Whether you’re trying to take out a wall, installing plumbing, or just trying to hang a TV, it’s important to know what’s behind a wall before you blindly break or drill into it. Doing so can result in a number of costly and dangerous errors, such as: breaking a water pipe, damaging a stud, hitting a live wire, and so on. The Bosch Wall Scanner GMS120-27 just came to the U.S. market and was designed to help trade professionals identify these concerns, plus some more features to make it the preferred choice.
Today we’re giving this new Bosch wall scanner the once over, exploring its features, testing its user-friendliness, and comparing it to other wall scanners on the market.
Bosch Wall Scanner Overview
- Model #: GMS120-27
- Power Source: Two AA batteries or rechargeable Bosch LM-BAT 3.7V Lithium-Ion 1.0 Ah Battery Pack.
- Features: Detects magnetic and non-magnetic metals, wood beams and live wires with a max scan depth of 120 mm. Identifies the center of objects and current. Has a color-coded marking hole and optional audio scanner. It’s ergonomically designed with an IP54 housing. Consumers have choice of two power sources.
- Price: $95.99-$100.00
- Where to Buy: $95.99 on Amazon.
- Learn More: Bosch
Power Source
The Bosch Wall Scanner GMS120-27 gives consumers two power source options: two AA batteries, or a USB-C rechargeable Bosch LM-BAT 3.7V Lithium-Ion 1.0 Ah Battery Pack, which is the same battery used to power the Bosch laser levels.
Both options fit in the back battery panel. These two options are extremely convenient for users. AA batteries are extremely accessible. Users aren’t forced to buy another piece of Bosch equipment, and they make a great backup option in the event the Bosch battery isn’t charged.
Performance Review
So you want to know how the Bosch Wall Scanner GMS120-27 works? Fortunately, like most wall scanners it’s easy to use. You turn it on, press it to the drywall, and drag it across the surface to scan. But what key features make this Bosch wall scanner stand out against other wall scanners?
Detects 4 Types of Material
The Bosch wall scanner can detect both magnetic and non-magnetic metals, wood beams, and live wires, and has a max scan depth of 120 mm. This is what the “120” means in GMS120-27.
Here are the scan depths for each material:
- Non-magnetic: 120 mm
- Magnetic: 100 mm
- Live electric: 50 mm
- Wood beams behind drywall: 30 mm
Easy-to-read Display
This scanner identifies the center of a material with a series of rings. The closer the scanner moves to the center of a material the more rings light up. There is also a voltage indicator that lights up whenever a current is detected.
Manual Material Selection
Want to scan for wood beams? This sensor can be turned on or off easily. The button is on the main display next to the Metal/Electricity Button.
This scanner can also be calibrated if a wall has a mesh reinforcement like a concrete wall with reinforcing mesh or rebar, which would mess with readings. To calibrate the scanner, the user just needs to run the scanner around the surface in a large circle to give it a reading on the reinforcement, and it will then automatically adjust.
QR Code for Help
Are you having trouble using the scanner? Good news: Bosch put a QR code on the back of the scanner that routes you to the owner’s manual, along with FAQ’s and video tutorials.
Design Review
Everyone loves to know what functions and features a tool has. But a lot of the time it doesn’t matter if that tool isn’t easy or comfortable to use. The Bosch Wall Scanner GMS120-27 has a comfortable ergonomic design that includes recessed handles within the center body.
This wall scanner also has a really nice display. The color-coded marking hole is vibrant and easy to notice a change from green to red. The center ring sensor and voltage sensor have strong illumination and great contrast, making it easy to read. It also makes it easy to mark where materials are detected so you know their location when you pull the scanner away.
The sensors also appear to be pretty sensitive and there’s no lag when identifying the material.
This is a nice, durable wall scanner. It has an IP54-rating, meaning it can withstand dust, rain, accidental drops, and rattling around in a toolbox.
Value
There are a lot of wall scanners on the market. There are a lot of cheap ones too. However, this is a you-get-what-you-pay-for situation. The everyday Joe or Jane who just needs a wall scanner a couple times throughout their lives to hang a TV or a shelf can get away with a $20 scanner. But the trade professional who is doing this every day at different locations in various conditions needs something durable and highly accurate.
The Bosch GMS120-27 retails around $100, but can be found on Amazon for only $95.99. 120 mm is a generous scan depth, and the Bosch GMS120-27 is cheaper than comparable models. All around, it’s fairly priced.
Is it Worth It?
There isn’t much to dispute about the Bosch Wall Scanner GMS120-27. It is well-designed, easy to use, and fairly priced. It’s not a necessary piece of equipment for the everyday consumer, but is a great option for trade professionals.
