BX 3-ME

About this documentation

• Read this documentation before initial operation or use. This is a prerequisite for safe, trouble-free handling and use of the product.
  
• Observe the safety instructions and warnings in this documentation and on the product.
  
• Always keep the operating instructions with the product and make sure that the operating instructions are with the product when it is given to other persons.
  

Explanation of symbols used

Warnings

Warnings alert persons to hazards that occur when handling or using the product. The following signal words are used:

Symbols in the documentation

The following symbols are used in this document:

	Read the operating instructions before use.
	Instructions for use and other useful information
	Dealing with recyclable materials
	Do not dispose of electric equipment and batteries as household waste

Symbols in the illustrations

The following symbols are used in illustrations:

	These numbers refer to the corresponding illustrations found at the beginning of these operating instructions
	The numbering reflects the sequence of operations shown in the illustrations and may deviate from the steps described in the text
	Item reference numbers are used in the overview illustrations and refer to the numbers used in the product overview section
	This symbol is intended to draw special attention to certain points when handling the product.

Product-dependent symbols

Symbols on the product

The following symbols are used on the product:

	General symbol for "must do"
	Wear eye protection
	Wear ear protection
	Wear a hard hat
	Direct current (DC)

Product information

products are designed for professional users and only trained, authorized personnel are permitted to operate, service and maintain the products. This personnel must be specifically informed about the possible hazards. The product and its ancillary equipment can present hazards if used incorrectly by untrained personnel or if used not in accordance with the intended use.
The type designation and serial number are printed on the rating plate.

• Write down the serial number in the table below. You will be required to state the product details when contacting Hilti Service or your local Hilti organization to inquire about the product.
  Product information

  Type:	BX 3-ME
  Generation:	02
  Serial number:

Declaration of conformity

We declare, on our sole responsibility, that the product described here complies with the applicable directives and standards. A copy of the declaration issued by the certification department can be found at the end of this documentation.
The technical documentation is filed here:
Hilti Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH | Tool Certification | Hiltistrasse 6 | 86916 Kaufering, Germany

General power tool safety warnings

WARNING
Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
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.
  
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
  

Electrical safety

• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
  
• 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.
  
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
  
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off‐position before connecting to battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
  
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
  
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
  
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
  
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
  

Power tool use and care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
  
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
  
• Disconnect the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
  
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
  
• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
  
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
  
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
  

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.
  

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.
  

Tacker safety warnings

• Always assume that the tool contains fasteners. Careless handling of the fastening tool can result in unexpected firing of nails causing personal injury.
  
• Do not point the tool towards yourself or anyone nearby. A nail will be ejected by the tool if it is triggered unexpectedly, possibly leading to injury.
  
• Do not actuate the tool unless the tool is placed firmly against the workpiece. If the tool is not in contact with the workpiece, the fastener may be deflected away from your target.
  
• Disconnect the tool from the power source when the fastener jams in the tool. While removing a jammed fastener, the fastening tool may be accidentally activated if it is plugged in.
  

• Use caution while removing a jammed fastener. The mechanism may be under tension and the nail may be forcefully ejected while attempting to free a jam.
  

• When fastening electrical cables, make sure the cables are not energized. Hold the fastening tool only by insulated gripping surfaces. Use only fasteners designed for electrical cable installations. Check that the fastener has not damaged the insulation of the electrical cable. A nail that damages the insulation of electric cables can lead to electric shock and fire hazards.
  

Safety instructions

Basic information concerning safety WARNING! Read all safety precautions and other instructions. Failure to observe the safety precautions and other instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Keep all safety precautions and instructions for future reference.
Requirements to be met by users

• Only authorized, appropriately trained persons may operate or service this tool.
  

Personal protective equipment

• You and any other persons in the vicinity must wear suitable eye protection and a hard hat while the tool is in use.
  
• Wear ear protectors.
  
• Exposure to noise can cause hearing loss.
  

Personal safety

• Observe the information printed in the operating instructions concerning operation, care and maintenance.
  
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a direct fastening tool. Don’t use the tool when you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. Take a break if you experience pain or feel unwell. A moment of inattention while operating tools may result in serious personal injury.
  
• Avoid working in awkward body positions. Make sure you work from a safe stance and stay in balance at all times.
  
• Wear non-skid shoes.
  
• Never pull the fastener guide or fastener back with your hand.
  
• Under certain circumstances, the tool could be made ready to fire by pulling the fastener guide or the fastener back by hand. When the tool is ready to fire, fasteners or the piston could be driven inadvertently into parts of the body.
  
• Keep the arms slightly bent while operating the tool (do not straighten the arms).
  
• Keep other people away from the working area, especially children.
  

Use and care of direct fastening tools WARNING! Danger of fasteners penetrating right through. Before driving fasteners, check to make sure that no one is present behind or below the object into which the fastener is to be driven.

• Before beginning the work, carry out a test by driving 2 fasteners into the material you are working on.
  
• Use the right tool for the work you are carrying out. Do not use the tool for purposes for which it was not intended. Use it only as directed and when in faultless condition.
  
• Never leave a loaded tool unattended.
  
• Transport and store the tool in a secured toolbox.
  
• Always unload the tool (remove fasteners) before cleaning, maintenance, changing the fastener guide, before work breaks and before storing the tool.
  
• When not in use, the tool should be unloaded and stored in a locked, dry place where it is inaccessible to children.
  
• Check the tool and the accessories for any damage. Check that moving parts function faultlessly, without sticking, and that no parts are damaged.
  
• All parts must be fitted correctly and fulfill all conditions necessary for correct operation of the tool. Damaged parts must be properly repaired or replaced by Hilti Service unless otherwise stated in the operating instructions.
  
• Before driving fasteners, check that there is no electrical wiring behind the surface on which you are working.
  
• Do not attempt to drive fasteners into unsuitable materials.
  
• Unsuitable materials include welded steel and cast steel, cast iron, glass, marble, plastic, bronze, brass, copper, insulating material, hollow brick, ceramic brick, thin sheet metal (< 4 mm) and cellular concrete. Driving a fastener into these materials may cause the fastener to break, shatter or to be driven right through.
  
• Pull the trigger only when the tool is fully pressed against the working surface at right angles.
  
• When driving fasteners, always hold the fastening tool at right angles to the working surface in order to prevent the fastener being deflected by the surface.
  
• Keep the grips dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
  
• Never drop the tool.
  
• Do not use the magazine as a grip.
  
• Do not use the tool in places where there is a risk of fire or explosion unless the tool is specially approved for this type of use.
  
• Never drive fasteners into existing holes unless this is recommended by Hilti (e.g. DX-Kwik).
  

Workstation

• Keep the workplace tidy. Objects which could cause injury should be removed from the working area.
  
• Untidiness in the working area can lead to accidents.
  
• Make sure that the working area is well lit and well ventilated.
  

Mechanical safety rules

• Do not tamper with or modify the tool or parts of it, especially the piston.
  
• Use only fasteners of a type approved for use with the tool.
  

Thermal safety rules

• Do not exceed the recommended maximum fastener driving rate.
  
• If the tool has overheated, allow it to cool down.
  
• Do not dismantle the tool while it is hot. Allow the tool to cool down.
  

Battery use and care

• Observe the special regulations and instructions applicable to the transport, storage and use of Li-ion batteries.
  
• Do not expose batteries to high temperatures, direct sunlight or fire.
  
• Do not disassemble, crush or incinerate batteries and do not subject them to temperatures over 80 °C.
  
• Do not use or charge batteries that have suffered mechanical impact, have been dropped from a height or show signs of damage. In this case, always contact your Hilti  Service .
  
• If the battery is too hot to touch it may be defective. In this case, place the product in a non-flammable location, well away from flammable materials, where it can be kept under observation and allowed to cool down. In this case, always contact your Hilti  Service .
  

Product overview

1. Nosepiece
   
2. Fastener guide X-FG B3-ME
   
3. Fastener guide X-FG B3-IF
   
4. Fastener guide locking mechanism
   
5. Single-nail selector switch
   
6. Air vents
   
7. Belt hook
   
8. Scaffold hook
   
9. Safety trigger
   
10. Grip
    
11. Release buttons
    
12. Charge state indicator
    
13. Li‑ion battery
    
14. Nail pusher, locked position
    
15. Nail pusher release mechanism
    
16. Support leg
    
17. Magazine
    
18. Status indicator
    
19. On/off button
    
20. Nail pusher, unlocked position
    

Intended use

The product is a hand-held, cordless fastening tool for indoor use. It is designed to drive specially manufactured fasteners (nails) into concrete, steel, masonry, sand-lime block and other materials suitable for use of the direct fastening technique. The product is also designed to fasten electrical cables with clips if the appropriate fasteners are used. Use only approved fasteners in combination with their corresponding fastener guide (see the section headed "Technical data").

The fastening tool, battery and fasteners together form a technical entity. This means that trouble-free fastening with this fastening tool can be ensured only when the Hilti fasteners and chargers and batteries recommended by Hilti are used. The fastening and application recommendations made by Hilti apply only when these conditions are observed.

• The fastening tool is for hand-held use only.
  
• Misuse of the fastening tool must be ruled out. Misuse of the fastening tool includes triggering in single-fastener mode without a nail inserted in the fastener guide, driving nails into very soft materials (e.g. wood), driving single nails when the tool is set to magazine operation, and driving nails into materials that are too hard (e.g. high-strength steel or very hard natural stone).
  

• Use only Hilti Li‑ion batteries of the B 22 series with this product.

• Use only Hilti battery chargers of the C 4/36 series to charge these batteries.

Safety devices

In magazine mode, the nail detector prevents triggering without a nail loaded, which could damage the fastening tool.
The contact pressure safety device is intended to prevent the free flighting of nails (i.e. actuation and driving a nail when the nosepiece is not in contact with the workpiece). In magazine mode, the fastening tool can be pressed against the surface and triggered only when a nail is loaded in the tool.
To use the tool in single-fastener mode, you have to press the single-fastener mode switch before pressing the fastening tool against the working surface.

Features

The fastening tool has an ergonomic, non-slip, vibration-absorbing grip and a support leg. The tool is protected from overloading by electronic overload protection and from overheating by temperature monitoring.

Bluetooth

The product has a Bluetooth interface. Wireless communication via Bluetooth is possible as soon as the battery has been fitted and the fastening tool switched on at the on/off button.
Data transfer continues for three hours after the tool has switched to standby mode or after the tool has been switched off at the on/off button.
To deactivate Bluetooth manually, press and hold down the on/off button for at least 5 seconds until the LED shows blue twice.
When the battery is removed, no further data are transferred.
Bluetooth is not available in all markets.

Status indicator

The status indicator provides information about the status of the fastening tool.

Status	Meaning
Off	The fastening tool is switched off
The LED shows green.	The fastening tool is switched on and ready for use
The LED flashes green every 3 seconds.	The fastening tool is in stand-by mode. Press the nose of the tool against the working surface to switch it on
The LED flashes green.	The fastening tool is too hot or the battery has insufficient power; see “Troubleshooting”
The LED flashes red.	Malfunction; see “Troubleshooting”
The LED shows red.	Malfunction; see “Troubleshooting”

Indication of battery charge status

When one of the battery release buttons is pressed the display indicates the battery’s state of charge.

Status	Meaning
All four LEDs light green.	Charge status is 75 % to 100 %.
Three LEDs light green.	Charge status is 50 % to 75 %.
Two LEDs light green.	Charge status is 25 % to 50 %.
One LED lights green.	Charge status is 10 % to 25 %.
One LED blinks green.	Charge status is below 10 %. The tool is ready for use.

Batteries

Battery performance drops at low temperatures.
When battery performance drops, it takes longer (than with a fully charged battery) until the fastening tool is ready to drive the next fastener.
If you continue to operate the fastening tool after battery performance drops, the fastening tool will switch itself off automatically before damage to the battery occurs.

Items supplied

BX 3-ME fastening tool, operating instructions.
You can find other system products approved for your product at your local Hilti Center or online at: www.hilti.com

Fastening tool

Weight	B 22/2.6 Li‑Ion (02)	8.4 lb (3.8 kg)
	B 22/3.0 Li‑Ion (01)	8.6 lb (3.9 kg)
	B 22/‌5.2 Li-Ion (01)	9.0 lb (4.1 kg)
Nail length (collated nails)		0.6 in … 0.9 in (14 mm … 24 mm)
Nail length (single nails)		1.2 in … 1.4 in (30 mm … 36 mm)
Nail diameter		0.12 in (3.0 mm)
Magazine capacity		20 nails
Compression stroke		0.5 in (12 mm)
Contact pressure		11 lbf … 16 lbf (50 N … 70 N)
Application temperature (ambient temperature)		5 ℉ … 122 ℉ (−15 ℃ … 50 ℃)
Recommended maximum fastening rate		650/h
Rated voltage		21.6 V
Battery operating voltage		21.6 V

Battery

Battery operating voltage	21.6 V
Ambient temperature for operation	1 ℉ … 140 ℉ (−17 ℃ … 60 ℃)
Storage temperature	−4 ℉ … 104 ℉ (−20 ℃ … 40 ℃)
Battery charging starting temperature	14 ℉ … 113 ℉ (−10 ℃ … 45 ℃)

Charging the battery

1. Remove the battery.
   
2. Charge the battery in accordance with the information provided in the operating instructions for the charger.
   

Inserting the battery

1. Check that the contacts on the battery and on the tool are free of foreign matter.
   
2. Insert the battery, making sure that it engages with an audible click.
   
   • When you insert the battery the charge status LEDs show briefly.
     

3. Check that the battery is securely seated in the fastening tool.
   

Removing the battery

1. Switch off the fastening tool.
   
2. Press and hold down the two release buttons.
   
3. Pull the battery to the rear and out of the device.
   

Removing the fastener guide

1. Switch off the fastening tool.
   
2. Remove the battery.
   
3. Pull the nail pusher down until it engages.
   
4. Unload the magazine.
   
5. Slide the fastener guide locking catch as far as it will go in the direction of the arrow.
   
   • The fastener guide will be released.
     
6. Remove the fastener guide.
   

Inserting the fastener guide

1. Switch off the fastening tool.
   
2. Remove the battery.
   
3. Pull the nail pusher down until it engages.
   
4. Unload the magazine.
   
5. Slide the fastener guide locking catch as far as it will go in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position.
   
6. Slide the fastener guide into the nosepiece until it is heard to engage.
   
7. Release the fastener guide locking catch.
   
   • The fastener guide jumps to the middle position.
     
8. Grip and pull the fastener guide to check that it is securely seated.
   

Working safely with the belt and scaffold hook

• Before beginning work, make sure that the scaffold hook is securely attached to the tool.
  

• Use the scaffold hook only when necessary. Lay the tool down in a safe place when it is not in use for a long period.
  

Loading the fastening tool with nails

Loading for magazine operation

1. Pull the nail pusher down until it engages.
   
2. Slide the nail strip(s) into the magazine (a maximum of 2 strips of 10 nails per strip).
   
3. Hold the nail pusher securely and press the nail pusher release mechanism.
   
4. Guide the nail pusher back.
   

Loading for single-fastener mode

1. Pull the nail pusher down until it engages.
   
2. Slide the nail strip(s) out of the magazine and check that the magazine is empty.
   
   Damage to the fastening tool can result if you do not remove all the nails from the magazine before using the tool in single-fastener mode.
   
3. Hold the nail pusher securely and press the nail pusher release mechanism.
   
4. Guide the nail pusher back.
   
5. Insert the nail into the recess in the fastener guide. Optionally, you can then also fit an approved fastening element on to the nose of the fastener guide.
   
   Attempting to drive a fastener with more than one nail in the fastener guide can cause damage to the fastening tool. When operating the tool in single-fastener mode, load only one nail into the fastener guide.
   
6. Activate the single-fastener selector switch.
   
   • The single-fastener switch engages with an audible click.
     
   Pulling the nail pusher down a few centimeters will disengage the single-fastener switch.
   

Using the support leg

On an even working surface, the support leg makes it easier to hold the fastening tool perpendicular as attention then only has to be paid to lateral alignment. On uneven surfaces it might be necessary to retract the support leg in order to ensure that the fastener guide is perpendicular to the working surface.

Retracting the support leg

1. Push against the support leg to release it from its engaged position.
   
2. Pivot the support leg back through about 180°.
   
3. Push against the support leg from below until it engages in the retracted position.
   

Extending the support leg

1. Push against the support leg to release it from its engaged position.
   
2. Pivot the support leg forward through about 180°.
   
3. Push against the support leg from below until it engages in the extended position.
   

Switching the fastening tool on/off

Switching on the fastening tool

• Press the on/off button.
  
  • The spring mechanism audibly builds up tension and the status indicator shows green.
    
  When battery performance drops, tensioning of the spring mechanism takes longer than with a fully charged battery.
  Battery performance drops at low temperatures.
  If you continue to operate the fastening tool after battery performance drops, the fastening tool will switch itself off automatically before damage to the battery cells occurs.
  

Switching off the fastening tool

• Press the on/off button.
  
  • The spring mechanism audibly relieves its tension and the status indicator goes out.
    

Driving a nail

1. Switch on the fastening tool.
   
2. Hold the fastening tool perpendicular to the working surface and press it against the surface, pushing the fastener guide in as far as it will go.
   
3. Drive the nail by pressing the safety trigger.
   
4. Lift the fastening tool completely clear of the working surface after driving a fastener.
   
   The fastening tool switches itself off automatically if the fastener guide is pressed against the working surface for longer than 6 seconds without a nail being driven. The fastening tool can be switched on again by pressing the on/off button.
   
   The fastening tool switches itself off automatically if it is not used for 6 minutes.
   

Switching off Bluetooth

• Press the on/off button for at least 5 seconds until the LED shows blue twice.
  
  • No further data transfer is possible.
    
  • Bluetooth is not available in all markets
    
  Bluetooth can be deactivated if you are in a sensitive environment (e.g. a hospital) where use of Bluetooth is prohibited.
  

Removing nails from the fastening tool

Removing a nail when in magazine mode

1. Pull the nail pusher down until it engages.
   
2. Slide the nail downwards out of the magazine.
   
3. Hold the nail pusher securely and press the nail pusher release button.
   
4. Guide the nail pusher back to its original position.
   

Removing a nail when in single-fastener mode

• To remove a nail that has been inserted into the fastener guide, proceed in the same way as for removing a jammed nail (see ).
  

Jammed nails

Individual nails may get stuck in the fastener guide. You can remove jammed nails from the fastener guide with the aid of the X-NP drift punch set. Accessories are available from your Hilti Center or can be ordered online at www.hilti.com .

Releasing a jammed nail

1. Remove the fastener guide.
   
2. Fit the fastener guide into the supporting sleeve from the drift punch set.
   
3. Use the drift punch and a hammer to tap the jammed nail out of the fastener guide.
   
4. Insert the fastener guide.
   

Care and maintenance of cordless tools

Care and maintenance of the tool

• Carefully remove stubborn dirt.
  
• Clean the air vents carefully with a dry brush.
  
• Use only a slightly damp cloth to clean the casing. Do not use cleaning agents containing silicone as these can attack the plastic parts.
  

Care of the Li‑ion batteries

• Keep the battery free from oil and grease.
  
• Use only a slightly damp cloth to clean the casing. Do not use cleaning agents containing silicone as these may attack the plastic parts.
  
• Avoid ingress of moisture.
  

Maintenance

• Check all visible parts and controls for signs of damage at regular intervals and make sure that they all function correctly.
  
• Do not operate the cordless tool if signs of damage are found or if parts malfunction. Have the tool repaired by Hilti Service immediately.
  
• After cleaning and maintenance, fit all guards or protective devices and check that they function correctly.
  

Cleaning the inside of the nosepiece

1. Remove the fastener guide.
   
2. Clean the inside of the nosepiece.
   
3. Insert the fastener guide.