BOSCH GSB 12V-15 Combination Cordless Drill Instruction Manual

: October 30, 2023
: Bosch

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions
Product Description and Specifications
- Product features
Technical data
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance and Service
- Transport
Disposal
EU Declaration of Conformity
Declaration of Conformity
References
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BOSCH GSB 12V-15 Combination Cordless Drill

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 mains operated (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 hat 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 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 jewellery.
Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts.
Loose clothes, jewellery 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.
Do not let familiarity gained from 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 it 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 behavior 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 Warnings for Drills
Safety instructions for all operations

Wear ear protectors when impact drilling.
Exposure to noise can cause hearing loss.
Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the cutting accessory or fasteners may contact hidden wiring.
Cutting accessory or fasteners contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.

Safety instructions when using long drill bits

Never operate at higher speed than the maximum speed rating of the drill bit.
At higher speeds, the bit is likely to bend if allowed to rotate freely without contacting the workpiece, resulting in personal injury.
Always start drilling at low speed and with the bit tip in contact with the workpiece.
At higher speeds, the bit is likely to bend if allowed to rotate freely without contacting the workpiece, resulting in personal injury.
Apply pressure only in direct line with the bit and do not apply excessive pressure.
Bits can bend causing breakage or loss of control, resulting in personal injury

Additional safety warnings

Switch the power tool off immediately if the application tool becomes blocked.
Be prepared for high torque reactions which cause kickback.
The application tool becomes blocked when it becomes jammed in the workpiece or when the power tool becomes overloaded.
Hold the power tool securely.
When tightening and loosening screws be prepared for temporarily high torque reactions.
Secure the workpiece.
A workpiece clamped with clamping devices or in a vice is held more secure than by hand.
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 explosion.
Breaking water pipes causes property damage.
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.
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 vapors 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.
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Product Description and Specifications

Safety Symbol | 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
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Intended Use
The power tool is intended for tightening and loosening screws, as well as for drilling in wood, metal, ceramic and plastic and for impact drilling in brick, masonry and stone

Product features

Product Description

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

Tool holder
Keyless chuck
Torque presetting ring
Operating mode presetting ring
Gear selector switch
Rotational direction switch
Battery release button
Battery)
Battery charge indicator
On/off switch
Work light (LED)
Handle (insulated gripping surface)
Drill bite)
Universal bit holder)
Screwdriver bite)
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

| GSB 12V-15
---|---
Article number| | 3 601 JB6 9..
Rated voltage| V=| 12
No-load speedA)| |
– First gear| min-1| 0–380
– Second gear| min-1| 0–1300
Impact rate| min-1| 0–19500
Max. torque, hard/soft screw driving application according to ISO 5393A)| Nm| 30/15
Max. drilling diameter

– Masonry| mm| 10
– Steel| mm| 10
– Wood| mm| 19
Max. screw diameter| mm| 7
Chuck capacity| mm| 1-10
Weight according to EPTA-Procedure 01:2014B)| Kg| 1.1-1-3
Recommended ambient temperature during charging| °C| 0 to * 35
Combination Cordless Drill| GSB 12V-15
---|---
Permitted ambient temperature during operation and during storage| °C| –20 to +50
Recommended rechargeable batteries| | GAL 12… GAX 18.
Recommended chargers| | 19

A) Measured at 20−25 °C with rechargeable battery GBA 12V 1.3Ah.
B) Measured with GBA 12V 2.0Ah and GBA 12V 6.0Ah.

Noise/vibration information

Noise emission values determined according to EN 62841-2-1.

Typically, the A-weighted noise level of the power tool is:
Sound pressure level 82 dB(A); sound power level 93 dB(A). Uncertainty K = 3 dB.

Wear hearing protection!
Vibration total values ah (triax vector sum) and uncertainty K determined according to EN 62841-2-1:
Drilling into metal: ah <2.5 m/s2, K = 1.5 m/s2, Impact drilling into concrete: ah = 12.5 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 standardized 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 organizing workflows correctly.

Assembly

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

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: The battery is supplied partially charged.
To ensure full battery capacity, fully charge the battery in the charger before using your power tool for the first time.
The lithium-ion battery can be charged at any time without reducing its service life.
Interrupting the charging process does not damage the battery.
The lithium-ion battery is protected against deep discharge by the “Electronic Cell Protection (ECP)”.
When the battery is discharged, the power tool is switched off by means of a protective circuit: The application tool no longer rotates.

Do not continue to press the On/Off switch after the power tool has automatically switched off.
The battery can be damaged.

Removing the battery (see figure A)

Assembly Instruction

To remove the battery (8), press the release button (7) and pull the battery downwards out of the power tool.
Do not use force to do this.
You can also leave the battery (8) inserted in the power tool for charging.
While it is charging, the power tool cannot be switched on.
Press the on/off switch (10) to retrieve the battery charge status.
For more information, see the “Battery charge indicator” section.
Follow the instructions on correct disposal.

Changing the Tool (see figure B)

Assembly Instruction

Remove the battery from the power tool before carrying out work on the power tool (e.g. maintenance, changing tool, etc.).
The battery should also be removed for transport and storage.
There is risk of injury from unintentionally pressing the on/off switch.
Open the keyless chuck (2) by turning it in the direction of rotation ➊ until the tool can be inserted.
Insert the tool.
Firmly tighten the keyless chuck (2) by turning it by hand in the direction of rotation ➋.
This will automatically lock the drill chuck.

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 carcinogenic, especially in connection with wood-treatment additives (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 materials to be worked.

Avoid dust accumulation at the workplace. Dust can easily ignite.

Operation

Starting Operation

Inserting the battery
Note: The use of batteries unsuitable for your power tool can lead to malfunctions or damage to the power tool.
Set the rotational direction switch (6) to the middle position to avoid unintentionally switching it on.
Insert the charged battery (8) into the handle until you feel it engage and it is flush with the handle.

Setting the rotational direction (see figure C)

Operation Instruction

Only operate the rotational direction switch (6) when the power tool is not in use.
The rotational direction switch (6) is used to change the rotational direction of the power tool.
However, this is not possible while the on/off switch (10) is being pressed.
Right rotation: To drill and to drive in screws, press the rotational direction switch (6) through to the left stop.
Left Rotation: To loosen and unscrew screws and nuts, press the rotational direction switch (6) through to the right stop.

Setting the operating mode

| Drilling
Set the operating mode presetting ring (4) to the “drilling” symbol.
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| Screw driving
Set the operating mode presetting ring (4) to the “screw driving” symbol.
Set the torque presetting ring (3) to the required torque.
| Impact drilling
Set the operating mode presetting ring (4) to the “impact drilling” symbol.

Pre-selecting the torque
The torque presetting ring (3) can be used to pre-select the required torque in 20 stages.
Once the set torque has been reached, the application tool will be stopped.

Mechanical gear selection

Only operate the gear selector (5) when the power tool is not in use.
You can preselect two speed ranges with the gear selector (5).
First gear:
Low speed range; for working with a large drilling diameter or for screw driving.
Second gear:
High speed range; for working with a small drilling diameter.
Always push the gear selector switch as far as it will go.
Otherwise, the power tool may become damaged.

Adjusting the Speed
You can adjust the speed of the power tool when it is on by pressing in the on/off switch (10) to varying extents.
A light pressure on the on/off switch (10) results in a low rotational speed.
Increased pressure on the switch causes an increase in speed.

Switching on/off
To start the power tool, press and hold the on/off switch (10).
The LED (11) lights up when the on/off switch (10) is lightly or fully pressed, meaning that the work area is illuminated in poor lighting conditions.
To switch off the power tool, release the on/off switch (10).

Run-out brake
Upon releasing the on/off switch (10), the drill chuck is slowed down, which prevents the application tool from continuing to rotate.
When driving in screws, you should therefore only release the on/off switch (10) once the screw has been inserted flush into the workpiece.
This way, the head of screw will not penetrate the workpiece.

Fully automatic spindle lock (Auto-Lock)
The drill spindle, and therefore the tool holder (1), are locked when the on/off switch (10) is not pressed.
This enables screws to be screwed in even when the battery (8) is empty and allows the power tool to be used as a screw driver.

Battery Charge Indicator
When the on/off switch (10) is pressed in halfway or completely, the battery charge indicator (9) indicates the battery’s state of charge for several seconds.
The indicator consists of three green LEDs.

LED	Capacity
Continuous lighting 3 x green	≥ 66%
Continuous lighting 2 x green	33–66%
Continuous lighting 1 x green	≤ 33%
Flashing light 1 x green	Reserve

Practical advice

Only apply the power tool to the screw/nut when the tool is switched off. Rotating tool inserts can slip off.
After working at a low speed for an extended period, you should operate the power tool at the maximum speed for approximately three minutes without load to cool it down.
When drilling into metal, only use sharpened HSS drills (HSS = high-speed steel) which are in perfect condition.
The Bosch accessory range guarantees appropriate quality.
Before screwing larger, longer screws into hard materials, it is advisable to pre-drill a pilot hole with the core diameter of the thread to approx. 2/3 of the screw length.

Maintenance and Service

Maintenance and Cleaning

Remove the battery from the power tool before carrying out work on the power tool (e.g. maintenance, changing tool, etc.).
The battery should also be removed 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

After-Sales Service and Application Service
Our after-sales service responds to your questions concerning 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 accessories.
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 legislation on the transport of dangerous goods.
The user can transport the batteries by road without further requirements.
When shipping by third parties (e.g.: by air transport or forwarding agency), special requirements on packaging and labelling must be observed.
For preparation of the item being shipped, consulting an expert for hazardous material is required.
Dispatch battery packs only when the housing is undamaged.
Tape or mask off open contacts and pack up the battery in such a manner that it cannot move around in the packaging.
Please also observe the possibility of more detailed national regulations.

Disposal

| Power tools, rechargeable batteries, accessories and packaging should be sorted for environmental-friendly recycling.
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| Do not dispose of power tools and batteries/rechargeable 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 must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct manner.
If disposed incorrectly, waste electrical and electronic equipment may have harmful effects on the environment and human health, due to the potential presence of hazardous substances.

Only for United Kingdom:
According to The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/3113) (as amended) and the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/890) (as amended), products that are no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Battery packs/batteries:
Li-ion:
Please observe the notes in the section on transport (see “Transport”, page 16).

L-BOXX 102
2 608 438 691

EU Declaration of Conformity

Combination
Cordless Drill| Article number| 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: *
---|---|---
GSB 12V-15| 3 601 JB6 901**| 2006/42/EC
2014/30/EU
2011/65/EU| EN 62841-1:2015
EN 62841-2-1:2018+A11:2019
EN 55014-1:2017+A11:2020
EN 55014-2:2015
EN IEC 63000:2018
---|---|---|---
| Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH
(PT/ECS)
70538 Stuttgart
GERMANY
Henk Becker
Chairman of
Executive Management
| Helmut Heinzelmann
Head of Product Certification

Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, 70538 Stuttgart, GERMANY Stuttgart, 07.07.2021

Declaration of Conformity

Combination Cordless Drill
GSB 12V-15| Article number
3 601 JB6 901
---|---
We declare under our sole responsibility that the stated products comply with all applicable provisions of the regulations listed below and are in conformity with the following standards.
Technical file at: Robert Bosch Ltd. (PT/SOP-GB), Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Uxbridge UB9 5HJ, United Kingdom
| The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016
The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012EN 62841-1:2015
EN 62841-2-1:2018+A11:2019
EN 55014-1:2017+A11:2020
EN 55014-2:2015
EN IEC 63000:2018
| Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, 70538 Stuttgart, Germany represented (in terms of the above regulations) by Robert Bosch Limited, Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Uxbridge UB9 5HJ, United Kingdom
Vonjy Rajakoba Managing Director – Bosch UK
Signature | Martin Sibley Head of Sales Operations and Aftersales

Robert Bosch Ltd. Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Uxbridge UB9 5HJ, United Kingdom, as authorized representative acting on behalf of Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, 70538 Stuttgart, Germany
Place of issue: Uxbridge| Date of issue: 03/06/2021