Why not Bosch?

[dsimatt]

Local availability is Bosch’s biggest downside. At least around here it is. Lowes carries only their 12v drill and impact, and HD carries nothing.

Growing up my Grandpa had both Milwaukee and Bosch tools and both were high quality but Bosch had a better feel to it.

Fast forward 15 years and I buy my house and need tools so head to the local HD and Milwaukee just dominates the tool selection so it's a no brainer. I guess Menards sells Bosch stuff but not sure if it's been cheapen up for them.

 

[RedneckWelder]

The Lowe’s around here carries an ok selection of Bosch but it’s all basic tools...12 and 18v drills and impact drivers, cordless sawzall, corded sawzall and sds drill, corded grinders, and some bits and such. It all looks and feels good but also looks the same as it did 6-8 years ago

 

[scubadoober]

I have their 18v Li drill and impact with the small battery (going on eight years). I actually prefer this setup to my older bigger heavier NiCad Porter Cable. To the point the PC haven't been used in years other than the cordless circular saw. The Bosch impact is a beast and it has served me well. My BIL has the Bosch 12v setup and loves it.

 

[BK13]

There are a few things holding Bosch back. One is marketing...they just don't have the exposure that you see with Milwaukee, DeWalt or even Rigid.
Shelf space....walk into HD or Lowe's and there are aisles of red and yellow, with huge banners or signage touting their greatness.
Herd mentality...the younger people entering the field, be it electrical, plumbing etc copy the people their learning from. Look around and you'll see plenty of Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita. Likewise, the typical DYI'r probably has come into contact with a pro in a particular field. When he or she is looking for tools they are probably going to naturally gravitate to what they believe professionals use. They may even do it subconsciouslly without even realizing it.
I know I'm guilty of it. Recently I needed to purchase another drill for the shop. Without even really thinking about it I just naturally looked at red or yellow... because that's what the pros use right?

Go in to Lowes, and with the 12v stuff at least, the store doesn't even bother carrying the latest brushless stuff... despite being pretty heavily into M12 tools, if I could have walked in and actually bought something I'd probably have a fourth battery platform...

 

[highland512]

Bosch rotary SDS plus drill are some of the best in the biz in my opinion. Give me a 18v bulldog over yellow or red (Hilti or Milwaukee) any day.

 

[MoonRise]

Bosch usually makes good to very-good stuff.

SDS rotary hammer? Bosch Bulldog is usually considered one of the segment leaders, behind maybe Hilti (which usually makes VERY good stuff, but you pay $$$$ for it).

Woodworking? Bosch corded tools are usually tops or very near in multiple segments as well. Router, trim router (Bosch Colt is top rated usually), slide or compound bevel mitre saw (the top-line Dewalt 12" is up there too), bench table saw, jigsaw (Bosch top-handle or barrel-grip EVS top-line jigsaws from ~20 years ago were THE segment leader for a long time and their recent ones are at the top too), etc.

Jig saw blades? Bosch precision-ground blades are very good.

Router bits? Bosch are usually near the top too.

I would generally have no issues with a top-line Bosch tool (they make lower-tier tools too, so YMMV).

 

[5ktq]

I think the higher end Bosch stuff is first class.

They have lots of innovation, SDS bits, T-shank blades, (I guess jigsaws in general), etc.

They just don't have the hyped up ad men that team red and yellow do.


Dad got a 12" bosch sliding miter a while back that uses linkages instead of rail (so you need less clearance behind it). Does anyone else do that?

 

[jgromada]

i have a corded angle grinder that is Bosch. The only place i know that carries Bosch is Lowes and their selection seems limited.

For me 18v tools its DeWalt & Ridgid, and for 12v its Milwaukee M12. Although i do understand Bosch has an excellent 12v line.

As for game changer regarding Bosch. I understand they invented SDS and their jig saws are very highly regarded.

 

[jonshonda]

^Their gravity rise miter saw and table saw stands are unmatched also.

 

[jd_1138]

I'd have no problems with owning Bosch tools. I just sorta fell into Makita when their 1/4 impact driver was on a clearance sale.

 

[acer66]

Dad got a 12" bosch sliding miter a while back that uses linkages instead of rail (so you need less clearance behind it). Does anyone else do that?

Not sure, any problems with the linkages?

 

[matthew]

I believe that slide design for the saw is patented.

 

[5ktq]

It would be kind of silly to be able to patent using a linkage invented in the 18th century, but they do grant patents for pretty zany stuff...

it's some variation on this, anyway:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarrus_linkage


No problems so far but it hasn't seen a ton of use, yet. It seems pretty solid, I don't really anticipate it giving trouble.

 

[ChrisLS8]

We only use Bosch SDS stuff at work. Thousands and thousands of holes in concrete, they even will drill through the track if the holes don't line up right with zero issues.

As far as their other hand tools I never really saw anything that ever stood out

 

[DHCrocks]

I really like their 12v stuff. been using it since it first came out as a 10.8v. had the PS10, 20, 31, 40 just replaced them this year with PS22, 32, 42, 82, also got the, jigsaw, oscillating multi tool and three of the FL12 lights which are awesome. I'm invested in the platform so I ordered the small circular saw and rotary tool from Amazon.co.uk since they are not available here. What I really like is the compact size. I don't care if they are not as powerful as milwaukee, the form factor is much more beneficial to me. If I need more power then I'll bust out my Dewalt 20v stuff.

Bosch bits, blades are also much better quality then others I have tried.

 

[bwringer]

FWIW, the original question was asking specifically about Bosch cordless tools.

I'll agree their corded tools and consumables are very high quality.

In any case, it's worth noting that I and the few others here who actually own and use Bosch cordless stuff had nothing negative to say about the actual tools.

 

[wesbrad1962]

FWIW, the original question was asking specifically about Bosch cordless tools.

I'll agree their corded tools and consumables are very high quality.

In any case, it's worth noting that I and the few others here who actually own and use Bosch cordless stuff had nothing negative to say about the actual tools.

I agree! I have several 18v tools, two chargers, 7 batteries, and with lots of use with all I can say I have had ZERO issues and the are always up to the task. I also bought the 12v drill driver combo and they have been flawless as well.

 

[jives]

Well, I started this thread and everything pretty much matched my own thoughts. I bought my Bosch cordless NiCad drill probably 13 years ago on clearance from Lowes -- actually haggled a cheaper price. The chuck went last year and even for $30 I'm not convinced to fix it because the new tools are so much more powerful and light. The Bosch drill is very heavy. Been thinking about getting a Bosch system, but as mentioned, they are simply scarce.

Grew up in the construction trades and dad mostly had Milwaukee portable power tools and Delta Rockwell stationary tools. Still have Milwaukee in my blood, so that'll likely be it.

 

[jonshonda]

^If I started over w/ cordless I would go with Milwaukee or Dewalt just based on the "joy of shopping" factor alone. Bosch is kinda boring, but as others have said there is nothing wrong with the products they are putting out. I just don't think they realize how needy people are these days. Everyone seems to have ADD and need new shiny and flashy things pushed around in front of them to stay interested.

 

[ishiboo]

I loved my Bosch stuff... I had quite the cordless collection. Unfortunately Bosch is way behind in terms of tool availability. Probably 75% of the cordless tools I now own in Milwaukee are not available on the Bosch platform.

I feel like my Bosch tools were higher quality than my Milwaukee.

 

[Robinson1]

I've always liked Bosch. when I first started my carpentry business I made a conscious effort to buy as much Bosch equipment as possible.

The only complaint I had was the cs10 circular saw that basically fell apart the first day on the job. I got a replacement with a bent miter gauge that would never hold a true angle and always cut at least 3 degrees out of square. Put it on diamond blade duty and quickly killed it cutting concrete block.

So everyone is allowed to make a lemon occasionally.

The RS7 reciprocating saw I had liked to vibrate the bolts out of the blade shoe. Ended up using nylon lock nuts and red lock tire. To hold that one together. Great saw but it would spit bolts out everytime you used it before I got creative.

I love the hybrid impact driver they offer. I've worn two out building decks. That tool has no right to perform the way it does. Always brings a smile to my face when I sink a 4 inch lag into a 6x6 post with no pilot hole.

Here lately I'm slowly switching to Dewalt. It's not that I dislike Bosch it's just the fact that I can walk into any Lowes and buy anything I'm likely to need from Dewalt either corded or cordless.

I think Bosch makes the best cordless drills and impacts on the market. But when you get past that their entire cordless line is just weird. Most of it is old tech that hasn't been updated since Bosch made the jump to lithium batteries.

 

[Mr_B]

I got bosch corded grinders and a jigsaw, been solid tools for 15+years, grinders best I ever had ....
They not a leader in battery tools and these days overpriced for nothing that special .

 

[Sal Bandini]

Why Bosch? Small, yet powerful...

 

[acer66]

Their 12V Flexiclick is also great.

 

[Den69rs96]

I have a bunch of dewalt, older craftsman, and bosch. I love my 18v Bosch 1/2 cordless drill and 1/4 impact. I have a Bosch multitool and laser level which are awesome as well. The biggest issue is availability. I have to order most of their stuff where as I could go to the local hd and get another brand that day.

 

[Voi]

Their 12V Flexiclick is also great.

How is it as a stand alone impact driver?

I have three Bosch 12V tools plus a light but no impact driver in that line. I have no plans to expand on the line but can't see selling them either and I could use an extra impact driver for when my main set of tools is at the cabin and I'm home or vice versa.

I know I could get one of their 12V drivers but the various attachments of the Flexclick intrigue me.

 

[MANelson85]

Bosch for routers and jigsaws. I like bosch but cordless I'm all in on milwaukee

 

[acer66]

How is it as a stand alone impact driver?

I have three Bosch 12V tools plus a light but no impact driver in that line. I have no plans to expand on the line but can't see selling them either and I could use an extra impact driver for when my main set of tools is at the cabin and I'm home or vice versa.

I know I could get one of their 12V drivers but the various attachments of the Flexclick intrigue me.

The one I have is not an impact, I use it mostley for cabinet building
and in tight corners.
I replaced an old Festool drill who also came with the right angle etc. with that one and it is way smaller, more powerful and way cheaper of course.
These little drills drive 3” screw in with not problem if they have to.

 

[M6erfan]

A few years ago I bought into the Bosch 18v system. When I was looking I was trying to decide between Bosch & Milwaukee and at that point I thought both were pretty evenly matched so I went with Bosch because I was able to get a Swiss made drill and US assembled impact wrench opposed to tools made in China IIRC from Milwaukee.

If I were buying again today I'd get Milwaukee no contest; it's a much more extensive product line and spec to spec (especially considering impact tools) Milwaukee has made great strides while Bosch is still selling for the most part the same tools they sold 3 years ago.

Not to say Bosch tools are bad at all but working around cars/trucks/heavy equipment the impact wrench is the most important cordless tool and Bosch just isn't competitive right now.

Same story here. I love my Bosch stuff but they have stagnated on product development for the most part(at least whats made available in the U.S.). And they seem to concentrate on contractor tools and not so much automotive technician tools.

3-4 years later, I kinda wish I went Milwaukee due to their more extensive line up.

 

[Voi]

The one I have is not an impact.

Shows how little I know. Still intrigued but will hold off for now. Wish I had one when I was finishing up our cabin.

 

[acer66]

Just saw a positive review about their 12V router.

 

[Qualitytools]

I have the Bosch corded oscillating tool made in Switzerland ���� it's been a great tool, going on 8 years now

 

[acer66]

Darn it, now I want that little router.

 

[viikinki]

I think the higher end Bosch stuff is first class.

They have lots of innovation, SDS bits, T-shank blades, (I guess jigsaws in general), etc.

They just don't have the hyped up ad men that team red and yellow do.


Dad got a 12" bosch sliding miter a while back that uses linkages instead of rail (so you need less clearance behind it). Does anyone else do that?

I have that Bosch miter saw, and i really like it . I bought it to replace the worn out Dewalt saw.
I use it cut wide Crown molding etc. and 4x4" etc. pressure treated deck lumber. no complaints.

I have lots off other Bosch tools. and they have been abused in the jobsite year over year.

 

[Asport]

I've had a bunch of cordless drills over the years but this one is by far my favorite. So much so, I bought 3 of them to keep at different locations I work at it. Fits in the smallest of spaces and as Acer66 said will drive a 3" screw without a problem. I have the 12v reciprocating saw as well but it's not as impressive as the drill.

 

[Brownsfan]

I was actually going to ask this question. I have the sears craftsman c3 tools im using daily in my service van. I am going to retire them to home use because we all know that sears probably doesn't survive much longer. Then no more batteries or new tools. So im going to need a new cordless tool platform. Drill and 1/4 impact being the most important. Was actually looking at the Rigid and Bosh. Among others. Not sure if i need 18-20v and was contemplating 12v Milwaukee. Also anyone try the new Kobalt line ? The tools are competitive priced and the replacement batteries are dirt cheap for some reason. Also looking at the new brushless Makita at Home depot. Pretty good price for 18v drill and impact with 2 batteries and charger.

 

[Voi]

Darn it, now I want that little router.

That router looks great for edge work with how the center of gravity is shifted over. Now I want one.

 

[acer66]

That router looks great for edge work with how the center of gravity is shifted over. Now I want one.

Black Friday here we come.

 

[winlinmac]

Definitely try to buy from Lowes, Amazon on that day or around that time-frame including Cyber Monday. Some online retailers will do up to 20% off as well

Black Friday here we come.

 

[3oheight]

I started out buying bosch, but changed to Milwaukee for the better tool selection. I use my m12 3/8 ratchet a ton and Bosch didn’t have that.