Bosch 17618-01 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Brute Tough Litheon Hammer Drill/Driver with 2 Fat Batteries

by Bosch

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Combining brute strength, a compact design, and high-performance Litheon batteries, the Bosch 17618-01 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Tough Litheon Hammer Drill/Driver with Two Fat Pack batteries gives big power in a small package. Innovative engineering makes this drill/driver one of Bosch's "Best Built" lithium-ion tools, great for a variety of jobs, including drilling/driving in concrete, stone, and light structural steel.

The 17618-01 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Tough Litheon Hammer Drill/Driver with Two Fat Pack Batteries offers: 18-volt Litheon batteries for long-lasting performance. Up to 2,050 RPM and 650 in./lbs. of torque. 25 clutch settings and variable-speed trigger for versatility. One-handed bit changes.

With an ergonomic design, you'll stay comfortable on even the longest jobs. View larger.

Ideal for drilling/driving in concrete, stone, and light structural steel. View larger.

18-Volt Litheon Batteries for Maximum Runtime and Manageability
The 17618-01 utilizes state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery technology and Bosch's proprietary ECP (Electronic Cell Protection) system to provide maximum cycle life, minimum self-discharge, and no memory-effect. Best of all, this battery will fully charge in 30 minutes and will be at 85% capacity in just 15 minutes.

It also offers the highest BPM in its category--over 30,000. And up to one pound lighter than comparable 18-volt NiCad drills/drivers, the 17618-01 won't weigh you down.

Unique, Flexible Power System
Like all tools in Bosch's 18-Volt line, the 17618-01 can be used with either a 1.3-Ah BAT609 Slim Pack battery or a 2.6-Ah BAT318 Fat Pack (two included). If you're looking for a lighter-weight option, the Slim Pack is the perfect choice. If longer runtime is what you need, the Fat Pack will do the job. Bosch is the only power tool manufacturer that provides this option.

Fast Speeds, High Torque, and Durable Construction for Reliable Results
The 17618-01 works at speeds up to 2,050 RPM and provides 650 in./lbs. of torque. Durashield housing, unibody construction, and a steel-reinforced collar help you withstand real-world conditions, like temperature extremes, rain, dirt, debris, and drops.

The 17618-01's Durashield Housing is constructed with ABS/Nylon composite, which makes the housing flexible and impenetrable. Unlike competitive tools, which use a conventional plastic housing, Durashield will not crack and can easily withstand 10-foot drops.

This tool also features unique unibody construction with three steel straps that keep the motor, gears, and clutch together. This ensures that the gears never separate from the motor, and it keeps the drill functioning even after drops.

Additionally, the 17618-01 boasts an exclusive steel-reinforced collar that protects the nose of the drill. It provides extra reinforcement in the event of drops on the chuck and prevents the chuck from bending or breaking off.

Easy Bit Changes and Balanced Design for Utmost Control
The 17618-01 comes complete with a single-sleeve 1/2-inch metal for chuck optimum durability and one-handed bit changes, as well as increased drill-bit capacity for versatility. And for maximum control, comfort, and balance, the tool boasts a newly designed handle-grip with finger support.

25 Clutch Settings for Optimum Precision
To ensure precise results, the 37618-01 provides 25 clutch settings--the highest number of settings available on any model that's currently on the market. Settings 1-20 are perfectly suited for driving small screws; settings 21-25 provide the right amount of power for large screws and large drill bits, such as auger bits or self-feed bits. To choose the correct speed, simply use the variable-speed trigger and enjoy consistent, controlled operation.

Smart Features for Easy Use
To keep operation smooth and to help you stay fatigue-free, the 17618-01's ergonomic design and two-tone, soft-grip handle provide optimum comfort and control--even during all-day jobs. And for even greater convenience, LEDs provide illumination when you are working in dark or enclosed areas.

ProVantage Guarantee
The 17618-01 comes with the ProVantage three-year protection plan, which guarantees two years of battery protection and one year of tool protection. Under this plan, you can receive two years of free battery replacements, tool replacement for one year, and a free tool repair package for the second and third years.

What's in the Box
Drill/Driver; two Litheon Fat Packs, 30-minute charger; side handle; magnetic bit holder; and case.

18V Lithium Ion Family of Tools
For more information, click on the images below
17618-01 1/2-Inch Brute Tough Hammer Drill/Driver	37618-01 1/2-Inch Brute Tough Drill/Driver	36618-02 1/2-Inch Compact Tough Drill/Driver	CCS180(K)(B) 6.5-Inch Circular Saw Blade Kit	CRS180(K)(B) Reciprocating Saw Kit
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Product Description

High torque mode produces over 650 in.-lbs.; High speed mode produces 2,050 RPM, up to 30,750 BPM; Durashield™ Housing & unibody powertrain; Bosch Litheon™ Batteries; 1/2" Metal Chuck for increased durability; High Strength Metal Collar; Newly Designed Powertrain and Gears; LED Light; Ergonomic two-tone soft grip handle; 25 Position Clutch; Variable speed; Includes: (2) 18V Litheon™ FatPack Batteries - BAT618, (1) 30-minute Litheon™ Battery Charger - BC630, (1) Magnetic Bit Holder, (1) Philips Drive Bit, (1) Auxiliary Handle, (1) Carrying Case,

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Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 13.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B001GIPG0Y
• Item model number: 17618-01
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52,336 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #87 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Drills > Hammer Drills

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellant peice 4 1/2 stars, June 6, 2009

By 

G. Robinson "Extensive reader" (CO) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bosch 17618-01 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Brute Tough Litheon Hammer Drill/Driver with 2 Fat Batteries (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is a great go to drill for concrete, stone and light structural steel. I haven't used it on anything heaver than a small I beam but it did 1/2" holes just fine with a good bit. This is a good all around replacement for a 3/4" HD drill or even a 1" in some cases. The trigger pull is nice and makes slow starts easy. The side handle is friction fit so it can be anywhere except directly in front of the trigger (you can put it there but it interferes with the trigger and visa versa). This is a viable replacement for a ¾" drive drill (my old Craftsman finally gave out) and it does a better job on concrete and stone. If you are looking for something that does 1" or larger holes this is not it (well occasional 1"); but for more mundane work its just fine. The case is well made and the keyless chuck works just fine. Great warrantee.

Now the down side (not much):
Its large and heavy, not quite as big as my old sears ¾" but weighs a little more with the battery.
Handle all ready mentioned.
The case is well made but not well designed. It only holds a few loose bits (small) and stubby driver bits that need a magnetic bit attachment. Plenty of room for a better arrangement or even provision for one of Bosch's driver bit kits.
Battery life? In my use I can't drill enough in heavy materials any more that the second battery isn't recharged. But this may be an issue in hot environments or if you leave the batteries in direct sun light (I work mostly above 10,000'). A friend who does a lot of engineered stone cabinet work (he's 24 and 6'4" large for his size) wound up buying a 3rd battery but he's happy now.
A couple real nits. There is no index on the clutch, given the overall fit an finish (made in Switzerland not China) it's a surprise. The manual says there is a bit compartment in the handle--a couple of rubber extrusions which can hold a driver bit is not a compartment!

BTW the serial number is on the handle under the battery.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real workhorse!, August 18, 2011

By 

Robert Doeden "bdoeden" (Knoxville, TN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bosch 17618-01 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Brute Tough Litheon Hammer Drill/Driver with 2 Fat Batteries (Tools & Home Improvement)

I'm building a large deck out of 2x treated boards. Am now working on my second 25# box of screws. One battery charge lasts me most of the day putting in these screws. Only caution: this is a heavy drill! But like every Bosch tool I have, it gets the job done.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What is in a name?, August 1, 2009

By 

John E. Vandeusen (Idaho) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bosch 17618-01 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Brute Tough Litheon Hammer Drill/Driver with 2 Fat Batteries (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is a positive review for Bosch tools. The problems I had are because of my own lack of knowledge. I did a reasonably good search for information; just not quite good enough. That cost me a lot of time, so I decided to write this; because I didn't encounter information, even in Wikipedia, that really enabled me to understand what tool I needed for my application.

My son and I wanted to build a deck together. The location is bounded on two sides by concrete foundation, so we decided to put in about 50 feet of pressure-treated 2x10 for a ledger. This was to be attached to the 30-year-old concrete foundation by 20 or so 1/2-inch anchor bolts drilled in about 3.5 inches. The concrete contains quartzite gravel and also plenty of rebar.

This is the environment into which the Bosch Brute-tough hammer drill with a Bosch carbide SDS+ 1/2-inch bit was placed into service. The drill became inoperative, (I think because of dust contamintation), within two days after drilling only 5 holes. Two days of use but 30+ days of ownership, so the drill couldn't be returned. I called Bosch support and they registered my drill for their 3 year support program that includes 1 year of tool replacement - all for free! The second drill came in about a week, but it too became inoperable within one day after drilling only 2 holes. I called Bosch again and this time asked what I was doing wrong. The support person left me on hold to ask someone else about the problem and upon returning said, "This drill isn't right for your application. You need a rotary hammer." He then sent me a 3rd drill, 2nd day air at Bosch's expense. This third drill is not going near any concrete foundations, needless to say. It is a very powerful chordless drill quite useful for the proper application; like drilling holes in wet pressure-treated lumber or driving half-inch hex head wood screws. I also don't see how Bosch support could be much better. Therefore, I recently bought a factory-Reconditioned Bosch 11224VSR-46 6.9 Amp 7/8-Inch SDS Rotary Hammer for $140.00 from Amazon that I haven't had time yet to receive.

Anyway, this is what is in a name in the American retail market. Brute tough hammer drill, concrete mutilator ultimate destruction drill, girly man fierce hammer drill; they're all the same - drills. Those other words don't legally have any meaning. In the case of the Bosch hammer drill the action is more back-and-forth than really hammering. In contrast, the specs of the 11224VSR rotary hammer address all of the issues that I was having with the 17618; a mechanism to properly break through the concrete at a good rate, a chuck that holds the bit without it slipping and which allows the bit to move freely in an inline hammering motion separate from the chuck, a design that keeps concrete dust out and minimizes vibration, and so on. It's probably not as convenient for drill or driver work compared to the Bosch 17618, but it is appropriate for the concrete work that I need to do. At the time I bought the hammer drill I didn't know what a rotary hammer was.