BOSCH GCL 25 Professional Combi Laser User Manual

: June 12, 2024
: Bosch

Table of Contents

BOSCH GCL 25 Professional Combi Laser
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Safety Instructions
Product Description and Specifications
Technical Data
Assembly
Operation
Accuracy Check of the Measuring Tool
Maintenance and Service
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

BOSCH GCL 25 Professional Combi Laser

Product Information

The product is the GCL 25 Professional, manufactured by Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH. It is a point and line laser tool used for measurements and leveling.

Technical Specifications:

Range: 10 m (point laser), 30 m (line laser)
Laser Class: 2 (< 1 mW, 630-650 nm)
Self-leveling Range: 4°
Operating Time: 12 hours
Weight: 0.58 kg

Product Usage Instructions

Installation:
- Insert/replace batteries in accordance with the polarity indicated inside the battery compartment.
Operation:
- To turn on the measuring tool, slide the power switch to the On position (4). The pendulum unit will be locked when turning off the tool.
- To activate the automatic shutdown feature, turn off and then turn on the measuring tool.
Operating Modes:
- The tool generates a horizontal and vertical line forward, as well as vertical point beams upward and downward, and horizontal point beams forward and to both sides.
Work Instructions:
- Attach the tool to a tripod using the tripod mount (5). Secure the tool with the locking screw of the tripod. Roughly align the tripod before turning on the tool.
Maintenance and Service:
- For maintenance and cleaning instructions, refer to the user manual.
- For customer service and application advice, visit www.bosch-pt.com/serviceaddresses
Disposal:
- Follow local regulations for proper disposal of the measuring tool.

Safety Instructions

All instructions must be read and observed in order for the measuring tool to function safely. The safeguards integrated into the measuring tool may be compromised if the measuring tool is not used in accordance with these instructions. Never make warning signs on the measuring tool unrecognizable. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE AND INCLUDE THEM WITH THE MEASURING TOOL WHEN TRANSFERRING IT TO A THIRD PARTY.

Warning! If operating or adjustment devices other than those specified here are used or other procedures are carried out, this can lead to dangerous exposure to radiation.
The measuring tool is delivered with a laser warning sign (marked in the illustration of the measuring tool on the graphics page).
If the text of the laser warning label is not in your national language, stick the provided warning label in your national language over it before operating for the first time.
Do not direct the laser beam at persons or animals and do not stare into the direct or reflected laser beam yourself. You could blind somebody, cause accidents or damage your eyes.
If laser radiation hits your eye, you must close your eyes and immediately turn your head away from the beam.
Do not make any modifications to the laser equipment.
Do not use the laser goggles (accessory) as protective goggles. The laser goggles make the laser beam easier to see; they do not protect you against laser radiation.
Do not use the laser goggles (accessory) as sunglasses or while driving. The laser goggles do not provide full UV protection and impair your ability to see colors.
Have the measuring tool serviced only by a qualified specialist using only original replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the measuring tool is maintained.
Do not let children use the laser measuring tool unsupervised. They could unintentionally blind themselves or other persons.
Do not use the measuring tool in explosive atmospheres which contain flammable liquids, gases or dust. Sparks may be produced inside the measuring tool, which can ignite dust or fumes.
Keep the measuring tool and the magnetic accessories away from implants and other medical devices, e.g. pacemakers or insulin pumps. The magnets inside the measuring tool and accessories generate a field that can impair the function of implants and medical devices.
Keep the measuring tool and the magnetic accessories away from magnetic data storage media and magnetically sensitive devices. The effect of the magnets in-side the measuring tool and accessories can lead to irreversible data loss.

Product Description and Specifications

Please observe the illustrations at the beginning of this operating manual.

Intended Use
The measuring tool is intended for determining and checking horizontal and vertical lines and plumb points.
The measuring tool is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Product Features
The numbering of the product features shown refers to the il-lustration of the measuring tool on the graphic page.

Laser beam outlet aperture
Button for laser operating mode
Battery warning
On/off switch
5/8″ tripod mount
1/4″ tripod mount
Locking mechanism of the battery compartment cover
Battery compartment cover
Laser warning label
Serial number
Laser viewing glasses)
Magnet
Laser target plate
Universal holder)
Tripod)
Telescopic rod)
Case
Inlay)

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

BOSCH-GCL-25-Professional-01 BOSCH-
GCL-25-Professional-02

The working range may be reduced by unfavorable environ-mental conditions (e.g. direct sunlight).
At 20–25 °C
The values stated presuppose normal to favorable environ-mental conditions (e.g. no vibration, no fog, no smoke, no direct sunlight). Extreme fluctuations in temperature can cause deviations in accuracy.
Only non-conductive deposits occur, whereby occasional temporary conductivity caused by condensation is expected.

The serial number (10) on the type plate is used to clearly identify your measuring tool.

Assembly

Inserting/changing the batteries
It is recommended that you use alkaline manganese batteries to operate the measuring tool.
To open the battery compartment cover (8), push the lock-ing mechanism (7) in the direction of the arrow and lift the battery compartment cover. Insert the batteries.
When inserting the batteries, ensure the polarity is correct according to the representation on the inside of the battery compartment cover (8).
If the batteries become weak, the battery warning (3) will flash red. The laser beams will also flash every 10 mins for approx. 5 s. The measuring tool can still be operated for ap-prox. one hour after the first flash. If the batteries drain com-pletely, the laser beams will flash one more time just before automatic shut-off.
Always replace all the batteries at the same time. Only use batteries from the same manufacturer and which have the same capacity.

Take the batteries out of the measuring tool when you are not using it for a prolonged period of time. The bat-teries can corrode and self-discharge during prolonged storage in the measuring tool.

Operation

Starting Operation

Protect the measuring tool from moisture and direct sunlight.
Do not expose the measuring tool to any extreme temperatures or fluctuations in temperature. For example, do not leave it in a car for extended periods of time. If it has been subjected to significant fluctuations in temperature, first allow the measuring tool to adjust to the ambient temperature and then always carry out an accuracy check before continuing work (see “Accuracy Check of the Measuring Tool”, ).
The precision of the measuring tool may be compromised if exposed to extreme temperatures or fluctuations in temperature.
Avoid substantial knocks to the measuring tool and avoid dropping it. Always carry out an accuracy check before continuing work if the measuring tool has been subjected to severe external influences (see “Accuracy Check of the Measuring Tool”, ).
Switch the measuring tool off when transporting it. The pendulum unit is locked when the tool is switched off, as it can otherwise be damaged by big movements.

Switching On/Off
To switch on the measuring tool, slide the on/off switch (4) to the On position (for working with the pendulum lock) or to the On position (for working with automatic levelling). As soon as it is switched on, the measuring tool emits laser beams from the outlet apertures (1).

Do not direct the laser beam at persons or animals and do not stare into the laser beam yourself (even from a distance).

To switch off the measuring tool, slide the on/off switch (4) to the Off position. The pendulum unit is locked when the tool is switched off.

Never leave the measuring tool unattended when switched on, and ensure the measuring tool is switched off after use. Others may be blinded by the laser beam.

Deactivating the Automatic Shut-Off Function
If no button on the measuring tool is pressed for approx. 30 min, the measuring tool will automatically switch itself off to preserve battery life.
To switch the measuring tool back on after it has been automatically switched off, you can either slide the on/off switch (4) to the “Off” position first and then switch the measuring tool back on, or press the laser operating mode button (2).

To deactivate the automatic shut-off function, hold down the laser mode button (2) for at least 3 s (with the measuring tool switched on). If the automatic shut-off function is deactivated, the laser beams will flash briefly as confirmation.
To activate the automatic shut-off function, switch the measuring tool off and on again.

Operating Modes
The measuring tool has several operating modes, which you can switch between at any time:

Cross-line and point mode: The measuring tool generates one horizontal and one vertical laser line pointing for-wards, two vertical point beams (one pointing upwards and one downwards), and three horizontal point beams (one pointing forwards and one to either side).
Five-point mode: The measuring tool generates two vertical point beams (one pointing upwards and one down-wards), and three horizontal point beams (one pointing forwards and one to either side).
Horizontal line mode: The measuring tool generates a horizontal laser line pointing forwards.
Vertical line mode: The measuring tool generates a vertical laser line pointing forwards.

All point beams run at a 90° angle to each other and the laser lines intersect at a 90° angle.
Once switched on, the measuring tool is in the cross-line and point mode. To change the operating mode, press the laser mode button (2).
All operating modes can be selected with both automatic levelling or the pendulum lock.

Automatic Levelling
Working with automatic levelling (see figures A–C) Position the measuring tool on a level, firm surface or attach it to the universal holder (14) or the tripod (15).
For work with automatic levelling, slide the on/off switch (4) to the ” On” position.
The automatic levelling function automatically levels irregularities within the self-levelling range of ±4°. The levelling is finished as soon as the laser points and/or laser lines do not move any more.
If automatic levelling is not possible, e.g. because the sur-face on which the measuring tool stands deviates by more than 4° from the horizontal plane, the laser beams begin to flash. This alarm is deactivated within 10 s after switching on, in order to allow the measuring tool to be adjusted. Place the measuring tool in a horizontal position and wait for self-levelling to take place. As soon as the measuring tool is within the self-levelling range of ±4°, the laser beams will light up continuously.
In case of ground vibrations or position changes during operation, the measuring tool is automatically levelled again. Upon levelling, check the position of the laser beams with re-gard to the reference points to avoid errors arising from a change in the measuring tool’s position.

BOSCH-GCL-25-Professional-06

Working with a pendulum lock (see figure D)
For work with the pendulum lock, slide the on/off switch (4) to the ” On” position. The laser beams flash continuously. For work with the pendulum lock, automatic levelling is switched off. You can hold the measuring tool freely in your hand or place it on a sloping surface. This means that the laser beams are no longer levelled and no longer necessarily run perpendicular to one another.

BOSCH-GCL-25-Professional-07

Accuracy Check of the Measuring Tool

Influences on Accuracy
The largest influence is exerted by the ambient temperature. In particular, temperature differences that occur from the ground upwards can refract the laser beam.
In order to minimize thermal influences resulting from heat rising from the floor, it is recommended that you use the measuring tool on a tripod. In addition, position the measuring tool in the centre of the work surface, wherever this is possible.
In addition to external influences, device-specific influences (e.g. falls or heavy impacts) can also lead to deviations. For this reason, check the levelling accuracy each time before beginning work.
If the accuracy of the horizontal point beams is within the maximum permitted deviation, this means the accuracy of the vertical point beams and the laser lines has also been verified.
Should the measuring tool exceed the maximum deviation during one of the tests, please have it repaired by a Bosch after-sales service.

Checking the horizontal levelling accuracy of the longitudinal axis
For this check, you will need a free measuring distance of 20 m on firm ground between two walls (designated A and B).

Mount the measuring tool in the horizontal position onto a tripod 37 (accessory) or place it on a firm and level surface near wall A. Switch the measuring tool on.

BOSCH-300-HVG-GRL-Professional-Rotation-Laser-29

After levelling, direct the laser beam in point operation on to the close wall A. Mark the center point of the laser beam on the wall (point I).

BOSCH-300-HVG-GRL-Professional-Rotation-Laser-30

Turn the measuring tool around by 180°, allow it to level in and mark the center point of the laser beam on the opposite wall B (point II).
Position the measuring tool – without rotating it – close to wall B, switch it on and allow it to level in.

BOSCH-300-HVG-GRL-Professional-Rotation-Laser-31

Align the height of the measuring tool (using the tripod or by underlaying, if required) in such a manner that the center point of the laser beam is projected exactly against the previously marked point II on wall B.
Turn the measuring tool 180° without adjusting the height. Allow it to level in, then mark the centre point of the laser beam on wall A (point Ⅲ). Ensure that point Ⅲ is as vertical as possible above or below point Ⅰ.
The discrepancy d between the two marked points Ⅰ and Ⅲ on wall A reveals the actual height deviation of the measuring tool along the longitudinal axis.
The maximum permitted deviation on the measuring distance of 2 × 20 m = 40 m is as follows:
40 m × ±0.3 mm/m = ±12 mm. The discrepancy d between points Ⅰ and Ⅲ must therefore amount to no more than 12 mm.

Checking the Horizontal Levelling Accuracy of the Transverse Axis
For this check, you will need a free measuring distance of 20 m on firm ground in front of a wall.

Mount the measuring tool 20 m from the wall on the holder (14) or a tripod, or place it on a firm, level surface. Switch on the measuring tool and select five-point mode with automatic levelling.
Aim one of the two side laser beams that run along the transverse axis of the measuring tool at the wall. Allow the measuring tool to level in. Mark the centre of the laser point on the wall (point Ⅰ).
Turn the measuring tool 180° without adjusting the height. Allow it to level in, then mark the centre point of the other side laser beam on the wall (point Ⅱ). Ensure that point Ⅱ is as vertical as possible above or below point Ⅰ.
The discrepancy d between the two marked points Ⅰ and Ⅱ on the wall reveals the actual height deviation of the measuring tool along the transverse axis.

The maximum permitted deviation on the measuring dis-tance of 2 × 20 m = 40 m is as follows:
40 m × ±0.3 mm/m = ±12 mm. The discrepancy d between points Ⅰ and Ⅱ must therefore amount to no more than 12 mm.

Working Advice

Only the centre of the laser point or laser line must be used for marking. The size of the laser point/the width of the laser line changes depending on the distance.

Working with the Tripod (Accessory)
A tripod offers a stable, height-adjustable support surface for measuring. Place the measuring tool with the 1/4″ tripod mount (6) on the thread of the tripod (15) or a conventional camera tripod. Use the 5/8″ tripod mount (5) to secure the measuring tool on a conventional building tripod. Tighten the measuring tool using the locking screw of the tripod. Roughly align the tripod before switching on the measuring tool.

Securing with the universal holder (accessory)
You can secure the measuring tool, for example, on vertical surfaces or magnetizable materials using the universal holder (14). The universal holder is also suitable for use as a floor stand and facilitates the height adjustment of the meas-uring tool.

Keep your fingers away from the rear side of the magnetic accessory while attaching the accessory to sur-faces. The strong pulling force of the magnets may jam your fingers.

Roughly align the universal holder (14) before switching on the measuring tool.

Working with the Laser Target Plate
The laser target plate (13) improves visibility of the laser beam in unfavorable conditions and at greater distances. The reflective surface of the laser target plate (13) improves visibility of the laser line. The transparent surface enables the laser line to be seen from behind the laser target plate.

Laser Goggles (Accessory)
The laser goggles filter out ambient light. This makes the light of the laser appear brighter to the eye.

Do not use the laser goggles (accessory) as protective goggles. The laser goggles make the laser beam easier to see; they do not protect you against laser radiation.
Do not use the laser goggles (accessory) as sunglasses or while driving. The laser goggles do not provide full UV protection and impair your ability to see colours.

Example applications (see figures A–D)
Examples of possible applications for the measuring tool can be found on the graphics pages.

Maintenance and Service

Maintenance and Cleaning
Keep the measuring tool clean at all times.
Never immerse the measuring tool in water or other liquids. Wipe off any dirt using a damp, soft cloth. Do not use any detergents or solvents.

The areas around the outlet aperture of the laser in particular should be cleaned on a regular basis. Make sure to check for lint when doing this.
Only store and transport the measuring tool in the case (17).
If the measuring tool needs to be repaired, send it off in the case (17).

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.

Malaysia
Robert Bosch Sdn. Bhd.(220975-V) PT/SMY
No. 8A, Jalan 13/6
46200 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Tel.: (03) 79663194
Toll-Free: 1800 880188
Fax: (03) 79583838
E-Mail: kiathoe.chong@my.bosch.com
www.bosch-pt.com.my

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

Disposal
Measuring tools, accessories and packaging should be re-cycled in an environmentally friendly manner. Do not dispose of measuring tools or batteries with 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, measuring 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.