Bosch has officially announced the new GLL2-80 line laser, big brother to their GLL2-50 line laser. Let me just start out by saying that I love the GLL2-80, I have never used it or even seen it in person, but I love it. Why, because it can project a solid 360 degree laser line on both vertical and horizontal planes. Typical lasers in this class can only do solid laser lines at around 180 degrees. The only other option for 360 degree laser accuracy, is a spinning dot laser, but these cost much more and can be harder to see.

Bosch is able to create 360 degree lines in the new GLL2-80 laser with their new proprietary cone mirror technology. This tech, in conjunction with the lasers self-leveling pendulum greatly reduces the amount of moving parts. This not only saves on battery life, but also extends the life of the tool itself. When the laser is in the off position, the pendulum automatically locks for added protection during transport. The GLL2-80 is accurate to 1/4 inch at 100 feet which is typical for this type of laser, but its range can be extended to 265 feet by setting the tool to Pulse Laser Receiver Mode and using an optional LR2 Laser Receiver.

The GLL2-80 comes complete with a hard case, WM1 Positioning Device, instruction manual and four AA batteries. The WM1 is a great laser stand that Bosch is including, but if you need a little move flexibility, you can also mount the laser to any 1/4-20 or 5/8-11 tripod or laser stand.

Bosch – Ohio Power Tool

The news has not yet been officially announced by Bosch US, but I see not point in waiting. The new PB360S is replacing the much older PB10-CD radio, and looks like more then just a face lift; a complete redesign is more likely. Sure it still has the same boxy look, and now an even cooler looking roll cage, but that is about it.

Why update the radio at all? The answer is simple, the old radio did not work with the newer Bosch Lithion batteries. This is good news for people with all new Bosch cordless tools, but bad for people with both new and old Bosch cordless tools. Why? Because the new radio will only accept the newer Lithion 14.4 and 18 volt batteries, thus leaving your old batteries homeless. The Bosch radio also allows you to charge your cordless batteries when you are running the radio from AC power.

Bosch also updated the electronics of the radio, and now allows you to play music from USB, as well as SD/MMC memory cards. MP3 and satellite radio fans will be happy to know that Bosch has included an AUX input and a Media Bay. Lets not forget about AM/FM Radio; and though it is not mentioned, it looks like a CD player is also included. Bosch also boasts 360 degree sound, because sharing your music is a wonderful thing.

It doesn't end there, the “PB” in PB360 stands for power box. The radio also includes four 120 volt AC GFCI protected outlets, and even a 12 volt DC cigarette outlet for charging your phone, mp3 player, etc.

Update: The Bosch Rep. saw this post and was kind enough to send over some more information and photos.

It turns out a CD player is not included. Yeah, we all knew this would happen eventually. This is why they have added so many options for playing digital music. There are two AUX ports, one inside the Media Bay, and one outside. The Media Bay is also weather sealed, to help keep your precious iPod safe. The USB slot also does more then just play your music files, it can also be used to power your mp3 player, or any other USB device.

It also turns out that Bosch has produced two models. The PB360S has 2x more sound power output then the previous model, while the PB360D has 4x the sound power output. Model PB360D also features a built in universal Sirius satellite radio docking port for connecting select Sirius satellite radios.

Availability is set for June 2010.

Bosch has combined the best of a cordless impact driver with the things you need with a cordless drill to bring you their new 3-Mode Impact Drill/Driver. This new tool has the look and feel of a regular impact driver, and even uses the same 1/4” hex chuck, but the ability to turn off impacting with the flick of a switch is what makes the tool special.

Most people do not want to have to carry around both an impact and a drill and if you are running large screws, an impact is the way to go. The problem is when it comes to drilling. Impacts do an OK job at drilling, but the impacting really slows down the process and can leave you with some ugly holes. Flick over to drill/driver mode and you are all set. The drill/driver mode will also allow you to install soft metal screws without breaking off the heads. An added bonus, because this is an Impact at heart, is the extra amount of RPM's you will get for drilling, 2,800 RPM vs 1,800 with a standard drill.

Bosch offers both a 14.4 model 26614-01 and an 18 Volt model 26618-01 that are comparable with existing Lithion cordless tools. Kits include two batteries, 30 minute charger, double ended Phillips bit, belt clip and carrying case. MSRP for the 18 volt kit is $369

14V – 18V Bosch Tools

 

Chalk this up as one more thing we will probably never get here in the States. If you remember, I talked about the Sortimo L-BOXX in the past and its similarities with the Systainer. Both are stack-able storage systems that come in a verity of sizes, and offer many organizational features.

Bosch sells some tools in Europe that use the Systainer as its tool box, as do other tool companies in Europe. Now Bosch has teamed with with Sortimo to offer some tools using the L-BOXX system. The advantage of using the L-BOXX is its ability to be used in conjunction with Sortimo's vehicle storage solutions, as well as their home/office/shop storage solutions.

As of now, only the 14.4 & 18 volt drills are being offered using the L-BOXX system, but as an introductory offer Bosch is including a 77-piece accessories set and an additional L-BOXX. Sadly this kit will probably never been seen here in the US, which leads me to our next poll.

Update: Video from MrToolStop added after Read More.

{loadposition poll bosch}

As you might know, Bosch just recently introduced a complete line of pneumatic nailers and compressors. Below is a pretty thorough video, introducing the Bosch BNS200-18 brad nailer. I also go over some of the features and talk about my likes and dislikes.

One dislike I forgot to mention in the video, is the lack of a hook of some type. As a professional, one of the things that really makes my life easier is a belt hook. Milwaukee by far has the best belt hook I have seen. It rotates 360 degrees and has a number of lockable positions. Another thing that seems rather silly not to include is pneumatic oil, and since the gun requires oil, you cant even use it out of the box unless you already own some.

Below the video you will notice a link for the video in the OGG format. This is for people that do not have Flash installed for whatever reason. However an internet browser that supports OGG playback is required (ie FireFox).

 

If you read Tool-Rank regularly, (like you should) you would remember me talking about the Bosch 12 volt cordless metal shear in Europe. It has now officially been announced here in the US via press release, and can now be found on the Bosch website. The listing for the PS70-2A has also reappeared on Amazon after its brief listing.

The PS70-2A can cut metal thicknesses up to 18 gauge for steel and 12 gauge for aluminum, with a cutting radius as small as 1/4-inch. Being only 12 volts, it probably wont replace your corded shears for big jobs, but its portability is what is key. The PS70-2A kit includes two 12 volt Lithion Max Batteries, a 30 minute charger, one 4 sided blade, a feeler gauge, a hex key, and a carrying case.

Bosch Tools
$ PS70-2A - Amazon
$ PS70-2A - Ohio Power Tool

Cordless tools may be king on the jobsite, but that doesn't mean there isn't a place for corded tools in your life. Corded tools offer a few key benefits over their cordless cousins, such as more speed in a lighter body at a much lower cost. Plus, as long at you pay your electric bill, you will never run out of power.

Bosch's latest corded drill model 1006VSR uses a 6.3 amp motor to deliver 0-2600 RPMs, which is significantly higher then an 18 volt equivalent, while also keeping the weight at only 3.4 lbs. It also features a 2 finger variable speed trigger and a newly designed soft grip handle which is said to offer users added comfort throughout the day. The 3/8" drill uses a keyless chuck to make changing bits a quick and easy task, and a belt clip frees up your hands when you need them. The new 1006VSR will be available later this fall for around $60.

Bosch Tools
Bosch 1006VSR 3/8” Corded Drill - Amazon

Bosch is expanding their cordless 10.8 volt line in the UK with the addition of a compact metal shear. Bosch boasts a cutting speed of up to 4 times faster then cutting with hand shears. Considering the tool is doing all the work at a size not much bigger then a hand shear, I would probably be happy if it was only as fast has a hand shear. The faster speed is just an added bonus. If my conversions are correct, it looks like it can cut up to 16 18 gauge steel, and 12 gauge aluminum.

Not all tools make it to the US, but if it doesn't and you really wanted one, it shouldn't be to hard to have one shipped over. Remember the U.S. 12 volt is exactly the same as the 10.8 volt. Video after Read More

Bosch Germany (translated)

Update: It looks like this is US model PS70-2A which toolsforless.com lists for $350. Considering they are the only site listing the PS70-2A and Bosch US doesnt even list it, I still think it is probably not yet available. Amazon even removed thier listing for the PS70-2A.

Update Oct. 4 2009: The US model PS70-2A is now listed and available on Amazon, though still not mentioned on the Bosch US website.

It looks like in order for Bosch Tools to find out where their advertising money is best spent, they are giving away free Guns & Hoses t-shirts. The only catch is they want you to tell them which publication you spotted their Bosch Nail Guns ad in. If you are reading this blog post, then you probably heard about the Bosch nails guns from us, but unfortunately it doesn't look like that will get you a free shirt. Bummer. So the next time you are at the hardware store, you might want to browse through a few magazines to see if you can spot the ad.

The giveaway runs until August 31st or until supplies run out. Good Luck.

Bosch Guns and Hoses T-shirt

Bosch is a German company, so as expected Europe gets all the cool Bosch tools before we get them here in the US. Yeah it sucks, but this allows us to get a sneak peak at some of their latest gadgets before, or (the sad part) if they make it to the US market.

The latest tools to come out of Bosch Germany are a pair of digital laser ranger-finders, that offer more features and greater measuring distance then their current line of DLR's. As the names suggest, the new GLM150 offers 150 meters(492 feet) of measuring, and the GLM250 250 meters(820 feet) at ±1.0mm. These specs blow the current US models of 130 feet(DLR130K) and 165 feet(DLR165K) at ±1/16inch out of this world.

Not only has the measuring distance been increased, but Bosch has also added a ton of new features. The new lasers offer a total of eight measuring functions, including Pythagorean theorem, Combined Pythagoras, double Pythagoras, trapezoid function, and many more. Another great feature is the addition of a memory system that will automatically save the last 30 measurements.

I don't know if these will make it to the US, but I sure hope so.

Bosch GLM150 & GLM250 - Amazon Germany