DEWALT DCN890 (01) PDF Document

The tool specifications for the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer are as follows:

The pin specifications for the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer are as follows:

The concrete nailer is equipped with a dry fire lockout which prevents the tool from actuating when the magazine is nearly empty. When 3 pins remain in the magazine, the tool ceases to operate. Refer to Loading the Tool to reload a stick of collated pins.

To install the battery pack (10) into the tool handle, align the battery pack with the rails inside the tool’s handle and slide it into the handle until the battery pack is firmly seated in the tool and ensure that it does not disengage.

To remove the battery pack from the tool, press the release button (11) and firmly pull the battery pack out of the tool handle. Insert it into the charger as described in the charger section of this manual.

Proper hand position requires one hand on the main handle as shown in Figure E.

The steps for preparing the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer before use are:

Step 1. Read the Nailer Safety Warnings section of this manual.

Step 2. Wear eye and ear protection.

Step 3. Remove battery from tool.

Step 4. Ensure magazine is empty of all fasteners.

Step 5. Check for smooth and proper operation of contact trip and pusher assemblies. Do not use tool if either assembly is not functioning properly. NEVER use a tool that has the contact trip restrained in the actuated position.

Step 6. Keep tool pointed away from yourself and others.

Step 7. Insert fully charged battery pack.

Each DEWALT nailer is equipped with a trigger lock-off (2) which when pushed to the right as shown in Figure F, prevents the tool from firing a pin by locking the trigger and bypassing power to the motor.

When the trigger lock-off is pressed to the left, the tool will be fully operational. The trigger lock-off should always be locked off (Fig. G) whenever any adjustments are made or when tool is not in immediate use.

The steps for loading the tool are:

Step 1. Turn the nailer upside down.

Step 2. Slide the spring-loaded pusher latch (15) to the base of the magazine to lock it into place.

Step 3. Drop pin strips into the loading slot of the magazine, making sure the pin heads align correctly with the slot opening. (Refer to Pin Specifications to determine compatible size.)

Step 4. Keeping fingers clear of the track, close the magazine by releasing the pusher latch. Carefully allow the latch to slide forward and engage the pin strip.

The steps for unloading the tool are:

Step 1. Slide the spring-loaded pusher latch to the base of the magazine to lock it into place.

Step 2. Tip the tool up until the fastener strip slides freely out of the magazine.

Step 3. With battery removed, check the nosepiece to verify there are no pins remaining.

This nailer is equipped with a power selection switch (3) to adjust the tool when driving into different materials:

Power setting 1: Softer materials (low strength concrete/cinder block)

Power setting 2: Medium hardness materials (High strength concrete)

Power setting 3: Hard materials (Structural Steel)

In the event pins are not driving to depth in power setting 1, you may have to switch to power 2 or 3 for additional driving power.

The Power Setting Summary is:

The steps for actuating the tool are:

Step 1. Release the trigger lock-off (2).

Step 2. Push the contact trip (6) against the work surface.

Step 3. Pull the trigger switch (1) to actuate the tool.

Step 4. Release the trigger and raise the nailer from the work surface. NOTE: The tool motor returns to full speed automatically without the contact trip (6) being depressed.

Step 5. Repeat steps 3–5 to actuate the next nail.

If the pin does not hold in the concrete, the cause may be too hard/high strength concrete, or hard or large aggregate in concrete. The action to take is to use a shorter pin or switch to a higher power setting.

If the pin does not drive deep enough, the cause may be the pin is too long or the power setting is too low. The action to take is to use a shorter pin or switch to a higher power setting.

If the pin drives too deep, the cause may be the pin is too short for the application or the power setting is too high. The action to take is to use a longer pin or switch to a lower power setting.

If the pin bends in concrete, the cause may be the pin hit a large aggregate on entry, the concrete is too hard/high strength, or the pin hit rebar just under the surface. The action to take is to use a shorter pin, make sure the nailer is perpendicular to the work surface, or move 3 inches and try again.

If the pin does not penetrate the surface in steel, the cause may be the power setting is too low or the material is too hard for the pin type. The action to take is to increase the tool power setting.

If the pin breaks or bends in steel, the cause may be the pin is too long, the power setting is too low, or the material is too hard for the pin type. The action to take is to use a shorter pin or switch to a higher power setting.

If the pin does not hold in the steel, the cause may be the steel base material is too thin. The action to take is to use a thicker base material.

The indicator lights (9) located on the front of the tool on each side of the magazine indicate the following conditions:

LOW BATTERY: Replace battery with a charged pack.

HOT PACK: Let the battery cool or replace it with a cool pack.

JAM/STALL CONDITION: Rotate the stall release lever to release. Refer to Stall Release or Clearing a Jammed Pin.

HOT TOOL (Both LEDs Flashing): Let the tool cool down before continuing use.

ERROR or any other combination: Reset tool by removing and reinserting battery pack or cycling trigger lock off. If error code persists, take tool to an authorized DEWALT service center.

If the nailer is used in harder material where all available energy in the motor is used to drive a fastener, the tool may stall. The driver will not complete the drive cycle and the jam/stall indicator will flash. Rotate the stall release lever (8) on the tool and the mechanism will release.

NOTE: The tool will disable itself and not reset until the battery pack has been removed and reinserted. If the driver does not automatically return to the home position, proceed to Clearing a Jammed Pin.

If a pin becomes jammed in the nosepiece, keep the tool pointed away from you and follow these instructions to clear:

Step 1. Remove battery pack from tool and engage trigger lock-off.

Step 2. After laying the tool on its side, slide the spring-loaded pusher latch (15) to the base of the magazine to lock it into place and unload pin strip.

Step 3. Rotate the magazine release lever (14) and rotate the magazine (12) forward.

Step 4. Remove jammed/bent nail, using pliers if necessary. The contact trip can be removed if necessary. Refer to To Replace Contact Trip.

CAUTION: If any portion of a pin is ingested into the tool, the pin should be retrieved by removing the top cap.

Step 5. If the driver is in the down position, rotate the stall release lever on the top of the nailer.

NOTE: If the driver will not reset after rotating the stall release lever, manually resetting the blade with a long screw driver may be necessary.

Step 6. Rotate the magazine back into position under the nose of the tool and close the magazine release lever.

Step 7. Reinsert battery pack.

NOTE: The tool will disable itself and not reset until the battery pack has been removed and reinserted.

Step 8. Reinsert pins into magazine (refer to Loading the Tool).

Step 9. Release the pusher latch.

Step 10. Disengage the trigger lock-off when ready to continue nailing.

NOTE: Should pins jam frequently or the driver continually fail to reset, have tool serviced by an authorized DEWALT service center.

When operating tools at temperatures below freezing:

Step 1. Keep tool as warm as possible prior to use.

Step 2. Actuate the tool 10 or 15 times into scrap lumber before using.

The Daily Maintenance Chart for the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer is:

Blow dirt and dust out of all air vents with clean, dry air at least once a week. To minimize the risk of eye injury, always wear ANSI Z87.1 approved eye protection when performing this.

Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These chemicals may weaken the plastic materials used in these parts. Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap. Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid.

NOTICE: NEVER spray or in any other way apply lubricants or cleaning solvents inside the tool. This can seriously affect the life and performance of the tool.

DEWALT tools are properly lubricated at the factory and are ready for use. However, it is recommended that, once a year, you take or send the tool to a certified service center for a thorough cleaning and inspection.

Recommended accessories for use with your tool are available at extra cost from your local dealer or authorized service center. The recommended accessories are:

DCN8901 Driver Blade Replacement Kit

DCN8902 Magnetic Stick-E Contact Trip

DCN8903 Stick-E Contact Trip

DCN8904 Standard Contact Trip

DCN8905 Pole Tool

To Replace Contact Trip:

Step 1. Push down on the contact trip release lever.

Step 2. Pull the contact trip out of the nose of the tool.

Step 3. Hold down the trip release lever

Step 4. With the contact trip alignment marker facing up, as shown in Figure L, insert the contact trip fully into the tool nose.

Step 5. Release the lever.

To change a worn driver:

Step 1. Using a T-20 Torx, loosen the four screws (18) on either side of the unit. Refer to Figure M.

Step 2. Remove the four screws and the removable top stand (7). Refer to Figure M.

Step 3. Remove housing end cap (19). Refer to Figure M.

Step 4. Push up on the rear of the driver (20) until you hear a click, then push the driver forward while holding it in this position until it passes the upper bumper assembly. Refer to Figure O.

Step 5. Remove guide rods (21). Refer to Figure O.

Step 6. Remove upper bumper assembly (22). Refer to Figure N.

Step 7. Lift the rear of driver until at an angle and pull the driver out. Refer to Figure O.

Step 8. Replace driver and follow steps in reverse to reassemble.

Step 9. Ensure new driver slides smoothly through the gun before full reassembly.

Step 10. Return the driver, guide rods, bumpers, housing end cap, and removable top stand back onto the unit. It is important to try the alignment of the driver and the flywheel before screwing the housing end cap back on to the unit. This can be done by connecting a battery and pushing then releasing the nose of the unit against a bench or hard surface. This will start the motor spinning.

NOTE: When the driver and the flywheel are correctly aligned, you will hear the motor coast back down from full speed. If the driver and the flywheel are not correctly aligned, the motor may not start up, may slow down much faster than normal along with a loud grinding noise from the unit. If this happens remove and reseat the driver, making sure the bumpers are seated correctly.

WARNING: Always test the unit by firing 3/4″ pins in power setting 1 into scrap material, to ensure that the tool is working properly. If tool does not operate properly, contact a recognized DEWALT service center immediately.

If the motor does not run with the contact trip depressed on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, the cause and fix are:

If the tool does not actuate (motor runs but will not fire) on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, the cause and fix are:

If the motor starts up but generates a lot of noise on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, the cause and fix are:

If the Driver blade continues to get stuck in down position on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, the cause and fix are:

If the tool operates but does not drive fasteners fully on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, the cause and fix are:

If the tool operates, but no fastener is driven on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, the cause and fix are:

If a Jammed nail occurs on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, the cause and fix are:

If the Driver blade does not slide backward and forward smoothly through its firing path on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, the cause and fix are:

If the nailer is used in harder material where all available energy in the motor is used to drive a fastener, the tool may stall. The driver will not complete the drive cycle and the jam/stall indicator will flash. Rotate the stall release lever (8) on the tool and the mechanism will release.

NOTE: The tool will disable itself and not reset until the battery pack has been removed and reinserted. If the driver does not automatically return to the home position, proceed to Clearing a Jammed Pin. If the unit continues to stall please review the material and fastener length to be sure that it is not too rigorous an application. The nailer could also be overheated and needs time to cool before further use.

If the motor does not run with the contact trip depressed on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, check the following:

Trigger lock in locked position. Unlock trigger lock.

Dryfire lock out engaged, blocking contact trip from traveling fully. Load more pins into magazine.

Tool is stalled, locking the motor from rotating. Rotate the stall release lever on the tool and the mechanism will release. If driver does not return, remove battery and manually push driver back to home position.

Battery is hot. (Check LED indicator to verify these conditions.) Let the battery cool or replace it with a cool pack.

Tool is hot. (Check LED indicator to verify these conditions.) Let the tool cool down before continuing use.

Bent contact trip. See authorized service center.

Motor stops running after 5 seconds. Normal operation, release contact trip and redepress.

Terminals are dirty or damaged. See authorized service center.

Damaged internal electronics. See authorized service center.

Damaged Trigger. See authorized service center.

Battery is hot. Let the battery cool or replace it with a cool pack.

Tool is hot. Let the tool cool down before continuing use.

If the tool does not actuate (motor runs but will not fire) on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, check the following:

Dryfire lock out engaged, blocking contact trip from traveling fully. Load pins into magazine.

Low battery charge or damaged battery. Check charge level if pack shows state-of-charge. Charge or replace battery pack if necessary.

Jammed nail/drive blade not returned to home position. Remove battery, clear jammed nail, cycle stall release lever, (push driver up manually if necessary) reinsert battery pack.

Damaged driver. Replace driver with kit.

Jammed internal mechanism. See authorized service center.

Damaged internal electronics. See authorized service center.

If the motor starts up but generates a lot of noise on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, check the following:

Jammed pin and driver is stuck in down position. Use stall release lever, clear and jammed pins, and return driver manually if necessary.

Damaged driver. Replace driver with kit.

If the Driver blade continues to get stuck in down position on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, check the following:

Jammed pin and driver is stuck in down position. Use stall release lever, clear any jammed pins, and return driver manually if necessary.

Debris in nosepiece. Clean nose area and watch closely for small pieces of broken pins stuck in the track. Refer to Clearing a Jammed Pin.

Damaged or worn driver. Replace driver with kit.

If the tool operates but does not drive fasteners fully on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, check the following:

Power setting in wrong position. Set power to appropriate setting.

Tool not firmly applied to workpiece. Apply adequate force to tool securing it tightly to workpiece See instruction manual.

Material and fastener length. If the unit continues to stall (forcing the need to rotate the stall release lever) choose the appropriate material and fastener length that is not too rigorous of an application.

Use of incorrect power setting. If trying to drive longer pins in soft woods, or driving pins into harder materials using power setting 1 – adjust power setting to 2.

Damaged or worn driver tip. Replace driver with kit.

Damaged actuation mechanism. See authorized service center.

If the tool operates, but no fastener is driven on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, check the following:

No pins in magazine. Load pins in magazine.

Wrong size or angle pins. Use only the recommended pins. Refer to Pin Specifications.

Debris in nosepiece. Clean nose area and watch closely for small pieces of broken pins stuck in the track.

Debris in magazine. Clean magazine

Damaged pusher spring. Replace spring; see authorized service center.

Worn magazine. Replace magazine. See authorized service center.

Damaged or worn driver. Replace driver with kit.

If a Jammed nail occurs on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, check the following:

Wrong size or angle pins. Use only the recommended pins. Refer to Pin Specifications.

Magazine not secured after previous jam clear/inspection. Make sure to magazine is latched properly.

Material and fastener length. If the unit continues to stall (forcing the need to rotate the Stall release lever) choose the appropriate material and fastener length that is not too rigorous an application.

Debris in nosepiece. Clean nose area and watch closely for small pieces of broken pins stuck in the track.

Worn magazine. Replace magazine. See authorized service center.

Damaged pusher spring. Replace springs. See authorized service center.

Dry fire lock out is engaged with only 2–4 pins remaining in magazine and the user is applying excessive force to contact trip, overriding the lockout. Load more pins in magazine to disengage dryfire lockout.

Tool is not yet run-in. New tools can take 100–500 pins for parts to mesh and wear in together. Drive shorter pins during this period if experiencing difficulty fully driving pins.

Use of incorrect power setting. If trying to drive longer pins in soft materials, or driving pins into harder materials using power setting 1 – adjust power setting to 2 or 3.

Damaged or worn driver. Replace driver with kit.

If the Driver blade does not slide backward and forward smoothly through its firing path on the DEWALT DCN890 Concrete Nailer, the cause and fix are: