BRICK SPLITTER
17" THROAT SIZE
OWNER’S MANUAL
WARNING:
Read carefully and understand all INSTRUCTIONS before
operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic
safety precautions may result in serious personal injury.
It e m #998300
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Thank you very much for choosing a NORTHERN TOOL + EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Product! For
future reference, please complete the owner’s record below:
Model: _______________ Purchase Date: _______________
Save the receipt, warranty and these instructions. It is important that you read the entire manual
to become familiar with this product before you begin using it.
This machine is designed for certain applications only. Northern Tool + Equipment strongly
recommends this machine is not modified and/or used for any application other than that for
which it was designed. If you have any questions relative to a particular application, DO NOT
use the machine until you have first contacted Northern Tool + Equipment to determine if it can
or should be performed on the product.
For technical questions and replacement parts, please call 1-800-222-5381.
INTENDED USE
The Brick Splitter is designed for splitting bricks and pavers.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Item
Description
Overall dimensions
28-9/16"L x 6-1/4"W x 18"H
Blade adjustment type
Rod (Screw)
Splitting blade construction
Hardened Steel
Brick splitting size
Up to 3" Thick Brick or Pavers
Handle grip size
5-1/2"Lx 1.30" O.D.
Base dimensions
23-5/16"L x 2"W x 5/8" Thick
Blade size
13"L (Top and Bottom)
Brick base size
5-3/4" x 7-7/8"
Number of holes for blade
relocation:
(4) Holes-Adjustable for bricks of various size
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING: Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed
below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
WARNING: The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible conditions or situations that could occur. It must be
understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into
this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WORK AREA
Keep work area clean, free of clutter and well lit. Cluttered and dark work areas can cause
accidents.
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Do not use your tool where there is a risk of causing a fire or an explosion; e.g. in the
presence of flammable liquids, gasses, or dust. Power tools create sparks, which may ignite the
dust or fumes.
Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you
to lose control, so visitors should remain at a safe distance from the work area.
Be aware of all power lines, electrical circuits, water pipes and other mechanical hazards in
your work area, particularly those hazards below the work surface hidden from the operator’s
view that may be unintentionally contacted and may cause personal harm or property damage.
Be alert of your surroundings. Using power tools in confined work areas may put you
dangerously close to cutting tools and rotating parts.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase
the risk of electric shock.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do
not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A
moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing, dangling objects, or jewelry. Keep your hair,
clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught
in moving parts. Air vents often cover moving parts and should be avoided.
Use safety apparel and equipment. Use safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
which comply with current national standards, or when needed, a face shield. Use as dust mask
in dusty work conditions. This applies to all persons in the work area. Also use non-skid safety
shoes, hardhat, gloves, dust collection systems, and hearing protection when appropriate.
Avoid accidental starting. Do not carry the power tool with your finger on the switch. Ensure
the switch is in the off position before plugging tool into power outlet. In the event of a power
failure, while a tool is being used, turn the switch off to prevent surprise starting when power is
restored.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before connecting to the power supply or turning on the
tool. A wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal
injury.
Be aware of rough or sharp edges on the Brick Splitter.
Keep one hand free and out of the way at all times when applying the brick splitting
action.
TOOL USE AND CARE
Do not force the tool. Tools do a better and safer job when used in the manner for which they
are designed. Plan your work, and use the correct tool for the job.
Place the handle in the lowest position before servicing, adjusting, installing accessories or
attachments, or storing. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power
tool accidentally.
Secure work with clamps or a vise instead of your hand to hold work when practical. This
safety precaution allows for proper tool operation using both hands.
Store idle tools. When tools are not is use, store them in a dry, secure place out of the reach of
children. Inspect tools for good working condition prior to storage and before re-use.
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Maintain your tools. It is recommended that the general condition of any tool be examined
before it is used. Keep your tools in good repair by adopting a program of conscientious repair
and maintenance in accordance with the recommended procedures found in this manual. Have
necessary repairs made by qualified service personnel.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting
edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil
and grease.
Cleaning and Lubrication. Use only soap and a damp cloth to clean your tools.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model.
Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may create a risk of injury when used on another
tool.
Keep guards in place and in working order.
Never leave Splitter with handle raised.
The Brick Splitter is meant for operation by only one person at a time.
Do not cut close to the edge of the brick. This could result in cracking, crumbing or an
inaccurate finish to the split.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other
condition that may effect the Brick Splitter’s operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.
Service or repair on this Brick Splitter must be performed only by qualified repair
personnel. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of
injury.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: The Brick Splitter comes completely assembled, but for additional information regarding the
parts listed in the following pages, refer to the Assembly Diagram & Parts List of this manual.
OPERATION
WARNING: Be sure the Brick Splitter is set on a flat level surface that is capable of
supporting weight of the Brick Splitters and the bricks being split before adjusting or using.
WARNING: Keep hands out from underneath the blade at all times.
See the Assembly Diagram as a reference when completing the steps below.
1. Set the blade (13),which is attached to the Blade Guard (9) at the correct height for the brick
you will be splitting. This is done by first, measuring the brick, then adjusting the Blade (13) so it
is as close to the top of the brick as possible without touching the brick surface. You want to be
able to smoothly move bricks in and out of the Brick Splitter opening. The correct way to
adjust the Brick Splitter is with the Handle (1) in the full down position.
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Figure 1
2. The Blade (13) is adjusted in the front by twisting the Thread Rod (5) either clockwise into the
Support Frame (4) which will lower the front section, or counterclockwise which will raise the
front section (See Figure 1).
Figure 2
3. The rear section of the Blade is adjusted as follows: Hold the handle of the Blade Guard (9)
firmly while you remove the Adjusting Pin (8). Then, raise or lower the Blade Guard (9) using
one of the four adjusting holes and re-insert the Adjusting Pin (8) at the height you need (See
Figure 2).
NOTE: To remove the Adjusting Pin (8) you will first need to remove the Hair Pin Cotter (10). Be
sure to replace the Hair Pin Cotter (10) after adjusting the height of the Blade Guard (9) (See
Figure 2).
Figure 3
4. Next adjust on Depth Gauge (16) by loosening the Adjusting Knob (15) at the rear of the Base
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(14). Slide the Depth Gauge (16) in or out and re-tighten the Adjusting Knob (15). Now each
brick will set identically on the Brick Splitter (See Figure 3).
5. Raise the Handle (1) to it’s full height, slide the brick to the split into the opening under the
Blade (13). Be sure the brick is resting flatly on the Foam Pads (17) and is against the Depth
Gauge (16).
6. After loading the brick onto the Brick Splitter the task becomes a one handed operation.
Keep your other hand off the Brick Splitter and completely free of the operation until the
brick is split and the Handle (1) is raised again to its full height.
7. Using one hand, grip the Handle (1) firmly and lower the Blade (13) as if to push the Blade (13)
through the brick.
8. With the handle kept in the lowered position, remove both pieces of the brick.
NOTE: If there are small pieces of brick left on the Foam Pads (17), brush them off before
setting the next brick for splitting.
9. If you need to split bricks of another size, follow steps 1 through 3 of this section.
MAINTENANCE
BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general condition of the tool. Check for loose screws,
misalignment or binding of moving parts ,cracked or broken welds or parts, and other
condition that may affect its safe operation. Do not use damaged equipment.
MAINTENANCE CHART
Maintenance type
Before
Use
After
Use
Weekly
Monthly
Every 6
Months
Yearly
Inspect tool for damage
(see #1, above)
×
Wipe off with clean, moist
cloth
×
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
Possible Causes
Probable Solutions
1.Handle (1) does
not raise or lower
smoothly
2.Brick does not set
level on Foam
Pads (17)
1.Check for small pieces of brick
residue possibly caught in Stretch
Spring (3) or between Handle (1) and
Blade Guard (9)
2.Possibly small pieces of brick on the
Foam Pads (17)
1.Blow out, or dust off the Stretch
Spring (3). Blow out or dust off
the Handle (1) where it joins the
Blade Guard (9)
2.Dust off the Foam Pads (17) and
all areas of the Base (14)
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Part#
Description
Qty.
Part#
Description
Qty.
1
Handle
1
10
Hair Pin Cotter
1
2
Hex Bolt 5/8" x 2-3/4"L
1
11
Hex Nut 5/8"
2
3
Stretch Spring
1
12
Hex Locking Nut 5/16"
1
4
Support Frame
1
13
Blade
1
5
Thread Rod
1
14
Base
1
6
Hex Bolt 5/16" x
1-3/4"L
1
15
Adjusting Knob 5/16" x
1-3/16"
1
7
Hex bolt 5/8" x 2"L
2
16
Depth Gauge
1
8
Adjusting Pin
1
17
Foam Pads
2
9
Blade Guard
1
18
Hex Locking Nut 5/16"
1
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WARNING
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
• lead from lead-based paints,
• crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
• arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment,
such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
Northern Tool + Equipment Co.,
2800 Southcross Drive West
P.O. Box 1499 Burnsville, MN 55337-0499
Made in China.
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