Bosch recently announced six new brushless cordless drills and drivers: a 12V max drill/driver, 12V max hex driver, 18-volt drill/driver, 18-volt hammer drill/driver, 18-volt impact wrench, and an unusual 18-volt socket ready impact driver. These new EC (electronically commutated) models are scheduled for release in February 2014 and will be available with the company's new 2.0 and 4.0 Ah Li-ion batteries. They will also be sold bare and in multiple case configurations. As with other brushless motor tools, these new EC drills and drivers offer greater runtime and durability than conventional brushed models.
Bosch was late to the game with brushless cordless tools, and unlike many of its competitors did not initially offer them in the popular drilling and driving category. Their first cordless brushless tools were a rotary hammer and oscillating multi-tool that were introduced last year.
One of the interesting things about this new batch of brushless tools is that it includes both 18-volt and 12V max models. Of the companies that currently produce brushless tools only Milwaukee makes them in both the 18-volt and 12V max battery platforms. It's good to see there will be some competition between brushless tools in the subcompact lithium-ion class, which Bosch created in 2006 by introducing the Pocket Driver. This class of tools takes 10.8-volt batteries but has come to be known as 12V max—which refers to their maximum voltage output.
PS22-02 EC Hex Drill/Driver
Chuck: 1/4-inch hex
Clutch settings: 20 +1
No load RPM: 0-1,300; 0-400
Max torque: 179 inch-pounds
Size (H x L): 7" x 5.6"
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Motor: brushless
Battery: 12V max (10.8 volts)
Kit includes: two 2.0 Ah Li-Ion batteries, charger, magnetic bit holder, four tips, belt clip, soft carry case
MSRP: $149 (also available bare)
Available: February 2014
Comments: According to the manufacturer this is the shortest 12V max 1/4" hex drill/driver on the market. Two speed/gear ranges. Built-in LED light.
PS32-02 EC Drill/Driver
Chuck: 3/8-inch single sleeve
Clutch settings: 20 + 1
No load RPM: 0-1,300; 0-400
Max torque: 265 inch-pounds
Size (H x L): 7" x 6.5"
Weight: 2.0 pounds
Motor: brushless
Battery: 12V max (10.8 volts)
Kit includes: two 2.0 Ah Li-Ion batteries, charger, belt clip, canvas bag case
MSRP: $159 (also available bare)
Available: February 2014
Comments: According to the manufacturer this tool has the shortest head length of any 12V max 3/8" drill/driver on the market. Two speed/gear ranges. Built-in LED light.
DDS182-02 EC drill/driver
Chuck: 1/2-inch single sleeve
Clutch settings: 18 + 1
No load RPM: 0-1,700; 0-500
Max torque: 442 inch pounds
Size (H x L): 7.75" x 7"
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Motor: brushless
Battery: 18-volt
Kit includes: two 2.0 Ah Li-Ion batteries, charger, Lboxx with insert, misc. tips
MSRP: $199 (also available bare)
Available: February 2014
Comments: According to the manufacturer this tool has the shortest head length of any drill in its class. Internal electronics prevent overheating and overloading of motor and battery. Two speed/gear ranges. Built-in LED light
HDS182-02 EC hammer drill/driver
Chuck: 1/2-inch single sleeve
Clutch settings: 18 + 1
No load RPM: 0-500; 0-1,700
No load BPM: 0-25,500
Max torque: 442 inch-pounds
Size (H x L): 7.75" x 7.44"
Weight: 3.75 pounds
Motor: brushless
Battery: 18-volt
Kit includes: two 2.0 Ah Li-Ion batteries, charger, belt clip, misc. tips
MSRP: $219 (also available bare or with 4.0 Ah batteries)
Available: February 2014
Comments: According to the manufacturer this tool has the shortest head length of any drill/driver in its class. Internal electronics prevent overheating and overloading of motor and battery. Two speed/gear ranges. Built-in LED light
IDH182-02L EC Socket Ready Impact Driver
Chuck: 1/4" hex + 1/2" square drive
No load RPM: 0-2,800 / 0-2,000 / 0-1,300
No load BPM: 0-3,200; 0-2,600; 0-1,100
Torque: 0-1,650; 0-900; 0-400 inch-pounds
Size (H x L): 9" x 6.2"
Weight: 3.2 pounds
Motor: brushless
Battery: 2.0 Ah
Kit includes: two 2.0 Ah Li-Ion batteries, charger, Lboxx 2, insert tray, belt clip
MSRP: $279 (also available bare or with 4.0 Ah batteries)
Available: February 2014
Comments: Unique chuck accepts 1/4" hex bits and 1/2" square drive sockets so there's no need to search for or use and adaptor. Three electronically controlled speed/power settings—accessed through a push button on the base. Three built-in LED lights.
IWBH182-01L EC Impact Wrench
Chuck: 1/2" square drive
No load RPM: 0-2,800 / 0-2,000 / 0-1,300
No load BPM: 0-3,200; 0-2,600; 0-1,100
Torque: 0-1,650; 0-900; 0-400 inch-pounds
Weight: 3.6 pounds
Motor: brushless
Battery: 4.0 Ah
Kit includes: two 4.0 Ah Li-Ion batteries, charger, Lboxx, insert tray, belt clip
MSRP: $299 (also available bare)
Available: February 2014
Comments: Three electronically controlled speed/power settings—accessed through a push button on the base. Three built-in LED lights.
