A perforator is a power tool used for dismantling 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 the cable, and even screw 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 functions that increase the convenience of its operation.
Briefly about the history of the brand
The history of the BOCH brand began in 1886 in Germany. It was then that engineer Robert Bosch opened the country's first electrical engineering workshop. Under this brand, at the beginning of 1932 the world's first electric hammer drill was released. In the spring of 1961, the engineers of the company patented a new pneumatic principle for the operation of this tool. At the end of 1946, the company produced the first electric jigsaw, and in 1984, the Bosch rock drill, powered by a battery.
Today, the concern is one of the world leaders in the production of quality goods that make human life easier. The company consists of 300 enterprises and more than 13,000 service centers, which are located in 140 countries. The range of its products includes, in addition to a variety of power tools, also high-quality household and garden equipment, as well as batteries and saws.
The general scheme of the device punch BOCH
The design of the German brand of rotary hammers is represented by a complex, but absolutely well-thought-out system, all of its components affect the efficiency and productivity of the tool.
1. Cartridge.
2. The shock mechanism.
3. Safety clutch.
4. The electric motor.
5. Cable entry.
Consider the main details and elements that are equipped with a Bosch punch, in more detail.
Keyless Chuck SDS
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 chucks:
- SDS-max. For nozzles with a shank diameter of 18 mm. The cartridge is characterized by the presence of 5 grooves (3 open - for insertion; 2 closed - for fixing) and is suitable for fastening a drill with a working diameter of more than 25 mm.
- SDS-plus. For attaching nozzles 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 lightweight models of perforators, the drills of which can drill holes up to 25 mm.
Shock mechanism
Each Bosch rotary hammer is equipped with a powerful percussion mechanism that works on the principle of a pneumatic system.
As a result of the reciprocating movements that the piston (2) carries out, receiving an impulse from a swinging, or, as it is also called, “drunk” bearing (1), a compression is created that induces the damper-ram (3) to move with the striker fixed on it -drummer (4).
It should be noted that this entire system is driven by a gear of the engine (5). The result of the work of the mechanism is the blows that the striker inflicts on the end of the nozzle (drill or scapula). 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 occurrence, since its mechanics include a protective sleeve that stops the rotation of the tool gear 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
The entire German-made tool is equipped with high-quality electric motors, different in size and power consumption (from 400 to 1500 watts). From this Bosch rock drill design, the engine is horizontal. It should be noted that in most powerful professional models it is located vertically.
Cable entry
All punchers of the German company are equipped with a hinged cable entry, which prevents chafing of the electric wire and increases the comfort of working with the device, increasing its mobility. The structure of this unit allows you to rotate the tool at the right angle, penetrating into the most inaccessible places of the building structure.
Gearbox
Many units are equipped with a two-speed gearbox, which allows you to increase the speed of the shaft without compromising the performance of the device. If you plan to purchase a tool for the home, then the Bosch company will advise you the puncher. The price of this unit, however, will be significantly higher than that of its gearless counterparts.
Punch Features
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 model of the punch. Note that powerful professional devices have a lower speed of rotation of the working mechanism, since the diameter of their equipment is much higher than that of a household tool.
- Impact energy - depends on the engine power, the mass 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, up to 14.2 J - the impact force that the most powerful Bosch has a perforator. 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 face of the working nozzle for a period of time equal to one minute. The drilling speed of the holes depends on this characteristic, and together with the impact energy, it determines the performance of the perforator. For different models, this indicator can vary from 1100 to 5500 bpm.
The technique of the German brand is distinguished by the selection of the optimal ratio of all these parameters, which makes it truly reliable and high quality.
Tool Operating Modes
The obvious advantage that the Bosch puncher has is its ability to work in various modes:
- "Rotation" - is intended for drilling holes in materials of medium hardness (metal or wood). Allows you to carry out this type of work without acquiring additional equipment (electric drill).
- “Impact” - in this mode, the unit works as a jackhammer, which is necessary when dismantling elements of the old finish (tile or plaster), destroying partitions, making grooves and niches in the surface of structures.
- “Rotation + Impact” - the mode is used when drilling strong concrete, increasing the effectiveness of the drill. Those who need frequent use of this way of working the tool are advised to pay attention to the Bosch Hammer model . The puncher of this brand is characterized by high power at a very affordable price.
Aggregate Classification
So, we noted that the models of BOCH punchers have differences in the power of electric motors, spindle speed, as well as the frequency and force of impacts. This allows you to divide all units into the following types:
- Household models. Equipped with low power electric motors (400–730 W). Hammers have three operating modes: “drilling”, “punch”, “punch + drilling”. Household models are lightweight (4-6 kg). One of the most popular rotary hammers of this series is the BOCH PBH 2800 RE. The letter "P" in the product labeling means "personal", that is, for personal use. The plastic protective housing of the household units is painted green. The main disadvantages are poor engine cooling and high impact impact, which has a Bosch home puncher. The reviews of home masters about the line of "amateur" units of the German assembly indicate that these inconveniences are more than compensated by the advantages of the tool. Note that the main advantages of such models are their compactness, low weight and an absolutely 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 rotary hammer. Its engine power is 1500 W, it has two operating modes: “punch” and “drilling + punch”. Professional models can be easily distinguished by the blue color of the plastic case. Their advantage is considered to be high power, efficient cooling of the electric motor, slight vibration and a long service life. Of the shortcomings, one can note quite significant dimensions and the high cost of such units.
Depending on the power source, BOCH rotary hammers are divided into electric, working from a household electrical network 220 W, and rechargeable, functioning from 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 functions of units
Regardless of the type and brand, most models of this German technology are equipped with a set of functions that increase the productivity and usability of the devices. Almost all units are equipped with:
- Dust removal system. We note this element especially, since if it exists, you can forever forget what disassembly is. The Bosch rotary hammer equipped with this feature has an extended warranty period.
- Stabilizer shaft rotation.
- Rail, limiting the depth of drilling.
- Soft start system.
- Speed controller
- Anti-vibration system.
- Protective device to prevent overheating.
Thanks to the various capabilities of the devices, any user - from a professional builder to a simple home foreman - will be able to choose a Bosch rotary hammer suitable for his needs. Reviews about this tool are only positive and speak of its versatility, effectiveness and consistently high quality.