BOSCH GSA 18 V-LI Professional Reciprocating Saw Instruction Manual

: October 30, 2023
: Bosch

Table of Contents

BOSCH GSA 18 V-LI Professional Reciprocating Saw
Product Information
Technical Specifications
Safety Instructions
Product Usage Instructions
Safety Instructions
Product Description and Specifications
Product features
Technical data
Rechargeable battery
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance and Service
EU Declaration of Conformity
Documents / Resources

BOSCH GSA 18 V-LI Professional Reciprocating Saw

Product Information

Bosch GSA 18 V-LI Professional

The Bosch GSA 18 V-LI Professional is a cordless reciprocating saw designed for heavy-duty cutting applications. It is manufactured by Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, based in Stuttgart, Germany.

Technical Specifications

Voltage: 18V
No-load stroke rate: 0 – 2,800 pm
Stroke length: 28 mm
SDS mechanism: Yes
Cutting depth in wood: 250 mm
Cutting depth in metal profiles and pipes: 20 mm
Cutting depth in metal sheets: 10 mm
Weight (with battery): 3.4 kg
Recommended batteries: GBA 18V… ProCORE18V…, GAL 18…, GAX 18…, GAL 36…

Safety Instructions

It is important to read and follow all safety instructions before operating the Bosch GSA 18 V-LI Professional. Some key safety instructions include:

Use a residual current device if the tool is operated in a damp environment to reduce the risk of electric shock.
A short circuit between the battery contacts can cause burns or fire.
Has the tool serviced only by qualified personnel using original spare parts to ensure the tool’s safety?

Product Usage Instructions

To use the Bosch GSA 18 V-LI Professional, follow these steps:

Insert a fully charged battery into the battery slot until it clicks into place.
Hold the tool with both hands, with one hand on the front handle and the other hand on the rear handle.
To activate the safety lock, move the stroke rate selector to the middle position.
Press the on/off switch to start the tool.
Adjust the stroke rate selector to select the desired stroke rate, either low (left) or high (right).
Position the saw blade against the workpiece and start cutting.
When finished, release the on/off switch and allow the blade to come to a complete stop before setting down the tool.

For maintenance and cleaning, refer to the user manual. If you need further assistance, visit www.bosch-pt.com/serviceaddresses for service and support options.

Safety Instructions

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below 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 mainsoperated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

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 use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce 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 residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety

Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating 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.
Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hats, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to a power source and/or battery pack, picking 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 control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing 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. The use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
Do not let familiarity gained from the frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.

Power tool use and care

Do not force the power tool. Use 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 on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, 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 and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain power tools and accessories. 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. Many accidents are caused by poorly 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.
Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

Battery tool use and care

Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer.
A charger that 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 metal objects, that can 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.
Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behaviour resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130°C may cause explosion.
Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

Service

Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

Safety instructions for reciprocating saws

Hold the power tool by 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 workpiece by hand or against your body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.
Keep hands away from the sawing area. Do not reach under the workpiece. Contact with the saw blade can lead to injuries.
Hold the power tool firmly with both hands and make sure you have a stable footing. The power tool can be more securely guided with both hands.
Only bring the power tool into contact with the workpiece when switched on. Otherwise there is danger of kickback if the cutting tool jams in the workpiece.
Ensure that the footplate is always resting on the workpiece while sawing. The saw blade can jam and lead to loss of control over the power tool.
When the cut is completed, switch off the power tool and then pull the saw blade out of the cut only after it has come to a standstill. In this manner you can avoid kickback and can place down the power tool securely.
Always wait until the power tool has come to a complete stop before placing it down. The application tool can jam and cause you to lose control of the power tool.
Use only undamaged saw blades that are in perfect condition. Bent or dull saw blades can break, negatively influence the cut, or lead to kickback.
Do not brake the saw blade to a stop by applying side pressure after switching off. The saw blade can be damaged, break or cause kickback.
Ensure that the material is securely clamped. Do not support the workpiece using your hands or feet. Do not touch any objects or the floor with the saw while it is running. There is a risk of kickback.
Use suitable detectors to determine if there are hidden supply lines or contact the local utility company for assistance. Contact with electric cables can cause fire and electric shock. Damaging gas lines can lead to explosions. Breaking water pipes causes property damage.
In case of damage and improper use of the battery, vapours may be emitted. The battery can set alight or explode.
Ensure the area is well-ventilated and seek medical attention should you experience any adverse effects. The vapours may irritate the respiratory system.
Do not open the battery. There is a risk of short-circuiting.
The battery can be damaged by pointed objects such as nails or screwdrivers or by force applied externally.
An internal short circuit may occur, causing the battery to burn, smoke, explode or overheat.
Only use the battery with products from the manufacturer.
This is the only way in which you can protect the battery against dangerous overload.
Protect the battery against heat, e.g. against continuous intense sunlight, fire, dirt, water and moisture.
There is a risk of explosion and short-circuiting

Product Description and Specifications

Read all the safety and general instructions.
Failure to observe the safety and general instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Please observe the illustrations at the beginning of this operating manual.

Intended Use

The power tool is suitable for sawing wood, plastic, metal and building materials on a firm surface. It is suitable for straight and curved cuts. When using designated suitable bimetal saw blades, flush cutting is also possible. The saw blade recommendations are to be observed.

Product features

The numbering of the product features refers to the diagram of the power tool on the graphics page.

Saw bladea)
Adjustable base plate
Saw blade receptacle
Locking sleeve for saw blade
Stroke speed selector switch
On/off switch
Battery release buttona)
Batterya)
Handle (insulated gripping surface)
- a) Accessories shown or described are not included with the product as standard. You can find the complete selection of accessories in our accessories range.

Technical data

A) Measured at 20–25 °C with rechargeable battery GBA 18V 2.6Ah.
B) Depends on battery in use
C ) Limited performance at temperatures < 0 °C

Noise/vibration information

Noise emission values determined according to EN 62841‑2‑11.
Typically, the A-weighted noise level of the power tool is: Sound pressure level 85 dB(A); sound power level 96 dB(A). Uncertainty K = 5 dB.

Wear hearing protection!

Vibration total values ah (triax vector sum) and uncertainty K determined according to EN 62841‑2‑11:
Cutting boards with saw blade S 644 D: ah,B = 27.5 m/s2, K = 1.5 m/s2,
Cutting wooden beams with saw blade S 611 DF: ah,WB = 27.5 m/s2, K = 1.5 m/s2.
The vibration level and noise emission value given in these instructions have been measured in accordance with a standardised measuring procedure and may be used to compare power tools. They may also be used for a preliminary estimation of vibration and noise emissions.
The stated vibration level and noise emission value represent the main applications of the power tool. However, if the power tool is used for other applications, with different application tools or is poorly maintained, the vibration level and noise emission value may differ. This may significantly increase the vibration and noise emissions over the total working period.
To estimate vibration and noise emissions accurately, the times when the tool is switched off or when it is running but not actually being used should also be taken into account.
This may significantly reduce vibration and noise emissions over the total working period.
Implement additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration, such as servicing the power tool and application tools, keeping their hands warm, and organising workflows correctly.

Rechargeable battery

Charging the battery

Use only the chargers listed in the technical data. Only these chargers are matched to the lithium-ion battery of your power tool.
Note: Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are supplied par-tially charged according to international transport regula-tions. To ensure full rechargeable battery capacity, fully charge the rechargeable battery before using your tool for the first time.

Inserting the Battery

Push the charged battery into the battery holder until it clicks into place.

Removing the Battery

To remove the rechargeable battery, press the battery re-lease button and pull the battery out. Do not use force to do this.
The rechargeable battery has two locking levels to prevent the battery from falling out if the battery release button is pressed unintentionally. The rechargeable battery is held in place by a spring when fitted in the power tool.

Battery charge indicator

The green LEDs on the battery charge indicator indicate the state of charge of the battery. For safety reasons, it is only possible to check the state of charge when the power tool is not in operation.
Press the button for the battery charge indicator or to show the state of charge. This is also possible when the bat-tery is removed.
If no LED lights up after pressing the button for the battery charge indicator, then the battery is defective and must be replaced.

Battery model GBA 18V…

Battery model ProCORE18V…

Recommendations for Optimal Handling of the Battery
Protect the battery against moisture and water.
Only store the battery within a temperature range of −20 to 50 °C. Do not leave the battery in your car in the summer, for example.
Occasionally clean the ventilation slots on the battery using a soft brush that is clean and dry.
A significantly reduced operating time after charging indic-ates that the battery has deteriorated and must be replaced. Follow the instructions on correct disposal.

Assembly

Remove the battery from the power tool before carry-ing out work on the power tool (e.g. maintenance, changing tool, etc.). The battery should also be re- moved for transport and storage. There is risk of injury from unintentionally pressing the on/off switch.

Inserting/changing the saw blade

When fitting or changing the saw blade, wear protect-ive gloves. Blades are sharp and can become hot when used for prolonged periods of time.
While replacing the saw blade, ensure that the saw blade receptacle is free of material residue, e.g. wood or metal chips.

Selecting the saw blade

You will find an overview of recommended saw blades at the end of these operating instructions. Only use saw blades with a 1/2″ universal shank. The saw blade should not be longer than required for the intended cut.

Inserting the saw blade (see figure A)

Firmly push the saw blade (1) into the saw blade receptacle (3) until it audibly engages. The locking sleeve (4) consequently rotates by approx. 90° and locks the saw blade in place.
If the saw blade (1) is not locked, rotate the locking sleeve (4) by approx. 90° in the direction of the arrow until it is locked in the open position and a clicking sound is heard. Then push the saw blade into the saw blade receptacle (3) once again.
Check that it is seated securely by pulling the saw blade. A loose saw blade can fall out and lead to injuries.
For particular jobs, the saw blade (1) can also be flipped 180° (teeth point upwards) and refitted.

Ejecting the saw blade (see figure B)

When ejecting the saw blade, hold the power tool in such a manner that no persons or animals can be injured by the ejected saw blade.
Turn the locking sleeve (4) by approx. 90° in the direction of the arrow. The saw blade (1) is ejected.

Dust/Chip Extraction

Dust from materials such as lead-containing coatings, some wood types, minerals and metal can be harmful to one’s health. Touching or breathing-in the dust can cause allergic reactions and/or lead to respiratory infections of the user or bystanders.
Certain dust, such as oak or beech dust, is considered carci-nogenic, especially in connection with wood-treatment ad-ditives (chromate, wood preservative). Materials containing asbestos may only be worked by specialists.
Provide for good ventilation of the working place.
It is recommended to wear a P2 filter-class respirator. Observe the relevant regulations in your country for the ma-terials to be worked.
Avoid dust accumulation at the workplace. Dust can easily ignite.

Operation

Starting Operation

Preselecting the stroke rate/lock-off function
The stroke rate of the power tool can be preselected with the stroke speed selector switch (5). However, this is not pos-sible while the on/off switch (6) is being pressed.
Stroke speed selector switch in the center:
Lock-off function activated.
The on/off switch (6) is blocked and the power tool is secured against being switched on unintentionally.
Stroke speed selector switch left:
First gear, low stroke rate
The low stroke rate is suitable for processing hard materials (e.g. steel, non-ferrous metal, hard plastics) or for making fine cuts in wood.
The low stroke rate will result in less vibration when making the cut.
Stroke speed selector switch right:
Second gear, high stroke rate
The high stroke rate is suitable for processing soft materials and making plunge cuts.
The high stroke rate facilitates faster working, e.g. for making rough cuts in wood.

Switching on/off

To deactivate the lock-off function, push the stroke speed selector switch (5) to the right or left.
To switch on the power tool, press the on/off switch (6) and keep it pressed.
To switch off the power tool, release the on/off switch (6). Note: For safety reasons, the on/off switch (6) cannot be locked; it must remain pressed during the entire operation.

Controlling the stroke rate

You can variably adjust the stroke rate of the power tool when it is on by pressing in the on/off switch (6) to varying extents.
Applying light pressure to the on/off switch (6) results in a low stroke rate. Applying increasing pressure to the switch increases the stroke rate.
The required stroke rate is dependent on the material and the work conditions and can be determined using practical tests.
It is recommended that you reduce the stroke rate when placing the saw blade on the workpiece and when sawing plastic and aluminium.
During prolonged periods of use at a low stroke rate, the power tool may heat up significantly. Remove the saw blade and let the power tool run at the maximum stroke rate for around three minutes to cool down.

Working Advice

Remove the battery from the power tool before carry-ing out work on the power tool (e.g. maintenance, changing tool, etc.). The battery should also be re-moved for transport and storage. There is risk of injury from unintentionally pressing the on/off switch.
Switch the power tool off immediately if the saw blade becomes blocked.

Tips

When sawing lightweight materials, take into account the statutory provisions and recommendations of the material manufacturers.
Before sawing into wood, chipboard, building materials, etc., check for any foreign objects such as nails, screws, etc. and use a suitable saw blade.
Switch on the power tool and guide it towards the workpiece you wish to work on. Place the base plate (2) on the surface of the workpiece and saw through the material applying even pressure and feed. Switch the power tool off once you have finished your work.
Switch the power tool off immediately if the saw blade jams. Widen the sawing gap slightly with a suitable tool and pull the power tool out.

Swiveling base plate (see figure C)

Thanks to its mobility, the base plate (2) adopts the required angle position of the surface.

Plunge cutting (see figure D)

For plunge cutting, use only short saw blades.
Place the power tool so that the edge of the base plate (2) rests on the workpiece, without the saw blade (1) touching the workpiece, and switch it on. When using power tools with stroke rate control, select the maximum stroke rate. Press the power tool firmly against the workpiece and allow the saw blade to plunge slowly into the workpiece.
As soon as the base plate (2) rests fully on the workpiece, continue sawing along the required cutting line.
For particular jobs, the saw blade (1) can also be fitted after being turned 180° in order to operate the power tool the other way around.

Flush sawing (see figure E)

Protruding components such as water pipes, for example, can be cut directly at the wall using elastic bi-metal saw blades.
Ensure that the saw blade is always longer than the diameter of the workpiece. There is a risk of kickback.
Place the saw blade directly against the wall and bend it slightly by applying lateral pressure to the power tool until the base plate is flush with the wall. Switch on the power tool and saw through the workpiece applying consistent lateral pressure.

Coolant/lubricant

As the material heats up along the cutting line when cutting metal, you should apply coolant or lubricant.

Maintenance and Service

Remove the battery from the power tool before carry-ing out work on the power tool (e.g. maintenance, changing tool, etc.). The battery should also be re-moved for transport and storage. There is risk of injury from unintentionally pressing the on/off switch.
To ensure safe and efficient operation, always keep the power tool and the ventilation slots clean.
Carefully clean the saw blade receptacle with a soft cloth. To do so, remove the saw blade from the power tool. Keep the saw blade receptacle operational using suitable lubricants.
If the power tool becomes very dirty, this can lead to serious faults. For this reason, do not cut materials which generate large quantities of dust from below or overhead.
After-Sales Service and Application Service
Our after-sales service responds to your questions concern-ing maintenance and repair of your product as well as spare parts. You can find explosion drawings and information on spare parts at: www.bosch-pt.com
The Bosch product use advice team will be happy to help you with any questions about our products and their accessor-ies.
In all correspondence and spare parts orders, please always include the 10‑digit article number given on the nameplate of the product.

Great Britain

Robert Bosch Ltd. (B.S.C.)
P.O. Box 98
Broadwater Park
North Orbital Road
Denham Uxbridge
UB 9 5HJ
At www.bosch-pt.co.uk you can order spare parts or arrange the collection of a product in need of servicing or repair. Tel. Service: (0344) 7360109
E-Mail: boschservicecentre@bosch.com
You can find further service addresses at : www.bosch-pt.com/serviceaddresses

Transport

The recommended lithium-ion batteries are subject to legis-lation on the transport of dangerous goods. The user can transport the batteries by road without further require-ments.
When shipping by third parties (e.g.: by air transport or for-warding agency), special requirements on packaging and la-belling must be observed. For preparation of the item being shipped, consulting an expert for hazardous material is re-quired.
Dispatch battery packs only when the housing is undam-aged. Tape or mask off open contacts and pack up the bat-tery in such a manner that it cannot move around in the packaging. Please also observe the possibility of more de-tailed national regulations.

Disposal

Power tools, rechargeable batteries, accessor-ies and packaging should be sorted for environ-mental-friendly recycling.
Do not dispose of power tools and batteries/re-chargeable batteries into household waste!

Only for EU countries:

According to the Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment and its transposition into national law, power tools that are no longer usable, and, according to the Directive 2006/66/EC, defective or drained batteries

EU Declaration of Conformity

We declare under our sole responsibility that the stated products comply with all applicable provisions of the directives and regulations listed below and are in conformity with the following standards.
Technical file at: Reciprocating saw Article number

Declaration of Conformity

Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH
70538 Stuttgart
GERMANY
www.bosch-pt.com
1 609 92A 81D (2022.07) T / 221

Documents / Resources

| BOSCH GSA 18 V-LI Professional Reciprocating Saw [pdf] Instruction Manual
GSA 18 V-LI, GSA 18 V-LI Professional Reciprocating Saw, Professional Reciprocating Saw, GSA 18 V-LI Professional, Reciprocating Saw
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