Black Decker GH1100 Grass String Trimmer User Manual

Black Decker GH1100 Grass String Trimmer

KEY INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• The guard must be installed before trimming or edging – if not, the motor will overheat.
• When replacing the line, use only .080-inch diameter ROUND line – otherwise, the unit will not function properly.
• Do not bump the feed head against the ground – it will disrupt the feed mechanism.
• Angle tool slightly (5° to 10°) when trimming.
• Always use the cord retainer and the extension cord lock feature.
• For trouble-free feeding and best results, only use Black & Decker replacement spools with dual 0.080-inch line. Black & Decker replacement spool model number DF-080.

GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL TOOLS

• ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION – Wear safety spectacles or goggles at all times when this tool is plugged in.
• GUARD – Do not use this tool without the guard attached.
• DRESS PROPERLY – Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves and substantial rubber-soled footwear are recommended when working outdoors. Don’t operate the tool when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear long pants to protect your legs. Wear a protective hair covering to contain long hair.
• NYLON LINE – Keep face, hands, and feet clear of the rotating nylon line at all times.
• THE ROTATING LINE PERFORMS A CUTTING FUNCTION – Use care when trimming around screens and desirable plantings.
• KEEP ALL BY-STANDERS AWAY – At a safe distance from the work area, especially children.
• IMPORTANT WARNING – When being used as an edger, stones, pieces of metal, and other objects can be thrown out at high speed by the line. The tool and guard are designed to reduce the danger. However, the following special precautions should be taken:
• MAKE SURE that other persons and pets are at least 100 feet (30m) away.
• TO REDUCE THE RISK of rebound (ricochet) injury, work away from any nearby solid object, such as a wall, steps, large stone, tree, etc. Use great care when working close to solid objects, and where necessary, do edging or trimming by hand.
• AVOID ACCIDENTALLY STARTING – Don’t carry the plugged-in tool with your finger on the trigger.
• DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL – Operate at a rate at which it is able to cut effectively.
• USE THE RIGHT TOOL – Do not use this tool for any job except that for which it is intended.
• DON’T OVERREACH – Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• DON’T ABUSE CORD – Don’t yank the cord from the power supply. Keep the cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• DAMAGE TO UNIT – If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the tool immediately, unplug, check for damage, and have any damage repaired before further operation is attempted. Do not operate with a broken hub or spool.
• DAMAGE TO CORD – Keep the power cord away from the rotating line. If you damage the cord, unplug it from the power supply before moving the tool or examining the damage. A damaged cord must be replaced before further use.
• DISCONNECT TOOL – When not in use, when replacing the line, or before cleaning.
• AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS – Do not use electric tools in damp or wet locations. Follow all instructions in this manual for proper operation of your tool. Don’t use the tool in the rain.
• DO NOT OPERATE portable electric tools in gaseous or explosive atmospheres. Motors in these tools normally spark, and the sparks might ignite fumes.
• STORE IDLE TOOLS INDOORS – When not in use, tools should be stored indoors in a dry, locked-up place out of reach of children.
• GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuits or outlets to be used for the gardening appliance. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of protection.
• SECURE EXTENSION CORD using the cord retainer shown in Figure 3.
• STAY ALERT – Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate the tool when you are tired.
• MAINTAIN APPLIANCES WITH CARE – Follow instructions in the maintenance section. Inspect extension cords periodically and replace them if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
• CHECK DAMAGED PARTS – Before further use of the appliance, a guard or other part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, and any other condition that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service center unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in this manual.

ADDITIONAL WARNINGS FOR STRING TRIMMERS

1. Keep the air intake slots (Figure 14) clean to avoid overheating.
2. Your trimmer line can dry out over time. To keep your line in top condition, store spare pre-wound spools or bulk line in a plastic, sealable bag with a tablespoon of water.
3. Plastic parts may be cleaned by using a mild soap and a damp rag.
4. DO NOT immerse the tool in water or squirt it with a hose. DO NOT allow any liquid to get inside it.
5. Do not store the tool on or adjacent to fertilizers or chemicals.
6. DO NOT clean with a pressure washer.
7. The line cutter on the edge of the guard can dull over time.

SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS: POLARIZED PLUGS

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this equipment has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and will require the use of a polarized extension cord. The appliance plug will fit into a polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a correct polarized extension cord.

A polarized extension cord will require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper wall outlet. Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord receptacle, or extension cord plug in any way.

ASSEMBLY / ADJUSTMENT SET-UP

WARNING: The guard must always be on the tool to protect the user. NEVER OPERATE A TOOL WITHOUT A GUARD FIRMLY IN PLACE. UNPLUG THE TOOL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO ATTACH THE GUARD.

1. Position the open center of the guard over the line feed head (Figure 1).
2. Slide the guard into the slot provided and tighten the hex head screws with the hex wrench included (Figure 2).
3. The guard is not intended to be removed once installed.
4. Once the guard is installed, remove the covering from the line cut-off blade, located on the edge of the guard.
5. Adjust the length of the tube by pushing the button and moving the tube up or down as shown in Figure 8.
6. Secure the extension cord with the cord retainer as shown in Figure 3.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION.

CAUTION: Inspect the area to be trimmed and remove any wire, cord, or string-like objects that could become entangled in the rotating line or spool. Be particularly careful to avoid any wire that might be bent outwardly into the path of the tool, such as barbs at the base of a chain-link fence.

• With the unit on, slowly swing the trimmer side to side as shown in Figure 5.
• To convert for maintenance edging, unplug the unit from the power source. Gently pull the wire edge guide down into place as shown in Figure 7. Push the button and rotate the tube 180° as shown in Figure 6. The tool will lock in the edger position. The unit is shipped in the edging position.
• To operate as a maintenance edger, position the trimmer above the surface as shown in Figure 7.
• Return to the trimming position by unplugging the unit from the power source, pushing the button, and rotating the tube back 180°. The tool will lock in the trimmer position. When using the tool, put up the wire edge guide to the original position, out of the way.

CUTTING LINE / LINE FEEDING

Your trimmer uses .080 in. (2mm) diameter, ROUND nylon line to cut grass and weeds quickly and easily. During use, the tips of the nylon lines will become frayed and worn, and the special self-feeding line hub will automatically feed and trim a fresh length of line. Cutting line will wear faster and require more feeding if the cutting or edging is done along sidewalks or other abrasive surfaces, or heavier weeds are being cut.

The advanced automatic line feeding mechanism senses when more cutting line is needed and feeds and trims the correct length of line whenever it’s required. DO NOT BUMP the unit on the ground in an attempt to feed the line or for any other purpose.

CLEARING JAMS AND TANGLED LINES

From time to time, especially when cutting thick or stalky weeds, the line feeding hub may become clogged with sap or other material, and the line will become jammed as a result. To clear the jam, follow the steps listed below.

1. Unplug the trimmer.
2. Press the release tabs on the line hub cap, as shown in Figure 9, and remove the cap by pulling it straight off.
3. Pull the nylon line spool out and clear any broken line or cutting debris from the spool area. (YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REMOVE THE CENTER SCREW TO REMOVE THE SPOOL).
4. Place the spool and line into the spool housing with lines “parked” in slots provided as shown in Figure 10.
5. Insert the line end through the appropriate holes in the spool hub. Pull the slack line through until it pulls out of the holding slots as shown in Figure 11.
6. Press the spool down GENTLY and rotate it until you feel it drop into place, then push to snap into place. (When in place, the spool will turn a few degrees left and right freely.) Take care to keep the line from becoming trapped under the spool.
7.  Snap the hub cap back on as shown in Figure 12 by depressing the lugs and pressing into the spool housing.

NOTE: Make sure that the cover is fully positioned. Listen for two audible clicks to ensure both lugs are correctly located. Power the tool on. In a few seconds or less, you’ll hear the nylon line being cut automatically to the proper length.

SPOOL OR LINE REPLACEMENT (Use .080 in. diameter ROUND line only)

1. Unplug the trimmer. Press the release tabs on the line hub cap, as shown in Figure 9, and remove the cap by pulling it straight off.
2. Remove the spool from the tool and remove and discard all line on the spool.
3. Choose either OPTION 1 or OPTION 2.

OPTION 1: ACCESSORY REPLACEMENT SPOOL

Use Black & Decker replacement spool Model No. DF-080. Install following instructions under “SPOOL OR LINE REPLACEMENT” #1 through #6, discarding old spool for Step 3 and using new spool in subsequent steps.

OPTION 2: REWINDING SPOOL USING BULK LINE

A bulk line for your trimmer/edger is available at extra cost from your local dealer or Black & Decker Service Center. Install following instructions under “SPOOL OR LINE REPLACEMENT” #1 through #6, performing the following steps for Step 3. (Use .080 in. diameter ROUND line only).

• Your line spool for this product has two (2) wind areas for line. Wind line in one area first, and then in the other. NOTE: For best results, wind the line onto the outer portion of the spool (side with arrows) first.
• Fold over nylon line about 3/4 in. (19mm) from the end to form a “hook” as shown in Figure 13. Insert the hooked end of the line into the slot on the inside of the spool.
• Snugly and evenly wind the bulk line onto the spool in the direction of the arrow on the spool until the line builds up to the notches in the spool rim. Do not overfill the spool. Repeat for the other wind area.
• Place the spool and line into the spool housing with lines “parked” in slots provided as shown in Figure 10.
• Insert the line ends through the holes in the spool hub. Pull the slack line through until it pulls out of the holding slots as shown in Figure 11.
• Press the spool down GENTLY and rotate it until you feel it drop into place, then push to snap into place. (When in place, the spool will turn a few degrees left and right freely.) Take care to keep the line from becoming trapped under the spool.
• Snap the hub cap back on as shown in Figure 12 by depressing the lugs and pressing into the spool housing.

NOTE: Make sure that the cover is fully positioned. Listen for two audible clicks to ensure both lugs are correctly located. Power the tool on. In a few seconds or less, you’ll hear the nylon line being cut automatically to the proper length. For trouble-free feeding and best results, only use Black & Decker replacement spools with dual 0.080-inch line. Black & Decker replacement spool model number DF-080.

TROUBLESHOOTING

For assistance with your product, visit our website www.blackanddecker.com for the location of the service center nearest you or call the BLACK & DECKER help line at 1-800-544-6986.

IMPORTANT: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance, and adjustments should be performed by authorized service centers or other qualified service organizations, always using identical replacement parts.

ACCESSORIES

Use Black & Decker replacement spool Model No. DF-080. Reload nylon line (either bulk or prewound replacement spool) as shown in this manual.

• USE ONLY .080 in. (2mm) DIAMETER NYLON MONOFILAMENT LINE. Do not use serrated or heavier gauge line, as they will overload the motor and cause overheating. The unit only functions properly with 0.080 in. (2mm) diameter nylon monofilament line. This line is available at your local dealer or authorized service center.

WARNING: The use of any accessory not recommended by Black & Decker for use with this tool could be hazardous.

SERVICE INFORMATION

All Black & Decker Service Centers are staffed with trained personnel to provide customers with efficient and reliable power tool service. Whether you need technical advice, repair, or genuine factory replacement parts, contact the Black & Decker location nearest you. To find your local service location, refer to the yellow page directory under “Tools—Electric” or call 1-800-544-6986 or visit www.blackanddecker.com.

FULL TWO-YEAR HOME USE WARRANTY

Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. warrants this product for two years against any defects in material or workmanship. The defective product will be replaced or repaired at no charge in either of two ways. The first, which will result in exchanges only, is to return the product to the retailer from whom it was purchased (provided that the store is a participating retailer). Returns should be made within the time period of the retailer’s policy for exchanges (usually 30 to 90 days after the sale). Proof of purchase may be required. Please check with the retailer for their specific return policy regarding returns that are beyond the time set for exchanges.

The second option is to take or send the product (prepaid) to a Black & Decker-owned or authorized Service Center for repair or replacement at our option. Proof of purchase may be required. Black & Decker-owned and authorized Service Centers are listed under “Tools—Electric” in the yellow pages of the phone directory. This warranty does not apply to accessories. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state or province to province. Should you have any questions, contact the manager of your nearest Black & Decker Service Center. This product is not intended for commercial use.

FREE WARNING LABEL REPLACEMENT: If your warning labels become illegible or are missing, call 1-800-544-6986 for a free replacement.

LATIN AMERICA: This warranty does not apply to products sold in Latin America. For products sold in Latin America, check the country-specific warranty information contained in the packaging, call the local company, or see the website for warranty information. If you have a question or experience a problem with your Black & Decker purchase, go to HTTP://WWW.BLACKANDDECKER.COM/INSTANTANSWERS for instant answers 24 hours a day.

For More Manuals By Black and Decker, Visit ManualsLibraryy.

Black Decker GH1100 Grass String Trimmer-FAQs