We’ve learned that Bosch is soon coming out with a compact 10.8V/12V Max reciprocating saw, not unlike Milwaukee’s Hackzall. So far the only evidence of this saw is on a UK retailer’s product page for the saw and a recent ToolStop post and podcast, so its USA release is likely months away.
I can’t say that I’m surprised that Bosch is adding a compact saw to their 12V Max collection. Actually, I’m a bit surprised that we didn’t see this sooner.
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Judging by looks alone, the similarities between Bosch’s saw and Milwaukee’s suggest that there may be a licensing agreement between the two companies. Unless of course Milwaukee’s design is not protected by any patents, which would be somewhat hard to believe.
We know that these two companies have cooperated recently to equip the Milwaukee Oscillating Multi-Tool with Bosch’s new OIS accessory interface, so the idea that the Bosch saw might not have been independently designed is not unreasonble.
As always, we’ll report on any official details as they’re made available.
fred
Probably a restraint of trade issue – but it sure would be nice if there were a bit more standardization among battery tool platforms. We have bought into the Milwaukee M12 lineup in a big way. This was mostly because they had what we thought we wanted at the time that we were in the market. We don’t regret that decision – and some of this lineup has replaced other tools that were much less attractive alternatives (e.g. our Uponor Pex expansion cone tools). We also bought some Hackzalls – for which this Bosch tool would seem to be a competitor. I would guess that if we could use Milwaukee M12 batteries in Bosch or other brand tools we might buy some – and there would be more competition. The same would be true at 18V – where we’ve standardized on the Makita LXT lineup – and have not bought a big-brother Milwaukee 18V PEX tool – because we don’t want another set of batteries/chargers