Bosch DDS181-02 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Compact Tough Drill/Driver Kit with 2 High Capacity Batteries, Charger and Case

by Bosch

• Four-pole high-performance motor for maximum power in the most compact size
• New patented gear train and clutch enables most compact design in its class and lightest weight
• Flexible power system--both DD and HDD are compatible with every 18-volt lithium-ion Bosch battery
• Ergonomic grip zone--small diameter enables better gripping and greater comfort
• Modified orientation relative to handle increases comfort

Product Description

Amazon.com

Ready for heavy-duty drilling applications in materials ranging from wood to metal, the small yet powerful Bosch DDS181-02 Compact Tough 18-volt lithium-ion 1/2-inch drill/driver's 7-inch head length is the smallest in its class, yet it delivers top performance. It works with all Bosch 18-volt lithium-ion batteries, and this kit includes two Slim Pack 1.5 Ah HC (high-capacity) batteries. They provide up to 50 percent more runtime over standard lithium-ion batteries and include an electronic battery fuel gauge to ensure you have enough power for the job.

Compact and lightweight with included Slim Pack HC battery (view larger).

 

Fast Speeds, High Torque, and Durable Construction

The DDS181-02 has two optimized speeds--one ideal for high-torque applications (0-500 RPM) and one ideal for high-speed applications (0-1,700 RPM)--and it provides a maximum of 600 inch-pounds of torque. The 4-pole open frame motor and newly developed gearbox provide exceptional power for such a compact drill/driver. The 18+1 clutch settings included in this Compact Tough model and a variable-speed trigger help you match the best speed to the job, so you can achieve precise results. It can drive 500 screws per charge using the BAT619G 3.0 Ah HC battery (not included).

Balanced Design and Easy Bit Changes

The ergonomically designed handle and soft-grip wrapped housing offer a comfortable fit for extended working time. The DDS181-02 comes complete with a single-sleeve 1/2-inch auto-lock chuck for one-handed bit changes, as well as increased drill-bit capacity for versatility. And for even greater convenience, LEDs provide illumination when you are working in dark or enclosed areas.

Flexible Power System

In addition to the 1.5 Ah HC lithium batteries included in this kit, this drill/driver can be used with Bosch's batteries from its 18-volt line--including the 1.3 Ah Slim Pack battery (model BAT609), the 2.6 Ah Fat Pack battery (model BAT618), and the 3.0 Ah HC Fat Pack battery (model BAT619G). If you're looking for a lightweight option, the Slim Pack is the perfect choice. If longer runtime is what you need, the Fat Pack will do the job.

ProVantage Guarantee The DDS181-02 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 One Bosch DDS181-02 Compact Tough drill/driver kit with two 18-volt lithium-ion Slim Pack batteries, one 30-minute charger, one carrying case, bits, and operating instructions.

Bosch DDS181-02 Compact Tough Drill Driver Kit At a Glance: Powered by Bosch 18-volt lithium-ion batteries Maximum runtime from 1.5 Ah Slim Pack HC battery (two included) Two speed settings (0-500 RPM and 0-1,700 RPM) Maximum of 600 inch-pounds of torque 18+1 clutch settings and a variable-speed trigger Three-year ProVantage protection plan

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 55 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best drill in its class! November 16, 2011

By Mr. Brody

Style Name:Tool|Amazon Verified Purchase

Length: 5:27 Mins

I've been searching for the perfect drill to suit my budget and basic needs for almost an entire year now. The Bosch DDS181-02 drill fits the bill! I am not a professional, so my review is from a DIY around the house handyman.

First impressions out of the box. This box is HUGE! It doesn't include many extras and the box itself has inefficient use of space. However, that is of minor concern considering this will be used for small jobs around the house and in the garage. The drill itself is impressive.

By far the most refined drill I've held in the price range. The balance is perfect, the size is compact, and everything is where it should be. The led light is bright and my hands don't get in the way. The forward/reverse selector is appropriately placed and is easy to switch. The batteries slide in and out very smoothly and include a neat feature to quickly check battery level (has 3 increments). The chuck spins well and clamps without issue. The included belt hook can be placed on either side.

Now on to the areas of improvement. There is no drill bit holder on the drill itself or any sort of level. Cheaper drills often include these features and it would have been a big bonus in my opinion. This particular model comes with 2 1.5 Ah lithium ion batteries that charge in 30 minutes. This is right in the middle of its competitors. Other drills in the same category and price range charge from as fast as 15 minutes to 40+ minutes.

Bosch has multiple variations of this drill with very little differences. I believe this is the best out of the bunch, since the similarly priced Bosch DDS180-02 comes with standard 1.3 Ah batteries that don't include the charge indicator on the battery. I bought the Hitachi DS18DSAL which is very similar to this drill, but ended up returning it to keep the Bosch. Key differences - Bosch was lighter and more powerful

Bosch DDS181-02
3.4 lbs, 0-1700 rpm, 600lbs torque, 1.5 Ah battery

Hitachi DS18DSAL
3.5 lbs, 0-1500 rpm, 460lbs torque, 1.5 Ah battery
comes with stand alone light and longer warranty 10 year tool 2 year battery

Pros:
+Powerful
+Includes 2 high capacity (1.5 Ah) Lithium ion batteries
+Battery gauge
+Ergonomics
+Balanced weight
+Rubber grip and rubber bumpers all around
+Compact size

Cons:
-Large storage case with inefficient use of space
-Longer charge time than competition
-No bit holder on drill
-No level

Highly recommended!

Update 11/21/2011: Had another weekend session using the drill to mount items on the wall and for assembling some furniture. While these tasks were not very demanding, the battery is still ticking. Not a bar dropped from use. Another great feature I forgot to point out was how much better the chuck is on the Bosch drill. The description mentions it but it does not do it justice. The "Auto-chuck" is advertised as a one handed chuck when changing bits and works really well. I'm sure other high quality drills have a similar feature, but this is new for me. I just slip a bit into the chuck and start twisting. Once the chuck clamps down just enough, there is an audible change and it starts tightening until it's locked! Drop a comment if you want a video of this and I'll see what I can do!

64 of 70 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Pocketable Petite Power Packs Punch! Lithium lightness not a luxury! October 26, 2011

By Y. R. Wu TOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Style Name:Tool|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

Summary: Price, Power, Weight. Pick any two - the Bosch is the no-compromise cordless drill to get if price is not an issue. Lighter weight ideal for extended use, smaller size ideal for smaller hands. Battery packs that you can actually fit in a pocket or tool belt is a big advantage!

Whether you are repairing trim, hanging curtains, fixing the deck or assembling a book shelf, a cordless drill is perhaps THE most useful tool for the average homeowner. I started out ~15 years ago with a 12V Dewalt DW972. I eventually upgraded to a professional grade 12V Dewalt DW980XRP - I stayed with the 12V drill because the 14.4 higher voltage tools were just too heavy to work with for extended times on a ladder. When those batteries eventually started showing their age I bought some consumer grade Black and Decker 18V cordless drills - lighter because of all the plastic in them, but still sturdy enough to stand up to DIY use. In other words, weight can be a big deal.

I gave the DW972 to my sister but still had the other three kicking around (see picture You can see that the Bosch is the smallest of the three and also the lightest. Surprisingly, the B&S PS1800 was a close second in weight, despite the much larger battery. No doubt this is due to the extensive use of plastic in the body as well as the lack of a transmission - there is one medium speed and that's it. The B&D Firestorm FS1800 was the heaviest, but it comes with a removable chuck for when you want to use it strictly with quick release hex bits.

Bosch DDS181 3.4 lbs
Dewalt DW980 4.95 lbs
B&D PS1800 3.85 lbs
B&D FS1800D 5.41 lbs With chuck)
B&D FS1800D TBD lbs Without chuck)

It would have been completely unfair to compare the 12V Dewalt with the higher powered 18V drills, so I drilled a number of 3/8" holes in a 2x4 to compare power and speed. The B&D PS1800 was clearly outclassed here due to the single, slower speed. The DDS181 and FS1800 were very close in performance (both set to the higher speed) though I would say the Bosch edged out the Firestorm.

A few days after receiving this drill I checked out the drills at Home Depot. They carry Bosch tools, but no cordless drills. The sale price here on Amazon compares favorably to the almost two hundred price of the comparable Dewalt, even though it is on sale, but I would note that the retail price of all the lithium drills are around the same price point with the retail price of this Bosch about fifty more. One nice thing about the Dewalt is that after you release the trigger, the light stays on for an extra second or two. With the Bosch, as soon as you release the trigger, the light goes out.

Ok, so why would you want to pay so much more for the Bosch over the B&D Firestorm? When you're up on a stepstool trying to mount blinds, that extra 1.5 lbs starts to get pretty heavy. Also, don't forget that this has 1/2" chuck (Althouth the Dewalt 18V are 1/2", the B&D are 3/8). The smaller size (due to their four pole motor) also makes it easier to get into tight corners. Finally, NiCads and NiMh have self discharge which means if you don't use it for a month you will have to charge them just before use. Lithium-Ion doesn't have this problem, which means you're likely to get better overall battery life compared to the Nicad batteries.

It looks like Bosch also offers this without the high capacity slim batteries (DDS180-02 comes with 1.3 AH batteries) and without the four pole motor (36618-02 You can save some dough by opting for a few less bells and whistles, but if you are looking to spoil yourself, this is the way to go!

Likes:
+ Battery packs fit in pocket
+ LED light
+ "Fuel Gauge" on batteries
+ Belt hook
+ ˝" Chuck!!!

Dislikes
- Gear selector is stiff (May loosen up with use)
- Pricey
- No bit holder - very convenient to have a spare bit always on hand

Practical tip - Epoxy a few rare earth magnets to the drill and you have an automatic screw holder!

Disclaimer: I received this item through Amazon Vine. If you have comments or questions or found this review helpful, please let me know!

39 of 45 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Especially good drill for women or long days of work. Light, smaller diameter grip but plenty of power. October 30, 2011

By Two kids mom TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Style Name:Tool|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

THIS is the drill for women who do their own repairs. The handle diameter is smaller and it is MUCH lighter than my old Black and Decker 18V drill. The Lithium Ion battery makes a huge difference. Not only is it lighter, but the balance is much better. When you hold it in your hand it is not pulling on your arm from the weight of the battery. It weighs 55.3 ounces 3.4 pounds, about 1.6 kilos). For comparison a gallon of milk weighs about 8.5 pounds, a typical thing us moms are hauling around. My old drill was nearly 80 ounces and when you are holding it up above your head, or using it over and over the lighter weight really makes a difference.

On the battery itself is a button, that when depressed, tells you if you have full power, 2/3rds or 1/3rd left. Lithium Ion batteries don't suffer from "memory" problems like Ni-Cad (from a partial charge) and they charge faster and hold their charge longer during storage. They also have more power by weight (which is why they can be lighter). With two batteries and a 30 minute charge rate you should be able to continuously work, unless you are trying to drill through very dense material (like concrete) or large holes in less dense material.

A light at the base easily illuminates whatever you are drilling/screwing.

I am not sure why Bosch does not provide the following information on Amazon so I will list it here:

Battery/Charger: Fast Charger
Chuck Capacity: 1/2" keyless chuck
Chuck Size: 1/2"
Clutch Settings: 18+1
No Load RPM: 0-500 / 0-1,700
Torque (in. lbs.): 600
It is also compatible with every 18V Bosch Li-ion battery (according to Bosch).
Variable Speed Trigger- Provides maximum control

After drilling four holes with a 1 inch spade bit into a plastic drum, driving about twenty five 3 inch deck screws into pressure treated lumber (and tightening up another two dozen) and drilling 12 quarter inch wide and 3 inch deep holes into stucco the battery was still at 2/3 charge. The variable speed makes a difference here, you are not stripping out the heads of the screws as you try to get them flush.

This is the kind of tool that once you start using it, you are looking all over for more things to do so you can use it again. Hence, all those sticking up deck screws and spots that needed more screws are finally fixed around here. My husband likes it too, because the manageability means I can handle tasks that he would have to do otherwise.