INSTRUCTION MANUAL

EK COMBO TOOL
PART NUMBER: 362R291

PRODUCT SAFETY
POLICY
Hale Products, Inc. urges all users of Jaws of Life
products to read the Instruction Manual and to seek
operating instructions from qualified instructors
before attempting to use the products. Although
most safety precautions are addressed in factory
authorized training programs, as well as
throughout this manual, particular attention is
directed to the following:

Jaws of Life products are designed and

manufactured to provide excellent service when
used for their intended purpose. Operator safety
is a major consideration in the product design and
operator manuals are provided to promote their
safe usage. Additionally, operator training programs
are offered by all authorized Jaws of Life
Distributors and this company.
units and tools should be operated
* Power
by qualified personnel only.

removing the tool from a multi-tool

* When
circuit, be sure the other tools are not in

protective clothing should be

* Proper
worn. (i.e. bunker gear, gloves, helmets,

use and the dump valve is in the "closed"

position before disconnecting unit.

face shields, etc.)

Inspect the equipment for obvious broken

or missing parts or damaged hoses
before and after use.

*
*
*

Keep clear of all moving parts.

sure to follow all maintenance

* Beprocedures.

* Return your warranty registration card.

* Use only factory authorized service parts.
only Jaws of Life fire resistant
* Use
hydraulic fluid.* Do not substitute other

When pulling, keep clear of chains.

brands of hydraulic fluid because

characteristics may differ. Fluid such as
brake fluid or automatic transmission
fluid will not work in the Jaws of Life
system and will damage the equipment.

When lifting, always use cribbing to shore

and stabilize the object being lifted.
When storing tool, compensate for
possible pressure buildup from thermal
expansion of hydraulic fluid by connecting
the two short hoses on the tool, completing
the circuit. Move trigger in both directions
to equalize the pressure on both sides of the
piston.

protection should be worn when

* Earoperating
the 2-cycle and 4-cycle units.

HYDRAULIC FLUID: Jaws Of Life hydraulic fluid* is a custom blended phosphate ester fluid. In
case of skin contact, wash off with soap and water. In case of eye contact,
flush with generous amounts of running water. If discomfort persists following
flushing, see physician for symptomatic treatment.

DO NOT OPERATE EQUIPMENT WHEN TIRED, STAY ALERT.

*Solutia product name MCS-2361 - MSDS on file.

EK COMBO
TOOL
ASSEMBLY/STORAGE
1

Remove rescue tool and charger from

carton; inspect unit and confirm that all
bolts and screws are securely fastened
and the unit has not been damaged in
shipment.

Before using the tool for the first time, it

may be necessary to charge the tool's
internal battery. Connect the tool to the
charger using the supplied charger cord.

3
The tool main switch should be in the
"off" position during charging. Press the
on/off switch on the charger to begin
charging. The charging process may be
interrupted at any time by pressing the
on/off switch and unplugging the
battery.
Power Switch Mode =

OFF

ON

To charge the external battery, connect the

battery cord to the charger and press the
charger on/off button. A steady green
lamp indicates the connected battery is
fully charged.

5
Once the battery is charged, the tool or
external battery may remain connected
to the switched-on charger. The charger
automatically switches to "compensating"
mode (steady green light) and will keep
either battery fully charged without
harming it's service life.

!
3

WARNING: Do not operate the

EK Combo tool while it's
being charged!

6
To operate the tool, the main switch must
be in the "on" position. The LED's on the
charge indicator will illuminate. These
LED's indicate the level of charge in the
internal battery.
The battery is fully charged when all three
green LED's are illuminated. Each LED
represents 20% of battery capacity. (i.e.
when only the red LED is on, a charge of
20% is still available)

Rotate the star valve handle in the

clockwise direction to open the tool, and
counter clockwise to close the tool.

After use, leave a small gap between

blade tips to compensate for any fluid
expansion during storage. Return the
main switch to the "off" position to prevent
the battery from being discharged by the
panel LED's when the tool is not in use.

Should you have to contact us about your

Rescue Tool, refer to the tool serial
number (found on the tool as shown). This
serial identification will expedite any
service you may required and will also
enable us to keep your records current.

BATTERY TIPS
o A new battery or one that has not been used for
a long time may require a few charge cycles to
reach full power.

o The charger is controlled by an internal microprocessor. Partially discharged batteries are only
charged up to full battery capacity. The microprocessor prevents overcharging automatically.

o The charging time for the 7 amp-hour spare

battery is approximately 2 hours in "quickcharging" mode.

o Battery temperature has an effect on charging

of a battery:
- If the temperature of the battery is between
50 F and 104F (10C to 40C), the charger works
in "quick-charging" mode. This is the fastest
charging mode and is indicated by a steady
yellow light.

o The (NiCd) battery pack will slowly loose its

charge over time, even if it is not used.
o A shortened battery operating time after each
charge indicates the battery may need replacing
soon. If the battery is plugged into the charger
and the red LED flashes continuously, the battery
is defective and needs replacing.

- If the temperature is between 41F and 50F

or between 104F and 122F (40C to
50C) the charger works in "accelerated" mode.
This mode is indicated by a blinking yellow light.
(5C to 10C)

o If the EK Combo tool is frequently discharged

partially, then fully recharged, the accuracy of the
indicator panel may decline. This can be prevented
by a full discharge of the tool battery. A full
discharge after every 5 charging cycles will keep
the indicatior panel correctly calibrated. This is
valid for spare batteries also.

- If the temperature is below 40F (10C) or

above 120F (50C) charging is not possible.
(Indicated by a steady red LED)

SPREADING
EK COMBO TOOL
1

To spread an automobile door open:

1. Operate the trigger handle to open the
blade tips only wide enough to grab the
front edge of the door. Close the tips and
pinch the door edge.
2. Rotate the tool to pry an entry opening in
the door.
3. With the blades fully closed, insert the tips
between the frame and the door. If the
opening is not large enough, repeat the
pinch pry operation.

Use the front most groove area of the

blade tips for enlarging a gap only. If
approximately 50% of the grooved section
of the blade tip is used, maximum
spreading force can be applied.

Insert the blade tips above or below the

hinge or lock. Rotate the trigger handle
clockwise to open the tool and spread the
door.

CUTTING
EK COMBO TOOL
1
CAUTION: Hold blades perpendicular to
the material being cut. Material to be cut
must be secure so that it cannot twist.
WARNING: If tool is not held firmly or if
the material is forced between the blade
flats, blade damage may result.

2
CAUTION: Avoid cutting a loose end. If
unavoidable, be sure that the end of the
object to be cut is secure.
WARNING: Do not cut cables under
tension. Do not cut electrical wires unless
absolutely certain all electrical power has
been removed.

3
To cut, rotate trigger handle clockwise to
open tool. Place blades around the object
to be cut. Maximum cutting forces are
obtained nearest the central pivot point.
When possible, start your cut at this point.
After making the cut, rotate the trigger
handle counter clockwise to remove the
tool.

TROUBLESHOOTING
AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE

EK Combo

GENERAL MAINTENANCE GUIDE*

DAILY MAINTENANCE/INSPECTION
yInspect carefully for Hydraulic leaks
y Check control valve operation for
easy operation and free return.
y Be sure all tool parts are clean.
y Check that all fasteners are in place
and securely fastened.

6 MONTH MAINTENANCE
y Check operation of tool to insure
blades fully open and close.
y Inspect carefully for Hydraulic leaks
y Check blades and other moving parts
for damage and wear.

AFTER USE MAINTENANCE

y Clean tool. Avoid using aggressive
detergents. CAUTION: Do not
submerge the tool in water. Do not
clean with a high pressure hose or water
jet.
y Lubricate the blades, links and pins with
a light grease after cleaning the tool.
y Check for wear or damage on all parts.
y Check that all fasteners are in place
and securely fastened.
y Inspect electrical connections. Repair
loose connections or scorched cables.

STORAGE
y Protect unit against moisture.
y Store in adequate space to prevent
damage to tool, batteries and
charger.
y CAUTION: Before storage, leave a
3/16" to 3/8" gap between blade
tips to compensate for any fluid
expansion.

ANNUAL INSPECTION*
y Check operation of tool to insure
blades fully open and close.
HYDRAULIC FLUID
y Inspect carefully for Hydraulic leaks
y The hydraulic fluid should be checked
y Check blades and other moving parts
by trained personnel if the blades can
for damage and wear.
not be closed completely.
y Replace operating decals, if necessary.
y Replace connectors, cables and fasteners y It is recommended that the oil be
changed by authorized personnel
as required.
every 3 years.
y Clean and lubricate metal moving parts.

* Call your authorized Jaws of Life Distributor for maintenance and annual inspection care.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE*
PROBLEM

CAUSE

REMEDY

Blade arms cannot be

closed completely

y Hydraulic Fluid is low

y Have tool filled by authorized personnel

Operating time between

proper charging cycles
decreases

y Battery needs replacing

y Have internal battery checked/replaced by

authorized personnel

Material to be cut slides

between blade arms

y Pivot bolt has loosened

y Tighten pivot bolt to 88-97 ft-lb

Tool does not reach

pressure

y Internal leakage or problem

y Have tool serviced by authorized personnel

Motor does not start

y Battery discharged
y Battery/electrical system problem

y Recharge battery or connect to external battery pack

y Have tool serviced by authorized personnel

Blinking red light on

charger

y Battery failure

y Have internal battery checked/replaced by

authorized personnel

Steady red light on

charger

y Battery is outside charging

temperature range

y Make sure battery is between 40F and 120F

(5C to 50C) before charging.

Interpreting other charger indicator lamps (see page 5)

Steady yellow lamp ... quick charge
blinking yellow lamp .. accelerated charge
steady green lamp ..... full battery charge
* Call your authorized Jaws of Life Distributor for maintenance and annual inspection care.

10

PRINTED IN USA l 1197

PART NO. 159R131 REV. 03

1997 Hale Products, Inc.

Hale Products, Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice or obligation, in prices, materials, equipment or specifications and to change or discontinue models. Check with distributor for current information