Puncher is a power tool used in the dismantling of building structures made of brick and concrete, as well as drilling holes in especially durable materials. With it, you can easily remove old tiles from the surface, punch an opening in the wall, make a groove in it for laying cables, and even tighten a regular screw.
The most famous representative of this type of tool - the Bosch rotary hammer - is equipped with a powerful pneumatic percussion mechanism, which significantly increases the productivity of the device and is equipped with a number of features that increase its ease of use.
Brand history in brief
The history of the BOCH brand began in 1886 in Germany. It was then that engineer Robert Bosch opened the country's first electrical workshop. Under this brand, in early 1932, the world's first electric rotary hammer was released. In the spring of 1961, the company's engineers patented a new pneumatic principle of operation of this tool. At the end of 1946the company produces the first electric jigsaw, and in 1984, the battery-operated Bosch rotary hammer.
Today the concern is one of the world leaders in the production of quality goods that make life easier for people. The company consists of 300 enterprises and more than 13,000 service centers located in 140 countries. In addition to a variety of power tools, its product range also includes high-quality household and garden equipment, as well as batteries and saws.
General diagram of the BOCH puncher device
The design of German brand rotary hammers is represented by a complex, but completely thought-out system, all the components of which affect the efficiency and performance of the tool.
1. Cartridge.
2. Impact mechanism.
3. Safety clutch.
4. Electric motor.
5. Cable entry.
Let's consider the main details and elements that the Bosch puncher is equipped with in more detail.
SDS keyless chuck
The device is used to fasten working nozzles to the unit, prevents them from turning and provides easy replacement. BOCH rotary hammers are equipped with two types of cartridges:
- SDS-max. For bits with a shank diameter of 18 mm. The cartridge is characterized by the presence of 5 grooves (3 open - for insertion; 2 closed - for fixation) and is suitable for fastening a drill with a working diameter of more than 25 mm.
- SDS plus. For attaching bits with a shank diameter of 10 mm. The device is characterized by the presence of 4 grooves(2 open and 2 closed). These cartridges are equipped with light models of rotary hammers, the drills of which can drill holes up to 25 mm.
Impact mechanism
Each Bosch rotary hammer is equipped with a powerful impact mechanism that operates on the principle of a pneumatic system.
As a result of the reciprocating movements that the piston (2) performs, receiving an impulse from the swinging, or, as it is also called, “drunk” bearing (1), compression is created that encourages the damper-ram (3) to move with a striker (4) attached to it.
It should be noted that this entire system is driven by the engine gear (5). The result of the operation of the mechanism is the blows that the striker inflicts on the end part of the nozzle (drill or blade). In some professional models, the "drunk" bearing of the unit is replaced by a crank mechanism.
Safety clutch
Long-term repair of the Bosch rotary hammer is a rather rare phenomenon, since the device of its mechanics includes a protective clutch that stops the rotation of the gears of the tool when the drill is jammed in the hole. The presence of such a mechanism not only avoids damage to the unit itself, but also ensures the safety of the user working with it.
Electric motor
All German-made tools are equipped with high-quality electric motors, different in size and power consumption (from 400 to 1500 W). From this diagram of Bosch rotary hammersit can be seen that the engine has a horizontal arrangement. It should be noted that in most powerful professional models, it is located vertically.
Cable entry
All rotary hammers of the German company are equipped with a swivel cable entry, which prevents chafing of the electrical wire and increases the comfort of working with the device, increasing its mobility. The structure of this node allows you to turn the tool at the right angle, penetrating into the most inaccessible places of the building structure.
Reducer
Many units are equipped with a two-speed gearbox, which allows you to increase the shaft speed without reducing the performance of the device. If you decide to purchase a tool for the home, then you will be advised by the Bosch company puncher. The price of this unit, however, will be significantly higher than its gearless counterparts.
Punch specifications
The Bosch rotary hammer, like any representative of this type of power tool, has three main characteristics that determine its performance:
- Spindle speed - determines the speed of rotation of the working tool. This indicator affects the efficiency of the unit in the drilling mode and can range from 600 to 2000 rpm. depending on the drill model. Note that powerful professional devices have a lower rotation speed of the working mechanism, since the diameter of their equipment is much higher than that of a household tool.
- Impact energy - depends onengine power, weight of the striker and the length of its stroke. It is the main characteristic that determines the performance of the unit, and ranges from 1.2 J for “amateur” models to 14.2 J - the impact force that the most powerful Bosch puncher has. The price of such a professional device, however, exceeds 48,000 rubles.
- Impact frequency - is determined by the number of strikes of the striker on the end of the working nozzle for a period of time equal to one minute. The speed of drilling holes depends on this characteristic, and together with the impact energy, it determines the performance of the perforator. For various models, this figure can vary from 1100 to 5500 bpm.
German brand equipment is distinguished by the selection of the optimal ratio of all these parameters, which makes it truly reliable and high quality.
Working modes of the tool
A clear advantage that the Bosch rotary hammer has is its ability to work in various modes:
- "Rotation" - designed for drilling holes in medium hard materials (metal or wood). Allows you to carry out this type of work without purchasing additional equipment (electric drill).
- "Blow" - in this mode, the unit works as a jackhammer, which is necessary when dismantling elements of the old finish (tiles or plaster), destroying partitions, making grooves and niches in the surface of structures.
- "Rotation + impact" - the mode is used when drilling durable concrete, increasing the efficiency of the drill. thosewho needs frequent use of this method of tool operation, we advise you to pay attention to the Bosch Hammer model. The rotary hammer of this brand is characterized by high power at an affordable price.
Classification of aggregates
So, we noted that the models of BOCH rotary hammers have differences in the power of electric motors, spindle speed, as well as the frequency and strength of impacts. This allows you to divide all aggregates into the following types:
- Household models. They are equipped with low power electric motors (400–730 W). Rotary hammers have three working modes: "drilling", "impact", "impact + drilling". Household models are lightweight (4-6 kg). One of the most popular rotary hammers in this series is the BOCH PBH 2800 RE. The letter "P" in the product label means "personal", that is, for personal use. The plastic protective case of household units is painted green. The main disadvantages are poor engine cooling and high shock recoil, which the Bosch household rotary hammer has. Reviews of home craftsmen about the line of "amateur" German-assembled units indicate that these inconveniences are more than offset by the advantages of the tool. Note that the main advantages of such models are their compactness, low weight and completely acceptable cost.
- Professional models. Equipped with motors whose power exceeds 800 watts. The weight of professional units varies from 6.5 to 12 kg. A well-known representative of this line of devices is the Bosch GBH 8–45 DV puncher. Its motor power is 1500 W, it has two working modes: “impact” and “drilling + impact”. Professional models can be easily distinguished by the blue color of the plastic case. Their advantage is considered to be high power, effective cooling of the electric motor, slight vibration and long service life. Among the shortcomings, one can note the rather significant dimensions and high cost of such units.
Depending on the power source, BOCH rotary hammers are divided into electric, powered by 220 W household power, and rechargeable, powered by a lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium battery. Devices of this type are indispensable when working in places remote from power sources, or in de-energized rooms.
Additional aggregate functions
Regardless of the type and brand, most models of this German technology are equipped with a set of features that increase the performance and ease of use of devices. Almost all units are equipped with:
- Dust removal system. We note this element especially, since if it is present, you can forever forget what disassembly is. A Bosch rotary hammer equipped with this feature has an extended warranty period.
- Shaft rotation stabilizer.
- Rail limiting the depth of drilling.
- Soft start system.
- Speed controller.
- Anti-vibrationsystem.
- A safety device to prevent overheating.
Thanks to the various capabilities of the devices, any user - from a professional builder to a simple home master - will be able to choose the Bosch rotary hammer that suits his needs. Reviews about this tool are only positive and speak about its versatility, efficiency and consistently high quality.
