Customer Reviews

Bosch 38636-01 36-Volt Litheon Drill/Driver with 2 Compact Batteries

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this drill about 1 year ago when they first came out. I was thinking with the litheon technology this tool would be a little lighter, but much more powerfull with 36 volts. I am a general contractor and have been using and abusing cordless drills for some time now. I sold my 18V Dewalt XRP 4 piece set for this drill (I hate cordless circular saws and sawsalls due to their incredibly short battery run time). This drill is not that much more powerfull than the Dewalt, but it is much more refined. The Bosch has a VERY smooth feel while driving screws and the batteries last a long time. I have two slim batteries and one fat battery. Other than the slight upgrade in battery life and power, it's not much better than the Dewalt XRP collection. You would think with a 36V rating, you'd be getting a monster cordless drill, but I think 36V (even with litheon technology) is a waste of weight. 18V is the perfect power to weight ratio. The drill has not failed me, and I have in fact been hard on it, but wait until an 18V version of the Bosch comes out.

Just received this today and haven't had a chance to break it in yet. I weighed it, and to the tenth of a pound, with the compact batteries, it weighs the same as the 18V version. It is slightly larger, as is the case. On point of confusion: both the Bosch website and every other site selling this lists the unit with a 'hammer drill' clutch. It doesn't appear to have one (and the manual doesn't say anything about it either). I'm actually happier without, but if you need a hammer drill, don't buy this one!

10/21/08: After using this new drill for several jobs around the house with the compact battery, I'm dissapointed in that the RPM doesn't seem as fast as the 18V version. I'm not sure if adding the high-capacity battery would help.

I just got it a week ago and used it a few times. I was expecting it to be faster because it is a 36v, but the fact is it only has 1400RPM compared to the 18v's 1800RPM. It also had a lower torque rating then the 18v. The chuck is plastic, the 18v's is metal. And with the rebate Bosch is offering right now on the 18v tools you can get a free battery. I'm returning the the 36v and getting the 18v instead.

I have been using this drill for about a month now, and it is an awesome drill. Solidly built, it feels strong and tough just holding it. I am an electrician, so I abuse my powertools. I drill a lot of holes through 2x4's, 4x4s and thicker and through metal, and it has yet to dissappoint me. I even use it in place of a hole hawg! I used to have a Dewalt, and after using this bosch, I would never buy Dewalt again. The motor is quiet, the batteries last much longer, it's light weight, the charger is fast, even the gauge on the battery that tells you how much power is left works great...it's just a very well built and designed tool. The only complaints I have, and they are minor, is that the case is a little bulky and leaves no room inside for bits and accessories; the RPMs could be a little higher, but I haven't had a
problem with them.

Overall, great tool, great warranty, and I only paid $230 for it on Amazon, who, as always, has great service.

It is larger than in the picture, and heavy, but it feels so sturdy it is a good thing for me. this drill can do everything a corded drill can, it has almost the same amount of power.

I've been using Bosch Drills for drilling through metal in car doors for a long time. Whenever I have had a problem I overnight it to the Service center in Miami and receive a package back 2 days later. Sometimes they repair the damaged drill, often they simply replace it with a new one. After switching to the 36 volt almost 3 years ago I could never go back to the 18 volt. Like a hot knife thru soft butter. Incredible power and the batteries last 3-4 days each. I just bought a new 36 volt and will retire my existing one to back up status. Only problem I have had has been sometimes the keyless chuck locks up and I need to use a vice to open it back up. Aside from that this is a workhorse. Also, could not be happier with Bosch customer service. They understand I need this to stay in business and take care to get it back to me overnight (and have never charged me for return shipping or any repair, ever).

I've had this Bosch rechargeable drill (with hammer feature) now for over a year. Usually after a bit of time using a tool I can think of several changes I'd like to see implemented, but not this time. Simply stated, this is a virtually perfectly designed and executed tool. I purchased the kit that includes the charger and the two larger-capacity batteries, highly recommended. This drill is so powerful it can be dangerous ... the instructions make a point about always using the detachable side handle due to the high torque this baby can produce. For convenience, I sometimes ignore that advice but on it's highest torque settings this tool could do a real number on your wrist.

The keyless chuck works like a champ and even though this is a hefty tool it is well-balanced and a pleasure to use. Torque settings and selecting drill or "hammer" is easily accomplished by turning two large, well-marked, aluminum rings just behind the chuck. I've had no problem using this tool dangling in a bosun's chair 60 feet up the mast of my sailboat. The battery packs have a handy red "test" button that you can push which lights up a three-element LED display to show the state of charge of the Li-ion batteries. The reversing switch is well-sized and very conveniently located so you can easily reverse the direction of the drill while not repositioning your hand on the trigger grip. The handle, rear of the motor housing, and both ends of the battery packs are coated with a tough dark gray rubber material that is very easy to grip. Replacing a battery pack is literally "a snap" but as the drill seems to run forever on a single charge you won't be using the big red top-mounted battery release button very often during a job.

Since owning this drill my trusted old corded Craftsman drill has seen no use (it's now migrated to my eldest daughter's garage). If you purchase this tool you'll love it but do carefully check prices online as they can vary by hundreds of dollars for precisely the same kit.

BE CAREFUL...THIS IS NOT A HAMMERDRILL...HERE IS THE HAMMERDRILL Bosch 18636-02 36-Volt Litheon Hammer Drill The hammerdrill is 2 pounds heavier and longer.

I am a professional carpenter ([...]).
Some of my work is featured in New Treehouses of the World.

I Love this drill. I use it all day every day.

The drill has great balance and functions very smoothly.

I am Very happy with the strength to weight ratio. I use the slim packs and never use the fat pack. I had great success with a 4" hole saw. I often drill with 1"x18" long ship augers into fir and cedar. Impact drivers have a much greater strength to weight ratio but the noise they produce drives me insane. I've had freinds who rave on impact drivers for a few weeks and then they seem to return to this drill. Impact drivers are great if you are already deaf.

The batteries are quick to charge and last a long time. I could screw down decking all day and the next battery will always be fresh before the one I'm using is empty.
I make my living with this drill and these screws [...]
The Provantage Warranty from bosch is incredible. Any time I have any trouble with the drill they will rush me a new one second day air and include a box with prepaid shipping to return the troubled drill.

This is a very tough drill. I work it very hard. I professionally build treehouses. I drop it from great heights. I work it in rain and snow and jungle. Pretty good hammer on special occasions.

I buy a new one every year on my birthday. I paid $400 when the drill first came out. I would pay $400 again but I feel like I stole the last 2 from Amazon for less than $200.

I have sold at least 4 friends and collegues on this drill and they are all very happy.

I have outlasted Dewalt battery and tool.

I have taken the same fall as a Milwaukee that broke in half.

It's a great drill.

For starters, this drill is POWERFUL. On the site where i've been working, there are dewalts, ridgids, and a makita, and this drill out torques all of them. Where others have been bogged down making holes, my Bosch powers through the wood. The battery is only 1.3 Amp-hours, but somehow i went the entire day with only having to change the battery once. The trigger is really smooth, so driving 3" screws without drilling pilot holes is really easy. The entire housing is really soft, so its easy to hold for hours and hours without hand fatigue, and putting the drill down on gravel or rough surfaces wont scratch it ( something i saw happen to other drills with hard plastic exteriors). The only real complaint is that the chuck is plastic, but its a very strong plastic and so far hasnt been a problem. At this price point, i think this drill is a great deal.

The Bosch 36-Volt Litheon Drill/Driver is one great drill. Plenty of speed and torque from a lightweight battery set-up. My only complaint is that the slim pack litheon batteries have do not last as long as I would like. I think it is because they are running such a large drill. They are especially susceptible in cold temps (-5 Celsius and below) to shortened battery life. Go Bosch or go home! My previous 14.4 V Bosch Drill/Driver is ten years old and still running great except for the batteries lost there full charge capability.