Bosch Power Tools GPL2 User Manual

IMPORTANT: IMPORTANT : IMPORTANTE:
Read Before Using Lire avant usage Leer antes de usar

Operating/Safety Instructions
Consignes de fonctionnement/sécurité
Instrucciones de funcionamiento y seguridad

GPL 2

Call Toll Free for

Consumer Information

& Service Locations

Pour obtenir des informations

et les adresses de nos centres

de service après-vente, appelez

ce numéro gratuit

Llame gratis para

obtener información

para el consumidor y

ubicaciones de servicio

1-877-BOSCH99 (1-877-267-2499) www.boschtools.com

For English Version Version française Versión en español
See page 3 Voir page 12 Ver la página 21

12

2

1

3

5

1

7

4

6

177

Made in China

Mount Prospect, IL

Robert Bosch Tool Corp.

GPL 2 3 601 K66 110

9

GPL 2

8

10

13

14

11

15

12

-2-

16

18

17

General Safety Rules

!

WARNING

below may result in hazardous radiation
exposure, electric shock, fire and/or serious
injury. The term “tool” in all of the warnings listed

below refers to your mains-operated (corded) tool
or battery-operated (cordless) tool.

The following labels are on your laser tool for
your convenience and safety. They indicate
where the laser light is emitted by the tool.
ALWAYS BE AWARE of their location when
using the tool.

DO NOT remove or deface any warning or caution labels. Removing labels increases the risk

of exposure to laser radiation.

!

CAUTION

ALWAYS make sure that any bystanders in the vicinity of use are made aware of the
dangers of looking directly into the laser tool.

DO NOT place the laser tool in a position that may cause anyone to stare into the laser
beam intentionally or unintentionally. Serious eye injury could result.

ALWAYS position the laser tool securely. Damage to the laser tool and/or serious injury to the

user could result if the laser tool fails.

ALWAYS use only the accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer of your
laser tool. Use of accessories that have been designed for use with other laser tools could result in

serious injury.
DO NOT use this laser tool for any purpose other than those outlined in this manual. This

could result in serious injury.

DO NOT leave the laser tool “ON” unattended in any operating mode.
DO NOT disassemble the laser tool. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Do not modify

the product in any way. Modifying the laser tool may result in hazardous laser
radiation exposure.

DO NOT use the laser viewing glasses as safety goggles. The laser viewing glasses are used
for improved visualization of the laser beam, but they do not protect against laser radiation.

DO NOT use the laser viewing glasses as sun glasses or in traffic. The laser viewing glasses
do not afford complete UV protection and reduce color perception.

DO NOT use any optical tools such as, but not limited to, telescopes or transits to view the
laser beam. Serious eye injury could result.

DO NOT stare directly at the laser beam or project the laser beam directly into the eyes of
others. Serious eye injury could result.

Read all instructions. Failure
to follow all instructions listed

Do not direct the laser beam at persons or animals and do not stare into the
laser beam yourself. This tool produces laser class 2 laser radiation and
complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 except for deviations pursuant to
Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007. This can lead to persons being blinded.

Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified in this manual, may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

FCC Statement

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

-3-

!

WARNING

equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital

device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the

Work area safety

Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered

or dark areas invite accidents.

DO NOT operate the laser tool around
children or allow children to operate the
laser tool. Serious eye injury could result.

Electrical safety

Batteries can explode or leak, cause injury
or fire. To reduce this risk, always follow all

instructions and warnings on the battery label
and package.

DO NOT short any battery terminals.
DO NOT charge alkaline batteries.
DO NOT mix old and new batteries.
Replace all of them at the same time with

new batteries of the same brand and type.
DO NOT mix battery chemistries.
Dispose of or recycle batteries per local

code.
DO NOT dispose of batteries in fire.
Keep batteries out of reach of children.
Remove batteries if the device will not be

used for several months.

Personal safety

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating a tool.
Do not use a tool while you are tired or
under the influence of drugs, alcohol or
medication. A moment of inattention while

operating a tool may result in serious personal
injury or incorrect measurement results.

Use safety equipment. Always wear eye
protection. Safety equipment such as dust

mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or
hearing protection used for appropriate
conditions will reduce personal injuries.

Multiple-Purpose Attachment

Keep the multiple-purpose
attachment 8 away from
cardiac pacemakers. The

magnets 12 generate a field
that can impair the function of
cardiac pacemakers.

• Keep the multiple-purpose attachment
8 away from magnetic data medium
and magnetically-sensitive equipment.

The effect of the magnets 12 can lead to
irreversible data loss.

Use and care

Use the correct tool for your application.

The correct tool will do the job better and safer.

Do not use the tool if the switch does not
turn it on and off. Any tool that cannot be

controlled with the switch is dangerous and
must be repaired.

Store idle tool out of the reach of children
and do not allow persons unfamiliar with
the tool or these instructions to operate
the tool. Tools are dangerous in the hands of

untrained users.

Maintain tools. Check for misalignment or
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts
and any other condition that may affect
the operation. If damaged, tool must be
repaired by the authorized Bosch service
center before further use. Many accidents are

caused by poorly maintained tools.

-4-

Use the tool, accessories, etc., in
accordance with these instructions and in
the manner intended for the particular type
of tool, taking into account the working
conditions and the work to be performed.

Use of the tool for operations different from
those intended could result in a hazardous
situation.

Service

Have your tool serviced by a qualified repair
person using only identical replacement
parts. This will ensure that the safety of the tool

is maintained.

Intended Use

This tool is intended for accurate transfer of plumb point from floor to ceiling.

Preparation

Develop a periodic maintenance schedule
for tool. When cleaning a tool be careful not
to disassemble any portion of the tool since
internal wires may be misplaced or pinched
or may be improperly mounted. Certain

cleaning agents such as gasoline, carbon
tetrachloride, ammonia, etc. may damage
plastic parts.

Inserting/Replacing the Battery

Alkaline batteries are recommended for
the tool.

To open the battery compartment 3, turn the
latch 2 in clockwise direction to position and
pull off the battery lid. Insert the batteries
provided.

When inserting, pay attention to the correct
polarity according to the representation on the
inside of the battery compartment.

Position the battery lid to the bottom of the
housing and then push it upward. To lock the
battery lid, turn the latch 2 in counterclockwise
direction to the position.

Features

The numbering of the product features shown
refers to the illustration of the tool on the
graphic page.

1 Exit opening for laser beam
2 Latch of battery lid
3 Battery lid
4 On/Off switch
5 Laser warning label
6 Tripod mount 1/4”
7 Serial number
8 Multiple-Purpose Attachment
9 Locking screw for Multi-Purpose

Attachment
10 Screw holes of Multi-Purpose

Attachment

When the laser beams flash slowly during
operation,the batteries are low. When the
flashing begins, the tool can be operated for
approx. 8 h.

Always replace all batteries at the same time.
Only use batteries from one brand and with the
identical capacity.

!

WARNING

it for extended periods. When storing for

extended periods, the batteries can corrode and
discharge themselves.

11 Opening for strap attachment
12 Magnets
13 1/4” tripod mount on Multi-Purpose

Attachment
14 5/8” tripod mount on Multi-Purpose

Attachment

15 Laser Target*
16 Belt Pouch*
17 Laser viewing glasses*
18 Tripod*

*The accessories illustrated or described are
not included as standard delivery.

Remove the batteries from
the tool when not using

-5-

Technical Data

Working range (typical) ......... 100 ft (30m)

Leveling Accuracy
Minimum Factory

Accuracy ...............up to 1/8-in at 30 ft

(up to 3 mm/10 m)

Typical Accuracy ........ up to 1/16-in at 30 ft

(up to 2 mm/10 m)
Self-leveling range (typical) alongside the:

– lateral axis ......................... ±3°

Leveling duration, typically ............. <3s

Operating temperature ........ 14 °F... 104 °F

(–10 °C ... +40 °C)

Storage temperature ......... -4 °F... 158 °F

( –20 °C ... +70 °C)

Relative air humidity, max. .............90 %

Operation

Initial Operation

!

WARNING

irradiation.
Do not subject the tool to extreme

temperatures or variations in temperature.

As an example, do not leave it in vehicles for
longer periods. In case of large variations in
temperature, allow the tool to adjust to the
ambient temperature before putting it into
operation. In case of extreme temperatures or
variations in temperature, the accuracy of the
tool can be impaired.

Avoid heavy impact or falling of the tool.
After heavy exterior impact on the tool, an
accuracy check should always be carried
out before continuing to work (see “Leveling
Accuracy”). Do not use the tool when the laser
emitting cover has been damaged after heavy
exterior impact on the tool. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained tools.

Switch the tool off during transport. When
switching off, the leveling unit, which can be
damaged in case of intense movement, is
locked.

To switch on the tool, slide the On/Off switch
4 upward so that “I” is indicated on the switch.
Immediately after switching on, the tool sends a
laser beam out of each exit opening 1.

Do not point the laser beam at persons or
animals and do not look into the laser beam

Protect the tool against
moisture and direct sun

Switching On and Off

Laser class ........................... 2

Laser type ................635 nm, <1 mW

Tripod mount ......................1/4-20

Batteries ................3 x 1.5 V LR6 (AA)

Operating lifetime, approx. ..............24 h

Weight .....................0.5lb (0.25kg)

Dimensions ...........4-1/8” x 3-1/8” x 1-5/8”

(105 x 80 x 42 mm)

Please observe the article number on the type
plate of your tool. The trade names of the
individual tools may vary.

The tool can be clearly identified with the serial
number 7 on the type plate.

yourself, not even from a large distance.
To switch off the tool, push the On/Off switch

4 downward so that “0” is indicated on the

switch. When switching off, the leveling unit is
locked.

Setting the Automatic Switch-off

By default, the tool automatically shuts off
20 minutes after being switched on. The
automatic switch-off can be set from 20 minutes
to 8 hours. For this, switch the tool on, then
immediately off, and then on again within 4
s. To confirm the change, all laser beams
will flash quickly for 2 s after switching on the
second time.

Do not leave the switched on tool
unattended and switch the tool off after
use. Other persons could be blinded by the

laser beam. When switching on the tool the
next time, the automatic switch-off is set to
20 minutes again.

Working with Automatic Leveling

Position the tool on a level and firm support,
attach it to the holder 8 or to the tripod 18.

After switching on, the automatic leveling
function automatically compensates
irregularities within the self-leveling range from
±5° (longitudinal axis) and ±3° (lateral axis). The
leveling is finished as soon as the laser points
do not move any more.

If the automatic leveling function is not possible,
e.g. because the surface on which the tool
stands deviates by more than 5° (or 3° from the
horizontal plane) the laser beams flash rapidly.

-6-

In this case, bring the tool to the level position

d

d

and wait for the self-leveling to take place. As
soon as the tool is within the self-leveling range
of ±5° or ±3° respectively, all laser beams light
up continuously again.

In case of ground vibrations or position changes
during operation, the tool is automatically
leveled in again. To avoid errors by moving the
tool, check the position of the laser beams with
regard to the reference points upon re-leveling.

Leveling Accuracy

Influences on Accuracy

The ambient temperature has the greatest
influence. Especially temperature differences
occurring from the ground upward can divert
the laser beam.

As thermal fluctuation is largest close to the
ground, the tool, if possible, should be mounted
on a commercially available tripod and placed in
the center of the working area.

Apart from exterior influences, device-specific
influences (such as heavy impact or falling
down) can lead to deviations. Therefore, check
the accuracy of the tool each time before
starting your work.

Should the tool exceed the maximum deviation
during one of the tests, see recalibration
procedure or have it recalibrated by a Bosch
after-sales service center.

Checking the Vertical Leveling Accuracy

For this check, a free measuring distance of
approx. 13 ft between floor and ceiling on a firm
surface is required.

– Draw a straight line on the ceiling.
– Mount the tool to the holder or a tripod.

Switch the tool on and rotate it in such a
manner that the bottom plumb beam can
be seen on the floor.

13 ft

– Position the tool in such a manner that the

upper plumb beam points against the line
on the ceiling. Allow the tool to level in.

Working Advice

Always use the center of the laser point for
marking. The size of the laser point changes

with the distance.

Mark the center of the upper laser point on
the line on the ceiling (point I). Also, mark
the center of the laser point on the floor
(point II).

– Rotate the tool by 180°. Position it in such a

manner that the center of the bottom laser
point is directed on the already marked
point II and the upper laser point is directed
against the line on the ceiling. Allow the
tool to level in. Mark the center of the upper
laser point on the line on the ceiling (point
III).

– The difference d of both marked points I

and III on the ceiling results in the actual
deviation of the tool to the plumb line.

On the measuring distance of 2 x 13 ft = 26 ft ,
the maximum allowable deviation is:

26 ft x ±0.0036 in/ft = ±3/16 in.

Thus, the difference d between points I and III
should not exceed 3/16 in (max.).

Recalibration Procedure (Up & Down

Beams)

All tools are calibrated when processed
through the Bosch quality control program. This
process assures that the customer receives a
superior product which conforms to the Product
Specifications. Although tools have been
calibrated before reaching our customers, it
contains many precision machined parts which
may be affected if the instrument is subjected to
abuse. Therefore, if the device is ever dropped

-7-

or sustains significant impact, the user should

B

A

5

ʹ

50

ʹ

C

1/2

1 ecafruS2 ecafruS

check calibration by following these steps:

Calibrating the Top and Bottom Beams

1. Choose your recalibration site. To get the

most accurate calibration possible, it is best
to use a floor/ceiling distance greater than
10’ (the greater distance, the better the
accuracy). Floor/Ceiling (top of doorway)
distance of approximately 10’.

E

F

D

2. Turn the tool off.

3. Remove the calibration plug on the side of

tool with a flathead screw-driver. Set the
plug where it will not be lost.

4. Draw a straight line on the ceiling.

5. Turn the tool on.

6. Place the tool on the floor (on its accessory

so that you can see the down laser beam
on the floor).

7. Align the tool so that the top laser beam hits

the line on the ceiling.

8. Mark the down laser beam on the floor,

Mark D. Mark the up laser beam on the
ceiling, Mark E.

9. Rotate the tool 180 degrees and align the
down beam with the mark on the floor.

1

E

F

1/2

10. Mark the up beam on the ceiling, Mark F.
You should have two marks on the ceiling.

11. Compare the two marks on the ceiling.
If the two marks are on the same point,
the unit does not need to be calibrated. If
the two marks are not on the same point,
proceed to step 12.

12. Turn the tool off.

13. Insert the 2mm Allen wrench into the side
calibration port. The objective is to get
the laser beam halfway between the two
marks on the ceiling. Turn the Allen wrench
clockwise or counter clockwise to move the
laser beam.

14. Turn the tool on and check the position
of the beam to see if it is exactly halfway
between the marks on the ceiling. If the
beam is not correctly positioned, repeat
steps 12–14 until the beam is at the correct
position.

15. Plug the side calibration plug on the tool.

16. Calibration is complete.

-8-

Applications

A

B

Plumbing a surface

1. Position tool close to the surface to
be plumbed.

2. Turn on tool.

3. Measure distance A at a point relatively
close to tool and make a note of the
distance.

4. Measure distance B at a point further away
from tool and make a note of the distance.

Note: The greater the distance between the two
points of measurement, the greater
the accuracy.

5. Compare distance A with distance B. If
distance A equals distance B, then the
surface is plumb. If distance A does not
equal distance B, then the surface is not
plumb and should be corrected.

Plumb

B

A

Transferring points with the plumb beam

1. Mark the point to be transferred (labeled
A in this illustration).

2. Use the Mounting accessory or a Tripod
to position the plumb down beam over
point A.

3. The plumb up beam will transfer this point
along a perfectly vertical axis to point B.

4. Mark point B.
Note: This process may be reversed.

Plumb Transfer

B

A

Use with Attachments

To fasten the tool on the Multiple-Purpose
Attachment 8, screw the locking screw 9 of
the Multiple-Purpose Attachment into the 1/4”
tripod mount 6 on the tool and tighten. To rotate
the tool on the Multiple-Purpose Attachment,
slightly loosen the screw 9.

– Rotate the tool on the Multiple-Purpose

Attachment 8 sideward or toward the rear
to make the bottom plumb beam visible.

– Rotate the tool on the Multiple-Purpose

Attachment 8 to project heights with the
horizontal laser beam.

With the Multiple-Purpose Attachment 8, the
tool can be attached as follows:

– Mount the Multiple-Purpose Attachment 8 to

a commercially available camera tripod
via the 1/4” tripod mount 13. For fastening
to a commercially available construction
tripod, use the 5/8” tripod mount 14.

– The Multiple-Purpose Attachment 8 can be

fastened to steel parts via the magnets 12.

– The Multiple-Purpose Attachment 8 can

be fastened to drywall or wood walls with
screws. For this, insert screws with a
minimum length of 2 in. into the screw holes
10 of the Multiple-Purpose Attachment.

– The Multiple-Purpose Attachment 8 can
also be fastened to pipes or similar beams
using a commercially available strap by
threading it through the opening 11 for
strap attachment.

Working with the Tripod

(Optional Accessory)

A tripod 18 offers a stable, height-adjustable
measuring support. Place the tool via the tripod
mount 6 onto the 1/4” male thread of the tripod
and screw the locking screw of the tripod tight.

-9-

Working with the Measuring Plate

(Optional Accessory)

With the measuring plate 15, it is possible to
project the laser mark onto the floor or the laser
height onto a wall.

With the zero field and the scale, the offset or
drop to the required height can be measured
and projected at another location. This
eliminates the necessity of precisely adjusting
the tool to the height to be projected.

The measuring plate 15 has a reflective coating
that enhances the visibility of the laser beam
at greater distances or in intense sunlight. The
brightness intensification can be seen only
when viewing, parallel to the laser beam, onto
the measuring plate.

Maintenance and Service

Store and transport the tool only in the
supplied protective case.

Keep the tool clean at all times.
Do not immerse the tool into water or

other fluids.
Wipe off debris using a moist and soft cloth.

Do not use any cleaning agents or solvents.

Regularly clean the surfaces at the exit opening
of the laser in particular, and pay attention to
any fluff of fibers.

If the tool should fail despite the care taken in
manufacturing and testing procedures, repair
should be carried out by an authorized after­sales service center for Bosch power tools.

Laser Viewing Glasses

(Optional Accessory)

The laser viewing glasses filter out the ambient
light. This makes the red light of the laser
appear brighter for the eyes.

• Do not use the laser viewing glasses as
safety goggles. The laser viewing glasses

are used for improved visualization of the
laser beam, but they do not protect against
laser radiation.

• Do not use the laser viewing glasses
as sun glasses or in traffic. The laser

viewing glasses do not afford complete UV
protection and reduce color perception.

In all correspondence and spare parts orders,
please always include the 10-digit article
number given on the type plate of
the tool.

In case of repairs, send in the tool packed in its
protective case 16.

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

Recycle raw materials & batteries
instead of disposing of waste. The
unit, accessories, packaging & used batteries
should be sorted for environmentally friendly
recycling in accordance with the latest
regulations.

-10-