I spotted Bosch’s 10.8V/12V Max cordless metal shear over at Amazon, but the listing seems… off, as if the 3rd party sellers are importing the tool from Europe and selling it here as-is. I certainly haven’t heard from Bosch that they’re releasing this cordless shear here in the USA.
The weird part is that the tool is fulfilled by Prime, at least the listing I’m looking at, but when I clicked through, it said a 4-5 day lead time.
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So why not just order it from Europe?
I’ve done this before, a year ago, when I wanted to give Bosch’s 12V Max circular saw a try. It turns out that it’s pretty easy to order tools from Amazon.co.uk, or Amazon.de. I’ve done it a few times now.
When I order tools from overseas that are not available in the USA, I make a few assumptions.
For cordless tools not available here, I assume that there’s no warranty. Shipping something to Bosch in Europe for servicing? In some cases it might be cheaper to just buy a replacement tool. Bosch North America likely won’t service or replace damaged or defective tools purchased elsewhere.
I make no assumptions that the tool meets or passes USA safety regulations. Would a particular tool be OSHA-approved? Certain power tools marketed in Europe do NOT comply with UL and/or OSHA safety regulations, which is why they’re not sold here.
Combination miter-table saw tools come to mind. Certain Festool and Metabo tools have not been released in the USA because they would require substantial redesigns to meet our safety regulations.
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It’s not that such tools are not safe, but that they don’t fit the regulations or requirements that are in place, such as in regard to table saw guarding guidelines.
Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that there are inherent risks when purchasing tools from a different market.
For tools sold here but purchased in Europe, I still consider that there’s a risk of being turned down when seeking warranty or replacement service.
I buy tools from Europe for either of 2 main reasons. First, certain tools or products aren’t available here. Second, certain tools are substantially less expensive when purchased overseas.
In some cases, I have saved a bit of money, even when spending more for Amazon’s faster international delivery service.
You can’t buy everything, though.
Here are some Bosch 12V Max tools you can order through Amazon UK:
- Circular Saw
- Metal Shear (shown above)
- Rotary Tool
- Brushless Planer
And a few that Amazon.co.uk will not ship to the USA:
But if you really want that angle grinder, you can buy it from Amazon Germany. It looks like the cordless router is also available from Amazon Germany. It’s much more expensive, though. Amazon Germany also has the Bosch 12V Max cordless planer.
The main reason for this discussion is because I saw the Bosch 12V Max cordless shear on Amazon.com for $375 and fulfilled by Prime. The model number and 10.8V branding means it was built for the European market. Warranty concerns aside, you can buy it from Amazon.co.uk for as little as $223 with shipping.
Amazon UK allows for 2 payment options – you can pay in USD, or you can pay in GBP. If you pay in USD, you know exactly how much you’re paying. If you pay in GBP, your credit card company does the currency conversion, including any fees that might apply for such services. It’s often simpler to pay in USD.
I’m not saying you *should* buy tools from overseas, but that you *could*. You really have to weigh the risks and look at the bottom-line pricing.
With cordless power tools, a tool made for one country often doesn’t care whether it’s powered by a battery pack made for the same market or a different one. Chargers are localized, though, and so it’s inadvisable to buy a kit.
Well, almost always localized. Bosch’s cordless GluePen charges via micro USB.
Hilton
Hey welcome to my world 🙂
Sometimes a kit is still a viable option if the cost of the bare tool plus charger is more than the kit. You could also invest in a step up transformer.
I buy everything from ‘overseas’ but for me this includes the USA, Canada, UK, Europe etc. I’ve never worried about tools like pliers or woodworking planes as they are unlikely to break but electrical stuff gives me pause for thought.
Having said that almost all my Makita arsenal bar a recip saw was purchased through Amazon so I’m not afraid of purchasing a quality product but just need to do the due diligence and check out reviews etc.
Thanks to you Stu I bought a Knipex wire stripper from Amazon DE and it’s the bee’s knees.
The yeti
Be nice to see more bosch 12v available here. Im not about to order it from overseas. I think its cool that u found a way to get it though. I wouldnt worry about warranty. How often does a tool motor actually fail. More often its the battery that fails.
Big Adam
Interesting, I work the other way round and pick up almost all my Dewalt 18V/20V tools bare in the US and then carry them back to the UK.
December was the planer, hedge trimmer, DCD777 plus a couple of 9Ah FV batteries. Previously, I’ve taken the 20V string trimmer and OPE blower. Still not finalised my list for next month!
Reason is mainly financial but also there’s several models simply not available in the UK.
I’m a light-use homeowner so warranty is really not a concern.
Jim Felt
I’ve had great luck with Amazon UK. That said they do prohibit certain Bosch tools from being sold to US.
But on the other hand I’ve had great luck and decent price shipping too while buying Bosch tools on eBay.
Mostly from countries in the Far East. Zero hassles. Zero product issues. Just make sure the battery charger isn’t thrown in (and charged for!) as it will not work in the US.
Art G.
I bought same shear (or at least same gear/shear end of it) branded as Masterforce at Menards. ~$150
Also Bosch’s shears are sold at berlands house of tools.
From Korea I ordered Bosch’s little grinder.
Have nice day.
Rx9
The whole bosch tools not available in the US thing is reminding me of all the fantastic stories of forbidden EDM and JDM cars and motorcycles that you can’t bring to the US.
The good thing about this situation is that customs isn’t going to really try to Charlie Bravo you over power tools and there’s no NHTSA like organization to muck things up with consumer products from abroad.
Mosh
I wonder how the rotary tool compares to the Dremel cordless? as Bosch owns dremel
Craig H.
I have the Dremel 8220 12V cordless rotary multi-tool. I would like to get the Bosch cordless rotary multi-tool since I have so many Bosch 12V cordless tools. With some minor modifications to the battery packs, you can interchange the Bosch and Dremel 12V batteries. The Dremel 12V batteries can be charged with the Bosch 12V charger without modification.
https://youtu.be/o4GMtv20-qE
James
Let me first start by saying I love your site, I read your posts every day. Well, I do miss a day here or there. But, for the past 2 years I’ve made it a point to check your site almost daily. Not only are the articles good and informative, I have, in fact, learned of quite a few new tools I would’ve never come across elsewhere. The deals make it beneficial for me to come daily, instead of coming once a week or whatnot to catch up on articles. I have, in fact, missed out on one really desirable deal by not visiting your site on a particular day.
So, when I say this next part, I say it as constructive criticism and am in no way trying to rant or rave at you like the guy in your last post…. hopefully I don’t come across as a dick. It’s truly not my intention….
I can’t help but mention the “anyways” again….
My grandpa’s biggest pet peeve was people using “anyways”
Lemme explain.
When we say “anyway”, what we are essentially saying is a shortened version of “in any way”…. ex. ‘In any way, what I am trying to say is there are…. etc’ see what I mean?
Saying “In any ways, what I am trying to say is there are….”
Would you say “is there any wayS to do that better?”? No. You would say “is there any WAY to do that better” when any comes before way, we always use “way” not “ways”
Same as you wouldn’t say “either ways”
I consider blogging journalism, and while I don’t assume you have any formal English or writing training or schooling, it’s still nice to hold yourself to a certain grammatical standard. I understand that, just as my comment does not have perfect punctuation, blog posts don’t need to either. However, I see this as more of a no brainer. This, in my mind is more akin to a blatantly mis-spelled word, than it is to improper punctuation or run on sentences.
Anyway, just my 2 cents, I’m sure I’ll get crap for it. But, being right isn’t always about being popular.
Again, love your site, but, after years of college english and writing courses as well as a Grandpa who was a stickler for “anyway”…. I just had to say something…. please, consider using “anyway”…. just consider it. Either way, I will keep reading your site anyway!
Stuart
Thanks, fixed!
As I was typing it out, I made a mental point to not add an s. I don’t know what happened after that, but apparently I typed an s.
Somehow, I tested out of Freshman composition class in high school, and again in college. So… I guess I don’t have formal writing training?
But I do try to keep on top of things. If there’s a spelling or usage uncertainty, I look it up. Writing for the web is hard. I tend to write informally, because it works well, but it can be harder than writing “properly.”
I start sentences with “And.” I have one-sentence paragraphs, which are more easily “digestible” for readers, and allow for easier “scanning,” which is how experts say most people read online. And I break other rules, usually on purpose for the sake of better readability.
The “anyways” seems to be a result of what happens when I transcribe by thoughts in real-time. It’s something I try to keep in mind, but apparently it slipped out anyway. And it won’t be the last time, either.
I don’t think I have ever gotten upset at being corrected. It’s not like you’re saying “It’s ‘anyway,’ jackass.” If nobody points out an error or mistake, it might be a very long time before I find it myself, or worse, it’ll go unnoticed perpetually.
I see mistakes in professional news articles all the time, and strive to be better than that. Sometimes I need help, and always appreciate it. =)
Michael
really!
Big Adam
Wow, who’da thunk it?
Scott
I’ve been looking at the rotary tool. Sadly, it doesn’t appear that Amazon UK will ship kits that include batteries to the USA. You can get the bare tool, but click the option for the kit and you’ll get a “Does not ship to USA” message with a link to more info.
Stuart
Why not get the bare tool and then buy a Bosch starter kit locally.
SKC120-102
Scott
I’ve contemplated that. Price, mainly. Third-party sellers on Amazon (US) have the rotary tool for about $120, which seems a bit steep. And I’d rather get a kit with a charger and another battery or two, as I only have one Bosch 12v charger at the moment. The UK kit with the rotary tool, L-Boxx, charger, and two batteries seems like a better deal for the price. I don’t NEED the rotary tool for anything yet, so I’m happy to wait and see if they release it in the United States.
BTW, just found your website a few days ago and subscribed. Love getting a heads-up on the daily deals. Thanks!
Altan
Would you please share some information about Porter Cable new cordless wet tile saw?
Regards
ACC
I have a bunch of Bosch 12V EU tools and they have been great. I did not know about the angle grinder, router and planer. Now I want them.
Bosch would really have a top flight 12v collection if they would just bring it all to the US. The lag on product releases if they happen at all, is frustrating.
I really think I need that angle grinder.
ktash
Ha! I was just looking at Amazon UK for a jigsaw accessory that allows you to mount a Bosch jigsaw to a Festool or Bosch guide rail. I saw that there was one, but the problem is that I don’t know if it would fit either of my Bosch jigsaws, one corded, the other cordless. That’s because the model numbers for Europe are different than the U.S. Anyone know how to find out?
I’d love to be able to use a jigsaw with the actual rail used like the plunge saw, not just guiding against a rail used as a fence. I’ve been able to attach a Festool rail and a Makita router attachment (which I got for around $45 and it fits DW611K router as well as some other brands). It works very well for my purposes.
ktash
I did a bit more checking and that jigsaw adapter doesn’t look like it will work with either of my jigsaws. But the new Bosch rail and accessories look pretty sleek and much more functionality with fewer parts. They make Festool look old-fashioned by comparison.
A W
Great article Stuart.
Minor point, but I think the limiting factor is voluntary trade agreements and liability concerns more than safety laws (such as with cars). During the table saw active protection debate, it seemed that the guards had been out in place voluntarily by the tool manufacturers rather than mandated by CPSC.
It’s been a while since I looked at OSHA regs on saws, but I seem to recall them being fairly generic, at least on the general industry side.
My guess is that Bosch’s legal department may have some liability concerns if their compound miter/table saws are unable to meet voluntary industry standards, and therefore they don’t market the tool in the US, where any injury would leave them vulnerable in a lawsuit. For the same reason, I would not advise my company to purchase tools that are not marketed here in the USA, but that concern is about limiting legal liability more than ensuring regulatory compliance.
But, again, that’s without actually researching it.
A W
Actually, I’m wrong.
Looking at the regulation, 29 cfr 1910.213, it appears that the table/miter saw would not meet OSHA requirements for all moving parts before the table to be sufficiently guarded.
A saw blade that has any gaps in it could potentially catch a finger (or an article of clothing) on startup or shut down, and therefore is not approved for US workplace applications.
A W
*”below” the table.
Not before the table.
Chad Brink
I’ve watched and hoped for the angle grinder and rotary tool for years. Hmmm
Chris
OSHA is one of those things, ok you understand why it’s in place, but you can see certain flaws in its regulations. I think tool regulations are rather absurd. They’re focusing on all the incompetent people who work in the trades.
I can understand why I shouldn’t stack a ladder on a forklift, or use jumper cables as a safety harness. But come on, if they’re really regulating a nibbler tool, one that I could easily go out and buy a drill attachment that does the same thing, it just seems like no one wants to hold responsibility for accidents, nor do they want to put the responsibilty in the hands of the operator(where it should be). Im OSHA 10 Hour certifies. A lot of it is common sense.
I could blabber on for ever about what I think of OSHA. Good and bad.
Chris
Side note: I think it’s funny that they will ship the nanosaw chainsaw to the US, but not a mini grinder.
A W
Per 1910.243, the regulations on cordless nibblers seem pretty relaxed. It needs to have an on off switch, a trigger switch, or a constant pressure switch with a lock on. That seems to be about the only types of switch I could see being on a cordless nibbler.
I’m not sure why they’re not sold on the US, but unless I’m missing soothing, I don’t think the OSHA regs that it needs to have a switch are why.
A W
*missing “something”. Sorry for the typo.
Lack
The nibbler is/was sold in the US I think. PS70 model designation.
Stuart
You’re right!
I posted about it too, more than 8 years ago.
https://toolguyd.com/bosch-ps70-2a-12v-metal-shear/
I remember checking up on it some time ago, and couldn’t find a US seller that still carried it. I guess I forgot all about it.
Still, the new listing is not for the PS70, it’s for the “Bosch Professional GSC 12V-13,” which is the new UK/Euro designation.
Some new Bosch products have been given UK/Euro-style model numbers, but this didn’t seem to be the case here, hence the whole spiel.
RKA
You might want to add a paragraph on customs fees. I know you previously found that amazon includes that in their shipping fees but I can’t recall if that’s all products or only those sold by amazon.
And shipping times can vary greatly with little information about the package progress or the hold up. One of mine took 3 weeks to arrive but the other two were about 5 days. But I didn’t pay up for any expedited int’l shipping either and I think you may have.
Diplomatic Immunity
Damn that little Bosch circular saw on their guide rail looks sweet. IF it’s on that tool giveaway sign me up. Lol.
And yeah I would order tools from overseas Amazon. Do they take Amazon gift cards or convert them by any chance? Normally I’d just use a debit card but for overseas stuff there’s a hold on it to prevent fraud. Not being able to use Paypal on Amazon sucks.
Hilton
No your Amazon USA gift card balance does not work in the UK or Germany. Same goes for Prime. You will need a credit card.
Diplomatic Immunity
Good to know.
Adam
I don’t remember it saying Professional on it, but Lowes carried the metal shears at least a couple years ago when I was looking at expanding (or changing) my Bosch 12v lineup.
mike aka fazzman
The mini grinder has been on amazon us for several weeks now. Around $160. I figured it was a scam or something.
Chris
This tool has been available in the States for a while. Here is one seller. http://www.acmetools.com/tools/bosch-12v-max-lithium-ion-metal-shear-ps70bn
Has always been very expensive but available.
Alick
Win some lose some … I bought Bosch’s brushless impact driver – the one with the combined 1/2″ square drive and hex socket. It was cheaper to buy from a US seller including +50% of the tools price in shipping and import duties, than from the cheapest UK seller. And Bosch is a european company … 🙂
Whiskey and Wood
My local Lowe’s has one of the 12v metal shears in it, saw it the other day and looked like a new product spot. I didn’t think anything of it at the time, I’ll see if I can go back and take a picture in the next day or so
Bob
You should always pay in the local currency when doing a foreign purchase. If your credit card charges a foreign transaction fee, not all do, you will pay this whether you pay in dollars or the local currency. It’s usually 3%. Credit card companies offer the best exchange rates that a consumer can get. If a seller pushs you to pay in dollars, known as dynamic currency conversion, it’s because their charging you a higher exchange rate than the credit card companies and making money from the difference. If you do a lot of foreign purchases it may be worth it to find a card that doesn’t charge this fee, you may already have one.
Paul K
Maybe, maybe not. Amazon makes it very easy and converts at a revealed rate. In my experience, the going rate with no surcharge.
If your card charges no fee for foreign currency conversion, it makes little difference. But some add a surcharge for converting currency just cause they can.
A foreign transaction fee is new to me. A 3% charge just cause you’re transacting in a foreign country? Not experienced. But yeah, watch out for that.
I do have experience with my debit card not working in the UK cause my bank disabled all foreign transactions. Even when I asked them to undo that, and they said sure, still, fail. For internet purchases. Oddly when I visit the UK, debit card goes through no problems. None of my credit cards have given me this problem.
Anyway. Whatever.
Charles
I’ve bought lots of things from Amazon.de over the last years because there are items you just can’t get or where the prices are far lower (last year Amazon.de had a Gedore tool kit for about 250 Euros minus a 20% coupon – the same kit was over $600 here.
VAT in Germany in Germany is 19%. That comes off if it is shipped to the US/Canada, so that 250 is actually about 202. Subtract that 20% coupon and you’re at 163. If you have Prime in the US and the item has Prime shipping, then the slow shipping (a couple of weeks) is about 3 Euros per item – so 166 Euros. They do have some items that have special Prime pricing – for those items you will need to have the German Prime.
Once you get to the checkout page, you’ll be asked if you want to pay in $$ or Euros. If you pay in $$ then it will show you the conversion rate and the exact amount you will pay. There are NO foreign transaction fees added by your card issuer. What you see is what you pay.
Last year (when the conversion rate was $1.19 to the Euro, Amazon used a $1.22 rate, so that tool kit cost 166×1.22 or $202.52 – so roughly the same number that the Euro price was once you subtracted the VAT (VAT is known a Mehrwert Steuer in Germany – MwSt). But remember that this tool kit had a 20% coupon which is why it was so ridiculously cheap.
Normally, the price you see in Euros (including MwSt) is about what you will pay in $$ after you subtract the MwSt and add in the conversions.
If you elect to pay in Euros then you’re not sure what you’ll pay. Conversion rates vary daily, you don’t know what rate the bank will use and then there is that 3% foreign transaction fee that goes on top of that.
You may, or may not, be charged import duties. Most of your packages will be delivered via DHL – the larger ones directly, the smaller ones via USPS in the US.
I’ve not looked what import duties on tools are but it isn’t a lot.
One more reminder about electric tools from Europe. Most everything will be 220/240 volts and few are multi-voltage, so that Bosch charger won’t work here. Using a transformer never works right, so I’d suggest looking at bare tools only. The good news is that if you do plug in a 220 tool in the US, you’re not going to blow anything up – it just won’t work – going from the US to Europe will be catastrophic if you plug a 110 item into a 220 outlet.
Oh, I’ve had stuff from Amazon.de show up in 3 or 4 days (that normal 3 Euro shipping) and some took a couple of weeks. Amazon.de does use very recyclable packing material, so most boxes show up looking pretty bad, but I’ve never had anything broken.
Hilton
This is pretty much been my experience too. Shipping takes about three weeks to South Africa but it’s on time with nothing missing and Amazon costs in the customs duties so I pay everything up front. I’ve even had money back when the duties ended up being less. Once it was 90 euros!
Kurt
I purchased a 3kw 230v leaf blower from amazon.de shiped to the US. Connected it to a 220v outlet and it runs like a champ.
In the US we commonly have 120v and 15 or 20 amps but nearly all consumer goods are designed to work on 15 amps. Thats 1800 watts (2.4 hp) max from the wall. Germany typically has 230v at 16amps and the UK is 230v 13amp to my knowledge. So Outdoor power equipment can be designed to 3000watts (4hp).
So in the US we have lots of small gas engines where Europe can buy an electric version. Makes a big difference in things like pressure washers and other occasional use high powered items.
*don’t mess with 200+volts if you dont know what you are doing.
Henrik
Hopefully someone is still watching this post and can help me out with my question:
Makita has recently come out with a cordless circular saw somewhat akin to a worm drive saw in configuration and torque. This tool is only available in the US.
I know that I cannot run 120 V tools in Europe without the expense and hassle of a 3000w transformer. However, with the cordless variety, I only have to have a converter large enough to handle the charging unit.
Does anyone know:
1) Whether US and Euro 18 V batteries from Makita are the same/compatible across various tools (I ask since the cordless circular saw comes in favorably in a kit with 4 batteries and I could use those to power e.g. an 18 V impact gun as well)
2.) Whether a US charger could be used on a Euro net with a simple converter?
3) Whether I would be able to get away with a simple “travel style” plug adaptor for powering a charger — or what kind of transformer I would need?
Thank you for any help
Stuart
1) They should be, but I haven’t tested it personally. I know some people in the USA that purchase and use Makita tools that are purchased internationally..
2, 3) Probably not. Why not buy a charger designed for your region?
Henrik
Hello Stuart, thank you for your quick and helpful answer.
Ad. 2-3 Only because the kit comes with a charger. 1)I know beforehand that the charger fits these batteries — so even without a global fit I will still have a tool, batteries and charger that work. Which is nice to know before having a tool shipped around the world and going through customs. Besides, chargers are relatively expensive on their own. If the wattage is low, a simple adapter should do the trick. But I am relatively clueless about what they consume.
I haven’t been able to find any info on the wattage of the charger online. Would you, or someone else, mind having a look at the bottom of your 18 Volt Makita charger (whenever it fits into your schedule, no hurry)
Thanks again for your answer — and thank you for your great site. It was your write-up on that saw which got me interested in it in the first place.
Henrik
Stuart
I will try to check, but chargers are usually region-specific, with input voltage and frequency differences.
Henrik
Hello Stuart,
Thank you once more and sorry for the delay — the time difference caught up with me.
Yes, you hit the nail on the head. However, if the wattage requirements for the charger are low, it is relatively simple and inexpensive to run the charger through a standard adaptor from Eur 230 v to US 120 V. This cannot be done so simple with corded tools because their high wattage would overload most adaptors, especially during start-up or peak loads. It works well for low-power units, phone chargers, electric razors, radios and tv’s etc.
My problem is that I have no idea about the power requirements for these new high-power batteries and their corresponding chargers.
If you can check the numbers written on the bottom of the charger, e.g. max wattage and max amps. — I would be very grateful and it would be a big help. However, if you don’t get around to do so, no worries. Thank you for your replies so far.
Stuart
I checked a Dewalt rapid 2-port charger this morning. It draws 3A at 120V and outputs 8A.
A Makita simultaneous dual port charger might deliver 6A per channel (the typical fast charger can recharge a 3Ah battery in 30 minutes), so that might be 12A total, so maybe 4.5A draw at 120V?
Henrik Lützen
Thank you very much Stuart. Big help!
Hilton
Henrik, I live in South Africa (metric & 220v) so I do have experience in this.
1. I’ve bought both batteries and tools from both the USA and South Africa and they are all interchangeable.
2. Charger wise, it’s always best to get a charger locally that accommodates the correct voltage however…
3. If you have or intend to get other 110v tools then you may as well get a transformer. You’ll need a 220v to 110v step down transformer. I know the Makita chargers are roughly just less than $90 (here) and for that money you won’t get a decent transformer.
Hilton
Henrik
Thank you Hilton! Do you know the wattage of the 18 v Charger?
Hilton
Henrik, I will check tonight.
Henrik
Stuart and Hilton:
No worries and No need to dig out your Charger. I finally/randomly found a picture of the backside. Dual fast Charger at input 120 v 90 watt. This is very low and well within the limits of a travel adaptor (a US to euro travel plug also steps down, typically 300 watt). Thesevare very inexpensive.
Cool, I’ll give it a go. If anything, the adaptor should be the first to go.
Thank you for your help, both of you.
Henrik
Stuart
Henrik, that sounds like too low of a rating.
The dual port charger, https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/DC18RD , can recharge 2x 3.0Ah batteries in 30 minutes. So that’s 6A per port – at least, not accounting for energy losses or powering the built-in cooling fan.
That would mean an output of at least 12A * 18V = 216W. The input wattage is going to be a little bit higher.
I don’t think a 90W transformer is going to be enough to charge even 1 battery.
Henrik
Hello Stuart,
Yes, you are obviously correct. Thank you for the heads-up on that. I will either purchase a 1000 w step-down adaptor or a region-specific charger, depending on what kit I end up purchasing. Thank you again for your help – it really was helpful!
And thank you Hilton for your help as well, much appreciated!
Best
Henrik
Hilton
It’s 240w
Henrik
Thank you Hilton,
That was great help — 300 w Step-down converters are much cheaper than higher-rated ones — and much cheaper than thwowing out the included dual-charger and buying a new, region-specific one! Just waiting for my parcel to arrive now!