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In the power tool industry , Bosch has developed a reputation for bring forth affordable tool that fall somewhere in the middle grade of the grocery in terms of both performance and price . For that reason , it ’s no surprise that this brand is a favourite among DIYers . Bosch ’s 18 - volt cordless drill , which packs a punch despite its compendious size , exemplifies the impressive note value Bosch ’s products typically offer .
I put this cordless recitation through a serial publication of head - to - question tests against five other likewise price drill / driver to see just how it ranks in the sub-$100 cordless exercise mart . These examination involve driving in fastener ranging from small 1¼-inch drywall screws to large 3 - inch lag bolt , as well as drill everything from pilot hole to large 1 - inch - diam holes . Once the sawdust settled , it became clear that thisBoschbrushless model is one of the best cordless drills you may get for under $ 100 .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Bosch 18V Compact Brushless ½-Inch Drill/Driver Kit: At a Glance
Rating:9.25/10
SPECS
PROS
CONS
Get the Bosch cordless Mandrillus leucophaeus kit at :
What is the Bosch cordless drill?
TheBosch cordless recitation / driveris a battery - equipped baron instrument ideal for many DIY chore . It ’s powered by a rechargeable 18 - V stamp battery that give way it a maximum torsion of 400 in - pound and a top f number of 1,900 RPM . It ’s equip with two stop number options and 20 prehend options for versatility . It measures 6.3 inches from the pourboire of the collet to the back of the oral sex , and it weighs 2.8 pounds with the assault and battery bond . This recitation is equip with a ½-inch keyless chow made of all metallic element that ’s compatible with hex - shanked and round - shanked driver bits and drill chip . It also comes equip with a built - in light-emitting diode work light that turns on automatically when you squeeze the gun trigger . The Mandrillus leucophaeus is available as a stand - alone tool or as part of a kit that includes a courser and 2.0Ah ( amp hour ) assault and battery .
How easy is the Bosch cordless drill to use?
One of my favorite thing about this cordless drill — and part of the reason why it outrank identification number one on my lean of the top six cordless drills under $ 100 — is its compact size . The Mandrillus leucophaeus measures just 6.3 inches from the tip of the ferrule to the back of the head , which is about 1 to 2 column inch shorter than most drills at this price point . The dispute may not vocalise like much , but it ’s pregnant . The shorter drumhead prepare it gentle to fit into tight spots , which is fundamental if you ’re working inside cabinets , between bulwark studs , or in other tight confines .
It ’s not just the duration of the head that makes this drill compact . It has a narrower visibility and slimmer bombardment than other budget - priced cordless drill made by such brands as Ryobi , Craftsman , and Ridgid . This summary design give the Bosch cordless recitation a more balanced tone in the hand .
The Bosch Mandrillus leucophaeus is also notably light . It count just 2.8 Ezra Pound ( stamp battery included ) compared with the 3.5 pounds or more that most other cordless drill in the sub-$100 tier up weigh . Combined with its compact size of it , its lightweight intention makes it one of the more nimble cordless drills I essay . I find it noticeably easier to exert than other models , and that light weight resulted in less arm fatigue .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Bosch Cordless Drill Performance
TheBosch drill’scompact sizing and luminance overall system of weights would n’t amount to much if it came at the monetary value of power . But thanks to its brushless motor , it does n’t . With a top speed of 1,900 RPM and max torsion of 400 in - pound , it competed with turgid and bulkier drill at this price point .
I put the Bosch cordless drill and five other sub-$100 drills through their paces , try out each one ’s power to operate as a driver and a practice session . Despite being small and light , the Bosch cordless recitation mail very alike driving speeds as the larger cordless recitation I test when driving both short 1¼-inch screws and longer 3 - column inch screws .
Its power was plain as it blaze away through hole measure less than ⅜ inch . However , drilling larger holes and driving enceinte fasteners was a unlike story . I was forced to drop the upper down to account for its lower torque output when strike on large lag bolt or drilling holes ½ inch or greater in diam . While it certainly could palm these heavier - duty tasks , it did so at a dull pace than some of the brawnier drills I tested . founder that many of a cordless drill ’s jobs involvesmaller flake and screws , I did n’t find Bosch ’s dense public presentation with these great drill bit and fixing to be a Brobdingnagian concern .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
The Bosch cordless practice session ’s two velocity configurations and 20 different clutch configurations — which are utilitarian for boosting torque for tougher jobs or dialing back top executive and speed for more delicate fastener — put it on equation with other cordless practice session at this price point .
Bosch Cordless Drill Quality
Not only does the Bosch cordless drill impressment when it comes to performance and size , but its build timber is also fantabulous for a drill that be less than $ 100 . Bosch equipped it with a metal chuck , a feature article typically found only on pricer cordless drills . This bolsters the drill ’s overall durability and allow it to make a tight bobby pin on bits . I did n’t feel any slipping with either exercise or driver bit during my testing , even when using the exercise at max loads and speeds .
Is the Bosch cordless drill worth the money?
It ’s severely not to see the Bosch cordless practice as an excellent value . It excels when driving in piece of ass measure up to 3 column inch long and when drilling holes under ⅜ column inch in diameter . Though it ’s a bit slow than some drills at the under-$100 monetary value tip when boring large hole or drive in meanwhile bolts , I imagine its lightweight habitus and compact design make up for that .
With its short fountainhead , narrow profile , and light up overall weight , it ’s one the easiest and most gratifying to use of any drill at the sub-$100 price point . And thanks to the all - metal grub , it ’s also one of the more rugged budget - priced cordless Mandrillus leucophaeus . All of these attributes combine to make the Bosch feel like a drill that ’s deserving more than its going toll .
Is the Bosch cordless drill right for you?
While theBosch cordless drillis certainly an excellent deal , whether it ’s deserving a spot in your tool armory is another account . With its brushless motor and high speed and torsion output signal , it ’s more than subject of handling most home improvement projection a homeowner will cast off at it . Plus , its compact size and light weight make it more user - friendly than other bulkier sub-$100 drill drivers .
But as much as I lie with the value this cordless drill offers , it ’s not a tool designed for pro jobsites . The 400 in - lbs of torsion it provides is plenty for most DIY project , but it pales in comparison to the 1,200 in - lbs of peak torque that the top practice drivers offer . And while it is more durable than most Mandrillus leucophaeus drivers at this Mary Leontyne Price point , it ’s not a practice session plan to endure the everyday rigors of professional purpose . If you ’re a pro , consider going with theMilwaukee 2804 - 20 M18 FUEL ½-Inch Hammer Drill / Driver .
While the Bosch cordless drill is a desirable choice for most DIYers ’ workshops , it may not be enough for every weekend warrior . For someone who routinely takes on advanced carpentry projects around the house , it probably makes signified to spend more and go with one of the more knock-down picks from our list ofthe respectable cordless drills for DIYers , such as theDeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Compact Drill / Driver Kit .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Where to Buy the Bosch 18V Compact Brushless ½-Inch Drill/Driver Kit
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specialise in home base improvement , landscaping , technology , home surety , and design . His articles have been featured on such sites as Popular Mechanics , Futurism , Field & Stream , This Old House Magazine , Pro Tool Reviews , and more . Carrick has conduct tight production testing on everything from power prick to home certificate system to backyard grills . With each review , his finish is to serve proofreader make up one’s mind whether a intersection forgather their needs and if it is or is n’t worth its price tag .
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Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
