User Manual for Bosch GLH 18V-60 Cordless Hydraulic Puncher
Get started with your Bosch GLH 18V-60 Cordless Hydraulic Puncher. This guide covers assembly, operation, maintenance, safety warnings, and troubleshooting for your professional hydraulic tool.
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The Bosch GLH 18V-60 is a professional cordless hydraulic puncher designed for punching holes in sheet metal. Before using the tool, ensure you have the correct matrix and punch for the required hole size. The tool is not designed for continuous operation; do not use it for more than 15 minutes at a time to prevent overheating. Always wear safety glasses and keep hands away from the tool head during operation.

Safety instructions
- Personal Protection: Always wear safety glasses.
- Operation: Keep hands away from the tool head unless the tool is fully open and the battery is removed.
- Usage: The tool must be operated by a single person. Do not use it in a stationary setup (e.g., clamped to a bench or on the floor).
- Environment: Do not use in explosive environments. Ensure no live electrical parts are in the work area.
- Battery Safety: Remove the battery before performing any maintenance, changing accessories, or when storing the tool.
Assembly
The tool requires specific matrix and punch combinations based on the hole size. Ensure the draw bolt, spacer, matrix, and punch are clean and in good condition before assembly.


- Lubrication: Lightly grease the threads of the draw bolt.
- Installation: Screw the draw bolt into the punch head. Place the appropriate spacer (if required) and the matrix onto the draw bolt.
- Finalizing: Screw the corresponding punch onto the draw bolt until it rests against the sheet metal with slight pressure.
Operation
Punching Process:
- Insert the charged battery.
- Pre-drill a hole in the sheet metal approximately 0.5 mm larger than the draw bolt diameter.
- Insert the draw bolt through the pre-drilled hole.
- Rotate the punch head so the matrix sits flat on the sheet metal.
- Press and hold the power button to start the punching process. The work light will turn on.
- Once the punch is complete, the draw bolt will retract, and the motor will shut off automatically.
Manual Stop: If you need to stop the process early, release the power button. If the tool stops unexpectedly or the draw bolt does not retract, press the reset button to return the draw bolt to the starting position.
Maintenance and cleaning
- Cleaning: Keep the tool and ventilation slots clean. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning.
- Service Interval: The tool requires maintenance after 20,000 work cycles or at least every 4 years. The status indicator will light up yellow continuously when this limit is reached.
- Storage: Always store and transport the tool in the provided XL-BOXX.
- Blades: Do not sharpen the punch blades; replace them when dull to maintain performance.
Troubleshooting and status indicators
The status indicator (LED) provides feedback on the tool's condition:

- Green (3s): Tool is ready for use or punch completed successfully.
- Yellow (3s): Maintenance required soon (less than 1,000 cycles remaining).
- Yellow (Permanent): Maintenance interval of 20,000 cycles exceeded; send to an authorized service center.
- Red (3s): Battery too weak, tool outside operating temperature, or internal error. Try restarting the process or removing/reinserting the battery.
Manufacturer information
Bosch
Practical help
Common problems
Press the reset button to return the draw bolt to the initial position.
Restart the process, remove and reinsert the battery, or allow the tool to cool down if it is outside the operating temperature range.
Check if the battery is charged and properly inserted. Ensure the power button was not pressed during battery insertion (restart protection).
Before use
- Ensure the battery is fully charged.
- Verify that the punch and matrix are clean and undamaged.
- Select the correct matrix and punch size for the hole diameter.
- Ensure the workpiece is secure.
- Wear safety glasses.
- Check that the tool head is visible and clear of obstructions.
Specs in practice
- Max Force: 60 kN
- The maximum hydraulic pressure applied during the punching process.
- Max Steel Thickness: 3 mm
- Maximum thickness for standard steel sheets.
- Max Stainless Thickness: 2.5 mm
- Maximum thickness for stainless steel sheets.
Images and diagrams
- Page 3 identifies the tool components, including the reset button (2), status indicator (3), and power button (9).
- Page 4 illustrates the assembly sequence for the punch and matrix (Figures A and B).
Model compatibility
- Compatible with Bosch GBA 18V and ProCORE18V battery series.
- Use only recommended chargers (GAL 18..., GAL 36..., GAL 12V/18..., GAX 18..., EXAL18...).
Manual page author
Emily Carter
User documentation editor
Prepares concise manual descriptions and highlights the most useful setup, operation, and maintenance information for readers.