Cyndi – Tools In Action – Power Tool Reviews

Bosch Wall Scanner GMS120-27 Review

Cyndi — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 11:00:09 +0000

Tool in Action

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

Bosch Wall Scanner GMS120-127

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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.

MORE 2025 Bosch Reviews by TIA

Bosch 3-piece Utility Knife Set Review

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Graduates: Announce Your “Trade Proud” this National Skilled Trades Day

Cyndi — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Tool in Action

High school graduation is just around the corner and many students are proudly announcing the university and college programs they are entering this fall. It’s an exciting time for high schoolers, but students entering the skilled trades can feel left out. Enter Stanley Black & Decker’s “Trade Proud” initiative – a campaign designed to give students an opportunity to feel proud about their non-college plans and draw attention to the importance of the skilled trade profession.

Tomorrow, May 1, 2024, is also National Skilled Trades Day, and what better way for incoming skilled trade workers to celebrate than by announcing their post-high school career plans?

What is “Trade Proud”?

Stanley Black & Decker wants high school students who are planning to enter the skilled trades after graduation to announce their post-high school plans with a free downloadable digital banners provided on their company website. They also encourage these students to use the hashtag #TradeProud in their social media announcements to build community for these students while promoting awareness for the skilled trade professions.

Why are the Skilled Trade Professions Important?

U.S. high schools have historically emphasized the importance of attending college after high school graduation, but fail to provide students with any information towards alternative career paths. In fact, the removal of Shop and Home Economics classes has pushed students further from the skilled trades and possibly contributed to the drop in people entering skilled trade professions.

This is a huge disservice to students because skilled trade jobs are in-demand, apprenticeships and most trade schools are more affordable than most universities, and they can enter the work force sooner. Skilled trade jobs also often pay well, have union benefits and opportunities, and are vital to the function of our modern world.

We thank plumbers and construction workers for our clean water and sewer systems. Electricians obviously provide electricity but also allow our hospitals and schools to function. Skilled trade professionals build the homes we live in, the roads we drive on, and the furniture and appliances we use.

Every part of our daily life – from function, to comfort, to health, is possible because of a skilled trade worker. Students entering the skilled trade professions deserve to be just as proud of their career decisions as their friends going to college.

Thank you Stanley Black & Decker for “Trade Proud” and allowing these students to be proud of their career decisions and reminding us of the importance of the skilled trade professions.

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Meet Toolz! He’s Here to Share Elf on the Shelf Activities for Winter Break!

Cyndi — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 18:39:32 +0000

Tool in Action

Look at who showed up at the TIA workshop. It’s Toolz, our Elf on the Shelf, or Elf on the workbench in our case! He must have heard us talking about him. He’s here to share his own special DIY Elf on the Shelf activities to do over winter break.

We are all parents here. Some of us have grown children, some have wee ones. And almost all of us have done, or are still doing “Elf on the Shelf”.

So when Toolz showed up in our work shop were were sure happy to see him. This year he wants our help getting as many kids as possible into woodworking and crafts – two things he loves!

If your kiddos are going to be home for a few weeks and you’re looking for some fun things for them to do; Toolz to the rescue! He has some great projects for your kids, and with a bonus. His ideas are projects your kids can proudly give as gifts for the holidays.

Here’s some Elf on the Shelf ideas for you.

Not only are we giving you Elf on the Shelf ideas (you’re welcome), we’ve included links to all the props we used. And here’s the big bonus, these will keep your kids busy while they are home on break from school (you’re welcome, again).

Elf on the Shelf Tools from Toolz

“I brought you some tools so you can make this birdhouse for Grandma for Christmas. I’m sure she’ll love it because you made it. Working with tools can be dangerous, but I know you’ll be careful.” ~Toolz

REXBETI 10-Piece Real Hand Tools Kids Tool Set with Tool Bag

These are not play tools. This kit is made with tools for kids 8 and up. It comes with a hammer, a wrench, two screwdrivers, pliers, scissors, tape measure, two rulers, safety glasses, and a tool bag to put it all in. Don’t think of these as play tools. These are just slightly shrunken-down versions of their parent’s tools and are great for introducing kids to construction projects.

Amazon Review: “I bought this for my son and he loves it. The tools are small for little hands but they work great and are actual tools. Would also make a good tool kit to just have in the house.”
Where to Buy: Amazon

Paint Smock

“These projects could get a bit messy. Make sure to wear your paint smock, and try not to get any paint on mom’s furniture.” ~Toolz

Available in two sizes for kids ages 5-14.

Amazon Review: “Perfect for my 4year old granddaughter who loves to paint. Very colorful and protective as well. And she loves it!”
Where to Buy: Amazon

Back to Elf on the Shelf Activity Guide

Elf on the Shelf Activities

Toolz shared with us his list of Elf on the Shelf activities. However, he had a little trouble with the computer, so we went and found some activity sets to make gathering your supplies a little easier.

Build a Birdhouse

Maybe Grandma would like something else constructed by her favorite grandchild? Or maybe you’ll see a kit or two that you know your kid will want to construct and keep. You could grab one or two for them to work on over their school break, and perhaps Santa could bring a few more if you see your kids is a budding carpenter.

To build from scratch, check out our TIA article How to Build a Birdhouse. Prefer to have the materials sent to your house? We like this birdhouse kit on Amazon.

Amazon Review: “We just made these with our boys (8 and 11). They only needed a little bit of help and quite enjoyed it. Can’t wait to see if we get some birds some time after we hang them in our trees. If not, they are a beautiful decorative item for our yard anyway!”
Where to Buy: Amazon, or
Build from Scratch: TIA article How to Build a Birdhouse.
More Options: More birdhouse kits on Amazon.

Hand-Painted Custom Ornaments

Toolz heard that Mom, Grandma, and Auntie all need some new ornaments for their trees. Let your kids gift them ornaments with their own festive flare!

There are tons of great ornament kits on Amazon, but this one is our favorite ornament painting kit.

Amazon Review: “I hate writing this review. This is a quality craft kit—the wood ornaments are beautiful. Laser cut and sanded very smooth, makes painting on them an absolute joy.”
Where to Buy: Most ornament kits range from around $8-25 on Amazon.

More Kids DIY Activities

Toolz really enjoyed the TIA article Home Improvement & Craft Tools for Kids & Adults. That gift guide has more projects he’d love to help the kids with.

Back to Elf on the Shelf Activity Guide

Elf on the Shelf Accessories

Toolz is positively flattered that you enjoyed all his tools and accessories. Lucky you, he told us where he got everything and even how to send one of his own elf friends to hang out on your shelf!

Recruit Your Own Elf

Amazon Review: “This little guy has a lot of spunk. He never stays in the same place, and we find our things moved around a lot. He doesn’t steal anything, so he isn’t malicious. Of course, he sits perfectly still when we are looking at him, but after dark is when he seems to be the most active. We’re hoping he gets a job so he can start paying his share of the bills, as we now go through milk and cookies like never before. Other than that, he’s pretty cool.”
Where to Buy: Toolz and his friends charge a one-time fee around $9-25 to continually add a little festive spirit to your home year after year.

Elf on the Shelf Props & Accessories

Elf on The Shelf Activity Props & Accessories

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Tool Set & Toolbox: Amazon
Paint Palette: Amazon
Mini Birdhouse: Amazon

Back to Elf on the Shelf Activity Guide

More TIA Craft Projects

Did you enjoy this Elf on the Shelf activity? Toolz may be out of ideas but TIA certainly is not! Check out some of our previous DIY articles.

The post Meet Toolz! He’s Here to Share Elf on the Shelf Activities for Winter Break! appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

2021 Holiday Gift Guides – For Kids of All Ages

Cyndi — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 11:30:00 +0000

Tool in Action

Before we jump into the 2021 Holiday Gift Guides – For Kids of All Ages, check out our previous gift guides for 2021.

There is a little kid in all of us. I want most of these for myself since I am the biggest kid I know. You’ll see I’m really into learning toys this year, but I think all of these would be a lot of fun, and there is something for kids of all ages. Let’s see if these spark an interest in the kid in you too.

Walkie Talkies

Name – Aikmi Walkie Talkies
Price – $35.96
Buy Now – Amazon
Description – These will get your kids outside and out of your hair while you take down your holiday decorations. I love the compass bracelets to teach kids how to read a compass, a skill lost to technology. They have 22 channels and a 3-mile range. They even have a light on top to be used during nighttime adventures. Be sure to tell your neighbors to get a set for their kids too, the more the merrier.

Remote Control Paper Airplane Kit

Name – Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane Kit
Price – $73.99
Buy Now – Amazon
Description – I think this would be a blast. I’m gonna get this for my “kids”, cough, cough. The kit shows you how to fold a sheet of paper into an airplane and attach the motor and control module. This is the basic remote control kit. There is a less expensive kit without the remote control, some more expensive kits that include a book for more planes to make, and one with a Night Flight Bundle. It says you can fly your plane up to 20 mph, control it up to 230 ft., and do some tricks. I can see the kids dive-bombing my wife, she’ll love it.

V8 Engine Model Building Kit

Name – Playz V8 Combustion Engine Model Building Kit
Price – $69.95
Buy Now – Amazon
Description – There are so many basic life skills that are no longer taught in school. The basic understanding of how an engine works is one of them. I think this model engine would be a great way for kids (and me) to learn about how combustion engines work. And maybe “spark” an interest in auto-mechanics.

Glass Bottle Cutter

Name – Kalawen Glass Bottle Cutter Kit
Price – $24.89
Buy Now – Amazon
Description – I’m including this because I’ve always wanted one of these. I hope my wife reads this article.

Truck Catapult Building Kit

Name – Stanley Jr DIY Truck Catapult Building Kit for Kids
Price – $21.99
Buy Now – Amazon
Description – You know I love “toys” that teach skills. Kids 5 to 12 can follow the instructions to build this ball-tossing beast in about an hour. Younger ones may need some help which would be some great bonding time. The kit comes with everything but a hammer, screwdriver, and wood glue. These could be another great gift to help your kids start their own toolbox. There is also a Pull Back Sports Car that comes with a tool kit – but I just really like the catapult on this one.

Young Kids Tool Belt

Name – Hi-Spec 16 Piece Kids Tool Kit with Tool Belt
Price – $44.99
Buy Now – Amazon
Description – In my opinion, every kid should know their way around a toolbox. Reading a ruler, using a level, the importance of safety gear, are all skills they will find useful for the rest of their lives even if they never go into a trade. There are so many kits like this to choose from but I like this one for a few reasons. It includes safety glasses and gloves. It includes a ruler and a tape measure. I love the carpenter’s pencils and sharpener – I bet a lot of kids have never even used a pencil sharpener like this. This set is intended for kids 5-7 years of age, which is a great time to get them started.

Beginners Sewing Kit

Name – CiyvoLyeen Woodland Animals Craft Kit
Price – $24.99
Buy Now – Amazon
Description – I guess I’m really into learning toys this year. How to sew is another basic life skill kids need. Heck, I’m still really bad about sewing on a button. This kit would be a great way for kids to learn a basic sewing stitch, how to follow directions to assemble the pieces properly, insert the stuffing, attach the details, all in the right order. I could see this keeping a kid busy for hours and they will end up actually making something. And I think these would look great on our Christmas tree next year.

Coding & Robotics Kit – No Electronics Required!

Name – Kids First Coding & Robotics Kit
Price – $129.95
Buy Now – Amazon
Description – This one is a little pricey, but last time I checked programmers make big bucks! The thing I really love about this set is it is NOT electronic. It can be so hard to find toys these days that keep kids unplugged. This one is for ages 4-8 and I wish I had been able to give this to my kids when they were that age, then I could have counted on them to take care of me in retirement.

Beginner’s Woodworking Projects Book

Name – Easy Carpentry Projects for Children
Price – $5.95 Paperback, $15.95 Spiral-bound
Buy Now – Amazon
Description – If you’re kids are already into woodworking this book has 15 great projects for them to do. If you want to get your kids 8 and up into woodworking, this book might just do it. Your kids will learn how to put together a materials list, basic carpentry skills, and end up with items they will be proud to display, use, and/or give as gifts.

Rock Tumbler

Name – National Geographic Starter Rock Tumbler Kit
Price – $49.99
Buy Now – Amazon
Description – “No child should enter adulthood without having received a rock tumbler for Christmas.” I’m not sure who said this, maybe it was the big elf himself, but it is so true. I had one when I was a kid and I loved collecting rocks around my neighborhood to put in it. Granted, there wasn’t much use for the rocks when it was done, but isn’t that true about most gifts? Anyway, I thought including a rock tumbler in this list was a must since it is just one of those quintessential gifts that every kid should get at least once.

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