Bosch HS1402 1/8 Inch Mortar Knife SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Bosch HS1402 1/8 inch SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Mortar Knife is a specialized accessory designed for efficient and precise mortar removal in vertical joints. Its unique design minimizes damage to surrounding brickwork, making it suitable for repointing and masonry repair tasks.

Image 1: Bosch HS1402 1/8 Inch Mortar Knife. This image shows the overall design of the mortar knife, highlighting its slender profile and SDS-plus shank.

2. Key Features

• Tapered Mortar Knife Design: Engineered with a 1/8 inch width, plunge tip, and optimized depth, specifically for removing mortar in vertical joints.
• Narrow Width: Designed to be only 1/8 inch wide to fit precisely between bricks, blocks, and stones without binding.
• Efficient Design: Features a blunt tip with no sharp edges to prevent jamming during operation.
• Proper Repointing Depth: Optimized to allow the blade to remove mortar to the correct depth, eliminating residual material often left by diamond blades.
• Straight Edge: Facilitates quick and controlled removal of mortar and debris.
• SDS-plus Shank: Ensures fast power transfer and secure connection with compatible rotary hammers.

Image 2: Diagram illustrating the key features of the Bosch Mortar Knife, including the precision plunge tip, narrow widths, and sharp straight edge.

3. Safety Information

Always prioritize safety when operating power tools and accessories. Failure to follow safety guidelines can result in serious injury.

• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and work gloves. A dust mask or respirator is recommended when working with masonry to prevent inhalation of dust.
• Read Power Tool Manual: Refer to the instruction manual of your SDS-plus rotary hammer for specific safety warnings and operating procedures.
• Secure Workpiece: Ensure the material you are working on is stable and secured to prevent movement during operation.
• Inspect Tool and Accessory: Before each use, inspect the mortar knife for any signs of damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Do not use damaged accessories.
• Maintain Control: Always maintain a firm grip on the power tool and be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid Overheating: Allow the tool and accessory to cool down periodically during extended use to prevent overheating.

4. Setup

Proper installation of the mortar knife into your SDS-plus rotary hammer is crucial for safe and effective operation.

1. Ensure Power Tool is Off: Disconnect the power tool from its power source (unplug or remove battery) before installing or removing accessories.
2. Clean Shank: Clean the SDS-plus shank of the mortar knife to remove any dust or debris.
3. Lubricate Shank (Optional): Apply a small amount of SDS-plus grease to the shank end of the mortar knife. This helps reduce friction and wear.
4. Insert Mortar Knife: Push the SDS-plus shank of the mortar knife into the chuck of the rotary hammer. Rotate the accessory slightly until it clicks into place.
5. Verify Secure Fit: Pull on the mortar knife to ensure it is securely locked in the chuck. The SDS-plus system allows for slight axial movement, which is normal.

5. Operating Instructions

Follow these steps for effective mortar removal using the Bosch HS1402 mortar knife.

1. Select Hammer Mode: Set your SDS-plus rotary hammer to the hammer-only mode (chiseling function). Do not use rotary or hammer drill modes for this application.
2. Position the Tool: Place the blunt tip of the mortar knife into the vertical mortar joint you intend to remove. Ensure the tool is held firmly and at an appropriate angle for the joint.
3. Begin Operation: Activate the rotary hammer. Apply steady, controlled pressure to guide the mortar knife along the joint. The plunge tip is designed to enter the mortar efficiently.
4. Remove Mortar: Work systematically along the joint, allowing the tool to chip away the mortar. The narrow width and straight edge facilitate clean removal without damaging adjacent bricks.
5. Achieve Desired Depth: The optimized plunge depth helps ensure mortar is removed to the correct repointing depth, preventing the 'half-moon' effect.
6. Clear Debris: Periodically clear removed mortar debris from the work area to maintain visibility and prevent obstruction.
7. Maintain Control: Always maintain a firm grip on the tool and be prepared for kickback, especially when encountering harder sections of mortar or embedded materials.

Image 3: A worker demonstrating the use of an SDS-plus rotary hammer with a mortar knife attachment on a brick wall. This illustrates the typical application of the tool for mortar removal.

Image 4: A closer view of a worker operating the SDS-plus rotary hammer with the mortar knife, showing the precision required for working on vertical joints.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your mortar knife.

• Cleaning: After each use, clean the mortar knife to remove any mortar residue, dust, or debris. Use a stiff brush or cloth.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect the blade and shank for signs of wear, dullness, cracks, or deformation. A worn or damaged accessory can reduce efficiency and pose a safety risk.
• Storage: Store the mortar knife in a dry place, protected from moisture and corrosive materials.
• Replacement: Replace the mortar knife if it becomes excessively worn, damaged, or no longer performs effectively.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using the mortar knife, consider the following:

• Ineffective Mortar Removal:
  • Ensure the rotary hammer is set to hammer-only mode.
  • Check if the mortar knife is securely seated in the chuck.
  • Inspect the mortar knife for excessive wear or dullness; replace if necessary.
  • Adjust the angle and pressure applied to the tool.
• Tool Binding in Joint:
  • Ensure the joint width is appropriate for the 1/8 inch knife.
  • Avoid forcing the tool; use steady, controlled movements.
  • Clear debris frequently.
• Excessive Vibration:
  • Verify the mortar knife is correctly installed and not bent or damaged.
  • Check the rotary hammer for any malfunctions (refer to its manual).

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support regarding your Bosch HS1402 Mortar Knife, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official Bosch website. Bosch offers various support resources, including product manuals, FAQs, and contact information for technical assistance.

Always ensure you are using genuine Bosch accessories for optimal performance and to maintain warranty validity.