After a five-year hiatus, the Bosch Power Tool Roadshow made its long-awaited return in 2024, marking the first event since the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Held across three major cities – Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town – the roadshow was a resounding success, highlighting the palpable excitement and eagerness of retailers and clients to reconnect and stay informed about the latest advancements from Bosch.
DIY & Industrial Trade News had the privilege of attending the Johannesburg event, which took place at the Cedar Woods of Sandton in Woodmead. The familiar format, with seven dedicated stations, ensured a seamless experience for attendees. Each station focused on a specific category: Cordless Tools, Metal and After Sales, Wood, Measuring Tools, Gardening and Dremel and accessories, and Concrete.
Visitors rotated through the stations, engaging with knowledgeable Bosch sales, technical, and marketing staff who provided demonstrations of new products and innovative solutions. Each attendee received a card to be completed as they moved through the stations, answering questions, and having their card signed off at each stop. Completed cards were then entered into a draw to win one of several exciting prizes, including the GSB 183-Li Cordless Impact Drill/ Driver, the GLM 25-23 Laser Measure, or the AdvancedPrune 18V-45 Cordless Pruner.
WOODWORKING INNOVATIONS
At the Wood Station, Andrew Bussey showcased a range of exciting new products, including the GCM 245 D Mitre Saw. This saw promises long-lasting accuracy in every cut, thanks to a highly visible laser line and a detachable box extension for better material support. Additionally, the saw’s 310mm sliding capacity allows for larger cuts with superior precision. Bussey also demonstrated corded and cordless circular saws, along with Bosch’s new versatile sanding products.
METAL MASTERY
The Metal Station, manned by Kevin Vermeulen, featured the Magnetic Core Drill: GBM 50-2, an ideal solution for precise and efficient metal drilling. This powerful tool is designed with laser technology for fast target setup and features a smart HMI system for preventive maintenance and load alert indicators, ensuring a long tool lifetime. Kevin also demonstrated Bosch’s impressive range of small and large angle grinders, emphasising their efficiency and durability.
CORDLESS FREEDOM
Samson Lebassi took charge at the Cordless Station, presenting an exciting mix of small and large cordless products. Highlights included the Cordless Jobsite Light, the world’s first floodlight in the 18V category capable of emitting up to 10 000 lumens. This robust floodlight features a solid metal body, shock- absorbing rubber frame, and heavy-duty safety bars, making it brighter than traditional 500W halogen floodlights. The light’s Bluetooth connectivity allows for remote control and lighting adjustments via a smartphone app. Other notable cordless tools included the Cordless Rivet Gun: GRG 18V-16 C, which offers versatile riveting capabilities and also features smartphone app connectivity for enhanced functionality, and the Cordless Heat Gun:
GHG 18V-50 with overheat protection and two temperature settings 300°C and 500°C.
ACCESSORIES AND AFTERSALES
Vision Ndlovu and Rowaida Hoosen were at the Professional Accessories & Aftersales Station focused on Bosch’s extensive accessory kits, including the Expert Multi-Material PC Plus Universal Hole Saw Kit and the 42-piece Precision Screwdriver Bit Kits. These kits are designed for durability and precision, making them indispensable for professionals who demand high performance. Aftersales focused on genuine affordable spare parts that also covers a large service network within South Africa and across borders.
PRECISION MEASURING
At the Measuring Tools Station, Wayne Klopper showed the latest in Bosch’s line laser technology, capable of operating with 12V, 18V, and C-type alkaline batteries. The upgraded detection tools, including the new GMS 120-27, offer superior ergonomics and can detect metal up to 120mm, with live wire detection limited to 50mm. Klopper also introduced a forthcoming camera, set to launch in December, which can operate immersed (in specific liquids), for up to 30 minutes and features a larger screen, flexible battery system, and a 1.5m cable.
// The Bosch Power Tool Roadshow 2024 took place after a 5-year break and was a resounding success. Retailers were eager to reconnect and stay informed about the latest Bosch advancements //
CONCRETE EXCELLENCE
Rob Cameron-Smith led the Concrete Station, proudly showcasing Bosch’s German- engineered breakers and rotary hammers. Attendees were particularly impressed by the GSH 14C, a high impact 14kg breaker with Brushless AC Motor and Bluetooth Connectivity that effortlessly made concrete feel like air brick. Rob Cameron-Smith also highlighted the launch of the GBH 187-Li Professional Cordless Rotary Hammer, which offers enhanced efficiency and protection with features like KickBack Control and Vibration Control.
GARDENING AND DREMEL DELIGHTS
At the Gardening and Dremel Station, Davinia Chikoorie guided customers through Bosch’s expanding range of innovative gardening tools. Among the standout features was the Turbine Cut Brushless Shredder, boasting an advanced cutting system designed to prevent blockages. Bosch also unveiled a new 140-bar high-pressure cleaner completing the DIY range, alongside essential hand tools like forks and spades. New additions to the Bosch Garden range included the professional brush cutter and line trimmer, both fully compatible with Bosch’s Professional 18V system. Chikoorie also highlighted Bosch’s versatile Dremel rotary tools, available in both corded and cordless versions, enhanced by the introduction of Dremel MAX accessories, which are engineered to last up to 20 times longer than standard accessories.
Practical Bosch DIY products like the EasyPump a 3.6-volt USB-charging pump ideal for inflating car tires and inflatables. Completing the showcase was the UniversalBrush, a handy tool perfect for cleaning everything from showers to grills and ovens. Bosch’s dedication to innovation and versatility was clear across the entire range, making these tools must-haves for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
The Bosch Power Tool Roadshow 2024 was a resounding success, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality. Retailers and clients left the event not only with a deeper understanding of Bosch’s latest offerings but also with a renewed enthusiasm for the tools that help them excel in their work.
Some of the visitors attending the Roadshow in Johannesburg were delegates from:
Mica Hardware; Econoflex; Buco; Diesel Electric; Bearing Man Group; BSC Tool Centre; Pferd; Main Hardware; Industri Tools; Hytec Engineering; Kiloton; CNL.
For more information, Visit: https://www.bosch-professional.com/za/en/
