GX 3

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
	Return waste material for recycling

Text markings

Highlighting text passages

Designations and markings are indicated as follows:

‚ ‛	Description of marked operating controls on the fastening tool.
« »	Markings on the fastening tool

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

  Fastening tool, gas-actuated	GX 3
  Generation	01
  Serial no.

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

Safety precautions

Working safely with the setting tool

• Pressing the nosepiece of the setting tool against a part of the body may lead to serious injury due to inadvertent actuation and release of a fastener. Never press the nosepiece of the tool against your hand or any other part of the body.
  
• When inserting/loading application-specific fasteners (e.g. washers, clips or clamps, etc.) in/on the fastener guide there is a risk of serious injury due to inadvertent actuation of the tool resulting in discharge of a fastener. When inserting/loading an application-specific type of fastener, never press a hand or any other part of the body against the fastener guide.
  
• Never point the setting tool towards yourself or any other person.
  
• Keep your arms flexed when operating the tool (do not straighten the arms).
  
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating the setting tool. Do not use the setting tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating the setting tool may result in serious personal injury.
  
• When pulling back the nail pusher, always take care to ensure that it engages.
  
• When disengaging the nail pusher, do not release it and allow it to jump forward. Guide it forward slowly. There is a risk of pinching the fingers.
  
• Do not attempt to drive fasteners into materials that are too hard , such as welded steel or cast steel. Attempting to drive fasteners into these materials may lead to malfunctions, incorrectly driven fasteners or breakage of fasteners.
  
• Do not attempt to drive fasteners into materials that are too soft , such as wood or drywall/gypsum board. Attempting to drive fasteners into these materials may lead to malfunctions and fasteners being driven incorrectly or driven right through the material.
  
• Do not attempt to drive fasteners into materials that are too brittle , such as glass or tiles. Attempting to drive fasteners into these materials may lead to malfunctions, fasteners being driven incorrectly and may cause the material to shatter.
  
• Before driving fasteners, check that there is no risk of injuring persons or of damaging objects present behind or below the working surface.
  
• Only activate the trigger when the setting tool is pressed against the base material in such a way that the fastener guide is plunged into the setting tool as far as it will go.
  
• Always wear gloves if you have to carry out maintenance work on the setting tool while it is still hot.
  
• If fasteners are driven at a high rate or if the tool used for a long period, surfaces of the tool beyond the grip areas may get hot. Wear protective gloves to avoid burning injuries.
  
• If the setting tool overheats, remove the gas can and allow the tool to cool down. Do not exceed the specified maximum fastener driving rate.
  
• Driving fasteners may cause flying fragments or result in parts of the nail strip material being forcibly ejected from the tool. Flying fragments present a risk of injury to the body and eyes. Wear a suitable form of eye protection, ear protectors and a hard hat. Depending on the application and type of tool in use, wearing personal protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-slip safety footwear, hard hat or suitable eye protection and ear protection reduces the risk of injury. Other persons in the vicinity must also wear eye protection and a hard hat.
  
• Wear suitable ear protection (see noise information in the technical data section). The fastener is driven by the energy released on ignition of a gas-air mixture. The resulting noise exposure may cause damage to the hearing. Other persons in the vicinity should also wear suitable ear protection.
  
• When driving a fastener, always hold the setting tool securely and at right angles to the supporting material. This helps to avoid deflection of the fastener by the supporting material.
  
• Never drive a second fastener at the same location. This may lead to breakage or jamming of fasteners.
  
• Never attempt to redrive a previously driven stud or nail. Re-use of a fastener may cause it to break, thereby presenting a risk of injury.
  
• Alway remove the gas can and () empty the magazine () before changing the magazine, before cleaning, servicing or maintenance work on the tool, before storage or transport and before leaving the setting tool unattended.
  
• After use, lay the tool flat on the floor. A tool that is mounted on a pole tool extension and left leaning against a wall presents a risk of injury as it may fall over.
  
• When lowering (tilting) the pole tool extension, do not hold the pole only at its lower end. The considerable leverage exerted may cause you to lose control over the tilting movement of the pole and tool. This may result in injury and damage to the equipment or other property.
  
• To ensure that the setting tool functions faultlessly and as intended, always check the tool and accessories for possible damage before use. Check that moving parts function faultlessly, without sticking, and that no parts are damaged. In order to ensure faultless operation of the tool, all parts must be fitted correctly and must meet the necessary requirements. Damaged protective devices or other parts must be properly repaired or replaced by Hilti Service unless otherwise stated in the operating instructions.
  
• Have the setting tool repaired only by trained and qualified specialists using genuine Hilti spare parts. This will ensure that the safety of the setting tool is maintained.
  
• Tampering with or modification of the setting tool is not permissible.
  
• Do not use the setting tool where there is a risk of fire or explosion.
  
• Take influences of the surrounding area into account. Do not expose the setting tool to rain or snow and do not use it in damp or wet conditions.
  
• Use the setting tool only in well-ventilated working areas.
  
• Select the correct combination of fastener guide and fastener. The wrong combination may result in damage to the tool and in reduced fastening quality.
  
• Always observe the application guidelines .
  

Hazards presented by electricity

• Before beginning work, check the working area (e.g. using a metal detector) to ensure that no concealed electric cables or gas and water pipes are present.
  
• Hold the setting tool only by the insulated grip when working in areas where fasteners may be driven inadvertently into concealed electric cables. Contact with a live electric cable may cause metal parts of the tool also to become live, leading to a risk of electric shock.
  

Instructions for handling the propellant gas

• Observe the instructions printed on the gas can and in the accompanying information.
  
• Escaping gas is harmful to the lungs, skin and eyes. Keep your face and eyes away from the gas can compartment for up to about 10 seconds after removing the gas can.
  
• Do not operate the gas can valve manually.
  
• If a person has inhaled gas, take the person into the open air or into a well-ventilated area and place the person in a comfortable position. Consult a doctor if necessary.
  
• Call a doctor if the person is unconscious. Bring the person into a well-ventilated area and place the person in the stable recovery position (i.e. lying on the side). If the person is not breathing, administer artificial respiration and, if necessary, supply oxygen.
  
• After eye contact with gas, rinse the open eyes thoroughly under running water for several minutes.
  
• After skin contact with gas, wash the contact area carefully with soap and warm water. Subsequently apply a skin cream.
  

General instructions concerning personal safety

• Take care to adopt an ergonomic body position. Work from a safe stance and take care to stay in balance at all times. This will allow you to control the setting tool better, even in unexpected situations.
  
• Keep other people away from the working area, especially children.
  

Overview of the product

1. Fastener guide
   
2. Slider for fastener driving depth adjustment and for releasing the fastener guide
   
3. RESET button
   
4. Inlet/outlet valve
   
5. Cooling air slots
   
6. Belt hook
   
7. Trigger
   
8. Grip
   
9. Nail pusher
   
10. Magazine lockbutton
    
11. Support leg
    
12. Magazine
    
13. Type identification plate
    
14. Gas can status indicator
    
15. GAS button
    
16. Gas can compartment
    
17. Gas can compartment cover
    

Intended use

The product described is a gas-actuated fastening tool (“fastening tool”). It is designed to drive suitable fasteners into concrete, steel, sand-lime block, concrete-block masonry, rendered masonry and other materials suitable for use of the direct fastening technique.

The fastening tool is for hand-held use or use with the pole tool extension (accessory) only.

Items supplied

Gas-actuated fastening tool with fastener guide, toolbox, operating instructions.
Other system products approved for use with this product can be found at your local Hilti Center or online at: www.hilti.group

Fastener guide

The fastener guide holds the studs or, respectively, guides the nails and, when the tool is fired, thus directs the fasteners into the supporting material at the desired position. Application-specific fastener guides (IF or ME) are available for the GX 3 and GX 3-ME fastening tools (see type identification plate for exact designation).

Fasteners

Two types of fastener can be driven by the fastening tool: nails and threaded studs. Additional fastening components, which can be inserted in the fastener guide, are also available for various applications.

Slider for fastener driving depth adjustment and for releasing the fastener guide

The slider can be used to reduce the depth to which the fastener is driven. In the EJECT position, it releases the fastener guide for removal.

Status	Meaning
+	Standard fastener driving depth
‑	Reduced fastener driving depth
EJECT	Fastener guide release

RESET button

After driving a fastener, under certain circumstances, the fastener guide may not return to its outset position. This is caused by the piston being incorrectly positioned. The incorrect piston position can be remedied by pressing the RESET button.

Status	Meaning
RESET button projects from the tool casing. Its white edge is visible.	Piston position is incorrect
RESET button is flush with the tool casing.	Piston position is correct

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 an uneven or undulating surface it may be necessary to remove the support leg in order to allow the fastener guide to be held perpendicular to the working surface.

Belt hook

The belt hook can be extended in two stages.

Status	Meaning
First position	Position for attaching to a waist belt
Second position	Position for attaching to ladders, scaffolds, platforms, etc.

Gas can

In order to operate the fastening tool, the gas can must be inserted in the gas can compartment.
The gas can status can be read from the LED display after pressing the GAS button.
The gas can must be removed before breaks between working, before maintenance and before transporting or storing the fastening tool.

Indication of gas can status

After pressing the GAS button, the LED display indicates the status of the gas can.

Status	Meaning
All four LEDs light green.	Level is approx. 100 %.
Three LEDs light green.	Level is approx. 75 %.
Two LEDs light green.	Level is approx. 50 %.
One LED lights green.	Level is approx. 25 %.
One LED blinks green.	Level is below 10 %. Replacement of the gas can is recommended.
One LED lights red.	There is either no gas can in the fastening tool, the wrong type of gas can is fitted or the can is empty.

Fastening tool

Weight (empty)	8.6 lb
Application temperature, ambient temperature	14 ℉ … 113 ℉
Maximum fastener length	1.5 in
Fastener diameter	0.10 in 0.12 in
Compression stroke	1.6 in
Magazine capacity	40 + 2 nails
Maximum fastener driving frequency (Fasteners per hour)	1,200

Loading for driving nails

Equipment required for driving nails

Nails are fed through the magazine in strip form (ready-to-use strips of nails).

Loading the magazine

1. Pull the nail pusher back until it engages.
   
2. Slide the nail strips into the magazine as far as they will go.
   
   Strips of short nails could be inadvertently inserted the wrong way round. With short nails, take care to ensure that the tips of the nails point towards the nose of the tool.
   

3. Release the nail pusher and guide it forward as far as it will go.
   

Inserting the gas can

1. Open the gas can compartment cover.
   
2. Remove the cap from the gas can.
   
   Keep the cap so that it can be used to close the gas can securely when it is removed from the tool, e.g. when unloading and for transport.
   
3. Slide the gas can into the gas can compartment, valve first, so that the gas can clip enters the opening for the clip and engages securely.
   
4. Close the gas can compartment cover.
   
5. Without pulling the trigger, firmly press the setting tool with the fastener guide three times against the base material in order to bleed the gas lines of air.
   

Loading for driving threaded studs

Equipment required for driving threaded studs

Threaded studs must be inserted singly in the fastener guide from the front. An adapter is required for driving single fasteners. The packaging units for threaded studs each contain an adapter for individual setting, with the corresponding fitting information.

Inserting the single-fastener adapter

• Insert the single-fastener adapter ().
  

Inserting the gas can

• Insert the gas can ().
  

Driving nails

1. Check the fastener driving depth setting.
   
2. Bring the nosepiece of the setting tool and the support leg into contact with the working surface.
   
3. Using the fastener guide, press the setting tool as far as it will go against the base material.
   
4. Check that the fastener guide is perpendicular to the working surface.
   
5. Pull the trigger to drive a fastener.
   
   It is not possible to drive a fastener if the fastener guide is not pressed fully against the working surface.
   
6. Lift the fastening tool completely away from the working surface after driving a fastener.
   
7. Remove the gas can ( ) and empty the magazine () when work with the setting tool is finished or before leaving the tool unattended.
   

Driving threaded studs

1. Check the fastener driving depth setting.
   
2. Insert a stud in the fastener guide.
   
3. Bring the nosepiece of the setting tool and the support leg into contact with the working surface.
   
4. Using the fastener guide, press the setting tool as far as it will go against the base material.
   
5. Check that the fastener guide is perpendicular to the working surface.
   
6. Pull the trigger to drive a fastener.
   
   It is not possible to drive a fastener if the fastener guide is not pressed fully against the working surface.
   
7. Remove the gas can when work with the setting tool is finished or before leaving the tool unattended ( ).
   

Removing the gas can

1. Open the gas can compartment cover.
   
2. Press the gas can clip to release the gas can.
   
3. Remove the gas can from the gas can compartment.
   
4. Fit the cap on the gas can.
   
5. Close the gas can compartment cover.
   

Unloading the magazine

1. Pull the nail pusher back until it engages.
   
2. Remove all nail strips from the magazine.
   

3. Release the nail pusher and guide it forward as far as it will go.
   

Removing the single-fastener adapter

• After driving the fasteners, remove the single-fastener adapter () from the fastening tool.
  

Checking the status of the gas can

1. Without pressing the fastening tool against the working surface, press the GAS button.
   
2. Read the gas can status from the display.
   

Removing the magazine

1. Pull the nail pusher back until it engages.
   
2. Remove the loose nail strips from the magazine.
   

3. Release the nail pusher and guide it forward as far as it will go.
   
4. Release the magazine locking catch.
   
5. Pivot the magazine about the pivot point towards the front.
   
6. Detach the magazine.
   

Fitting the magazine

1. Release the magazine locking catch.
   
2. Engage the front end of the magazine with the setting tool.
   
3. Pivot the magazine towards the setting tool as far as it will go.
   
4. Close the magazine locking catch.
   

Removing the fastener guide

1. Remove the gas can.
   
2. Move the fastener guide release slider to the EJECT position.
   
3. Remove the fastener guide.
   

Inserting the fastener guide

1. Remove the gas can.
   
2. Slide the fastener guide into the slot in the nose of the fastening tool.
   
3. Hold the fastener guide securely so that it cannot fall out and then press the nose of the tool (i.e. the tool with the fastener guide) against a firm surface until the fastener guide engages.
   
4. Check that the fastener guide has engaged.
   
   • Once the fastener guide has engaged, the slider for releasing the fastener guide is again in the + position.
     

Removing the support leg

1. Release the support leg engaging mechanism by pressing lightly.
   
2. Rotate the support leg through 90°.
   
3. Remove the support leg.
   

Fitting the support leg

1. Bring the support leg into contact with the magazine at right angles and guide it into the slot.
   
2. Rotate the support leg through 90° relative to the magazine and allow it to engage while applying light pressure.
   

Inserting the single-fastener adapter

1. Remove the gas can.
   
2. Remove the magazine.
   
3. Insert the single-fastener adapter.
   
4. Fit the magazine.
   

Removing the single-fastener adapter

1. Remove the gas can.
   
2. Remove the magazine.
   
3. Remove the single-fastener adapter.
   
4. Fit the magazine.
   

Remedying an incorrect piston position

• Check the position of the RESET button.
  Result 
  • RESET button projects from the tool casing. Its white edge is visible.
    
  • To remedy the incorrect piston position, press the RESET button.
    

Removing foreign objects and nails from the area around the fastener guide

1. Remove the gas can.
   
2. Unload the magazine.
   
3. Remove the magazine.
   
4. Remove the fastener guide.
   
5. Remove all foreign objects and nails from the area around the fastener guide.
   
6. Insert the fastener guide.
   
7. Fit the magazine.
   

Caring for the fastening tool

• Never operate the fastening tool if the cooling air slots are blocked.
  
• Keep the grip areas free from oil and grease.
  
• Clean the fastening tool regularly.
  
• Do not use spray devices, pressure jet washers or running water for cleaning.
  
• Do not use cleaning agents containing silicone.
  
• Do not use sprays or similar lubricating and cleaning agents.
  

Cleaning the fastening tool

1. Remove the gas can.
   
2. Unload the magazine.
   
3. Remove plastic fragments from the fastener guide.
   
4. Use a dry brush to clean the cooling air slots, taking care to prevent dirt or foreign objects entering the interior of the tool.
   
5. Use a damp cloth to clean the exterior of the tool.
   

Maintenance

• To help ensure safe and reliable operation, use only genuine Hilti spare parts and consumables. Spare parts, consumables and accessories approved by Hilti for use with the product can be found at your local Hilti Center or online at: www.hilti.group .
  
• Check all external parts of the fastening tool for signs of damage at regular intervals and make sure that all the controls function correctly.
  
• Do not use the fastening tool if parts are damaged or if the controls do not function correctly.
  
• Have a defective fastening tool repaired by Hilti Service.
  

Checks after care and maintenance work

• Move the fastener driving depth adjustment slider to the + position.