FLEX 24V Lithium-ion Battery Operator's Manual

Safety Symbols

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols and the explanations with them deserve your careful attention and understanding. The symbol warnings do not, by themselves, eliminate any danger. The instructions and warnings they give are no substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.

WARNING: Be sure to read and understand all safety instructions in this Owner's Manual, including all safety alert symbols such as “DANGER,” “WARNING,” and “CAUTION” before using this tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury.

Signal Word Definitions

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Work Area Safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

Electrical Safety

• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

Battery Tool Use and Care

• Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
• Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
• When 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 burns or a fire.
• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
• Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130°C may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

Specific Safety Rules

Before using battery, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) battery charger, (2) battery pack, and (3) product using battery.

• Risk of fire and burns. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 130 °C, or incinerate. Keep battery out of reach of children and in original package until ready to use.
• Battery 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.
• Do not place battery tools or their batteries near fire or heat. Charge battery pack within the required temperature range.
• Store charger and battery pack in locations where temperature is within the recommended storage temperature range. This is important to prevent serious damage to the battery cells.
• Do not crush, drop or damage the battery pack. Do not use a battery pack or charger 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.
• Do not insert battery pack in charger if battery pack case is cracked. Using damaged battery pack may result in electric shock or fire.
• Batteries 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.
• Do not recharge battery in damp or wet environment. Do not expose charger to rain or snow. Water entering battery charger may result in electric shock or fire.
• Do not store outside or in vehicles.
• Do not store battery pack in charger. Battery pack stored in charger over a long period of time could lead to battery pack damage and fire.
• Battery leakage may occur under extreme usage or temperature conditions. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. The battery liquid is caustic and could cause chemical burns to tissues. If liquid comes in contact with skin, wash quickly with soap and water. If the liquid contacts your eyes, flush them with water for a minimum of 10 minutes and seek medical attention.
• Do not let gasoline, oils, petroleum-based products, etc. come in contact with plastic parts. They contain chemicals that can damage, weaken or destroy plastic.
• Do not touch the uninsulated portion of output connector or uninsulated battery terminal. There is a risk of electric shock.
• Replace battery pack if a substantial drop in operating time per charge is observed. Battery pack may be nearing the end of its life.

SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Symbols

IMPORTANT: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.

Functional Descriptions and Specifications

Battery

Diagram of a FLEX 24V Lithium-ion battery pack. It shows the battery pack with labels pointing to: 'Battery-Release Button' on the top, 'Power Indicator' lights on the side, and 'Power-Indicator Button' on the front.

Note: Use of chargers or battery packs not sold by FLEX will void the warranty.

Operating Instructions

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, personal injury, and product damage due to a short circuit, never immerse your charger or battery pack in fluid or allow a fluid to flow inside them. Corrosive or conductive fluids, such as seawater, certain industrial chemicals, and bleach or bleach-containing products, etc. can cause a short circuit.

WARNING: Do not attempt to modify the battery pack or create accessories not recommended for use with this battery pack. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possibly serious personal injury.

Power Indicator

This lithium-ion battery pack is equipped with power indicators on both sides of the battery pack that display the battery charge level. Press the power-indicator button on the front of battery pack to display the four LEDs in the power indicator. The LEDs will remain lit for approximately 10 seconds. It is recommended that the battery pack be recharged to full charge before starting a big job or using it for long periods of time. The power indicator can be used regardless whether the battery is attached or removed from tool.

Low Capacity Warning

If one LED on the power indicator begins to flash, the battery pack charge is under 10% capacity and should be recharged. Unlike other types of battery packs, lithium-ion battery packs deliver fade-free power for their entire run time. The tool will not experience a slow, gradual loss of power as it is used. The power delivered to the tool will drop quickly when the battery pack is at the end of its run time and needs to be charged. When the battery pack is completely discharged or over-voltage, the power indicator will begin to display four flashing LEDs. When this happens, remove the tool from the workpiece and charge the battery pack as needed.

Over-Temperature Warning

The battery circuitry also protects the battery pack from overheating. To protect the battery pack from damage and prolong its life, the battery pack circuitry will send a warning signal to the tool if the temperature becomes too high during use. The first and third LEDs on the power indicator will rapidly flash green to warn of the over-temperature condition. This may happen in extremely high torque, binding, and stalling situations. The battery pack will begin normal operation after it has cooled down.

NOTICE: A significantly reduced run time after fully charging the battery pack indicates that the batteries are near the end of their usable life and must be replaced.

Cold Weather Operation

When the battery pack is very cold, the performance may be weakened. Put the battery pack on a tool and use the tool in a light application for a while to "warm up" the battery pack or place the battery pack in room temperature until it has warmed. The battery pack will operate normally.

To Charge the Battery Pack

Diagram showing a FLEX 24V Lithium-ion battery pack being attached to a charger. Arrows indicate sliding the battery onto the charger until it clicks into place.

NOTICE: This lithium-ion battery pack is shipped partially charged. Before using it for the first time, fully charge the battery pack.

1. Always charge the battery pack with the correct charger.
2. Connect the charger to a power supply.
3. Attach the battery pack to the charger by aligning the raised ribs of the battery pack with the slot in the charger. Slide the battery pack onto the charger.
4. When the charger indicates that the battery pack is fully charged, remove it from the charger.

Please refer to the charger manual for detailed charging instructions.

NOTICE: If the battery pack cannot accept a charge, the contacts of the charger or battery pack may be contaminated. Clean the contacts of the charger or battery pack (e.g., by inserting and removing the battery several times or scrubbing with a cotton swab and alcohol), or replace the battery pack, as required.

Maintenance

Service

WARNING: Preventive maintenance performed by unauthorized personnel may result in misplacing of internal wires and components which could cause serious hazard. We recommend that all tool service be performed by a FLEX Factory Service Center or Authorized FLEX Service Station.

General Maintenance

WARNING: When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts could create a hazard or cause product damage.

Periodically inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps and do not operate this product until all missing or damaged parts are replaced. Please contact customer service or an authorized service center for assistance.

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the charger/tool when cleaning or performing any maintenance.

Cleaning

WARNING: The tool may be cleaned most effectively with compressed dry air. Always wear safety goggles when cleaning tools with compressed air. Do not attempt to clean by inserting pointed objects through openings.

WARNING: Certain cleaning agents and solvents damage plastic parts. Some of these are: gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia and household detergents that contain ammonia.

Storage

Store the tool indoors in a place that is inaccessible to children. Keep away from corrosive agents.

Battery Care

WARNING: When batteries are not in tool or charger, keep them away from metal objects. For example, to protect terminals from shorting DO NOT place batteries in a tool box or pocket with nails, screws, keys, etc. Fire or injury may result.

DO NOT PUT BATTERIES INTO FIRE OR EXPOSE TO HIGH HEAT. They may explode.

Battery Disposal

WARNING: Do not attempt to disassemble the battery or remove any component projecting from the battery terminals. Fire or injury may result. Prior to disposal, protect exposed terminals with heavy insulating tape to prevent shorting.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: If equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the battery must be collected, recycled or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

Warranty Statement

Chervon Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 36 165 077 501) of Unit 14,5 Kelletts Road, Rowville, Victoria, 3178, and Chervon New Zealand Subsidiary Ltd (NZBN 9429049277616) (Chervon) provides the following warranty (Warranty) to original domestic purchasers in Australia and New Zealand as applicable (Customers) of its FLEX24V Tools, FLEX24V Batteries and Chargers and FLEX STACK PACK Storage System (collectively Products).

The benefits of this Warranty are in addition to any rights and remedies imposed by Australian State and Federal or New Zealand legislation that cannot be excluded. Nothing in this Warranty is to be interpreted as excluding, restricting or modifying any legislation relevant to the supply of goods and services in Australia or New Zealand, as applicable, which cannot be excluded, restricted or modified. In Australia, if the claimant is a “consumer” under the Australian Consumer Law, Chervon confirms the following: Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

Warranty

Chervon warrants that, subject to the terms of this Warranty and the exclusions and limitations contained herein, the Products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the following period, as applicable, calculated from the date of purchase of the Product (Warranty Period):

• If the Customer registers its purchase of the Product online at www.flex-tools.com.au or by calling 1300 000 346 in Australia or www.flex-tools.co.nz or by calling 0508 000 346 in New Zealand within 30 days of the date of its purchase (Registration), the Warranty Period for the following Products is as follows:
  • FLEX 24V Tools: 5 years;
  • FLEX 24V Batteries and Chargers: 5 years;
  • FLEX Stack Pack™ Storage System: 1 year;
  • FLEX Accessories & Consumables: 90 Days
• If the Customer fails to complete Registration as outlined above, the Warranty Period for the following Products is as follows:
  • FLEX 24V Tools: 3 years;
  • FLEX 24V Batteries and Chargers: 3 years;
  • FLEX Stack Pack™ Storage System: 1 year;
  • FLEX Accessories & Consumables: 90 Days

For further clarification and avoidance of doubt please refer to the FLEX product warranty table included below. If, before the end of the Warranty Period, a defect appears in the manufacture or assembly of a Product, and Chervon finds the Product to be defective in materials or workmanship, it will, in its sole discretion, either:

• replace or repair the Product or the defective part of the Product free of charge; or
• cause the Product or the defective part of the Product to be replaced or repaired free of charge.

Chervon reserves the right to replace a defective Product or part of a Product with parts and components of similar quality, grade and composition where an identical part or component is not available. Where the product is repaired, Chervon may use refurbished parts.

Warranty Claims

1. If a defect covered by Warranty appears, you must first contact Chervon:
   • by telephone on 1300 000 346 (AU); or 0508 000 346 (NZ); or
   • by email at support@flex-tools.com.au.
2. Any Warranty claim must be accompanied by:
   • proof of purchase;
   • full details of the alleged defect;
   • photo evidence of the alleged defect; and
   • any other relevant documents.
3. You must allow Chervon or its authorised agent to inspect and test the Product. If that inspection and test finds no defect in the Product, you must pay Chervon's usual service and testing costs.
4. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by Chervon, you must pay the cost of transporting the Product to and from Chervon or Chervon's authorised agent and any related insurance cost. Any handling and transportation costs (and other expenses incurred in claiming this warranty) are not covered by this warranty and will not be borne by Chervon.
5. The replacement product or part, or repaired product will be made available for your collection at an address nominated by Chervon.
6. Customers are responsible for the care and cleaning of their product prior to sending it to back to Chervon or its nominated authorised repair agents. Any product being sent for repair must be cleaned. It is an Occupational/Work Health and Safety risk for our staff or authorised repairers to inspect, repair or service a product that has come into contact with a hazardous substance.
7. If Chervon or its authorised repair agent is to inspect, repair or service a product that has come into contact with a hazardous substance such as asbestos, silica dust or other hazardous substance then we may not be able to inspect, service or repair the product. If this is the case, Chervon reserves the right to refuse repair under these circumstances and will inform the customer and the product will be returned at the customer's expense.

Exclusions

The Warranty does not apply if:

• the Product is not supplied in its final shape and form by Chervon or an authorised FLEX Dealer, which can be confirmed on the website store locator (for avoidance of doubt, third party online stores such as eBay, Gumtree, Amazon, etc. are excluded);
• the Product is altered, modified or repaired by a party other than Chervon or its agent;
• the Product is used other than for its designed purpose;
• the Product is used for rental purposes;
• the Product is used or installed other than in accordance with Chervon's instructions;
• the Product has not been maintained or protected in accordance with Chervon's instructions;
• the Product has been subject to abnormal conditions;
• the product suffers normal deterioration of the exterior finish, including but not limited to scratches, dents, paint chips, or to any corrosion or discolouring by heat, abrasive and chemical cleaners;
• the Product is involved in an accident;
• Chervon cannot find any defect in the Product after testing, inspection and assessment;
• the alleged defect is due to abuse, misuse, neglect (including failure to clean) or accident;
• the alleged defect is due to a failure to properly maintain or use the Product;
• the alleged defect in the Product is within acceptable industry standards or tolerances; or
• the alleged defect is due to a request to customise the Product;
• the alleged defect is due to normal wear and tear, misuse or abuse (including overloading of the product beyond capacity and exposure to water or rain);
• The alleged defect has been used or caused due to continuous industrial use.

The Warranty does not extend to:

• damage or defects caused by normal wear and tear;
• the Products being damaged by you or a third party;
• accidental or wilful damage, or misuse; or
• theft or vandalism.

This Warranty does not extend to other accessories or attachments.

Limitations

Chervon makes no express warranties or representations other than as set out in this document. Chervon will not be liable to you or any other person in connection with this Warranty for any: a) consequential or indirect loss, damage or costs incurred by you or any other person; or b) damage to property, loss of turnover, loss of profits, loss of business or loss of good will.

Contact

For Warranty Service or to make a claim please contact Chervon on the details below between the hours of Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm EST/NZST (as applicable)

Chervon Australia Pty Ltd
Unit 14, 5 Kelletts Rd, Rowville, VIC. 3178.
Ph Australia; 1300 000 346. Email: support@flex-tools.com.au

Chervon New Zealand Subsidiary Ltd
4th Floor, Smith & Caughey Building, 253 Queen St, Auckland, 1141.
Ph New Zealand; 0508 000 346. Email: support@flex-tools.com.au

*Original purchaser must register the product(s) within 30 days of purchase and retain their receipt as proof of purchase. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser from an authorised FLEX dealer and may not be transferred. If original purchaser does not register their product within 30 days, the warranty will apply for the duration set out in table above in column ‘LIMITED STANDARD WARRANTY PERIOD’. For avoidance of doubt please refer to warranty table above and full warranty details in this manual or on our website at www.flex-tools.com.au