Bosch angle finders are tools that many carpenters, many woodworkers, and even many do-it-yourselfers use because they offer digital precision and easy-to-read display. However, these tools can cause various problems for the person using the device. For example, if the device misreads the angle of the workpiece by as little as half a degree, that small misreading can cause various problem.
It could result in the formation of a gap in a saw cut. Alternatively, it could force a person to lose time by having to re-cut the workpiece. If a person understand the various problems that can develop in a Bosch angle finder device, then a person can diagnose the problem that exists in the tool.
By knowing the nature of the problem, a person can choose whether to try to fix the tool or to purchase a new Bosch angle finder unit. The discussion that follows will cover the most common problems with Bosch angle finders. Whether a person owns one of the popular Bosch GAM series models or one of the newer digital Bosch angle finder models, the issue that can develop are similar in nature.
By reviewing the common problems in the order in which they most often develop in Bosch angle finders, a person will have a general idea of when a person should attempt to repair the tool versus when it is time to purchase a new Bosch angle finder model.
Common Problems With Bosch Angle Finders
1. Inaccurate Readings
One of the first problems that can develop in a Bosch angle finder is inaccurate readings, where the device readings will fluctuate by a degree or two from the true angle of the workpiece. This problem is usually the result of the tools losing it factory calibration after several months of use.
The calibration may have been lost due to drops in which the tool landed, changes in temperature, and wear on the tool. The tool’s electronic level can become temporarily thrown off by magnetic field or movement of the tool, thus leading to inaccurate readings. A quick factory reset will usually fix this problem.
A person should ensure that the workpiece on which the Bosch angle finder is currently resting is truly level. A level on which a person places the tool may not necessarily be level because of age-related settling or bowing of the wood. After eliminating these potential causes of inaccurate angles, the tool should resolve its angle inaccuracy on its own.
If the angle inaccuracy continues to occur after a few factory resets, then the internal sensor of the Bosch angle finder may have been damaged. In this case, it is time for a replacement of the tool.
2. Battery Contact Problems
The second most common problem with Bosch angle finders are battery contact problems.
These problems may make the tool seem dead insofar as the battery power is concerned. Due to the very low draw of the Bosch angle finder from the battery, the contact issue may prevent the Bosch angle finder from powering on or may cause it to shut off during use. When this problem occurs, the device will not display anything after the person installs new battery into the device.
A person can usually fix the battery contact problem by using a pencil eraser and contact cleaner to clean the contacts of the battery of the Bosch angle finder. Additionally, using a different brand of alkaline battery may fix the problem because budget batteries may be of slightly different dimensions to the spring contacts of the tool. A person should spend two minutes to fix the battery contact problem for the Bosch angle finder.
If they do not, they may find themselves stranded on the job site with a non-operational tool.
3. Digital Display Issues
Another very common problem in Bosch angle finders is related to the display of the angle. This problem seems to be more common in Bosch angle finders that are kept in the truck or in workshops that dont have heat to the devices.
With these models of angle finders, only half of the digits on the digital screen may come on or the backlight may be on constantly all day, draining the batteries of the tool. These issues are usually caused by a failing ribbon cable that connects the digital display to the tool and that has become loose due to drops in which the tool was dropped or over time due to an accidental drop in which the tool is dropped. Pressing on the edge of the screen while the tool is being powered on usually fixes the issue with the digital screen.
However, this is only a temporary fix. If the screen continues to develop problems after one week of normal use, then the tool has reached the end of its life span. The cost to repair the screen will likely be more than purchasing a new Bosch angle finder model.
4. Reading Lag
A third problem with Bosch angle finders is the lag that is created in the device’s reading of the angled workpiece. The lag in the angle reading will make it frustrating for finish carpenters who are cutting crown molding with the tool. The lag is usually created due to sawdust that entered the pivot point of the tool.
Cleaning the device with compressed air usually fixes the issue. A person should avoid forcing the tool to move or using solvents to perform the cleaning. Once the tool has been cleaned, it should function normally.
Keeping the tool in its case when in use will prevent this problem from ever occurring.
5. Magnetic Interference
Another problem with Bosch angle finders is magnetic interference. If the tool is placed near ferrous metals, such as metal beams or a metal tool bag, the tool will read the angle of those metals and not that of the workpiece being measured.
This problem is very common with Bosch angle finders because the sensors in the tool are very sensitive to magnetic field. A person may have cut several pieces of crown molding at the wrong angle before they discover this problem. The solution to magnetic interference is to place the angle finder at least eighteen inch away from any metals when taking a reading of the workpiece.
After taking the reading with the tool, the tool can then be placed upon the workpiece that is being measured.
6. Hold Function Failure
The hold function that is present in many Bosch angle finders usually stops working after the tool is used for approximately a year or two. The hold function allows a person to lock the current angle that is being measured on the screen.
When the function is activated, the angle will not change even when the tool is moved from one location to another. This function usually fails due to the accumulation of dust inside the switch under the button that activates the function or due to wear in the switch. The function will usually work again after powering the tool on and off.
This solution is inconvenient for a person who is using the tool. Eventually, it will be far more economical to simply purchase another Bosch angle finder than to attempt to fix the switch.
7. Temperature Differences
The last problem that can occur with a Bosch angle finder is due to temperature difference.
For example, if a person reads the angle of a workpiece in the morning and then performs the same readings in the afternoon with the same tool, the readings will not necessarily the same. This problem is caused by the expansion and contraction of the aluminum tool housing relative to the electronics within the housing. The angle tool can misread angles by up to one degree due to temperature differences between the tool and the workpiece being measured.
Allowing the tool to acclimate to the same temperature as the workpiece for fifteen minutes will fix the problem. Using an infrared thermometer can help a person to ensure that the angle finder and the workpiece have the same angle relative to each other. While this is an extra step in the cutting of the workpiece, it will allow the person to avoid misreading angles of the workpiece.
8. Pivot Wear
Finally, the problem of pivot wear can occur in a Bosch angle finder. The pivot point of the tool wears down with use. After thousands of cycle of opening and closing the angle finder, the pivot may wear down enough to allow for the tool to indicate different angles when placed on the same workpiece.
A dab of lithium grease may slow the wear on the pivot point. However, when there is play in the pivot of more than half a millimeter, the tool should be retired. In addition, attempting to tighten the screw at the pivot only makes the problem worse.
At this point, the tool has reached the end of its life span after approximately four or six years of use. These issues with Bosch angle finders are not a sign of a poor tool. In fact, Bosch tools are some of the most reliable digital tools in their price range.
However, by knowing the difference between issues with the tool that can be easily fixed and those that are a sign that it is time to retire the tool, a person can extend the life of their tool and ensure that they use only the best digital tools for their trade. By paying attention to the calibration of the tool, the battery contacts, and the proper storing of the tool, a person can extend the life of it. Additionally, if the tool should break down, a person will be able to fix the tool without having to purchase a new one.
This will save the person and the business in which they work the money that would of been spent on a new tool.
