What exactly is a switchable impact? Well, as the name suggests, it is an impact driver with a switch. This switch then allows users to completely turn off the impacts from the tool. It basically turns your impact driver into a standard drill/driver. One of the questions often asked of this tool is why one would need a switchable impact. The answer is simple; you now have a single tool that can take the place of two tools. When you are up on a ladder, do you want to have two tools to worry about, or just one? Switchable impacts can do many of the things a normal drill can do, with one small downside; they can only use 1/4 hex bits. There are adapter chucks that allow you to use regular bits in 1/4” hex chucks, but sadly none was included in the Bosch kit.

The Bosch 26618-01 is a powerhouse; it is not much bigger then a regular Bosch 18V Impactor, but it gives you much more versatility. I used the tool side by side with my Friends regular Bosch 18V Impactor and I did not notice any difference in how they performed. Even though it is a tool that is meant to replace two tools, you don't really feel like you are missing out on anything – other then a drill chuck. That being said, the tool is a little lackluster in the torque area while in drilling mode. It preformed fine with all standard drill bits used, but it had some trouble with a 1” Bosch Daredevil bit. Once switched back to Impact mode, the 26618-01 had no problems with the DareDevil bits.

These last few years have been all about the oscillating multi-tool. You talk to just about anyone, and they either own an oscillation tool or they want to own one. Bosch knows how popular they have become and especially love how popular their own Multi-X has become. One problem facing the Multi-X is the rather small list of accessories. Sure they have most of the basics covered, but people love to have options. Bosch has announced a whole new lineup of accessories that pretty much cover everything that we know to be possible with a multi-tool.

According to Bosch, approximately 65% of time oscillation tools are being used is in cutting applications. So they have stepped up their cutting blade line to include: 4” Bi-Metal Segment Serrated Knife, 2-1/4” Caulk Removal Blade, 1-3/8” Bi-Metal Cutting Plunge Blade, 4” Bi-Metal Segment Sawblade, 3-1/2” Carbon Segment Serrated Blade, 1-1/8” Bi-Metal Plunge Blade, and 1-3/8” Japanese Tooth Plunge Blade. One blade that is completely new to oscillation tools is the 4” Bi-Metal Segment Serrated Knife, which can be used to power cut through insulation. In the grinding, cutting, and sanding categories we have: 3-1/2” Diamond Grit Blade, 2-1/2” Thin Kerf Carbide Grit Segment Blade, 3” Carbide Grit Delta Rasp, Scraper Blade, Assorted Sanding Pads and Sanding Sheets.

These new accessories are not out yet, but you they should be in stores late this summer. We love how Bosch is stepping up its game by adding more accessories to the lineup, but we want more. We want Bosch to really try and think outside of the box and find us uses for the oscillation tool that we never would have thought of.

I have been teasing you with a bunch of Bosch news these past few days (no we are not sponsored by Bosch), but how would you like a giveaway to change things up a bit? I am a little late to this, but it turns out Bosch has a Fathers Day Giveaway of their own going on right this minute.

Up for grabs is either a PS21-21 12-volt pocket driver, a PB360S Power Box Radio, or the GLR225 Laser Distance Measurer. There will be a total of three winners, and each winner will be able to select which prize they want. The contest ends June 30th, so be sure to head on over to the contest page and enter today.

Want an idea of what the PB360S can handle in terms of abuse? We have a short video below.

Amazon - CPO Bosch

Bosch added three new digital laser measures to their line up that are sure to impress. The GLR225, coming out this month, looks to be the next step up from the previous DLR130K & DLR165K. It features a 230 foot range and an accuracy of 1/16”. It also adds the Pythagorean theorem function that was available in the DLR165K, but was missing from the DLR130K. In total, the GLR225 offers 7 different measurement modes – length, area, volume, minimum/maximum, continuous, indirect length and multi-surface area measurements. The new min/max mode allows users to sweep the laser across a surface, and the laser will display the minimum and the maximum distance form your location.

The next two DLRs, model GLR500 and GLR825 offer a measuring range of 500 feet and 825 feet respectively, and have an impressive accuracy of 1 millimeter (about 1/25”). Because measuring at such great distances can be difficult, Bosch has added a 1.6x magnification viewfinder to both models. These lasers have even more measuring modes then the GLR225, 11 in total – length, area, volume, minimum/maximum, continuous, indirect length, double indirect, combined indirect, stake out, trapezoid, multi-surface area and timed measurement. Other features such as built-in memory, and an illuminated display have also been added. Models GLR500 and GLR825 should be available this July.

Amazon

I talked about the Sortimo L-Boxx a bit a few months back, and also about the Bosch version being introduced in Europe. At the recent Bosch event, the media got the first news that these Boxxes are indeed on their way to the USA. To be honest, I never thought the Bosch version of the L-Boxx would make it across the pond, as the Systainer never did. So why the L-boxx and not the Systainer? Maybe Bosch just didn't want to use the same box as Festool.

The Bosch L-Boxx is not just a typical Sortimo L-Boxx colored blue with a fancy red Bosch logo. There is actually a simple change/addition that makes the Bosch version more suitable for workers. You will notice that the two smaller sizes of the Bosch L-Boxx have a handle in the front, that allow users to carry the case vertically. This is something the Sortimo L-Boxx currently does not offer. Also, as you have seen before, the cases can latch together and are stack-able.

Bosch will kick off the L-Boxx line with the introduction of three tool kits. The PS31 12-volt Drill + L-Boxx will be available starting this September as Model PS31-2AL, Price $159. The PS50 12-volt Multi-X + L-Boxx will also be out this September as Model PS50-2BL, Price $199. Third is a Bosch jig saw as Model 1590EVSKL coming this October, Price $199. Hopefully Bosch will start using these cases for all future tools.

Wow! I just had the privilege of trying out Bosch’s new 12” Duel-Bevel Miter saw; and I came away impressed. This saw, like the previous model, has all the up-front controls, which can really save time and strain on the back (no reaching behind to set the bevel); but when you look at the GCM12SD you’d think that something is missing – that it’s not a ‘slider’ – it’s too small. Exactly! This saw doesn’t have sliders or rails; this saw GLIDES.

Bosch’s Axial Glide System completely does away with the sliding rail system, yet provides 14” of horizontal cutting; and best of all takes up the space of a ‘chop saw’. For me, this means when on the job site, setting up production in a corridor or hallway, I’d have an extra foot of work space and no moving parts banging into the wall; and I can make my cuts without always waiting for a worker to pass behind. Referring to the photos I took (below), you’ll see: Rigid, Milwaukee, Makita, DeWalt, Hitachi, and Festool – all on a workbench with Bosch; there you can really notice the space savings over the sliding rail system.

In real work conditions I’ve tried all these major brands of sliding miter saws (including Bosch’s older model) and found that they all are prone to have sticking problems. The bushings gum up with sawdust and I find myself having to force the saw forward. The Axial Glide System solves this problem with its articulating arms, which glide the saw through the cutting stroke. In fact, the saw travels so effortlessly that they’ve added a resistance adjustment (just in case you find the saw too smooth).

Cutting through a 14” piece of maple, I could feel how stable and precise the saw traveled through the entire stroke. And this system is tough; I watched as Jason, a proud Bosch product manager, splintered a couple of 2X4’s over the glide system without damage of misalignment.

This Value Conscience Pro can hardly wait to set this saw up on the big job and see the reaction of the guys as they ‘glide’ through the crown, base and casing.

The newest Bosch miter saw (GCM12SD) was just announced a few days ago and is not scheduled to be released for a few months, but it looks like Ebay is ahead of the game. Ebay has a listing for the new saw with the current bid at only $330. The company selling the saw lists themselves as a freight recovery specialist, so I would guess this is a saw that never made it to its proper location and is probably something Bosch is missing. Check out the listing for yourself, but I would not be surprised if it ends up being pulled.

ebay

Bosch Tools recently held a press event at their U.S. head quarters in Mount Prospect, Illinois to showcase and announce some new tools. While I was not able to attend this event myself, I was able to send a Tool-Rank representative or as I call him, Dad, to get the scoop on all the latest and greatest Bosch has to offer. He will be here later to share his experiences with the tools, but for now here is the official press release for the new Bosch Axial-Glide 12” Miter Saw as well as a ton of photos. Check them out after the Read More.

One problem some oscillation multi-tool fans may face is the difference in blades between brands. The blades from one brands cordless multi-tool will most likely not fit your corded multi-tool from another brand, that is unless you are using some type of commercial or homemade adapter.

A company called Versa-Tool is trying to end some of the confusion caused, by selling a one-blade-fits-all solution. They offer a complete selection of oscillation tool blades, everything from fine cut to carbide blades, that fit a great number of oscillation tools on the market today, even ones you have never heard of. Sound great right? The problem, some of the most popular multi-tools such as the Dremel Multi-Max and the Rockwell Sonicrafter are not compatible.

If you own one of the other tools listed below you should be all set.

Amazon

When Bosch asked if I wanted to review their latest 12 volt pocket driver, I just had to say yes. I asked the Tool-Rank readers not long ago if they thought 12 volt tools offered enough power, and now I would be able to see this for myself. It is weird that in the relatively short life of cordless tools we have come far enough that instead buying tools wanting excess power, we are looking at smaller tools with enough power. Why buy a tool that can drive a 6” lag bolt, when we only need to drive a 3” deck screw? This change in mindset not only saves us money, but it also cuts down on the weight of our tool bags.

Lets jump into the review of the PS21. The first thing to note is that the PS21 uses a 1/4” hex quick connect chuck just like an impact driver, but the PS21 is in no way a cordless impact. The use of this type of chuck is part of the reason the PS21 is so compact. This is only part of the reason though, because as you can see from the photo (below), the new PS21 is significantly smaller then the previous PS20 driver that uses the same type of chuck. In the past a hex chuck could have been a problem, but now you can pick up both hex driver bits and drill bits in just about any tool store. If you did want a 12 volt driver with a regular chuck, you could always buy an adapter which would increase the tools length, or you could check out the Bosch PS31 that uses a regular chuck, but is also a bit longer.