Customer Reviews

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

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I replaced a Makita drill/driver with this Bosch one when the Makita batteries failed. The cost of replacement batteries was more than half the cost of a better drill, so there was no real hesitation. Some of the other reviews of this drill mention Ni-Cad batteries, but this drill has Lithium-Ion batteries that last much longer and charge faster. The drill has lots of power, a solid chuck and a wide variation in driver torque through the chuck clutch. The only problem encountered is a little stiffness when switching speeds, but a brief touch of the trigger allowed the speed switch to occur. I haven't used the side handle yet, but it was not mentioned that it attaches via a friction ring so it can be positioned anywhere around the circumference of the drill.

It's strange to me to read the other two reviews on this product. We purchased this unit for my work, and while there's not been too much heavy drilling so far, everything I've used it for it has worked very well. I have noted just a bit of sparking from the electric motor, but not anything like my old 1960 Black & Decker Corded drill.

As I mentioned, the ergonomics of this drill are excellent. It's very comfortable (though heavy) to use, the switches are well placed, and the weight is well balanced. Abundant torque, although I have not shifted the drivetrain of our unit too much yet. I would not consider making a signifigant shift with the unit turning, unless I knew it was sycronized!

Aside for weight and realativly high purchase cost, I have no issues with this drill. For more, read my review on a DeWalt 18V XRP Hammerdrill.