Bosch GSA18V-083B Owner’s Manual

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Operating/Safety Instructions
Consignes de fonctionnement/sécurité

Instrucciones de funcionamiento y seguridad

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GSA18V-083

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Work area safety

Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered

or dark areas invite accidents.

Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power

tools create sparks which may ignite the dust
or fumes.

Keep children and bystanders away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can

cause you to lose control.

Electrical safety

Power tool plugs must match the outlet.
Never modify the plug in any way. Do not
us e any ada p t e r plugs w ith ear t h e d
(grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs

an d matc h ing outle ts w i ll r educ e risk of
electric shock.

Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded
surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges
and refrigerators. There is an increased risk

of electric shock if your body is earthed or
grounded.

Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool will

increase the risk of electric shock.

Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord
for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power
tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled

cords increase the risk of electric shock.

When operating a power tool outdoors,
use an extension cord suitable for outdoor
use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use

reduces the risk of electric shock.

If operating a power tool in a damp location
is unavoidable, use a Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of

an GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
us e c ommo n sens e when opera ting a
power tool. Do not use a power tool while
you are tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention

while operating power tools may result in
serious personal injury.

Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the
warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious

injury.

SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or
battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

Safety Symbols

The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read the manual

and pay attention to these symbols.

!

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential
personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this
symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION, used with the safety alert symbol, indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will result in minor or moderate injury.

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U

se personal protective equipment. Always

wear eye protection. Protective equipment

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

Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
sw itch is in the off- posi tion be fore
connecting to power source and / or battery
pa ck, picki ng up or carrying the tool .

Carrying power tools with your finger on the
switch or energizing power tools that have the
switch on invites accidents.

Remove any adjusting key or wrench before
turning the power tool on. A wrench or a

key left attached to a rotating part of the
power tool may result in personal injury.

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better

co n trol of the p ower tool in un expec t ed
situations.

Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing
or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and
gloves away from moving parts. Loose

clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in
moving parts.

If devices are provided for the connection
of dust extraction and collection facilities,
ensure these are connected and properly
used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-

related hazards.

Power tool use and care

Do not fo rce t h e po wer t o ol. U s e the
correct power tool for your application. The

correct power tool will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it was designed.

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

ca n n o t be contr o l l e d wi t h the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.

Disconnect the plug from the power source
and/or the battery pack from the power tool
before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing power tools. Such

preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the power tool accidentally.

Store idle power tools out of the reach of
children a nd do not all ow pe rso ns
unfamiliar with the power tool or these
instructions to operate the power tool.

Power tools are dangerous in the hands of
untrained users.

M

aintain power tools. Check for misalignment
or binding of moving parts, breakage of
parts and any other condition that may
affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged,
have the power tool repaired before use.

Ma n y a c c idents are cau s e d b y p o orly
maintained power tools.

Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting
edges are less likely to bind and are easier to
control.

Use the power tool, accessories and tool
bits etc. in accordance with these instructions,
taking into account the working conditions
and the work to be performed. Use of the

power tool for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.

Battery tool use and care

Recharge only with the charger specified
by the manufactu rer. A charg er t hat is

suitable for one type of battery pack may
create a risk of fire when used with another
battery pack.

Use power tools only with specifically
designated battery packs. Use of any other

battery packs may create a risk of injury and
fire.

When battery pack is not in use, keep it
away from other metal objects like paper
clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other
small m e t a l ob j e c t s that c a n make a
connection from one terminal to another.

Shorting the battery terminals together may
cause burns or a fire.

Under abusive conditions, liquid may be
ejected from the battery, avoid contact. If
contact accidentally occurs, flush with
water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally
seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the

battery may cause irritation or burns.

Service

Have your power tool serviced by a qualified
re p a i r pe r s on us i ng on l y id e n tical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the

safety of the power tool is maintained.

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Hold power tool b y insulated gripping
surfaces, when performing an operation
where the cutting accessory may contact
hidden wiring. Cutting accessory contacting

a "live" wire may make exposed metal parts
of the power tool "live" and could give the
operator an electric shock.

Use clamps or another practical way to
secure and support the workpiece to a
stable platform. Holding the work by hand

or against your body leaves it unstable and
may lead to loss of control.

Do not drill, fasten or break into existing
walls or other blind areas where electrical
wiring ma y ex i st . If this si t u a t io n is

unavoidable, disconnect all fuses or circuit
breakers feeding this worksite.

Keep hands away from cutting area. Do
not reach under the material being cut.

The proximity of the blade to your hand is
hidden from your sight.

Ke e p hands from between the gear
housing and saw blade clamp (plunger).

Th e reciprocating blade c l a m p (bl a d e
plunger) can pinch your fingers.

Do not use dull or damaged blades. Bent
blades can break easily or cause kickback.

Before starting to cut, turn tool "ON" and
allow the blade to come to full speed. Tool

can chatter or vibrate if blade speed is too
sl o w a t beginni n g o f cut an d possibly
kickback.

Al w a y s wear safety goggles o r e y e
protection when using this tool. Use a
dust mask or respirator for applications
which generate dust.

Secure materia l before cut ting. Never
hold it in your hand or across legs. Small

or thin material may flex or vibrate with the
blade, causing loss of control.

Make certain all adjusting screws (knobs)
an d th e bl a d e cl amp are t i g h t be f ore
making a cut. Loose adjusting screws and

clamps can cause the tool or blade to slip and
loss of control may result.

When removing the blade from the tool
avoid contact with skin and use proper
protective gloves when grasping the blade
or accessory. Accessories may be hot after

prolonged use.

Safety Rules for Cordless Reciprocating Saws

Additional Safety Warnings

GFCI and personal protection devices like
electrician’s rubber gloves and footwear will
further enhance your personal safety.

Do not use AC only rated tools with a DC
power supply. While the tool may appear to

work, the electrical components of the AC
rated tool are likely to fail and create a hazard
to the operator.

Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil
and grease. Slippery hands cannot safely

control the power tool.

Develop a periodic maintenance schedule
for your tool. Whe n cleaning a tool be
careful not to disassemble any portion of
th e tool sin ce inte rnal wir es may be
misplaced or pinched or safety guard return
sp ring s may be impro perl y mou nted .

Certain cleaning agents such as gasoline,
carb on tetr achloride, amm onia, etc. may
damage plastic parts.

Risk of injury to user. The power cord must only
be serviced by a Bosch Factory Service Center
or Autho rized Bosch Service Station.

Some dust created by

power sanding, sawing,
grinding, drilling, and other construction
activities contains chemicals known to
ca use ca ncer , b i r t h de fects or other
reproductive harm. Some examples of
these chemicals are:

• Lead from lead-based paints,

• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and

other masonry products, and

• Arsenic and chromium from che mically -

treated lumber.

Yo u r ri s k fr o m th ese exposure s va r i e s,
depending on how often you do this type of
work. To reduce your exposure to these
chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and
work with approved safety equipment, such as
those dust masks that are specially designed
to filter out microscopic particles.

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Symbols

IMPORTANT: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them

and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the
tool better and safer.

Symbol Designation / Explanation

V Volts (voltage)

A Amperes (current)

Hz Hertz (frequency, cycles per second)

W Watt (power)

kg Kilograms (weight)

min Minutes (time)

s Seconds (time)

Diameter (size of drill bits, grinding wheels, etc.)

n

0

No load speed (rotational speed at no load)

n Rated speed (maximum attainable speed)

.../min

Revolutions or reciprocation per minute (revolutions, strokes, surface speed,
orbits etc. per minute)

0 Off position (zero speed, zero torque...)

1, 2, 3, ...

I, II, III,

Selector settings (speed, torque or position settings. Higher number means
greater speed)

0

Infinitely variable selector with off (speed is increasing from 0 setting)

Arrow (action in the direction of arrow)

Alternating current (type or a characteristic of current)

Direct current (type or a characteristic of current)

Alternating or direct current (type or a characteristic of current)

Class II construction (designates double insulated construction tools)

Earthing terminal (grounding terminal)

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Symbols (continued)

IMPORTANT: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them

and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the
tool better and safer.

Symbol Designation / Explanation

Designates Li-ion battery recycling program

Designates Ni-Cad battery recycling program

Alerts user to read manual

Alerts user to wear eye protection

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories.

This symbol designates that this component is recognized by Underwriters
Laboratories.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories,
to United States and Canadian Standards.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards
Association.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards
Association, to United States and Canadian Standards.

This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Intertek Testing
Services, to United States and Canadian Standards.

This symbol designates that this tool complies to NOM Mexican Standards.

160992A1SS.qxp_GSA18V-083 2/8/16 1:17 PM Page 6

Model number ...................................GSA18V-083

Voltage rating......................................18V

No load speed.....................................n0 0-3050/min (SPM)

Maximum Capacities

Stroke length........................................083” (21mm)

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Functional Description and Specifications

Disconnect battery pack from tool or place the switch in the locked or
off position before making any assembly, adjustments or changing

accessories. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

FIG. 1

Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Battery Packs/Chargers

Please refer to the Charger Manual included with your tool.

NOTE: For tool specifications refer to the nameplate on your tool.

RUBBERIZED

GRIP

BATTERY

PACK

VARIABLE SPEED

TRIGGER SWITCH

BLADE

HOLDER

FOOTPLATE

LED WORK

LIGHT

SAW BLADE

SWITCH

LOCK

BATTERY PACK

RELEASE BUTTON

VENTILATION

OPENINGS

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Assembly

Disconnect battery pack

from tool before making
any assembly, adjustments or changing
ac c essor i es. Suc h p revent ive safe t y

measures reduce the risk of starting the tool
accidentally.

Preparing the Saw

BLADE SELECTION

No one blade can be efficient on all cutting
jobs. Different materials require specially
designed blades. Since your reciprocating saw
can cut so many materials, many types of
BOSCH blades are available. Be sure to use
the proper blade to ensure proper cutting
performance.

INSTALLING A BLADE

1. Insert the blade into the blade holder by
twisting the collar in direction of arrow until it
stops (Fig. 2).

2. Insert a blade into blade slot until blades
shoulder rests against the collar.

3. Release collar and spring loaded collar will
securely clamp the blade. (Note: If the collar
does not return to it’s original position, rotate
the collar in direction opposite of the arrow.)

4 Push in and pull out on the blade to be
su r e the p i n in t h e clamp h ousing go e s

through the hole in the blade to hold the blade
securely. The blade may be inserted with the
teeth facing down or up.

5. To remove the blade, rotate the collar in
direction of arrow while pulling the blade out of
the blade slot. (Note: be careful, blade may be
hot.)

Make sure that the front

end of the blade extends
through the footplate for the entire stroke
length. Do not use specialty blades that are
very short or those with a significant cant.
Blade must not contact footplate. A blade
which is too short or tilted could jam inside the
foot and snap.

Open

Position

COLLAR

BLADE SLOT

FIG. 2

SAW BLADE

FOOTPLATE

Slide charged battery pack into the housing
until the battery pack locks into position (Fig.

3).
Your tool is equipped with a secondary locking

la t ch to prev e nt th e bat t ery pack fr om
completely falling out of the handle, should it
become loose due to vibration.

To remove the battery pack, press the battery
pack release button and slide the battery pack
forward (Fig. 4).

Press the battery pack release button again
and slide the battery pack completely out of
tool housing (Fig. 4).

1

2

BATTERY PACK

RELEASE BUTTON

FIG. 3

FIG. 4

BATTERY PACK

INSERTING AND RELEASING BATTERY PACK

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SWITCH LOCK

Your tool is equ ipped with a swit ch lock
lo c ated abov e th e tr igger . Thi s le ver i s
designed for locking the trigger in the "OFF"
position to help prevent accidental starts and
accidental battery discharge.

To lock the trigger, press the lock ( ) side of
the switch lock until it clicks (Fig. 5).

Always move the switch

lo c k to the l o cked

position whenever the tool is not being
used.

To unlock trigger, press the unlock ( ) side of
the switch lock until it clicks (Fig. 6).

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Operating Instructions

PROTECTION AGAINST DEEP

DISCHARGING

The lithium ion battery is protected against
deep disc har ging b y the “Ele ctronic Cel l
Protection (ECP)”. When the battery is empty,
th e to o l is sw itche d off by mean s of a
protective circuit.

Do not continue to press

the trigger switch after
the tool has been automatically switched
off. The battery can be damaged.

VARIABLE SPEED CONTROLLED

TRIGGER SWITCH

Your tool is equipped with a variable speed

controlled trigger switch. The tool can be
tu rned "ON " or "O FF" by squee zing or
releasing the trigger. The blade plunger stroke
rate can be adjusted from the minimum to
ma ximu m nam epla te stroke rate by the
pressure you apply to the trigger. Apply more
pressure to increase the speed and release
pressure to decrease speed.

BUILT-IN LED WORK LIGHT

Your tool is equipped with an LED work light
that turns on automatically when the trigger
switch is activated. When the tool is turned
off, the light turns off (Fig. 1).

FIG. 5

VARIABLE SPEED

TRIGGER SWITCH

SWITCH

LOCK

FIG. 6

VARIABLE SPEED

TRIGGER SWITCH

SWITCH

LOCK

1. Securely clamp the work.

2. Mark the line of cut and grasp the tool with

one han d o n the hand le and the other
placed on the insulated rubber boot over
the front housing.

Always hold the saw by the

insulated boot on the front
housing. If you saw into a blind area where
live wiring exists, you may be shocked or
electrocuted.

3. Keep the saw footplate firmly against the
work to minimize counter-force (jumping)
and vibration.

4. Squeeze the trigger to start the tool. Let the
saw reach full speed before starting the cut.
Guide the saw so that the blade will move
along the marked line.

SAWING TIPS

Following a few simple tips will reduce the
wear on the work piec e, the t ool and the
operator.

Using the Saw

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FIG. 7

FIG. 8

1. Blades cut on the draw or back stroke. On
f

ine work, such as paneling, fiberglass, etc.,
place the good side of workpiece facing
down.

2. Use the correct saw blade for the material
being cut and keep extra blades on hand to
use when others become dull. Replace
cracked or bent blades immediately.

3. Select the appropriate cutting speed.

4. To reduce the risk of injury, be sure the
blade always extends beyond the footplate
and work throughout the stroke. Blades
may shatter if the front on the blade hits the
work and/or the footplate.

5. When cutting metal:

- Apply a lubricant for easier, smoother,
faster cutting and longer blade life.

- Fo r no n-ferrou s me t als, alum i n u m,
bronze or brass, use a stick wax on the
blade.

- For ferrous metals, iron and steel, use
machine or cutting oil along the surface
to be cut.

6. When cutting thin metal, "sandwich" the
material between two pieces of scrap wood.
Clamp or put in a bench vise. One piece of
lumber on top of the metal can be used with
adequate clamping. Place your cut lines or
design on the wood.

7. Don’t force the cutting. Let the saw and
b

lade do the work.

POCKET/PLUNGE CUTS

The reciprocating saw can be used to make
plunge cuts into softer material, (for example,
wood or light building materials for walls),
without a starting hole (Fig. 7).

1. Mark the line to be cut clearly on the work.

2. Set the tool with one edge of the footplate

firmly against the material.

3. Place the tip of the blade (not running) on

the line to be cut.

4. Tilt the saw so that the blade clears the

work.

5. Squeeze the trigger switch and carefully

en g age the mo v ing saw bla d e into the
material.

6. After the blade penetrates through the work,

continue sawing along the marked outline.

NOTES:

To make plunge cutting easier, use a heavy
gauge blade, install the blade with the teeth
facing upward, and hold the saw upside down
as shown (Fig. 8).

Do not plunge cut in metal surfaces.
In thick materials and in harder materials, such

as metal, plunge cuttin g shoul d not be
attempted. Such materials can be cut with the
recip saw only by starting the cut from the
edge of the material or from a hole drilled all
the way through the material that is large
enough to fit the saw blade.

The use of any accessories
not specified in this manual

may create a hazard.

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WRONG RIGHT

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