Bosch 35618 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Brute Tough Drill/Driver Kit

by Bosch

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The new 18-volt Bosch 35618 Brute Tough 1/2-inch Drill features a new Two Speed Gearbox with a high torque mode that produces over 600-inch-pounds. of torque. Bosch has also added a High Strength Metal Collar that Enhances durability and protects the tool when dropped on the chuck. The 35618 has a newly designed powertrain for longer life and durability. With a new 25 position chuck, variable speed trigger, external brush access, Durasheild Housing, and BLUECORE battery technology the Bosch 35618 is ready for a hard day's work.

Product Description

18V, Driil & Driver, Brute Tough Drill Driver Kit, Full Metal Clutch Ring With 16 Positions, Ratcheting 1/2" Single Sleeve Chuck With Carbide Teeth, Finger Groove For Optimal Professional Hold, Reverse Switch, Durashield Housing Designed To Withstand Daily Use & Abuse, Bit Holder, 2.0 AH Bosch BlueCore Battery System, Snap Hook, Ergonomic Soft Grip Handle, Variable Speed Soft Grip Trigger, Externally Changeable Brushes, Improved Bosch Design 48mm Motor, Bosch Built Powertrain With All Steel Gears, 2 Batteries & 30 Minute Charger, and carrying case.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 16.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000WMHJCI
• Item model number: 35618
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #137,888 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Bad, March 25, 2008

By 

Ben S. "Ben" (Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bosch 35618 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Brute Tough Drill/Driver Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

I too have purchased high end Bosch tools in the past and have been very happy with all the performance and quality standards set by the name, except for this drill. The first one I purchased actually dropped the low speed position. Pulling the trigger slowly did not do anything, but once I hit the point on the trigger it went superspeed. So I took it back and replaced it (still under warranty). I purchased the same drill thinking it was a bad unit. I really liked the torque, metal clutch, and quick battery charge. Unfortunately, last night while installing a vanity, it started to smoke, and then after I set it down for 5 minutes, I came back and it did not even turn on. I am very disappointed and will return it for a Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Hitachi.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not so impressed so far, March 21, 2008

By 

D. C. Staley (Peoria, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bosch 35618 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Brute Tough Drill/Driver Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

I bought this today from Lowe's when the battery in my Craftsman 19.2V drill died pretty quickly. I've had the Craftsman drill for four years now and I know it's disposable as I only paid $80 or so for it, so I expected more from the Bosch after paying $240 (+ tax) for it.

The high/low transmission is my major beef with this drill. Today I was installing a new door in my home which required a little bit of framing work, and when I tried to shift the drill from high gear to low (not while running of course) it would often fail to switch- the selector was in the low speed position, but it spun at full speed (not great when trying to drive a heavy deck screw) and of course lacked control and torque. Revving it a couple times usually somehow caused it to complete the shift. It did this many times. It often popped out of position (into Neutral between the high and low speeds) and sometimes the selector didn't seem to want to engage in either position. The transmission often makes an odd sound when the trigger is released. Also, when it started to get dark out I noticed that the drill sparks a lot more than any other tool I own- often the sparks flew out the side of the vent slots!

It had pretty good power and although the battery didn't last long, NiCad batteries usually need a few cycles before they're really up to full strength. The charger did charge both batteries quickly. The chuck seemed OK too.

I have several other Bosch (high end jig saw, palm sander, worm drive circular saw), Milwaukee (1/2" Magnum drill, 9" grinder, two 4-1/2" grinders, sawzall, portaband), and DeWalt (3/8" angle drill) tools, so I'm used to quality yet this one just didn't seem up to the same level as the others. I plan to return it tomorrow and try a Milwaukee, Hitachi, or maybe a DeWalt instead. After being so impressed with my other Bosch tools, I'm disappointed that it didn't quite measure up.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars reliable great strong drill, October 14, 2008

By 

Bart Louwagie (Holmes, NY, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bosch 35618 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Brute Tough Drill/Driver Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have used this drill and the other related 18V tools for years, intensively. This machine is tough strong and can handle a lot of mishandling. I've dropped it and picked it back up, it just keeps going. Yes the batteries are NiCad, which means they wear out after a couple of years and are not as good as the latest generated Li-Ion, so you need to find replacements now and then (I've had one die after 3 years). I find it more effective to buy another tool with the same batteries than to pay for a new one, although Amazon seems to have a very well priced offer for the batteries. The carger that comes with this tool charges in a half hour, so if you have two batteries you never have to stop. I have really appreciated Bosch's 3 years warranty and 18 months on the battery (1 year on refurbished tools but not on their batteries) and I have actually used the warranty. I had a replacement tool within a day, they paid shipment both ways. I also own the 18V planer, jigsaw, reciprocating saw, circular saw, rotozip and planer, all running of the same batteries. The jigsaw has given me trouble but the drill never has. The drill is fast, the clutch works great and the variable speed trigger with the brake that stops the drill automaticall put it in a professional league. I've driven thousands of screws with it and drilled almost as many holes. I'd buy it again... although the Ridgid with lifetime battery replacements would be a very strong contender.