Bosch Tools

Exemplary Machines for Both the DIYer and Trade Pro

Bosch Power Tools

For over 100 years, Bosch Tools has been the master of high-quality, precision-engineered power tools.

Defined by reliability, durability, and exceptional customer service, Bosch’s twin range of construction, gardening, and engineering products address both the DIY and professional sectors.

Yet behind the respected German know-how and reputation for excellence — there’s an eye-opening background of frustration and world-firsts.

Consider this your complete guide to the world of Bosch Power Tools — delivering an ultimate 101 on the brand’s history, product line-up, benefits, and criticisms.

The History of Bosch Tools

Abuse and Magnetos

Robert Bosch was a talented, ambitious, yet frustrated young man.

Working as an engineering apprentice, he thoroughly adored the work and its challenges — yet disliked his employer’s oppressive, bordering on abusive, treatment. So once his training was complete, he waved a relieved goodbye to his tyrannical job, and became self-employed.

Opening his rather long-titled Werkstätte für Feinmechanik und Elektrotechnik (Stuttgart) business in 1906, he relentlessly undertook any and every engineering contract he could find — ranging from fixing electric doorbells to installing telephony devices. Naturally, because even Germans found his clumsy brand name a mouthful, everyone just called his company Bosch.

Then one job changed his fortunes forever.

Repairing a rather badly designed automotive magneto — basically, the electrical component that starts the ignition — he found a superior method. By combining high volts with a spark plug, he inadvertently invented the most reliable car-starting system on the planet. Rapidly adopted by motor manufacturers across Germany, virtually overnight Bosch became a world-leading automotive component supplier and specialist.

Such was the demand for this magneto, that after opening a factory in London in 1906, within six years he had manufacturing plants across Europe and the United States.

Expansion

Over the next two decades, Bosch expanded rapidly. If you could put it on a car, Bosch would make it — manufacturing everything from horns and wipers to diesel injectors. Also, during this period, Robert Bosch finally gave in to the fact that Werkstätte für Feinmechanik und Elektrotechnik (Stuttgart) was a rather silly name — and changed it to Robert Bosch AG.

Power Tools

At the end of the war, the Bosch company was struggling — as were people around the world. Severe austerity meant no money for people to buy cars, people were having to rebuild lives, and homes — even Bosch lost most of its factories through bombing.

People and nations had to rebuild — and for that, they needed equipment.

Seeing a massive interest in the DIY market — as there were insufficient numbers of tradespersons to meet demand — Bosch pivoted, switching from automotives to consumer appliances and power tools.

Drills, grinders, planers, and saws — they made it all. Perhaps their most innovative machine being the Bosch Combi — a unique electric multipurpose unit with switchable heads for a sander, drill, screwdriver, and a hedge-cutter.

Worldwide Domination

From the 1950s to the present day, Bosch became a world leader in innovative power tool design and manufacture — both for the home DIYer and trade pro. Yet, this continually ambitious brand expanded into even more markets, including:

Hydraulics (1960).
Industrial packaging (1963).
Semiconductors (1970).
Catalytic converters (1975).
Car telephones (1983).
Micromechanical sensors (1995).
Thermotechnology (2003).
Lithium-ion technology (2003).
Solar energy (2008).
Speed cameras (2015).
Artificial Intelligence (2018).

Today, Robert Bosch GmbH has a workforce in excess of 406k employees, and boasts a turnover of $78B. Ninety-two percent of its shareholding is held by the charitable Robert Bosch Stiftung institution — a society that funds the advancement of scientific, cultural, and social projects.

And all of this stemmed from Robert Bosch simply disliking his boss.

Who Makes the Bosch Power Tool Range?

Reassuringly, Bosch makes its own power tools.

With no OEMs or rebrands, you’re guaranteed that the mighty and reliable tool in your hand is 100 percent from a Bosch production facility. But, which manufacturing base your particular machine hails from is a little more cloudy and ambiguous.

Ever since Bosch’s initial inception as the Werkstätte für Feinmechanik und Elektrotechnik (Stuttgart) — the enterprise branched overseas.

Within 10 years of its formation, it already had manufacturing plants in London and France. Bosch has unmatched prowess in positioning its factories in areas of both skilled labour and high product demand.

As such, it has production facilities in over 20 countries, although its core locations are in:

Germany.
Switzerland.
United Kingdom.
China.
Taiwan.
Mexico.
Malaysia.

However, one seemingly straightforward tool, such as a drill driver, may have an international pedigree — being, for example, designed and assembled in Germany, the skin coming from Taiwan, the motor from Mexico, and the PCB and chips from China.

And, while all Bosch power tools are 100 percent Bosch — differently branded machines also include some Bosch parts, as they are owned by, you’ve guessed it, Bosch. These include:

Dremel.
Neff.
Diablo.
Freud.
Vermont American.
CST-Berger.

Quality of Bosch Cordless Power Tools and Corded Tools

While there’s an often overused stereotype of the reliability and efficiency of German engineering — in the case of the Bosch brand, it’s true.

Manufacturing robust units, offering a plethora of spare components, and delivering machines that provide reassuring reliability — Bosch power tools are equally suited to the demanding DIYer as they are the trade professional.

That’s not to say the requirements of both the amateur and professional user are the same — and Bosch knows that — so they manufacture contrasting tools that target both these areas.

Some brands differentiate their high/lower-end machines through different monikers. For example, Koki Holdings markets pro-grade Metabo and DIY HiKOKI machines, Stanley Black & Decker retails DeWalt machines as its premium tools, and Porter-Cable for the home user units.

Yet Bosch is proud to have its name on both quality grades, whether pro or DIY. They’re differentiated by their colour — Bosch Green (DIY) and Bosch Blue (Professional).

Bosch Blue vs Bosch Green

While both seriously durable and backed by in-house innovation and development — your particular requirements will determine which is the correct product line for you.

Features of Bosch Green Products

The Bosch Green line-up delivers a more compact and effortless-use option than its Blue siblings — meaning that even the most inexperienced tool users can crack on with their home projects almost immediately.

Designed for intermittent, low-to-medium intensity use, the Green cordless range generally features lower Ah (ampere-hours) ratings than the Blue — since it focuses on time-short projects. For example, crafting, drilling a hole to hang a picture, or fixing shelves.

While excellent for DIYers, more experienced and ambitious amateur operatives may lean towards the Blue range.

Features of Bosch Blue Products

Seriously brawny and suited to hardcore applications, the Bosch Blue line-up is true trade-grade — equalling other brands such as Makita or Metabo.

Built to withstand extreme environments and long and intensive operation, they feature high Ah lithium cells, overload protectors, and robust skins that can take construction site knocks, drops, and bumps. And, focusing on the pro user, they offer reassuring and innovative safety features.

Typically more powerful than their Green cousins, they house elevated-efficiency and grunty brushless motors — ideal for time-heavy construction, demolition, and renovation projects. Unsurprisingly, their premium grade means they’re harder on the wallet than the home consumer-focused Green range.

Range of Bosch Power Tools in Australia

Although the brand started with a single product — the car ignition magneto — Bosch now retails and manufactures hundreds of power tools across its Green and Blue line-ups.

Below are Bosch’s key categories of machines. Bear in mind, these are the products currently available in Australia — if you’re elsewhere in the world, these ranges may vary.

The Bosch Green Range — DIY

Bosch Green Construction and Building Tools

Bosch cordless drill and corded drills.
Drills — driver, impact, combi, bench, and rotary hammer.
Electric screwdrivers.
Handheld saws — jigs, Nanos, recips, and circular.
Sanders — orbital, random orbit, multi, and belt.
Angle grinders.
Routers.
Multifunctions tools.
Workbenches.

Bosch Green Gardening Tools

Lawnmowers.
Hedge trimmers.
Grass trimmers.
Brush cutters.
Non-motorised mowers.
Shredders.
Chainsaws and pole saws.
Vacuums and leaf blowers.
Rainwater pumps.
Manual shears, cutters, and rakes.

Bosch Green Cleaning Tools

Cleaning brushes.
Wet and dry vacuums.
Window vacuums.
High-pressure washers.

Bosch Green Measuring Tools

Levels and straight edges.
Angle/laser measurers.
Temperature testers.
Inspection cameras.

The Blue Bosch Cordless Range and Corded Range

Bosch Blue Construction and Building Tools

Drilling kits.
Angle grinders —X-LOCK, large, straight, bench, and small.
Nibblers and shears.
Polishers.
Drills — impact, diamond, rotary hammer, combi, and drivers.
Demolition — hammers, SDS and SDS Max, and breakers.
Dust extractors.
Concrete grinders.
Impact wrenches.
Saws — circular, mitres, plunge, rail, jigs, recips, and cut-off.
Rubber cutters.
Multitools.
Planers and orbital sanders.
Routers.
Glue and heat guns.

Bosch Blue Measuring Tools

Thermo cameras.
Laser measurers.
Thermo detectors.
Line, rotation, and combi lasers.
Optical levels.
Rolling wheel measurers.

Blue Bosch Professional Tools Accessories

Drill bits.
Cutting discs and grinders.
Router bits.
Planer knives.
Chisels.
Multitool heads.
Combi kit heads.
Spare parts and components.

Bosch X-LOCK

A novel and welcome addition to the Bosch Blue catalogue within the last year has been the X-LOCK — claimed by the brand to be the first-ever quick-change angle grinder on the planet.

Omitting the usual need for awkward and inconvenient tools, flanges, wrenches, and nuts — it permits you to switch grinder wheels five times faster than conventional methods.

Currently available on ten grinding models — including corded and cordless varieties — it offers the benefits of:

Saving valuable downtime.
Less wasted minutes means more production.
Prevents scratched or bruised fingers with no nut tightening.
No need to locate a tool to change discs.
No risk of protruding nuts scratching finished surfaces.

Bosch Tools Battery Types and Sizes

Be careful — Bosch Green (DIY) and Blue (pro) batteries are not interchangeable!

Due to the different demands placed on home use and trade tools, their individual lithium cells are designed for the level of relative stress. Mixing the two formats could damage your precious machine.

Bosch Blue Batteries

The professional Blue battery range features three voltage categories — 12 volts for compact machines (e.g. cordless screwdrivers), 18 volts for higher intensity work (drills, planers, sanders), and 36 volts for serious brawn (chainsaws, demolition hammers, etc.)

You can obtain these cells with a variety of Ah ratings — depending on the running time you demand from your battery.

Blue Bosch 12v Battery

Bosch 12V GBA 6.0 Ah.
Bosch 12V GBA 4.0 Ah.
Bosch 12V GBA 2.0 Ah.

Blue Bosch 18v Battery

Bosch 18V GBA 6.0 Ah.
Bosch 18V GBA 5.0 Ah.
Bosch 18V GBA 4.0 Ah.
Bosch 18V GBA 2.0 Ah.
Bosch 18V GBA 1.5 Ah.

Blue Bosch 18v Elevated Running Time Battery

Bosch 18V ProCore 12.0 Ah.
Bosch 18V ProCore 8.0 Ah.

Blue Bosch 36v Battery

Bosch GBA 36V 6.0 Ah.
Bosch GBA 36V 4.0 Ah.
Bosch GBA 36V 2.0 Ah.

Bosch Green Batteries

The green category also covers just three cell sizes, for Bosch 12v tools, Bosch 18v tools, and 36-volt machines.

Generally speaking, the 12-volts drive compact machines — known as the Easy range. The 18-volt cell is the most common size, fitting drills, planers, routers, and sanders — whereas the 36-volt battery is only used on gardening tools.

Like the Blue machines, the Green cells are available in different Ah ratings.

Green Bosch 12v Battery

Bosch 12V 2.0 Ah.
Bosch 12V 2.5 Ah.
Bosch 12V 3.0 Ah.

Green Bosch 18v Battery

Bosch 18V 6.0 Ah.
Bosch 18V 4.0 Ah.
Bosch 18V 2.5 Ah.
Bosch 18V 2.0 Ah.
Bosch 18V 1.5 Ah.

Green Bosch 36v Battery

Bosch 36V 4.0 Ah.
Bosch 36V 2.0 Ah.

Bosch — Respected Leader in Safe Power Tool Operation

The brand knows that trade pros are uncompromising, and will push their tools to the absolute limit. That’s why Bosch’s Blue tool range incorporates significant safety features to protect you — the serious user.

Soft Starting Tools

Not just safeguarding you, but also the valuable tool in your hand.

By starting with a low RPM output, and then gradually increasing in intensity, the internal motor is protected from stress while ensuring you’re not caught off guard by a rapidly spinning machine disc or bit.

Internal Safety Brake

Reassuringly, most of the Blue Bosch rotary tools — such as grinders, multis, and drills — have an internal brake. Bringing the spinning edge to a standstill within one to three seconds once the trigger is released — the system prevents accidental damage to surfaces and yourself.

Anti-Drop Control

A seriously welcome protective measure, that deactivates the supply should the internal sensors detect that the tool has been dropped. Thus saving your floor and your toes.

Restart Safety Protection

Useful where there’s an intermittent power supply, for example on fresh-construction sites where electricity is delivered by a generator. Should the power fail, restart protection prevents the unit from automatically switching back on when the power is restored — guarding against unexpected spinning discs and cutting edges.

Anti-Vibration

Safeguarding against fatigue, discomfort, downtime, and industrial injury, this system cuts back on vibration by up to 60 percent. It features heavily in Bosch’s line-up of rotary and demolition hammers as well as angle grinders.

Anti-Kickback

Should your tool experience kickback, Bosch tools with this feature automatically power down — ensuring that you’re not at the wrong end of a rotating drill bit or cutting edge. It’s most commonly found on the brand’s power hammers, drills, and grinders.

Best Bosch Power Tools Australia Warranty

With stringent in-house testing and quality assurance, Bosch cordless tools and corded models deliver impressive reliability. However, sometimes things can unexpectedly go wrong — and that’s when you need to rely on the Bosch Warranty.

Generally speaking, both the Blue and Green machines arrive with two years coverage as standard — somewhat unimpressive for a high-end brand. However, by simply registering your tools, this can be extended up to a remarkable six years.

Remember, all the information below relates to Bosch tools purchased in Australia. If you live elsewhere in the world, check your local warranty terms and conditions.

Here’s how the Bosch Tools Australia warranty works:

Standard Coverage on Purchase

Bosch Green DIY tools — two years.
Bosch Green measuring tools — two years.
Bosch Blue pro tools — two years.
All Bosch garden and lawn tools — two years.
Bosch Blue measuring tools — one year.

Extended Warranty Through Registration

Bosch Blue tools — six years.
Bosch Blue measuring tools — six years.
Bosch Green tools — three years.
All Bosch garden and lawn tools — three years.

Therefore, we fully advise registering your Bosch product as soon as possible to take advantage of this valuable extended warranty time. Make sure you follow the correct procedures to protect your tool, which include:

Registering within 28 days of purchase.
Only registering on the official Australian Professional Bosch site for Blue tools.
Only registering on the official Australian DIY Bosch site for Green tools.

Not unsurprisingly, there are numerous exceptions, and we suggest you take a look at the full list on the warranty document. However, in brief, these are:

❌ Green tools must not be used for trade purposes.

❌ Accessories such as discs, bits, and blades are not included.

❌ Batteries and chargers warranties cannot be extended.

❌ Normal wear and tear, misuse, accidents, or modifications, are not included.

Should your machine suffer an issue, you should return the item to your original place of purchase. Alternatively, you can contact an authorised Blue or Green service centre. In some circumstances simply checking your Bosch DIY or Bosch Pro manual can solve straightforward operational issues.

Bosch Tools Website

Since Bosch makes a clear distinction between its DIY and professional tools — there are two websites depending on your sphere of interest.

The Blue Bosch (trade) website is located at bosch-pt.com.au, while the Green Bosch (home consumer) website is at bosch-diy.com/au.

Layout-wise, this duo of web locations are very similar.

Both allow you to easily navigate via a series of dropdown menus that focus on different tool categories, corded and cordless, accessories and project formats. Furthermore, both websites have a powerful search feature that permits you to locate the ideal machine by name, model or component number, or tool category.

Naturally, each site hosts the relevant products to either the Green or Blue lines.

In addition, these websites also include details of warranties, service centres, and manuals.

The Downsides of Bosch Power Tools

Industry experts, trade contractors, and enthusiastic home DIYers extol the reliability, brawn, and durability of both Bosch’s Blue and Green tool line-ups.

There are few criticisms and downsides — although one issue that keeps appearing in forums and online discussions is the incompatibility of the cells across pro and DIY formats.

It’s unfortunate that if a serious DIYer wishes to upgrade an existing cordless home-use tool to a pro Blue model, they will need to buy new batteries.

Additionally, the warranties — when unregistered — seem remarkably short for a premium brand. Admittedly, once registered, the six-year guarantee is impressive. However, it means the purchaser has to remember to complete the online process within 28 days.

Bosch Power Tools Conclusion

Whether a DIYer or trade contractor — Bosch’s range of power tools offers a reassuringly robust build combined with astounding reliability.

Impressive six-year warranties (when registered) deliver pleasing peace of mind. And by separating the home use from the professional line-up via the green and blue skins — it’s straightforward to choose the ideal product.

Admittedly, the inability to use DIY cells with the trade machines is somewhat annoying. And, if you forget to register your unit within 28 days, the guarantee is particularly underwhelming.

However, for solid units with an excellent price-to-cost ratio and unbeatable pedigree, check out the Bosch Tools range.

Bosch Power Tools FAQs

Where Are Bosch Power Tools Made?

Bosch power tools are made in the brand’s own factories. With a worldwide presence, it manufactures units in Taiwan, Mexico, Malaysia, Germany, Switzerland, China, and the United Kingdom.

Where Can I Buy Bosch Blue and Green Tools in Australia?

To locate your nearest supplier of Bosch machines in Australia, check out this user-friendly Bosch dealer locator.

Are Bosch Tools Any Good?

Yes! Precision-engineered, Bosch DIY and Bosch Professional tools are renowned for their high-quality components, robust build, and impressive reliability.

What Are the Bosch Battery Types and Sizes?

Bosch’s power tools run off 12, 18, and 36 volts — depending on the power output demanded by the machine. The cells are available with a variety of Ah ratings — suitable for different levels of use intensity.

Bear in mind that Bosch Green batteries can only be used on Bosch Green tools — with the same applying to the Blue category.

What’s the Difference Between the Blue and Green Bosch Tools?

The Blue tools are designed for the professional user, while the green target the serious DIYer. Generally speaking, the trade-grade Blue tools offer greater power output, elevated durability, and more efficient brushless motors than their green counterparts. Naturally, this places them at a more premium price point.

Did Bosch Help the Nazis In World War 2?

While the Nazis commandeered Bosch factories for armaments production — the company actually worked to ruin the Third Reich. Leading members of the management team worked with the Resistance to try to assassinate Hitler.

Does Bosch Own Dremel?

Yes! Bosch purchased the famous rotary multitool manufacturer in 1993.

Who Owns Bosch?

Ninety-two percent of Bosch is owned by a charitable foundation — Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH. The remaining shares are owned by the Bosch family.

Overview Of Bosch Power Tools

In 1886, Robert Bosch founded the “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering ” in Stuttgart, Germany. This was the birth of today’s globally active Robert Bosch GmbH. The Bosch Group produces automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. Bosch tools are the world market leader for power tools and power tool accessories, with the company employing over 4,000 people. Each year, they launch more than 100 new Bosch tools onto the market. It is divided into Professional (Bosch Blue) and home use (Bosch Green) power tools. Bosch Blue Cost: Bosch Green Cost:

Quality Of Bosch Power Tools

Blue Bosch power tools are designed for trade use. Bosch Blue Quality: Green Bosch power tools are designed for DIY/home use. Bosch Green Quality:

Warranty

Corded blue Bosch tools have a 12 month repair warranty and cordless blue Bosch tools have a 3 year repair warranty (upon simple registration of your tool with Bosch). Bosch Blue Warranty: All green Bosch tools have a 2 year repair warranty. Bosch Green Warranty:

Website

For more information and any enquiries on the company and its products, please see the Bosch website.

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