M12 Installation vs Bosch Chamelion

[joe_pinehill1]

I need to do some tight corner work, and I'm going to pick up either the M12 or Bosch. The Bosch wins on price, now at $150, but I'm completely invested in the M12/18 line. If I got the Bosch it would the odd tool in my collection. The Bosch looks more compact. Anyone have an opinion on either one?

 

[mike93lx]

I'd only add a platform for a unique or superior tool. You already have m12 stuff and the installation driver is a great tool. No question I'd grab the m12

 

[jonshonda]

I know many would advise that you stick to a single platform, and there are a lot of good reasons to do so. But if there is a tool that is just clearly better then the rest from a different manufacturer, then it makes sense to have multiple platforms imho.

 

[kngelv]

I have the Milwaukee and it’s one of my favorite cordless tools. I use it all the time.

James

 

[mike93lx]

I know many would advise that you stick to a single platform, and there are a lot of good reasons to do so. But if there is a tool that is just clearly better then the rest from a different manufacturer, then it makes sense to have multiple platforms imho.

Absolutely.

The Bosch chameleon doesn't fit that description when the m12 installation driver exists

 

[finn]

Bosch.

I have a half dozen Milwaukee battery tools and I don’t understand the special love they get here. Just another generic Chinese manufactured brand.

 

[pbon]

The Milwaukee platform is pretty diverse. I think there are other good tools, but Milwaukee has the most that I want and for simplicity I like sharing batteries and chargers. If I did a lot of production work, I might just get the best tool for that job since I would be using it every day. Or if I was just a retired occasional DIYer who was content with a hodgepodge of tools and batteries and chargers, I would buy whatever is cheapest.

 

[acer66]

I know many would advise that you stick to a single platform, and there are a lot of good reasons to do so. But if there is a tool that is just clearly better then the rest from a different manufacturer, then it makes sense to have multiple platforms imho.

Same here and I have at least half a dozen batterie platforms.

I have the Bosch and I really like the build and how it fits in my hand.

Never looked at the big red, not even sure why and come to think about I could use some more color so I might have to take advantage of BF sales to add another plattform.

But it looks very similar when it comes to the form factor which is my favorite 12v one so I would I would maybe stick to one platform on this one.

 

[kngelv]

I have never used the Bosch but have the Milwaukee as I stated earlier. The Milwaukee is basically a clone of a Festool CXS but with more heads. The Milwaukee design allows it to stand up when you set it to the side unlike the Bosch which would tip over. The Milwaukee design allows me to use my middle finger on the trigger and my index finger is extended out along the side of the tool. This allows much more stability versus using a regular impact driver. This is especially useful with the right angle and offset heads. I'm sure the Bosch is a fine tool but if you already have the M12 platform there is no reason to get the Bosch.

James

 

[acer66]

I have never used the Bosch but have the Milwaukee as I stated earlier. The Milwaukee is basically a clone of a Festool CXS but with more heads. The Milwaukee design allows it to stand up when you set it to the side unlike the Bosch which would tip over. The Milwaukee design allows me to use my middle finger on the trigger and my index finger is extended out along the side of the tool. This allows much more stability versus using a regular impact driver. This is especially useful with the right angle and offset heads. I'm sure the Bosch is a fine tool but if you already have the M12 platform there is no reason to get the Bosch.

James

I never had the use for a drill design that allows it to stand up when I set it to the side besides me to be able to tip over into stuff it should not tip over into.

But not everyone is at clumsy at times as me I guess.

 

[alinc100]

I'd look through this page at HD and see if there are any combos that make sense for you; https://www.homedepot.com/s/Milwaukee M12 installation driver?NCNI-5

 

[dnschmidt]

Bosch.

I have a half dozen Milwaukee battery tools and I don’t understand the special love they get here. Just another generic Chinese manufactured brand.

Unless you're buying Festool, Metabo - the real Metabo not the bogus Metabo HPT, or Mafell EVERYTHING else available is another generic Chinese manufactured brand. That's life get use to it.

 

[mike93lx]

Unless you're buying Festool, Metabo - the real Metabo not the bogus Metabo HPT, or Mafell EVERYTHING else available is another generic Chinese manufactured brand. That's life get use to it.

But but but the Bosch is made in Malaysia. That guarantees it is better, right?

 

[LeeG]

Here is a link to the review I did of the M12 Installation driver when it came out.

Thread 'New tool - Milwaukee 2505 Installation Drill/Driver compared to Festool CSX'
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...-drill-driver-compared-to-festool-csx.432893/

Three years later, and it is still my most commonly used drill/driver for woodworking and general DIY. I still don’t care for the electric reverse, but everything else is great. I have probably only used my Festool CSX a handful of times since I got the Milwaukee. Still a strong yes on the Must Have tool list.

Lee

 

[joe_pinehill1]

Follow up: I bought the Milwaukee, for two reasons. I'm all in the M12 tools, and you get 2 battery's with the Milwaukee kit.

I used it today for deck rail maintenance. It made the difference in getting into tight corners. It did bog down when driving 3 inch deck screws, and I used my M12 Fuel diver for those.

IMHO its a handy tool, but I would not recommend it as your first tool. You are better off with purpose built driver and a drill. Get the Installation when you have a job that requires it.

 

[tarbellb]

I too have the M12, it's a great little tool, very versatile, but my biggest gripe and why I don't use it more- Electric Reverse

Bosch used to be the leader in small format light duty guns, every high-end cabinet installer and furniture builder will tell you that. But these days there are more and better options.

 

[acer66]

Nah, Bosch is still good their 12V Jigsaw and especially the router are great as an example.

 

[tarbellb]

Nah, Bosch is still good their 12V Jigsaw and especially the router are great as an example.

Bosch USA cordless went from a well respected market leader to a bumbling odd ball line up.

Sure they've got a couple winners, but really it's a mess. I was speaking directly to the guns, which you've gotta admit there's a lot of good options.

 

[acer66]

Sure are there other good options no argument there.

All I am saying is that I have the brushed version from the days when Bosch did not call their tools names.

The only thing I would change is going brushless because I have their regular 12v brushless drill and that imho is almost perfect in the way it handles and power.

 

[kngelv]

I too have the M12, it's a great little tool, very versatile, but my biggest gripe and why I don't use it more- Electric Reverse

Bosch used to be the leader in small format light duty guns, every high-end cabinet installer and furniture builder will tell you that. But these days there are more and better options.

I know I’m an outlier but I like the electric reverse on top. I accidentally hit the forward/reverse switch constantly on nearly every impact and drill I have. I have thick hands and fingers so the Milwaukee setup is perfect for me.

James