Mount Prospect, IL - The modern pneumatic nailer was invented nearly a half century ago and has remained relatively unchanged in the years since. Today at the North American headquarters of Bosch Power Tools & Accessories, however, the manufacturer announced its entry into pneumatic fastening and unveiled a full family of nailers and compressors that represent, in many ways, a re-invention of the category.
"Bosch's rich global history is built squarely upon creativity, innovation and solid engineering," said Randall Coe, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Bosch's North American Power Tools Division. "When we set out to enter the pneumatic fastening category, we did it only after we knew exactly what our customers needed and how we could bring meaningful innovation to bear in addressing those needs."
The innovation Bosch developed is Full Force Technology, a patented air chamber design that enables nailers to utilize 100 percent of the air coming from the compressor to drive the fastener, rather than saving air in reserve to return the driver to the "ready" position. The net result is a family of nailers that are 20 percent smaller and 10 percent more powerful than comparable tools and that deliver the best power-to-size ratio in the category. Increased power and maneuverability mean enhanced productivity on the jobsite.
"Every user group can benefit from a nailer with a smaller air chamber. For finish carpenters, that means outstanding line-of-sight and control, and for framers and roofers, it means increased comfort and balance, as well as the ability to nail confidently even in tight spots," said John Ronn, Bosch's group product manager for Pneumatic Fastening Systems. "The associated increase in power means significantly fewer nails left proud in typical use and improvements in speed overall."
Bosch's Full Force Technology is the product of more than four years of research and development and rigorous real-world testing on jobsites across the nation. Nearly 20,000 hours of field testing and user feedback in 18 markets is represented in the new design.
"The research showed us a series of user needs that remained consistent across the board," said Ronn. "Users wanted more power, a more compact body, better line-of-sight, better maneuverability and features that enhanced the final quality of their work."
According to Ronn, all of those needs are reflected in the design of Bosch's seven new nailers and five new compressors, and Full Force Technology is just the start. Here are just a few of the segment-specific innovations that make Bosch's pneumatic fastening lineup the best on the market.
FRAMING - Bosch comes to market with both full-round head (SN350-20F) and clipped-head (SN350-34C) models. In addition to the Full Force Technology air chamber design, the two nailers feature a metal strike plate to protect the main housing and cap from jobsite abuse. The tools also feature a proprietary Quick Release Magazine design which enables removal of jammed nails without disassembly of the tool.
ROOFING - Roofing jobsites are some of the most abusive in the world when it comes to tool durability. That's why Bosch took great pains to strategically armor the most vulnerable parts of its RN175 Roofing Nailer. Another patented Bosch innovation is the Single-Action side loading canister, designed for simple one-handed operation.
FINISH - Bosch's finish tools gain an especially narrow nose and slim body from the application of Full Force Technology. This means unparalleled line-of-sight in the applications where it matters most. The manufacturer's new 15-gauge (FNA250-15), 16-gauge (FNS250-16) and 18-gauge (BNS200-18 brad nailer & STN150-18 stapler) tools also feature tool-less adjustable depth-of-drive, dry fire lockout and no-mar nose covers to protect delicate workpieces.
COMPRESSORS - Jobsite visits revealed that users wanted compressors that were better balanced, easier to transport and easier to maintain. Three new electric hand carry compressor designs from Bosch address the need by standing two "hot dog" style tanks on their ends at a slight angle. The resulting improvement in balance makes Bosch's CET3-10 (2.5-3 gallon), CET4-20 (4-5 gallon) and CET4-20W (4-5 gallon wheeled) medium-size compressors the most maneuverable and compact on the market. Bosch makes the compressors easier to maintain by incorporating its patented EZ Drain system, enabling tanks to be drained from the front of the compressor at any time. Bosch rounds out the new compressor line with 8-9 gallon wheelbarrow compressors in both electric and gas-powered designs.
As with all Bosch products, legendary durability is also emphasized in the new pneumatic fastening lineup. Prior to unveiling the new product family, Bosch had already completed thousands of hours of rigorous torture testing. The new framing nailers alone were forced to drive 5.3 million nails and endure 11 million dry fire (blank) cycles. The nailers were also tested head-to-head against comparable models. Bosch's new framers consistently performed twice as long as the leading seller in the category before requiring maintenance.
"Many people have asked us, 'Why now?" said Coe. "The answer is easy. We are confident entering the category now because we know we can deliver Bosch's heritage of unparalleled innovation, durability and performance to a new group of users who needs it."
Bosch will launch its new pneumatic framing nailers first, with retail availability anticipated in June. The remainder of Bosch's initial pneumatics lineup will be available authorized dealers nationwide this fall. To find out more, users may visit www.boschtools.com or call 877-BOSCH-99.
About Bosch Power Tools and Accessories:
Bosch Power Tools and Accessories is one of the divisions within the $1 billion, 4,000 employee strong Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, which is the North American branch of the largest power tool and accessory manufacturer in the world, Robert Bosch GmbH. Bosch provides a complete line of corded and cordless power tools and accessories engineered to survive any jobsite and allow professionals to take control of their work. For more information, call toll free 877-BOSCH-99 (877-267-2499) or visit www.boschtools.com.
About Bosch Group:
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 271,000 associates generated sales of 46.3 billion euros (over $63 billion) in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in roughly 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering."
In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs approximately 25,000 associates in more than 70 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with reported sales of $9.5 billion in fiscal 2007. For more information on the company, visit www.bosch.us.
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