Customer Reviews

Bosch 32614 14.4 Volt Compact Tough Drill/Driver

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have owned this drill for nearly a year and it continues to amaze me with its power and durability. During this time, I have installed a new wood working shop in my walk out basement. The work required countless holes in seasoned overhead joists and concrete walls to install wiring, outlet boxes and plumbing lines. The compact size, of this drill, using a Bosch 3/4 spade bit, will fit easily between joists and studs on 16" centers, allowing straight and true holes with minimal effort. My, now retired, Craftsman 14.4 would not begin to fit, resulting in a few holes drilled at an angle ----- OK for wiring but not for water lines. Besides, the Craftsman bogged down in concrete drilling and smoked a battery.
The balance and ergonomics of the Bosch are very good, either for heavy work or fine model work. The Swiss quality is evident ----- I am really impressed with the chuck, which locks easily and has never slipped on me.
Based on my 40+ engineering years in the medical electronics field, here is a battery life tip. Do NOT run the battery down to the last ounce of power. As soon as the drill begins to lose power, remove the battery and let it cool for 20 - 30 minutes before recharging. I have found the operational battery life to be very long and the 1 hour charger should keep up with most applications. Yes, there is superior battery technology, but it comes at a very high price. You could always purchase an additional battery if you require production output.
I do not have much need for the case , however if you lug your tools around, it is rugged and well designed with steel toggle clasps.
PS: November 13, 2005 : The December 2005 issue of Consumer Reports gives this drill (32614-2G) a BEST BUY rating. I sure agree with that rating.

PS-2: May 4, 2008: The drill continues to provide outstanding service. I recently finished building a 12 X 17 deck, using composite planking and fascia. I hired a contractor to do the rough in framing and laying of the decking material while I installed the fascia and railings. He had a DeWalt 14.4 volt drill and I offered him my Bosch as a back up. I soon noticed that his DeWalt was back in his tool box and he was using my Bosch for the entire job, because it easily out performed the DeWalt. The Bosch kept up with 2 days of intense screw driving using the 2 original batteries, and it kept up with the job load without missing a beat. The charger quickly recharged one battery while he was using the other. He thought the performance was remarkable, and I had to agree. I doubt if you could find a tougher work environment for this wonderful tool.

This is the best cordless tool I've ever owned. I've always liked the Bosch line of tools. Between the 18 volt and the 14.4 volt I ended up buying the 14.4 volt brute, and I've certainly put it to work. It has plenty of power to drive any kind of screw you want. My brother was driving in a 5/16" X 2 1/2 lag bolt while working on my deck, we both heard a snap. My brother said, "sorry , but I think I just broke your drill. Come to find out the drill was fine and he had snapped the lag bolt cleanly off, talk about power. The battery pack lasts plenty long enough to allow your second battery to fully charge, so you have no down time. The drill is very ergonomic, and a real pleasure to use. I dont generally leave reviews, but i must make an exception in this case

This unit replaces a previous Bosch 14v drill/driver that didn't last nearly as long as most of my other Bosch tools. Sure enough, that was made in Mexico. This 32614 however is made in Switzerland and the European quality is evident. The tool body seems more solid, the switches have a sturdy feel, the chuck is absolutely straight and even in operation, even the tool case is an improvement. Seems like the overall quality & features rivals Festool at a third the price.

I traded in my Makita 14V because I was unhappy with it and still needed a second drill. This one outperforms my Craftsman 19.2. The feel is great. The heft is right. The power is unbelievable. I am extremely happy. Even the case is first rate. everything fits in its molded space. And it even has holders for the battery covers. They just went the extra step all the way around. Very happy.

I rarely write reviews but I always read them before buying a tool. I've owned this drill now for two years and am still impressed with it. I like it so much I'm getting one for my son who is starting his own collection of tools. After having it for two years I can't find one negative thing to say about it.

Thinking about the Bosch Compact Touch reminds me of Mighty Mouse - "Here I come to save the day!". Seriously, I was working on hanging cabinets in a buddy's house and my drill beats the cr@p out of his 18V. He was impressed, and since that day it has been on loan.

I've used this drill pretty much everyday since Feb 2004. Never let me down, has nice heft, very ergonomic, fast bit change, nice controls and easy visuals. I choose this versus the Brute Tough since I'll be doing a lot of confined space work and the Dewalt because I liked the color and grip. Nice case, good battery life. *****/5

I love everything about this drill except for one small thing. I have been using this for one day, and as a prior reviewer mentions, this thing smells. If you have ever experienced a battery room for forklifts, etc in a warehouse you know the smell. Sort of like rotten eggs. I have no idea why this occurs or if it wears off over time. This came as part of BP-10CD, flash light, 2 batteries, and driver from Lowes on clearance for $219 - 10% discount = about $200. I don't think you can beat it. I am driving 1" holes in a maple work bench used forstner bits and this thing is killing it. Awesome.

Excellent tool, very compact, well balanced, with adequate torque and speed. Quick change chuck works perfectly and does not slip. Holds charge very well. Price quite reasonable for a tool of this quality and the bonus was a nice addition. The tool will receive fairly heavy use and I expect it to serve me well for a long time.

I do home repair, and I have used this drill for 2 years, with no problems. It does only have a 3/8 chuck while some others are 1/2 inch, and the chuck is plastic on the outside, but that hasn't been an issue for me. I have dropped it several times, and it hasn't stopped working yet.

I like the feel and weight, and it has plenty of power. The batteries are still going strong, and they spend a lot of time in my truck, in the hot and cold and not plugged in. I also purchased a 5 3/8 saw (tool only) which I like very much and it shares the batteries. I would recommend it.

It is now 2011, my drill is six years old and still ticking. The batteries don't last as long as they used to, but long enough for most work. I wish the new lith ion batteries would fit, I wonder why they won't? Sell more drills?

The drill has great balance. It is lighter than my Bosch 13.4 v drill. I haven't had a chance to use my very much but I purchased it after using my son-in-laws 32614 drill. This is the fourth Bosch drill that I own. All have given me great service.