Thread: Beware of bosch power tools

I take all my tools (as well as purchase them) from able air compressors in Hallam. Ed is a knowledgeable and great guy. Their repairs are done in resivoir but ship back to their store fronts once a week. They stock basically all brands and I have never had an issue.
Could at least be worth a call, and then ask if they will do it via mail so you can give the car a rest

I don't think you can expect anything from any tool co once the tool is out of warranty. It's just that once upon a time, if a tool made it out of it's warranty period, it would likely last a long time. Not any more. (even for brand names)
My 2c
TM

I have the first editions of Dewalt 18v cordless tools, still going strong 12 years after purchase but I know that the more recent 18v tools tend to have more problems. The 20v series hasn't been out long enough to make an impression.
I've also had a number of newer corded tools where the cords have fallen apart.

We have a SydneyTools here in Canberra. Its in Fyshwick, an industrial suburb. (84 Newcastle St, (02) 8199 1185)

They repair everything, usually onsite. I've seen guys bring in literally everything and they send it "out the back" and the next day you receive a call saying yes/no/cost and from what I can tell its first rate. The locals I see when I go in (all hardened tradies) seem very happy to do this, so its a very good sign.

It used to be an independent business, which was very well regarded.

Why not speak to them and courier it up. Sure is cheaper than the petrol you've just used.

I had a phone call from Festool this morning asking what was the problem with the drill I sent back for warranty repair at least three weeks ago. If you were a tradie three weeks to even look at a tool would convince you not to buy another from them.

I had a similar problem with our Bosch washing machine. Once the warranty is out you are on your own. It's still a good machine, but their after care leaves much to be desired. I still like their gear though.

TT

i was just reading through the Bosch warranty this arvo, as i picked up a rotary hammer drill (Blue Version) the funny thing is that the Commercial Blue version has a 12 month warranty, but the green DIY version has a 24 month.

most warranties aren't worth anything to me these days, they seem to make it hard for anyone, hoping you will give up, although I'm surprised about the Festool service department, they use to have an answer in 48 hour policy to repair or replace..

Sorry to hear how you have been treated Ian,

i'd be writing to explain how this has been dealt with, even if your warranty has just expired, most tools aren't used that much unless you are very serious hobbyist or a commercial user, it should be fixed as a gesture of good faith.

Not that I have read the warranties Bryn, but at a guess as the blue Bosch is 'professional' and the green is 'handyman' I'm guessing the warranty on the green would be voided if going the tool was used in a trade capacity. Not so with the blue.

Originally Posted by Gabriel

Not that I have read the warranties Bryn, but at a guess as the blue Bosch is 'professional' and the green is 'handyman' I'm guessing the warranty on the green would be voided if going the tool was used in a trade capacity. Not so with the blue.

you are right, the green would be void according to the warranty, i didn't include that i just assumed that was a given..

but if the BLUE tool was only being used DIY, then you should get more than a 12 month warranty to match the Green DIY.

I theory the blue should be better built, but like most things, as soon as the warranty ends it breaks

we live in a throw away society and manufacturers only care about price, as dictated by the shareholders.

Having said that Bosch is mostly a charity organisation 92% (no voting right) is held in a trust and distributed towards charities, and the heirs of Bosch hold about 8% of the company with full voting rights.

Very true about the throw away society.... I guess given I'm a tradesman, if my tools last as long as their warranty then I consider them to have 'paid for themselves' so I do replace things when they die. I have a couple of times had things repaired under warranty, but when I have it was always through my dealer (as mentioned in a previous post) so haven't had any issues as I don't deal directly with the tool companies.

Interesting how this thread popped up just as I suffered another chuck failure on my bosch battery drill. The last failure was under warranty(blue tool) but the chuck was not covered apparently. Anyway, 2 days ago I replaced it with a makita. I guess time will tell if the makita is any good. I am not on the tools anymore, so probably not a real test for it.

BTW, I have an older green drill, probably ten years old. Does not have the grunt that my blue version had, but its still drilling holes! I have used it to drive in batten screws and I once thought I destroyed the clutch, but it still works.

Very true Gabriel, its different if used for work, they can be written off, and they do play for themselves, its how i justified Festool gear, it was reliable, issues were sorted quickly, but mostly i saved time using them, i was using festool plunge saws in the 90's and early 00's when it was still Festo.

Clean perfect cuts on site, comparable to a panel saw, saved a lot of time, especially when interstate and you had to fix a stuff up from the factory.

Its a little different for DIY users, its cold hard cash with only satisfaction of building a woodworking piece as a reward.

Today I was talking to an auto elec who repairs power tools, all serious brands.

I showed him my drill and he said it wasn't worth repairing. He showed me why - the Bosch green series have sealed motors, you can't even replace brushes and replacement motors average $100-$120 just for the part, then add labour. Bunnings have brand new 18v cordless Bosch drills (same as mine) for $149 including battery and charger.

I ended up buying one, only because I already have a few of the batteries. Plus a someone at the store suggested coming back in 6 months with my receipt and exchanging the buggered drill for a new one. Not sure if I could do that but we'll see..........

It makes sense to grab another one at that price and hopefully it lasts better than the old one

As for the return, I'd be tempted to do that

Bosch would take the hit, and them stuffing you around, well i wouldn't have a issue with it