2014 Bosch Tools Press Event
Bosch Innovation Experience at 2014 World of Concrete in Las Vegas
Last week I attended the World of Concrete Show in Las Vegas on behalf of Tool Skool. I've always heard very good things about this particular trade show, but have never had the opportunity to attend before now. The JSHA PR and Marketing Team, representing Bosch Tools, decided that since Bosch has such a big showing at this show, it would be a good place to show off their new tools to the media, so this was decided as the location of the 2014 Bosch Media Event. When they invited me to come see what was in store this year, I agreed without hesitation. Now, when I say "big" showing at the World of Concrete. I mean REALLY BIG! Take a look at their "booth", and how they created the walls.
Upcoming Bosch Tool Video Previews:
We're going to give you a quick overview of only some of the cool tools we got to preview, get our hands on, and ask questions about. Tool Skool shot several video previews that are all in the process of being edited, but while you wait, we'll give you a sneak peak at what we saw.
Cordless Tools:
Bosch IDH182: Also known as the new brushless, socket-ready impact driver. Of course the most obvious feature is the fact that you can have a driver bit chucked into the driver and the socket slips over it. They call this the "all-in-one tool holder", and it pairs a 1/4" hex and a 1/2" drive. For some pros, this will eliminate the need for owning both an impact driver and an impact wrench. Available in February 2014.
Bosch DDS182 and Bosch HDS182: Again, these tools are brushless and are designed to last far longer than previous generations, but are more powerful and have maintained their compact size. Bosch demonstrated these tools against other tools in the same class from several of their closest competitors and I have to say, at least in their demonstration, these compact drill / drivers far exceeded the competition in drilling Bosch 3/4" auger bits into 4x Douglas Fir. Competitor tools shut off before they got all the way through. These are available in February 2014.
Bosch PS22 and PS32: Bosch's 12V drill / drivers have always been popular with pros who want a truly lightweight tool, but now they are even more powerful with the new EC brushless motors. The PS22 has a 1/4" hex quick change to make changing bits easy. The PS32 has a 3/8" single sleeve universal chuck which is capable of accommodating most common applications.
Corded Tools:
Bosch CSW41: Bosch has not introduced a new worm drive circular saw in over a decade, but now the CSW41 is here. Similar to it's predecessor in durability, this new saw is almost 2 pounds lighter than the previous saw, weighing in at 13.2 pounds, and that's with the cord and blade counted in the weight. Other new features include a contrasting scale marks and a bevel capacity to 53 degrees as opposed to 50 degrees. The on-board wrench stows away when not needed, but is easily accessible to change blades, brushes, oil, adjust levers, and even remove the diamond knockout in the middle of the blade. The CSW41 will be available in February 2014.
Measuring Tools:
Bosch GLM 100C: This is a pretty cool tool. You've seen other laser measurement tools before, but this one combines Bluetooth® wireless technology. Once you have the tool, you download a free app (either iOS or Android), and you can take a picture of the room you are working in, measure that room and store the measurements on your smart devices. And it's accurate up to 1/16 of an inch, so it's reliability and convenience rolled up into one smart tool! The GLM100C is available right now for around $300.
Accessories:
Bosch Industrial Sealant Knife: Recently, I had a very small job of removing sealant around a dryer vent. I have to say, it looked like it would be a quick and easy job, but it wasn't. In fact, it was a big pain to clean the sealant out. I used an oscillating tool, and it worked, but it would have been a lot easier and looked a lot better if I'd had the Bosch Sealant Knife blade for oscillating tools. It has continuous cutting edge and a one-piece design which helps with precision cutting. As part of the Bosch OIS interface system, this blade is compatible with most professional oscillating tools. There is also a sealant knife that will fit the Fein® SuperCUT.
Dust Collection:
Bosch Vac and Accessories: Bosch is committed to dust collection at the jobsite, and to that end, will introduce new jobsite vacs (VAC090S and VAC090 - 9 gallon vacs and VAC140s and VAC140A are the 14 gallon versions). The really cool thing about these vacs is the semi-automatic and automatic cleaning function. Designed to help pros keep working instead of stopping and cleaning out the filter, the semi-automatic version allows the user to push a button and the airflow will reverse and blow out the filter. The automatic version does it on it's own every 15 seconds. Very cool! These vacs are available in February.
The accessory I thought was the coolest was the one pictured below. I'm not sure if they have a name for it, but when attached to the vacuum hose, the suction causes the accessory to hold to the wall, and the vac can then suck up the dust from the holes being drilled. Most accessories are available later this year.
Bosch partners with Simpson Strong-Tie:
About a year ago, Bosch began a partnership with Simpson Strong-Tie Company to create solutions for professionals in concrete and masonry. We saw one of the results of that partnership. Although not out (and not named yet), Bosch is working on a hollow core bit that will not only drill into concrete, but when connected to a vacuum, will clean the hole at the same time. This accessory should be available later this year.
Overall, I'd say Bosch had some new and innovative things to show at the 2014 World of Concrete. In addition, there were plenty of improvements on existing tools. Keep checking back, as we'll post the videos as soon as they are edited.