hand or against your body is unstable and
may lead to loss of control.
nKeep bystanders, children, and visitors away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to
lose control.
nDo not force tool. Use the correct tool for your
application. The correct tool will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it is designed.
nDo not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off.
A tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
nDisconnect battery pack from tool or place the switch
in the locked or off position before making any adjust-
ments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such
preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the
tool accidentally.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
nA battery operated tool with integral batteries or a
separate battery pack must be recharged only with
the specified charger for the battery. A charger that
may be suitable for one type of battery may create a risk
of fire when used with another battery.
nUse battery operated tool only with specifically
designated battery pack. Use of any other batteries may
create a risk of fire.
nUse battery only with charger listed.
nStore idle tools out of reach of children and other
untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands
of untrained users.
nWhen battery pack is not in use, keep it away from
other metal objects like: paper clips, coins, keys, nails,
screws, or other small metal objects that can make
a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting
the battery terminals together may cause sparks, burns,
or a fire.
MODEL
R844
BATTERY PACK
130254003, 130252004 140276001
140276002
CHARGER
nDo not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry
the charger. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges, or moving parts. Replace damaged cords
immediately. Damaged cords may create a fire.
PERSONAL SAFETY
nMaintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp
and clean. Properly maintained tools with sharp
cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to
control.
nCheck for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, and any other condition that may
affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained tools.
nUse 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.
nKeep the tool and its handle dry, clean and free
from oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when
cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-
based products, or any strong solvents to clean your tool.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of loss of control
and deterioration of the enclosure plastic.
nStay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power tool. Do not
use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while
operating power tools may result in serious personal
injury.
nDress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long
hair can be caught in moving parts.
nAvoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is in the
locked or off position before inserting battery pack.
Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or inserting
the battery pack into a tool with the switch on invites
accidents.
nRemove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning
the tool on. A wrench or a key that is left attached to a
rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
nWhen servicing a tool, use only identical replacement
parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section
of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to
follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of
shock or injury.
SERVICE
nTool service must be performed only by qualified
repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by
unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
nNever use a battery that has been dropped or
received a sharp blow. A damaged battery is subject to
explosion. Properly dispose of a dropped or damaged
battery immediately.
nHold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when
performing an operation where the cutting tool may
contact hidden wiring. Contact with a “live” wire will
also make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and
shock the operator.
nBatteries vent hydrogen gas and can explode in the
presence of a source of ignition, such as a pilot light.
To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, never use
any cordless product in the presence of open flame. An
exploded battery can propel debris and chemicals. If
exposed, flush with water immediately.
nKnow your power tool. Read operator’s manual care-
fully. Learn its applications and limitations, as well
as the specific potential hazards related to this tool.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock,
fire, or serious injury.
nDo not charge battery tool in a damp or wet
location. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric
shock.
nAlways wear safety glasses with side shields.
Everyday glasses have only impact resistant lenses. They
are NOT safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce
the risk of eye injury.
nFor best results, your battery tool should be charged
in a location where the temperature is more than
50°F but less than 100°F. Do not store outside or in
vehicles.
nProtect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.
nUnder extreme usage or temperature conditions,
battery leakage may occur. If liquid comes in contact
with your skin, wash immediately with soap and water,
then neutralize with lemon juice or vinegar. If liquid
gets into your eyes, flush them with clean water for
at least 10 minutes, then seek immediate medical
attention. Following this rule will reduce the risk of seri-
ous personal injury.
nProtect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during
extended periods of operation. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
nBattery tools do not have to be plugged into an
electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in
operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards
when not using your battery tool or when changing
accessories. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
electric shock, fire, or serious personal injury.
nSave these instructions. Refer to them frequently and
use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If you
loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions
also.
nDo not place battery tools or their batteries near
fire or heat. This will reduce the risk of explosion and
possibly injury.
4
SAFETY RULES FOR CHARGER
tain chemicals that can damage, weaken, or destroy
plastic.
WARNING!
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below, may
result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal
injury.
nAn extension cord should not be used unless
absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension
cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If
extension cord must be used, make sure:
a. That pins on plug of extension cord are the
same number, size and shape as those of
plug on charger.
nBefore using battery charger, read all instructions and
cautionary markings in this manual, on battery charger,
battery, and product using battery to prevent misuse of
the products and possible injury or damage.
b. That extension cord is properly wired and in
good electrical condition; and
c. That wire size is large enough for AC ampere
rating of charger as specified below:
CAUTION:
To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage
to the charger and battery, charge only nickel-
cadmium rechargeable batteries as specifically
designated on your charger. Other types of
batteries may burst, causing personal injury or
damage.
Cord Length (Feet)
Cord Size (AWG)
25'
16
50'
16
100'
16
NOTE: AWG = American Wire Gauge
nDo not operate charger with a damaged cord or
plug, which could cause shorting and electric shock. If
damaged, have the charger replaced by an authorized
serviceman.
nDo not use charger outdoors or expose to wet or damp
conditions. Water entering charger will increase the risk
of electric shock.
nDo not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow,
been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way. Take
it to an authorized serviceman for electrical check to
determine if the charger is in good working order.
nUse of an attachment not recommended or sold by the
battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk of
fire, electric shock, or injury to persons. Following this
rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious
personal injury.
nDo not disassemble charger. Take it to an authorized
serviceman when service or repair is required. Incorrect
reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.
nDo not abuse cord or charger. Never use the cord to
carry the charger. Do not pull the charger cord rather than
the plug when disconnecting from receptacle. Damage
to the cord or charger could occur and create an electric
shock hazard. Replace damaged cords immediately.
nUnplug charger from outlet before attempting
any maintenance or cleaning to reduce the risk of
electric shock.
nDisconnect charger from the power supply when
not in use. This will reduce the risk of electric shock or
damage to the charger if metal items should fall into the
opening. It also will help prevent damage to the charger
during a power surge.
nMake sure cord is located so that it will not be stepped
on, tripped over, come in contact with sharp edges
or moving parts or otherwise subjected to damage or
stress. This will reduce the risk of accidental falls, which
could cause injury, and damage to the cord, which could
result in electric shock.
nRisk of electric shock. Do not touch uninsulated portion
of output connector or uninsulated battery terminal.
nSave these instructions. Refer to them frequently and
use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If you
loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions also
to prevent misuse of the product and possible injury.
nKeep cord and charger from heat to prevent
damage to housing or internal parts.
nDo not let gasoline, oils, petroleum-based products,
etc. come in contact with plastic parts. They con-
WARNING:
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemi-
cals known 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.
5
SYMBOLS
Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpreta-
tion of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.
SYMBOL
NAME
DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
V
Volts
Voltage
Current
A
Hz
W
Amperes
Hertz
Frequency (cycles per second)
Watt
Power
min
Minutes
Time
Alternating Current
Direct Current
Type of current
Type or a characteristic of current
Rotational speed, at no load
n
o
No Load Speed
Class II Construction
Per Minute
Double-insulated construction
Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute
.../min
Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
Wet Conditions Alert
To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand
operator’s manual before using this product.
Read The Operator’s Manual
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
and a full face shield when operating this product.
Eye Protection
Safety Alert
Precautions that involve your safety.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
No Hands Symbol
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
No Hands Symbol
No Hands Symbol
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
No Hands Symbol
Hot Surface
To reduce the risk of injury or damage, avoid contact with
any hot surface.
6
SYMBOLS
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.
SYMBOL
SIGNAL
MEANING
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
DANGER:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING:
CAUTION:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in
property damage.
CAUTION:
SERVICE
WARNING:
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service we suggest you return the product to your nearest
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servic-
ing, use only identical replacement parts.
To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt
to use this product until you read thoroughly and
understand completely the operator’s manual.
Save this operator’s manual and review frequently
for continuing safe operation and instructing others
who may use this product.
WARNING:
The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety goggles or safety glasses
with side shields and a full face shield when needed. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over
eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection which is marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
7
FEATURES
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Length of Stroke.......................................................................................................................................................1-3/16 in.
Strokes Per Minute...............................................................................................................................................0-2500/min.
Motor......................................................................................................................................................................18 Volt DC
Switch........................................................................................................................................... Variable Speed With Brake
Charger Rating ..................................................................................................................................... 120 V, 60 Hz, AC only
Charge Rate ......................................................................................................................................................... 30 minutes
LOCK-OFF
BUTTON
SWITCH
TRIGGER
BASE (SHOE)
ASSEMBLY
®
HEX KEY
STORAGE
SAW
BLADE
BLADE CLAMP
LOCK / RELEASE
LEVER
BATTERY
PACK
CHARGER
4-1/8 in.
Fig. 1
KNOW YOUR RECIPROCATING SAW
HEX KEY STORAGE
See Figure 1.
The hex key storage area is located on the base of the
saw.
Before attempting to use this product, familiarize yourself
with all operating features and safety rules.
SWITCH TRIGGER
The switch trigger is conveniently located on the handle of
the tool.
TOOLLESS BLADE CLAMP
Your saw has a blade clamp design that does not require the
use of a tool (blade wrench) when installing or removing the
blade. Simply lift blade clamp lock / release lever, located on
side of saw, insert blade between blade clamp and saw bar
as far as possible, then release lever to lock position.
VARIABLE SPEED
This tool has a variable speed feature that delivers higher
speed with increased trigger pressure.
CHARGER
LOCK-OFF BUTTON
Yourchargerhasa“keyhole”hangingfeatureforconvenient,
space-saving storage. Screws should be installed so that
the center distance is 4-1/8 in.
Your saw is equipped with a “lock-off” button which reduces
the possibility of accidental starting. The lock-off button is
located on the handle above the switch trigger. You must
depress the lock-off button to pull the switch trigger. The
lock resets each time the trigger is released. You can depress
the lock-off button from either side.
8
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING
This product has been shipped completely assembled.
TO INSTALL SAW BLADE
See Figure 2.
nCarefully remove the tool and any accessories from the nLift the blade clamp lock/release lever located on the side
box.
of the saw.
nMake sure that all items listed in the packing list are nInsert saw blade between blade clamp and saw bar.
included.
nLock the blade clamp lever.
nInspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or
damage occurred during shipping.
nDo not discard the packing material until you have care-
fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.
®
nIf any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-866-539-1710 for assistance.
PACKING LIST
18 Volt Reciprocating Saw
Charger
BLADE
Battery Pack
Saw Blade (3)
Hex Key
BLADE
CLAMP
Tool Bag
Operator’s Manual
WARNING:
If any parts are missing do not operate this tool
until the missing parts are replaced. Failure to
do so could result in possible serious personal
injury.
Fig. 2
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this tool or create
accessories not recommended for use with this
tool. Any such alteration or modification is misuse
and could result in a hazardous condition leading
to possible serious personal injury.
WARNING:
To prevent accidental starting that could cause
serious personal injury, always remove the battery
pack from the tool when assembling parts.
9
OPERATION
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with your tool to make you
careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a
second is sufficient to inflict severe injury.
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating tools. Failure to do so
could result in objects being thrown into your eyes
resulting in possible serious injury.
Fig. 3
WARNING:
Do not use any attachments or accessories
not recommended by the manufacturer of this
tool. The use of attachments or accessories not
recommended can result in serious personal injury.
nAttach the battery pack to the charger by aligning the
raised ribs on the battery pack with the grooves in the
charger, then slide the battery pack onto the charger.
nAfter normal usage, 30 minutes of charging time is
required to be fully charged.
nThe battery pack will become slightly warm to the touch
while charging. This is normal and does not indicate a
problem.
nDo not place the charger in an area of extreme heat or
cold. It will work best at normal room temperature.
nWhen the batteries become fully charged, unplug the
charger from the power supply and remove the battery
pack.
APPLICATIONS
You may use this tool for the purposes listed below:
nCutting all types of wood products (lumber, plywood,
paneling, composition board, and hard wood)
nCutting masonite and plastic
nCutting drywall
nCutting metals such as sheet steel, pipe, steel rods, alu-
minum, brass, and copper
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RECHARG-
ING A HOT BATTERY PACK
When using the tool continuously, the batteries in the
battery pack will become hot. You should let a hot
battery pack cool down for approximately 20 minutes before
attempting to recharge. When the battery pack becomes
discharged and is hot, the green LED will be off and the red
LED will begin flashing.
CAUTION:
If at any point during the charging process none
of the LEDs are lit, remove the battery pack from
the charger to avoid damaging the product. DO
NOT insert another battery. Return the charger and
battery to your nearest service center for service
or replacement.
When the battery pack cools down to approximately 104°F
(40°C), the charger will automatically begin fast charge
mode.
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK
The battery pack for this tool has been shipped in a low
charge condition to prevent possible problems. Therefore,
you should charge it until the light on front of charger changes
from flashing green to continuous green.
If the Red LED continues to flash for more than 90 minutes,
and the green LED remains off, this may indicate a damaged
battery that will not charge.
NOTE: Batteries will not reach full charge the first time they
are charged. Allow several cycles (operation followed by
recharging) for them to become fully charged. This is normal
for nickel-cadmium batteries.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RECHARG-
ING A COOL BATTERY PACK
If the battery pack is below normal temperature range, the
red LED will begin flashing and the green LED will be off.
When the battery warms to a temperature of more than 41°F
(5°C), the charger will automatically begin fast charge mode.
TO CHARGE
See Figure 3.
nCharge the battery pack only with the charger provided.
nMake sure the power supply is normal house voltage,
120 volts, 60 Hz, AC only.
NOTE: Refer to “CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK” for
normal recharging of batteries. If the charger does not charge
your battery pack under normal circumstances, return both
the battery pack and charger to your nearest repair center
for electrical check. For the location of your nearest repair
center, please call 1-866-539-1710.
nConnect the charger to a power supply.
10
OPERATION
LED FUNCTION OF CHARGER
See Figure 4.
LED
INDICATOR
BATTERY
PACK
RED
LED
GREEN
LED
ACTION
Power
Without battery pack ON
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
Ready to charge battery pack
Evaluate
Evaluate
Evaluate
Evaluate
Hot battery pack
Cold battery pack
Deeply discharged
Flashing
When battery pack reaches cooled
temperature, charger begins fast
charge mode
Flashing
Flashing
Flashing
When battery pack reaches
warmed temperature, charger
begins fast charge mode
Charger pre-charges battery until
normal voltage is reached, then
begins fast charge mode
Thermistor shorted
or open
If red LED continues flashing for
more than 90 minutes, and green
LED remains off, this may
indicate a damaged battery
Charging
Full
Fast charging
Slow charging
ON
Flashing
ON
Fast charges in 30 minutes
OFF
Fast charging is complete.
Charger maintains charge mode.
POWER
INDICATOR
EVALUATE
INDICATOR
NOTE: The 9.6 volt, 12 volt and 14.4
volt battery packs will not slide all the
way down onto the charger port. Insert
9.6 volt, 12 volt, and 14.4 volt battery
packs until they click into place and
are aligned with the line on the charger,
shown at left.
CHARGING
INDICATOR
Allow up to 5 seconds for the “charge”
light to come on after the battery pack
is inserted.
FULL
INDICATOR
Fig. 4
11
OPERATION
TO INSTALL BATTERY PACK
See Figure 5.
nPlace the battery pack in the saw aligning raised rib on
battery pack with groove in the saw's battery port.
®
nMake sure the latches on each side of the battery pack
snap into place and the battery pack is secured to saw
before beginning operation.
CAUTION:
When placing battery pack in the tool, be sure
raised rib on battery pack aligns with the bottom
of the drill and latches into place properly. Improper
installation of the battery pack can cause damage
to internal components.
RAISED RIB
BATTERY PACK
TO REMOVE BATTERY PACK
See Figure 6.
Fig. 5
nLocate the latches on the side of the battery pack and
depress both sides to release the battery pack from the
saw.
nRemove the battery pack from the saw.
®
BASE ASSEMBLY
See Figure 7.
The base assembly of your reciprocating saw pivots up and
down in both directions. The base is adjustable, allowing the
use of the blade teeth at different positions on the blade.
CHANGING POSITIONS OF THE BASE
ASSEMBLY
nRemove the battery pack.
DEPRESS LATCHES TO
RELEASE BATTERY PACK
Fig. 6
nLoosen the screws in the gear frame with the hex key.
nReposition the base assembly.
HEX
KEY
nRetighten the button head screws securely. Do not over-
tighten screws or use an aid with the hex key.
nRemove the hex key and replace it in the storage area.
SCREW(S)
BASE ASSEMBLY
Fig. 7
12
OPERATION
GENERAL CUTTING
See Figure 8.
Hold the saw firmly in front of and clearly away from you.
Make sure the saw blade is clear of any foreign material. Be
sure the material to be cut is held firmly. Small work pieces
should be securely clamped in a vise or with clamps to the
work bench or table. Mark the line of cut clearly. Depress
the lock-off button, then pull the switch trigger to start the
cuttingaction.Placethebaseassemblyagainstthework,then
movethebladeintothework.Donotforce.Useonlyenough
pressure to keep the saw cutting. Let the blade and saw do
the work. Use of excessive pressure that causes bending or
twisting of the blade may result in broken blades.
®
PLUNGE CUTTING
See Figure 9.
Markthelineofcutclearly.Chooseaconvenientstartingpoint
inside the area to be cut out and place the tip of the blade
over that point. Rest front edge of base (shoe) assembly on
work and hold firmly in position. Depress the lock-off button,
then pull switch trigger to start the cutting action.
Fig. 8
WARNING:
®
Make sure blade does not touch work until motor
reaches full speed, since this could cause loss of
control resulting in serious injury.
With saw blade at full cutting speed, slowly tilt the saw
downward until the tip of the blade starts cutting the work.
After the blade penetrates the work, tilt the saw until the
blade is perpendicular to the work.
METAL CUTTING
See Figure 10.
Fig. 9
Metals such as sheet steel, pipe, steel rods, aluminum,
brass, and copper may be cut with the saw. Be careful not
totwistorbendthesawblade.Donotforce.Werecommend
cutting oil when cutting most soft metals and steel. Cutting
oil will also keep blades cool, increase cutting action, and
prolong blade life.
Never use gasoline since normal sparking of motor could
ignite fumes. Clamp the work firmly and cut close to the
clamping point to eliminate any vibration of the work being
cut. When cutting conduit pipe or angle iron, clamp work
in a vise if possible and cut close to the vise. To cut thin
sheet material, “sandwich” the material between hardboard
or plywood and clamp the layers to eliminate vibration and
material tearing.
®
Fig. 10
13
MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
WARNING:
When servicing use only identical RIDGID
replacement parts. Use of any other parts may
create a hazard or cause product damage.
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline,
petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc.,
come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can
damage, weaken or destroy plastic which may
result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Only the parts shown on the parts list are intended to be
repaired or replaced by the customer. All other parts should
be replaced at a RIDGID authorized service center.
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields during power tool operation or when
blowing dust. If operation is dusty, also wear a
dust mask.
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, always remove
the battery pack from the tool when cleaning or
performing any maintenance.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use
clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
BATTERY PACK REMOVAL AND
BATTERIES
The battery pack for this tool is equipped with nickel-cad-
mium rechargeable batteries. Length of service from each
charging will depend on the type of work you are doing.
PREPARATION FOR RECYCLING
To preserve natural resources, please
recycle or dispose of batteries
properly.
The batteries in this tool have been designed to provide
maximum trouble-free life. However, like all batteries, they
will eventually wear out. Do not disassemble battery pack
and attempt to replace the batteries. Handling of these
batteries, especially when wearing rings and jewelry, could
result in a serious burn.
This product contains nickel-cadmium
batteries. Local, state or federal laws
may prohibit disposal of nickel-
cadmium batteries in ordinary trash.
Consult your local waste authority for information regarding
available recycling and/or disposal options.
To obtain the longest possible battery life, we suggest the
following:
nRemove the battery pack from the charger once it is fully
WARNING:
charged and ready for use.
Upon removal, cover the battery pack’s terminals
with heavy-duty adhesive tape. Do not attempt
to destroy or disassemble battery pack or
remove any of its components. Nickel-cadmium
batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly.
Also, never touch both terminals with metal objects
and/or body parts as short circuit may result. Keep
away from children. Failure to comply with these
warnings could result in fire and/or serious injury.
For battery pack storage longer than 30 days:
nStore the battery pack where the temperature is below
80°F.
nStore battery packs in a “discharged” condition.
14
WARRANTY
RIDGID® HAND HELD AND STATIONARY POWER TOOL
3 YEAR LIMITED SERVICE WARRANTY
Proof of purchase must be presented when requesting war-
ranty service.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
This warranty applies only to the original purchaser at retail
and may not be transferred. This warranty only covers de-
fects arising under normal usage and does not cover any
malfunction, failure or defect resulting from misuse, abuse,
neglect, alteration, modification or repair by other than an
authorized service center for RIDGID® branded hand held
and stationary power tools. Consumable accessories pro-
vided with the tool such as, but not limited to, blades, bits
and sand paper are not covered.
Limited to RIDGID® hand held and stationary power tools
purchased 2/1/04 and after. This product is manufactured
by One World Technologies, Inc. The trademark is licensed
from RIDGID, Inc. All warranty communications should be
directed to One World Technologies, Inc., attn: RIDGID Hand
Held and Stationary Power Tool Technical Service at (toll
free) 1-866-539-1710.
90-DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE POLICY
During the first 90 days after the date of purchase, if you are
dissatisfied with the performance of this RIDGID® Hand Held
and Stationary Power Tool for any reason you may return
the tool to the dealer from which it was purchased for a full
refund or exchange. To receive a replacement tool you must
present proof of purchase and return all original equipment
packaged with the original product. The replacement tool
will be covered by the limited warranty for the balance of
the 3 YEAR service warranty period.
RIDGID, INC. AND ONE WORLD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
MAKE NO WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR
PROMISES AS TO THE QUALITY OR PERFORMANCE
OF ITS POWER TOOLS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFI-
CALLY STATED IN THIS WARRANTY.
ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS
To the extent permitted by applicable law, all implied war-
ranties, including warranties of MERCHANTABILITY or FIT-
NESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, are disclaimed. Any
implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability
or fitness for a particular purpose, that cannot be disclaimed
under state law are limited to three years from the date of
purchase. One World Technologies, Inc. and RIDGID, Inc.
are not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or conse-
quential damages. Some states do not allow limitations on
how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential dam-
ages, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also
have other rights which vary from state to state.
WHAT IS COVERED UNDER THE 3 YEAR
LIMITED SERVICE WARRANTY
This warranty on RIDGID® Hand Held and Stationary Power
Tools covers all defects in workmanship or materials and nor-
mal wear items such as brushes, chucks, motors, switches,
cords, gears and even cordless batteries in this RIDGID®
tool for three years following the purchase date of the tool.
Warranties for other RIDGID® products may vary.
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE
To obtain service for this RIDGID® tool you must return it;
freight prepaid, or take it in to an authorized service center
for RIDGID® branded hand held and stationary power tools.
You may obtain the location of the authorized service center
nearest you by calling (toll free) 1-866-539-1710 or by log-
ging on to the RIDGID® website at www.ridgid.com. When
requesting warranty service, you must present the original
dated sales receipt. The authorized service center will re-
pair any faulty workmanship, and either repair or replace
any part covered under the warranty, at our option, at no
charge to you.
One World Technologies, Inc.
Hwy. 8
Pickens, SC 29671
15
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
18 VOLT RECIPROCATING SAW
VARIABLE SPEED
R844
Customer Service Information:
For parts or service, contact your nearest RIDGID authorized service center. Be
sure to provide all relevant information when you call or visit. For the location of
the authorized service center nearest you, please call 1-866-539-1710 or visit us
The model number of this tool is found on a plate attached to the motor housing.
Please record the serial number in the space provided below. When ordering repair
parts, always give the following information:
R844
Model No.
Serial No.
983000-589
5-05
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