GFB 6X-A22

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 can be used on the product:

	Wireless data transfer
	Hilti Li-ion battery type series used. Observe the information given in the section headed Intended use .
	Wear eye protection
	Rated speed
	Revolutions per minute
	Revolutions per minute
	Diameter

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

  Cordless band file	GFB 6X‑A22
  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 instructions

General power tool safety warnings

WARNING Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
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

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
  
• 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.
  
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
  
• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
  
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces 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 a 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 power source and/or 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.
  
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
  

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 plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, 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 and accessories. 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.
  
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.
  

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.
  
• Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behaviour resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
  
• Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130° C (265 °F) may cause explosion.
  
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
  

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.
  
• Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.
  

Additional safety instructions

Personal safety

• Use the product only when it is in perfect working order.
  
• Never tamper with or modify the tool in any way.
  
• Avoid touching rotating parts – risk of injury!
  
• Always hold the power tool with both hands on the handles provided. Keep the handles clean and dry.
  
• Wait until the product stops completely before you lay it down.
  
• Wear protective gloves also when changing the accessory tool. Touching the accessory tool presents a risk of injury (cuts or burns).
  
• Make sure that the workplace is well ventilated and, where necessary, wear a respirator appropriate for the type of dust generated. Contact with or inhalation of the dust may cause allergic reactions and/or respiratory or other diseases among operators or bystanders.
  
• Before beginning the work, check the hazard classification of the dust that will be produced. Dust from materials such as lead-based paint, certain types of wood and concrete/masonry/stone containing quartz, minerals or metal can be harmful to health. Certain kinds of dust such as oakwood and beechwood dust are classified as carcinogenic, especially in conjunction with additives for wood conditioning (chromate, wood preservative).
  
• Take breaks between working and do physical exercises to improve the blood circulation in your fingers. Exposure to vibration during long periods of work can lead to disorders of the blood vessels and nervous system in the fingers, hands and wrists.
  

Power tool use and care

• Do not set the product down with its weight resting on the battery.
  

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 .
  

Overview of the product

1. Eccentric screw
   
2. Locking screw for swivel arm
   
3. Lockable on/off switch
   
4. Adjusting knob for speed
   
5. Battery
   
6. Battery release button
   
7. Dust filter
   
8. Grip
   
9. Casing cover
   
10. Drive roller
    
11. Securing screws for file arm
    
12. File arm
    
13. Adjusting screw for file arm
    
14. Abrasive belt
    
15. Contact roller
    

Intended use

The product described is a hand-held, cordless band file. It is designed for grinding and polishing metallic surfaces in awkward places, without use of water.

• Use only Hilti Li‑ion batteries of the B 22 series with this product.
  
• Use only Hilti battery chargers of the C4/36 series for charging these batteries.
  

Possible misuse

Do not use the product for wet grinding.
Do not use the product to work on hazardous or flammable materials (e.g. asbestos, magnesium, wood).

Items supplied

Band file, side handle, 2 file arms, Torx wrench, operating instructions.
Other system products approved for use with this product can be found at your local Hilti Store or online at: www.hilti.group

Temperature-dependent motor protection

The temperature-dependent motor protection system monitors current input and motor temperature and thus prevents the power tool overheating.
If the motor is overloaded through application of excessive working pressure, the power tool’s performance drops noticeably or it may stall completely.
If the power tool stalls or slows significantly due to overloading, release the pressure applied to the tool and then allow it to run under no load for approx. 30 seconds.

Li-ion battery charge status display

The charge status of the Li‑ion battery is displayed after one of the two battery release buttons is pressed.

Status	Meaning
4 LEDs light.	Charge status: 75 % to 100 %
3 LEDs light.	Charge status: 50 % to 75 %
2 LEDs light.	Charge status: 25 % to 50 %
1 LED lights up.	Charge status: 10 % to 25 %
1 LED flashes.	Charge status: < 10 %

Battery

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

Charging the battery

1. Before charging the battery, read the operating instructions for the charger.
   
2. Make sure that the contacts on the battery and the contacts on the charger are clean and dry.
   
3. Use an approved charger to charge the battery.
   

Inserting the battery

1. Charge the battery fully before using it for the first time.
   
2. Push the battery into the battery holder until it engages with an audible click.
   
3. Check that the battery is seated securely.
   

Removing the battery

1. Press the release buttons on the battery.
   
2. Pull the battery out of its holder in the device.
   

Fitting the side handle

• Screw the side handle into the threaded socket.
  

Fitting an abrasive belt

1. Remove the side handle.
   
2. Swing the housing cover aside.
   
3. Turn the eccentric screw until it engages. This relieves the tension on the file arm.
   
4. Center the abrasive belt on the file arm and the drive roller.
   
5. Release the eccentric screw to tension the file arm.
   
6. Swing the housing cover back into position in front of the housing.
   
7. Fit the side handle.
   
   Not every abrasive belt matches every file arm. Select the correct combination from the table below and change the file arm if necessary.
   

Recommended combination for file arm / belt width

9 mm roller, peaked	4 mm … 9 mm (0.2 in … 0.4 in)
9 mm roller, crowned	4 mm … 13 mm (0.2 in … 0.5 in)
30 mm roller, small	13 mm … 30 mm (0.5 in … 1.2 in)
30 mm roller, large	13 mm … 30 mm (0.5 in … 1.2 in)

Adjusting the belt run

1. Adjust the belt run by turning the adjusting screw on the file arm.
   
2. Select the setting that keeps the belt running centered on the contact roller.
   
3. Set the speed.
   
4. Run the belt at the slowest speed and check your setting.
   

Removing the abrasive belt

1. Remove the side handle.
   
2. Swing the housing cover aside.
   
3. Turn the eccentric screw until it engages. This relieves the tension on the file arm.
   
4. Remove the abrasive belt.
   
5. Slacken the eccentric screw to relieve the tension on the spring of the file arm.
   

Changing the file arm

1. Remove the abrasive belt.
   
2. Slacken the adjusting screw.
   
3. Remove the securing screws and lift off the file arm.
   
4. Hold the new file arm in position, install the securing screws and tighten them to the specified torque.
   

   Technical data
   Tightening torque, securing screws for file arm	2.7 Nm (2.0 ftlbf)

5. Fit the abrasive belt.
   
6. Adjust the belt run.
   

Adjusting the swivel arm

1. Slacken the locking screw of the swivel arm.
   
2. Tilt the swivel to the desired position.
   
3. Tighten the locking screw.
   

Switching on

1. Press the rear section of the on/off switch.
   
2. Slide the on/off switch forward.
   
   • The motor runs.
     
3. Lock the on/off switch.
   

Setting the speed

• Use the adjusting knob to set the speed.
  

Belt speed without load

Stage 1	4.3 m/s (14.1 ft/s)
Stage 2	4.7 m/s (15.4 ft/s)
Stage 3	5.5 m/s (18.0 ft/s)
Stage 4	6.4 m/s (21.0 ft/s)
Stage 5	7.8 m/s (25.6 ft/s)
Stage 6	9.5 m/s (31.2 ft/s)

Grinding

1. Lift the band file clear of the work surface.
   
2. Switch the tool on.
   
   • The power tool then runs in sustained operating mode.
     
3. Set the speed.
   
4. Bring the band file with the abrasive belt into contact with the work surface and keep it moving with a steady back-and-forth action.
   
5. Work with the pulling run of the abrasive belt.
   
6. Apply moderate pressure and do not press the abrasive belt into the material. Excessive contact pressure can cause the abrasive belt to slip off the contact roller.
   

Switching off

• Press the rear section of the on/off switch.
  
  • The on/off switch jumps into the off position and the motor stops.
    

Changing the drive roller

1. Remove the abrasive belt.
   
2. Remove the securing screws from the drive roller. If necessary, press and hold down the spindle lock button.
   
3. Pull the drive roller off the spindle.
   
4. Slip the new drive roller on to the spindle.
   
5. Insert the securing screws and tighten them to the specified torque. If necessary, press and hold down the spindle lock button.
   

   Technical data
   Tightening torque, securing screws for drive roller	2.4 Nm (1.8 ftlbf)

Troubleshooting