Air needle scaler

Model 1108
Set up And Operating Instructions

Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally.

Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Distributed exclusively by Harbor Freight Tools®.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com

Read this material before using this product.

Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
Save this manual.
Copyright© 1997 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form
without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Manual revised 07i
 SPECIFICATIONS
Stroke 1-1/8”
Blows per minute at 90 PSI 4600
Overall Length 18”
Air Consumption 4 CFM
Air Inlet ¼” NPT

Save this manual

You will need the manual for the safety warnings and cautions, assembly instructions,
operating procedures, maintenance procedures, trouble shooting, parts list, and diagram. Keep
your invoice with this manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front cover. Keep
both this manual and your invoice in a safe, dry place for future reference.

Safety warning & cautions

WARNING: When using pneumatic equipment, basic safety precautions should always be
followed to reduce the risk of personal injury and hazards due to over pressurization.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS TOOL!

1. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas invite injuries.

. OBSERVE WORK AREA CONDITIONS. Do not use tools in damp, wet, or poorly lit loca-
tions. Don’t expose to rain. Keep work area well lit. Do not use electrically powered air
compressors in the presence of flammable gases or liquids.

3. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. Children must never be allowed in the work area. Do not let
them handle machines, tools, or hoses.

4. STORE IDLE EQUIPMENT. When not in use, tools must be locked up in a dry location to
inhibit rust. Always lock up tools and keep out of reach of children.

. DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job better and more safely at the rate for
which it was intended. Do not use inappropriate attachments in an attempt to exceed the
tool’s capacities.

6. USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. Do not attempt to force a small tool or attach-
ment to do the work of a larger industrial tool. Do not use a tool for a purpose for which it
was not intended.

7. DRESS PROPERLY. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in
moving parts. Non-skid footwear is recommended. Wear restrictive hair covering to con-
tain long hair.

8. USE EYE AND EAR PROTECTION. Always wear ANSI approved chemical splash gog-
gles when working with chemicals. Always wear ANSI approved impact safety goggles
at other times. Wear a full face shield if you are producing metal filings or wood chips.
Wear an ANSI approved dust mask or respirator when working around metal, wood, and
chemical dusts and mists.

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9. DO NOT ABUSE THE POWER CORD. Do not yank compressor’s cord to disconnect it
from the receptacle. Do not carry tools by the cord.

10. DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not reach over
or across running machines.

11. MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer perfor-
mance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect compres-
sor’s cord periodically and, if damaged, have them repaired by an authorized technician.
Inspect all hoses for leaks prior to use. The handles must be kept clean, dry, and free
from oil and grease at all times.

1. REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Make it a habit to check that keys and
adjusting wrenches are removed from the tool or machine work surface before plugging
it in.

13. AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING. Do not carry any tool with your finger on the trig-
ger, whether it is connected to the compressor or not.

14. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing, use common sense. Do not operate any tool
when you are tired.

1. CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before using any tool, any part that appears damaged
should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its
intended function. Check for alignment and binding of moving parts; any broken parts or
mounting fixtures; and any other condition that may affect proper operation. Any part that
is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. Do not use
the tool if any switch does not turn on and off properly.

16. REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES. When servicing, use only identical
replacement parts. Use of any other parts will void the warranty. Only use accessories
intended for use with this tool.

17. DO NOT OPERATE TOOL IF UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS.

Read warning labels on prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reflexes are im-
paired while taking drugs. If there is any doubt, do not operate the tool.

18. DRAIN COMPRESSOR EVERY DAY. Do not allow moisture to build up inside the com-
pressor. Do not allow compressor to sit pressurized for longer than one hour.

19. MAKE SURE ALL EQUIPMENT IS RATED TO THE APPROPRIATE CAPACITY. Make
sure that regulator is set at least 10 PSI lower than the lowest rated piece of equipment
you are using.

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 UNPACKING
Your Needle Scaler comes partially assembled. If any parts are missing or broken,
please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number on the cover of this manual.

Description Quantity
Scaler Assembly 1
Needle Assembly 1

GENERAL
Your Needle Scaler is perfect for removing weld flux, rust, scale, paint, cement, and
other residues from hard, durable, irregular surfaces. The Needle Scaler is not suitable for soft
surfaces.

ASSEMBLY
Your Needle Scaler comes partially assembled. To complete assembly, follow the steps
below.

1. It is possible that during shipment some of the NEEDLES (#46) could have fallen out of
the NEEDLE HOLDER (#47). If you find some of the NEEDLES have fallen out, remove
the NEEDLE HOLDER, NEEDLES, and SPRING (#48) from the NEEDLE TUBE (#49)
by tipping the NEEDLE TUBE back. Catch the loose NEEDLES.

. Count the number of NEEDLES you have. You should have 19 NEEDLES. If you are
missing NEEDLES, call Harbor Freight Tools. If any of the NEEDLES are bent, do not
reuse them. Obtain replacement NEEDLES from Harbor Freight Tools.

3. Insert the NEEDLES into the NEEDLE HOLDER. Insert the small end of the NEEDLES
into the larger holes of the NEEDLE HOLDER. The NEEDLES should sit flush with the
top of the NEEDLE HOLDER.

4. Slide the SPRING over the NEEDLES.

. Slide the Needle Assembly into the NEEDLE TUBE.

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 Barrel Assembly
(#40)

Needle Tube Driver Retainer

Slit (#49) (#38)
Figure 1 -- Assembly
6. Line up the DRIVER RETAINER (#38) with the slit in the NEEDLE TUBE. Insert the
BARREL ASSEMBLY (#40) into the NEEDLE TUBE as shown in Figure 1.

Lowest Setting

Middle Setting

Highest Setting
Figure 2 -- Setting the Force of the Scaler
7. Push the BARREL ASSEMBLY against the SPRING and compress it until the DRIVER
RETAINER falls into the first notch (lowest setting) in the NEEDLE TUBE as shown in
Figure 2.

8. You may choose to insert the DRIVER RETAINER into the first or third notches, depend-
ing on your needs. The further the BARREL ASSEMBLY is inserted into the NEEDLE
TUBE, the stronger the scaling action becomes. Place the DRIVER RETAINER into the
second or third notches only when unsatisfactory results are obtained from use in the
first notch.

9. Remove the plastic cap from the HOSE ADAPTOR (#9) using a small standard screw-
driver.

10. You will need a union fitting (sold separately) to connect the Needle Scaler to your air
compressor. It is also recommended that you purchase an Air Coupler as it allows quick-
coupling action when using many air tools with one air compressor. Your Needle Scaler
is ready for use.

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 OPERATION
Setup

Frequent, but not excessive, lubrication is required for best performance. Oil added
through the airline connection will lubricate internal parts. An automatic airline oiler is recom-
mended but oil may be added manually before every operation or after about 1 hour of continu-
ous use. Only a few drops of oil at a time are necessary. Too much oil will collect inside the tool
and be blown out during the exhaust cycle. ONLY USE PNEUMATIC TOOL OIL. Do not use
detergent oil or additives as these lubricants will cause accelerated wear to the seals in the tool.

Dirt and water in the air supply are major causes of pneumatic tool wear. Use a filter/
oiler for better performance and longer life. The filter must have adequate flow capacity for the
specific application. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance of your
filter.

Needle
scaler

Figure 3 -- Airline Oiler Assembly

The connector on the tool must not hold pressure when the air supply is disconnected.
If the wrong fitting is used, the tool can remain charged with air after being disconnected and
still be able to drive a fastener. See Figure 3 for the recommended accessories and connection
order.

Use

1. Set the compressor’s pressure regulator to 90 PSI. Do not set the compressor’s outlet
regulator over 90 PSI.

. Connect the Needle Scaler to the air compressor’s hose. If leaking is detected, discon-
nect the air hose and repair before use.
WARNING
3. Grip the Needle Scaler with both hands. Place Keep all body parts clear of
one hand on the NEEDLE TUBE (#49) and the the needles while the NEEDLE
other hand on the BACKHEAD (#1) for best con- SCALER is connected to the air
trol of the tool. hose.

4. Identify the area you wish to remove residue from.

. Press the LEVER (#7) to operate the Needle Scaler. Make sure the NEEDLES (#46) are
not touching any surface before you turn the Needle Scaler on.

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 Metallic
Work
Surface

Figure 4 -- Operation
6. Place the vibrating NEEDLES on the surface residue. Move the Needle Scaler around
in the area you wish to remove residue from as
shown in Figure 4. CAUTION
Do not hold the Needle Scaler
7. Keep a light pressure on the Needle Scaler in any area for more than a few
while in use. Do not apply heavy pressure as seconds. Damage to the surface
damage to the surface area may result. may occur.

8. If the Needle Scaler will not remove the residue from the surface even after repeated
brief attempts on the highest setting, do not continue attempts. Use another method to
remove the residue.

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 MAINTENANCE
It is recommended that you use an Airline Oiler in combination with this tool as described
on page 6. If you are not using an Airline Oiler, apply two drops oil inside the HOSE ADAPTOR
(#9) before use and once every hour during continuous use. ONLY USE PNEUMATIC TOOL
OIL.

1. After use, wipe down your Needle Scaler. Check the exposed NEEDLES (#46) for any
bent or broken NEEDLES. If any are found, refer to ASSEMBLY and replace immedi-
ately before future use.

. Additional Lubrication Points

Lever
(#17)

Lever Pin
(#8)

Throttle Valve
(#3)
(underneath lever)

Figure 5 -- Lubrication Points

• Apply a drop of oil to the THROTTLE VALVE (#3), LEVER (#7) and Lever PIN (#8) as
shown in Figure 5.

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 PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
The manufacturer and/or distributor has provided the parts list and assembly
diagram in this manual as a reference tool only. Neither the manufacturer or
distributor makes any representation or warranty of any kind to the buyer that
he or she is qualified to make any repairs to the product, or that he or she is
qualified to replace any parts of the product. In fact, the manufacturer and/or
distributor expressly states that all repairs and parts replacements should be
undertaken by certified and licensed technicians, and not by the buyer. The buyer
assumes all risk and liability arising out of his or her repairs to the original
product or replacement parts thereto, or arising out of his or her installation
of replacement parts thereto.

PARTS LIST
Item Part Q’ty Item Part Q’ty
1 730213 Backhead 32 729606 Front Valve Block
2 729591 O-Ring 33 730219 Piston
3 430214 Throttle Valve 35 731008 Barrel Sleeve
4 730215 Spring 36 731009 Nose
5 1008365 Gasket 37 731010 Key
6 730216 Valve Cap 38 730220 Driver Retainer
7 730217 Lever 39 730221 Retainer Buffer
8 729538 Pin 40 730223 Barrel Assy (incl: 35,36,37)
9 729747 Hose Adapter 41 730222 Retainer Clip
10 729597 Locking Ring 45 730224 Needle Driver
28 730218 Alignment Shim 46 730280 Needle (19)
29 729608 Fear Valve Block 47 730225 Needle Holder
30 1012591 Pin (2) 48 730226 Spring
31 729604 Valve 49 730227 Needle Tube

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 ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM

Record Product’s Serial Number Here:

Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.

Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not available
individually as replacement parts.
REV 07i
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