Tools / Power Tools
Bosch GSC 18V-16 E Cordless Metal Shear User Manual
Quick guide for the Bosch GSC 18V-16 E cordless metal shear, covering setup, operation, blade adjustment, maintenance, and safety instructions.
Table of contents
Quick guide from the manual
The Bosch GSC 18V-16 E is a cordless metal shear designed for cutting sheet metal without material loss. It is suitable for both straight and curved cuts. Always ensure the chip deflector is fitted before operation to prevent injury.
Device description
The tool features an on/off switch, a chip deflector, an insulated handle, and a cutting head with an upper and lower cutter. The cutters are identical, each with four cutting edges, and can be rotated or replaced.
Operation
To operate the tool, slide the on/off switch forward to the 'I' position. To turn it off, slide it back to the '0' position. The tool includes restart protection and a soft start feature to increase motor life.
Working advice
- Hold the tool at an angle of 80° to 90° to the sheet metal surface.
- Do not tilt the tool laterally.
- Guide the tool evenly with light pressure in the cutting direction.
- When cutting curves, use a low feed rate and avoid tilting the tool.
Cutter clearance adjustment
The cutter clearance 'a' (gap between cutters) should be 10% of the maximum sheet thickness (e.g., 0.1 mm gap for 1 mm sheet). For softer materials, decrease the gap; for harder materials, increase it. Adjust using the set screw (9) and secure with the fastening screw (10) to a torque of 3–4 Nm.
Maintenance and cleaning
Always remove the battery before maintenance. Keep the tool and ventilation slots clean. To replace or rotate the cutters, loosen the fastening screws (6) and (10). Ensure the lower cutter fits against the set screw (9) during installation. Cutters cannot be reground.
Safety
Always wear protective gloves. Ensure cut sheet parts do not bend toward your body. Keep the tool away from rain and moisture. Protect the battery from heat, fire, and moisture.
Manufacturer information
Bosch
Practical help
Common problems
Tool does not cut or cuts poorly
Check if the cutter is incorrectly inserted or dull. Rotate or replace the cutters.
Tool shuts down automatically
The tool may be overloaded or the battery temperature is out of range. Switch off, let the battery cool, and restart.
Battery charge indicator does not light up
The battery is defective and must be replaced.
Before use
- Ensure the chip deflector is correctly mounted.
- Check that the battery is fully charged.
- Verify the cutter clearance 'a' is set correctly for the material thickness.
- Ensure the tool is switched off before inserting the battery.
- Wear protective gloves and eye protection.
Specs in practice
- No-load stroke rate (n₀)
- 3200 min⁻¹, the speed of the cutting action without load.
- Max. steel sheet cutting capacity
- 1.6 mm for steel up to 400 N/mm².
- Smallest curve radius
- 20 mm, the minimum radius for curved cuts.
Model compatibility
- Compatible with Bosch GBA 18V and ProCORE18V battery series.
- Use only with recommended Bosch chargers (GAL 18..., GAX 18..., GAL 36...).
Manual page author
Emily Carter
User documentation editor
Prepares concise manual descriptions and highlights the most useful setup, operation, and maintenance information for readers.