Bosch showed off a ton of new tools at the 2014 Bosch Tools media event at the World of Concrete event in Las Vegas this week. Their two overall themes seemed to be productivity (doing the job faster and better) and help & prevention. With new dust collection systems, brushless tools, new accessories, torque control features, and even a laser distance tool that ties to a smartphone app via Bluetooth—I think they pulled off both themes pretty well. And Bosch wasn’t alone. They combined forces with some of their partners, including RAM Trucks, Simpson Strong Tie, Knapheide, and Sortimo.
Updated 2014 Bosch Tools—Cordless
Jason Feldner, product manager for Bosch cordless tools, took us on a journey back to Bosch’s “best built” theory of product design. That design trend currently includes brushless motors, smart electronics, and advanced battery designs that provide monitoring for both the tools and batteries. A new electronic feature is being introduced this year to control the effects of dangerous torque on the user (more on that later).
Bosch 5.0 Ah Lithium-ion Battery
Perhaps most exciting was the news that, in May of this year, Bosch is introducing a new 5.0 Ah lithium-ion battery pack to the market. Their Provantage service offers a two-year warranty on this battery and a one-year warranty on the tool. It’s essential to note that this battery features increased power density, providing more runtime in the same volume. The pack will be the same size and weight, but there will be up to a 25% increase in run-time as well as more options for greater torque output in applicable devices. Bosch is advertising these new batteries as having twice the life of their original lithium-ion packs.
IDH182 Socket-ready Impact Driver
The new chuck on the IDH182 Socket-ready Impact Driver has both a 1/2″ square drive and 1/4″ hex drive concentrically located within. It’s ready for both sockets and Tapcons, and there is now no need for a second tool for these fastening applications. The tool also has 3 levels or torque control. The first two modes (1 and 2) are really for preventing fasteners from breaking. The third is for maximum power and torque. We like the thin handle—the tool doesn’t feel like a brick in your hand.
There are three LEDs on the front of the tool that can be controlled either by the trigger or a dedicated switch on the base of the tool. Finally, brushless motors give it two times the life of a brushed tool. This new 18V impact driver puts out 1650 in lbs (140 ft lbs) of torque. We did a quick demo of the tool sinking 3/4″ lag anchors into pre-drilled concrete (this is, after all, a concrete show!)
DDS182 Compact Tough Drill Driver and HDS182 Hammer Drill Driver
Bosch bills its new DDS182 Drill Driver as the most powerful compact drill driver on the market. With 440 in lbs of torque (hard instantaneous torque) and improved soft torque as well, this tool seems to have the driving torque to power through just about any screw or drilling application. Using a 3/4″ auger bit in second (high) gear, Bosch showed off its high-speed drilling torque by drilling through a wooden beam.
Bosch appears to have tuned its drill to provide a bit more torque at high speed than much of the competition, whose electronics protection kicks in earlier in high gear. Of note, Bosch says this new compact DDS182 drill driver has the shortest length of any compatible tool currently on the market.
DDH182 Brute Tough 1/2″ Drill Driver
The new DDH182 Brute Tough Drill Driver is Bosch’s new top-of-the-line drill, and it now has an accelerometer sensor built right into the tool that senses when the tool over-torques. This means that the tool shuts down when it senses rapid torque in one rotational direction. You’d see this happen, for example, when bottoming out a lag bolt or running an anchor all the way into a concrete footer. When a protection event occurs, the lower LED starts flashing to indicate that the tool has protected you from a potentially dangerous torquing situation.
We were actually able to see this in action, as well as watch the tool shut itself off when the trigger was held down with hook and loop. As soon as the fastener bottomed out, the tool jerked to the right and immediately stopped rotating. As one among many who have had their wrists twisted violently by a drill, I know that I’ll be very appreciative of this feature.
Mortar Removal Accessories
SDS Plus Mortar Knife
Moving to a different area of the Bosch booth, we were treated to a demo of a new mortar knife, an SDS Plus chisel used for tuck pointing. While a diamond wheel is great for horizontal mortar removal in brick, the verticals require more careful work to avoid damaging the brick (think about what happens when you sink a small diameter tuckpointing blade too deep and score the middle of the upper and lower bricks adjacent to the cutting area.)
This new mortar knife from Bosch features a geometry available in 1/4″ and a more aggressive 3/8″ edge thickness. The accessory bit features a flat face for pounding out mortar and a beveled edge for drawing out mortar. We demoed the 1/4″ version, and it did a great job of quickly removing the mortar in those short vertical spaces without damaging the face of the brick. The tapered head is designed to prevent jamming when pulling it back from the mortar—a design element that worked exactly as expected.
Expansion Joint Multitool Scraping Blade
Jared Smith showed us an interesting concrete restoration application for their newest multi-tool blade/accessory. It’s a scraper blade designed for removing old sealant from expansion joints. The blade is 3″ long and ultra-thick, and it features a continuous cutting edge and a plunge tip to help get into tight spaces. The scraper blade is available in both universal OIS and Fein Supercut-compatible models.
Bosch CSW41 Worm Drive Saw
Bosch finally released a successor to its popular 1677M worm drive saw. Bosch claims this is a completely new design, though it bears a striking resemblance to the Skil MAG77LT Worm Drive Saw. In either case, it’s completely new for Bosch, and it will be great to see what they did differently with the design. Its claim to fame is that it’s made with lighter-weight materials—coming in at just 13.2 pounds with the blade wrench and cord included. The new saw also differentiates itself from the 1677M with contrasting bevel and depth scales.
Bosch also changed the lock position, and the oil change access point was migrated to a better location for the system. They also store the wrench onboard. This saw is approximately 2 lbs lighter than the former 1677M, and it appears to be a great addition that targets serious framers as well as concrete workers who require maximum horsepower for setting up forms all day long. The new saw retails for $219 and will be available in February 2014.
CSW41 Features
- Blade size: 7-1/4 in.
- Arbor: Diamond shape
- Speed: 5300 RPM
- Max bevel capacity: 53° (positive stop at 45°)
- Max cutting depth (90°): 2-3/8 in.
- Max cutting depth (45°): 1-15/16 in.
- Motor: 15-amp ball bearing
- All-magnesium construction [except for the blue and black handles
- Built-in rafter hook
- On-board multi-function wrench
- Compatible with WD7RIP adjustable fence and WD7LUB gear lubricant
- Length: 17-1/2 in.
- Weight: 13.2 pounds
- Includes: Blade wrench, 24T blade
Bosch Measuring Tools
Bosch announced three new measuring tools that should present some compelling options for estimators, builders, and contractors who need reliable yet economical tools for their crews to design and layout projects ranging from cabinets to flooring to ceilings.
GLL2-15 Cross Line Laser
The new GLL2-15 Cross Line Laser emits a vertical and horizontal line for setting up lines in cabinet layout or for various interior building and construction applications. Bosch includes a nifty ceiling clamp accessory with this model, which features a fine adjustment knob for tweaking the height after it’s positioned. They also made it very compact, claiming it to be the most compact line laser available for purchase. Finally, they included a small carry case. A feature that doesn’t get much attention, but which we found noteworthy, was the way Bosch handled the pendulum lock. The pendulum lock keeps the internal self-leveling pendulum from moving during transportation (which maintains the accuracy of the tool over time). But this one engages automatically when the unit is turned off. There are no extra buttons or controls needed.
GLL3-50 Line and Plumb Laser
Next up was the new GLL3-50 line and plumb laser, which squares and levels with more than just a point, thanks to three intersecting line lasers. This is very similar to the GLL-30, but at half the price. It’s half the price because it only measures half a room at a time. The good news, however, is that it ships with a cool mount that lets you spin the laser around 180 degrees and also perform fine adjustments. The retail is expected to be about $300.
GLM100C Laser Distance Measure
The Bosch GLM100C Laser Distance Measure has a range of 330 ft and—more significantly—has Bluetooth connectivity. It will connect to either an iOS or Android device, allowing your phone or tablet to digitally create what you’re measuring so you can document and email it as needed. The way it works is really simple, too. You just snap a photo of the area you’re in, then you “draw” a dimensional line on the photo with your finger. Next, you take the measurement with the GLM100C, and the measurement shows right up on the screen. This could very well revolutionize the estimating market overnight. The expected retail on the GLM100C is $299.
Bosch Announces New Concrete Drilling and Cutting Tools
Since we were at the World of Concrete show in Vegas, it was fitting that Bosch would announce a few tools specifically designed for drilling and cutting concrete. This included, among other things, some new rotary hammers, shrouds, and a beveled diamond blade.
Bosch RH540M (SDS-Max) and RH540S (Spline) Rotary Hammers
The new SDS-Max RH540M and Spline RH540S Rotary Hammers claim 40% more impact energy. They also have variable-speed triggers to allow for more control when drilling holes for fasteners. These new rotary hammers are scheduled for release in February and will retail for just $419.
Bosch DH715 Rotary and Chipping Hammer
Due out in May, the Bosch DH715 picks up where the 11316 left off, offering a bit less power but with significantly less weight. Bosch claims a 40% increase in impact energy for this tool as well.
Bosch 9 Gallon and 14 Gallon Dust Extraction Vacuums
Also available in February are two new dust extraction vacuums, built to industrial quality standards. That means these vacs come with a good canister, superior seals, and filters that are designed to be easily changed. Similar to the Hilti dust extractor we reviewed several months ago, the system backfeeds air through the filter to blow it clean every 15 seconds. This triple “air bump” also features a semi-automatic mode, allowing you to activate pulse cleaning when needed manually. These new 9- and 14-gallon vacs are HEPA-ready, meaning that HEPA filters are available as an option. To put it simply, these dust collector vacuums are properly sealed for use with hazardous materials.
Bosch SDS-Max Wall-hugging Dust Collector Accessories
When we saw the SDS-Max wall-hugging dust collection units, we immediately appreciated the simplicity of design. They let you drill holes with small or large diameter bits. Connecting directly to the new dust collector vacs, these devices hug the concrete wall or floor material—allowing you to quickly drill while all the dust is collected and stays off the job site. There is a standard SDS-Max model that works with most drill bits, as well as a model specifically designed for 1-1/2″ to 2″ core drilling bits. In addition to these wall-hugging systems, Bosch showcased a new chipping shroud that appears to be a promising solution for managing dust collection when using chipping bits to remove concrete pads and similar applications.
Bosch Hollow Dustless Drill Bits
If there was a show-stopper, it was Bosch’s announcement that they are throwing in with the small and exciting hollow drill-bit crowd. For drilling anchors in concrete, Bosch revealed its own hollow drill bit dustless drilling system. To be honest, they’re not yet sure what to call it since hollow drill bits have been taken. With these bits, no hole cleaning is required after drilling and before adding adhesive for anchor insertion. That makes drilling time 30-50% faster than standard drill bits—and the lifetime of the bit is expected to be the same. This is largely due to the bit construction and the fact that the central core allows air to cool the bit more than conventional (solid) bit systems. These bits will be available in SDS-Plus and SDS-Max shanks in eight different sizes.
Bosch V-Groove Diamond Blades
Bosch’s new 3/8″ Wide V-Groove Diamond Blades are perfect for opening up cracks in asphalt in preparation for filling and sealing. Cracks in concrete allow further expansion due to water infiltration, providing access to rebar and creating a structural problem over time as the rebar oxidizes and breaks down. Bosch’s new V-Groove Diamond Blade is available in 4″, 4-1/2″, 5″, and 7″ sizes. In addition to the available sizes, this blade also comes in three varieties, specifically designed to deal with hard concrete as well as softer asphalt. Finally, a general-purpose blade rounds out most other applications (The blades look the same, but the binding materials are different for the different applications).
These blades are designed to last three times longer than their competitors, and they are expected to be available around mid-February. The Turbo (smooth) model is perfect for when the finish matters, while the segmented blade is better for faster material removal. We might have to test these blades on our own concrete cracking problems.
