The Bosch addiction thread

[jonshonda]

I'm not posting to be a jerk, just posting for an update. My 10yo Bosch cordless drill chuck was having issues holding a bit, and the chuck teeth had worn down enough that it wouldn't grip the bits when the going got tough.....so I started shopping for a new drill/driver combo.

I was DEAD set on Bosch, as the set I have has held up very well and overall I have been very happy with them. But as I started to compare specs to Milwaukee and Dewalt (no Makita dealers anywhere close to me) I noted that Bosch was falling very far behind in their power output for both the drill and driver.

I ended up spending $400 on the Milwaukee 2997-22 kit, and am overall happy with it. The only things I would say fall behind when compared to Bosch is the larger amount of slop in the battery/tool interface, the lack of rubber overmold on the tool which leads to more scrapes, and scratches on the tools. And the trigger sometimes feels like it falls asleep if you are doing quick repeated pulls. Other then that, I am happy with the performance and am sorry to leave the Bosch cordless camp.

 

[dungeoncrawler]

I actually browsed brushless drills today at local Lowes - comparing chucks, clutch action, etc. And I have to say, DeWalt's chucks are mostly all metal, and both their chucks and clutches have a very assertive, positive snap and click action. Comparing them to Bosch nearby, lets just say Bosch didn't feel anywhere near as nice.

On the other hand, DeWalt's corded multitool seems like a bad joke compared to the Bosch I have. Moral of the story being, I think I will stick to buying each and every tool on a case-by-case basis. This whole "team teal/team yellow/team red" thing doesn't really hold across any given lineup, everyone has ups and downs.

 

[MaineGuide]

Moral of the story being, I think I will stick to buying each and every tool on a case-by-case basis. This whole "team teal/team yellow/team red" thing doesn't really hold across any given lineup, everyone has ups and downs.

For me, the only exception is when purchasing a cordless tool. I've been on Team Yellow (what my dad used), Team Red (the tools my friends used), and now on Team Teal. If Makita doesn't make a cordless version that gets good reviews, then I buy the best corded version regardless of color/brand.

Bosch makes one of the best corded multitools, on par with Fein. They also make some of the best corded jigsaws and sanders. I'll try to grab a picture of some of my Bosch tools so I can contribute more than just words to the thread.

 

[autobon7]

For me, the only exception is when purchasing a cordless tool. I've been on Team Yellow (what my dad used), Team Red (the tools my friends used), and now on Team Teal. If Makita doesn't make a cordless version that gets good reviews, then I buy the best corded version regardless of color/brand.

Bosch makes one of the best corded multitools, on par with Fein. They also make some of the best corded jigsaws and sanders. I'll try to grab a picture of some of my Bosch tools so I can contribute more than just words to the thread.

I will put my cordless Bosch multitool and jigsaw against any brand. I wouldn’t say they are miles better than the rest but performance and reliability bests my co workers red and yellow.

 

[Bigdogboogie]

Those of you who have the 18V angle grinder, How do you like it and how long does the battery last? Would you buy it again?

 

[rice rocket]

On the other hand, DeWalt's corded multitool seems like a bad joke compared to the Bosch I have. Moral of the story being, I think I will stick to buying each and every tool on a case-by-case basis. This whole "team teal/team yellow/team red" thing doesn't really hold across any given lineup, everyone has ups and downs.

Agreed.

I'm in 5 battery systems, and have at least 3 batteries in each so I can have one charging while I have a backup ready to go. You don't need to go nuts, but why compromise, especially on regularly used stuff?

Some of the dudes in the *** brand addiction threads make my eyes roll (oh wait, am I in one now? shieeettt)

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

Which model angle grinder are you asking about?

The Bosch 190mm Circular Saw is now official. That's 7 1/2 for you guys.
It has a 68mm cut depth vs Dewalt's 65mm cut depth.
Now showing on a number of Bosch websites.

 

[HenryAZ]

Those of you who have the 18V angle grinder, How do you like it and how long does the battery last? Would you buy it again?

I have it (bought as a bare tool as I'm heavily into the Bosch 18v battery system). I usually pick it up for quick jobs, so I really cannot give a battery life answer. The only 18v batteries I seem to run to empty are on the drill and drivers, or when my wife gets ahold of the oscillating tool. She was using it to cut off 1x2s for her rabbit cage project, until I introduced her to the miter saw. She still grabs the OT extensively, though.

 

[pattenp]

I have a lot of Bosch power tools but this is my favorite....

 

[autobon7]

I have a lot of Bosch power tools but this is my favorite....

That look great.....wish I had the extra money to pick one up

 

[Qualitytools]

I have a lot of Bosch power tools but this is my favorite....

Oh Yes that's nice!

 

[HenryAZ]

I just place the order for the BOSCH GDX18V-1800CB15, an impact two-in-one tool that accepts hex drivers (only those with a power groove) and 1/2" impact sockets. This part number comes with a 4Ah battery (using the 21700 li-ion cells), a charger, and a carrying bag. At $149, it is cheaper than the same tool as a bare tool (GDX18V-1800CN), which is $159. Go figure.

 

[autobon7]

I just place the order for the BOSCH GDX18V-1800CB15, an impact two-in-one tool that accepts hex drivers (only those with a power groove) and 1/2" impact sockets. This part number comes with a 4Ah battery (using the 21700 li-ion cells), a charger, and a carrying bag. At $149, it is cheaper than the same tool as a bare tool (GDX18V-1800CN), which is $159. Go figure.

Where did you order from?

 

[HenryAZ]

Where did you order from?

The debil, Amazon.

 

[acer66]

I just place the order for the BOSCH GDX18V-1800CB15, an impact two-in-one tool that accepts hex drivers (only those with a power groove) and 1/2" impact sockets. This part number comes with a 4Ah battery (using the 21700 li-ion cells), a charger, and a carrying bag. At $149, it is cheaper than the same tool as a bare tool (GDX18V-1800CN), which is $159. Go figure.

Nice find.

 

[Qualitytools]

I just place the order for the BOSCH GDX18V-1800CB15, an impact two-in-one tool that accepts hex drivers (only those with a power groove) and 1/2" impact sockets. This part number comes with a 4Ah battery (using the 21700 li-ion cells), a charger, and a carrying bag. At $149, it is cheaper than the same tool as a bare tool (GDX18V-1800CN), which is $159. Go figure.

Good Deal, post some shots once you get it and give us some feedback on it please.

 

[HenryAZ]

Good Deal, post some shots once you get it and give us some feedback on it please.

I have not had a chance to use the square impact end for real work yet. I tested it with an M12 bolt on my workbench (which has about a dozen M12 holes tapped, for holding things down different places on the bench). What I was trying to determine was the amount of torque applied, with installing lug nuts in mind. I found that the medium setting, with about 2-3 seconds of torquing action after the bolt was seated, gave me about 70 lbs-ft of torque, which is ideal for lug nuts that I will later torque with a torque wrench to 85 lbs-ft. That will be my main use case for the square impact.

I've used the screwdriver insert part several times now. Just received a set of Bosch power driver bits (the only kind of bit the tool will accept) that fit in a nice box. A row each of phillips, square, torx and the 4th slot in the box has an insert with miscellaneous bits. Most bit adapters/holders also have the power groove, so you can use just about any hex bit.

The tool impacts the whole time (as opposed to a driver tool that only starts ratcheting when you get to the hard part). I like it!

We are mostly all Bosch cordless. Currently have 4 of the cordless tools and 5 batteries, the smallest being 4Ah. The one thing I skipped Bosch on was the cordless drill. I have a Metabo BS18LTX-3BLQI drill, which is worlds better than the Bosch drill. It came with a charger and two 5.5Ah batteries, using the larger Li-ion cell size.

Here it is, next to the Bosch screwdriver tool. Despite some complaints I read, the impact sockets are not hard to remove, at all.

 

[acer66]

View media item 107739

 

[HenryAZ]

I just ordered the JS572EK jig saw to replace my aging (30-40 years old) Craftsman saw. After a careful review of currently offered jig saws, this one seems to stand out feature-wise. The double roller blade guide system is the deal maker.


Bosch JS572EK.

 

[Trapps]

The collection is growing

Recent additions included the GKS18V-68GC which I briefly profiled here. And the CSM180B Metal Saw which I picked up in September. I've used the metal saw twice. It wasn't a real need, but I anticipate using it more now that I have it. It was also relatively cheap as a bare tool option.

I have not used the track saw yet but I'm very hopeful (confident?) it'll be a winner. My L-Boxx Port Cabinet will be the test-piece for that Beast of a Beauty.

What I am more stoked about, because of how often I anticipate using it, is this:







I have a Rockwell Sonicrafter F50 that has proven itself 10x over. This new tail-less option should be even more useful. The Bosch is much quieter, heavier, and feels more powerful. I can cut flush with up to a 6.3Ah battery (close with a 8.0Ah Core) so run time and power should be A+. The Starlock Plus is much faster and easier by a good margin over the universal fit quick-release blades used in my Rockwell, Yellow and others. It's also got a 'slow' start which I really like.

I don't need Bosch to offer all that Red and Teal do, but if they'd bring a few more items to the US, that would be great. It seems other markets have more options. I sourced the GKS 18V-68GC from Europe...


EDIT: replaced lost picture links

 

[ChevyEFI]

This thread needs a bump!

I bought the 2 tool kit w/ GDX18V-1800C and 1/2" hammer drill.
First off, I wouldn't have had this on my radar, except for the 1/2" square anvil w/ 1/4" hex power bit socket built in. This feature ate away at me for a while when I saw it.

Secondly, I have the M18 Fuel 2-tool kit w/ Surge impact driver and 1/2" hammer drill. while the Surge tool has good power for driving fasteners into wood, low vibration, and is a nice tool, I wanted a driver that acted more like a small impact gun. I wanted something to speed up little automotive tasks. I don't think I'm going to miss the aspects of the Surge where it exceeds.

I was pretty close to ordering the non-surge M18 Fuel driver, rated at 2000 in-lbs, and the Bosch is 1800 in-lbs.

I took off lugs from my 1/2 ton late model truck, and our Kia with no issue without even charging the battery, using deep sockets. So I really think the driver is going to do "everything" which was kind of my goal.

After charging one of the batteries the first time, the charger got hot and appears to be a goner. I registered the tools and sent my warranty contact via bosch tools web. I am hoping this gets smoothed out, since I'm pretty confident the tools will keep me happy.

So my house is now red and blau.

If anyone has some thoughts on the 18Vh one-hand reciprocating saw, I would like to hear them. It's for a gift. Unless . . . .

 

[Fretters]

View media item 107739

Nice to use, those 12V jigsaws. Must admit, I'm a bit partial to Bosch blue 12V gear.

Is that the 12V router I can see hiding under the bench?

 

[Trapps]

That barrel grip jig though...

I wish Blue had an 18v router. I am seriously considering adding red to my cordless library just for the product diversity available. I've gone about as far as I can with Blue and being US based. I've even sourced product from another (EU) market. 18V planer is also on the list.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

I just place the order for the BOSCH GDX18V-1800CB15, an impact two-in-one tool that accepts hex drivers (only those with a power groove) and 1/2" impact sockets. This part number comes with a 4Ah battery (using the 21700 li-ion cells), a charger, and a carrying bag. At $149, it is cheaper than the same tool as a bare tool (GDX18V-1800CN), which is $159. Go figure.

I had no lug nut joy with that one. I consider it in the 3/8" impact class. I have had one for a few years and like it enough, but definitely not a high torque impact.

I moved up to the higher torque HTH181B which does the job. It spun off my hub nuts just fine when I replaced the front bearings on my car a few months ago. My only gripe is that the torque is modulated by trigger pull instead of having different settings like the Milwaukee ones. I was kind of ambivalent about going with Bosch but I have been pleased with the ones I have. I used to think they had a unimpressive lineup, but they keep adding and there was always an example of everything I actually wanted when the time came.

The 18V worklight is outstanding.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Bosch power driver bits (the only kind of bit the tool will accept)

I am glad someone else said this. Some of my existing stuff could work with grinding. I am glad they didn't go wild on making their bits the "only" ones that fit.

Now, has anyone seen the new gdx18v-1860c? It caught me by surprise at Lowe's last night. But, I don't see a combo kit with drill.

 

[jonshonda]

I just ordered the JS572EK jig saw to replace my aging (30-40 years old) Craftsman saw. After a careful review of currently offered jig saws, this one seems to stand out feature-wise. The double roller blade guide system is the deal maker.


Bosch JS572EK.

The 572 is a fantastic jig saw. I feel it cuts a lot straight vertically on difficult curved cuts. Now I just need to figure out how they intend the cord to be stored in the case.

 

[Ton ton]

I decided to follow this thread because I didn't know it existed.

 

[jonshonda]

I decided to follow this thread because I didn't know it existed.

Don't expect much action unfortunately....one of the main reasons I am a Milwaukee convert. Well, other then bosch corded tools of course

 

[autobon7]

Anyone have their new brushless grinder (GWS18V-8N)? At Lowes its $129 and current promotion shows you get a free 4.0 battery and charger. Sounds like a great deal.

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[acer66]

Anyone have their new brushless grinder (GWS18V-8N)? At Lowes its $129 and current promotion shows you get a free 4.0 battery and charger. Sounds like a great deal.

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Darn it, I just got their new 18v sander with that promo and did not know that they did that with the grinder too.
I already have a corded grinder and the Dewalt brushless cordless one but can one really have too much tools?

 

[autobon7]

Darn it, I just got their new 18v sander with that promo and did not know that they did that with the grinder too.
I already have a corded grinder and the Dewalt brushless cordless one but can one really have too much tools?

I seen a youtube video demonstrating how long that sander runs with a fully charged 4.0.......was over an hour of actual sanding. Older guys arm was about to fall off but hats off to him. Impressive display by him, the sander and the battery.

 

[acer66]

I caved in and got me one you just have to watch out to get the brushless since they brushed one is also on sale and has the same price.

 

[Trapps]

... but can one really have too much tools?

No.
Borderline blasphemy for even asking.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Darn it, I just got their new 18v sander with that promo and did not know that they did that with the grinder too.
I already have a corded grinder and the Dewalt brushless cordless one but can one really have too much tools?

I have multiple corded grinders. A cordless wouldn't count as too much.

Since the batteries, hammer drill, and beast driver have been faultless, I like that promo above because it gives me a backup charger. (Mine choked and was warranty-replaced.) Thanks for posting.

 

[Sneezer]

I have the Profactor 1/2" impact, and ones of their SDS 18v drills. So far I like both of them. Got great deals on each - I doubt I would have paid retail for any of them as they were out of my budget at the time.

 

[autobon7]

I have the Profactor 1/2" impact, and ones of their SDS 18v drills. So far I like both of them. Got great deals on each - I doubt I would have paid retail for any of them as they were out of my budget at the time.

Bosch SDS plus and max rotary hammer drills are hard to beat. My shop has an older Bulldog that has been used and abused and looks like a dozer ran over it and it still works as it should.

 

[acer66]

Two newest additions.


12v stuff ready for action.

 

[Trapps]

My kids bought me the vacuum for Christmas. I used it and the new sander today for the first time. They each seen quite powerful; both also have soft start. The sander definitely takes a little practice, but once you've figured it out, WOW! I forsee each of them getting high use. The vacuum comes with adapters for tool nozzles and for the normal wands/crevice/surface tools which are included.

 

[ChevyEFI]

For those needing a new drill / driver kit:
The GDX18V-1860CN (1860in-lb impact driver, see toolguyd for differences from the last 1800 unit)
will be in a combo with (I believe) 1/2" hammer drill in Q2, 2022. PN GXL18V-227B25. No kit info out there that I have seen yet.

 

[lardy1]

I recently got a new 1617EVS router to be the dedicated router for my small table setup. I've used a P/C 690 for years and the Bosch seems at least its equal. My first soft start router as well.