Customer Reviews

Bosch PS10-2 Litheon 10.8-volt Lithium-Ion I-Driver Kit

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Just some quick impressions. I have both this unit and the pistol grip litheon as well. The electronic clutch will take some getting used to but works well. The articulating head is very cool and allows this to work very nicely with a nut driver set for instance. It is very well made but it is bigger than it looks. Suggest you take a look at one in person before you order it from Amazon. I probably would have passed on it if I did see it first, but now that I own it, I'll keep it. If you are trying to decide between this one and the pistol grip, I'd suggest getting the pistol.

My DeWalt 7.2V driver that I had been using professionally was getting tired and I was in the market for a replacement. As a marine electrician I was often needing to get a tool (and myself) into tight spots so size and flexibility of use was a a key part of the decision. The i-driver promised to be everything my DeWalt was and more: better batteries with faster charge, shorter overall length, multiple angles, advanced clutch, and plenty of power.

My actual experience was mixed. I loved it for many of the reasons I expected to and several more. The plastic and rubber casing makes it less stressful to use around high-end finishes that a unit with harder casings might mar. The "soft" (aka "intelligent") screw driving took some getting used to but I actually like it now. Oddly enough it also has enough concentrated weight and solid build to work well as a "coercion" tool in a pinch when I cant reach a mallet.

My heart was first broken when I tried to get a 3/8 paddle bit through 3/4" of plywood. The thing has a "feature", independent of the clutch, where it will stall if it thinks it's working too hard. It stalled 3 times before the hole was through. My Dewalt would have done this without thinking. My heart was next broken when I tried to get a better sense of what clutch settings to use. At the high end, there's not much point of the clutch because the tool will just stall out. At the low end, though, the first notch will strip a 1/2 #8 screw in solid mahogany. For the very limited range that the clutch works, it's beautiful. Two more minor annoyances: a) No on-tool bit storage??? b) Actuating the stiff reverse switch often required a shift of hand position around the above-average diameter tool body.

Bottom line is that it's a great tool for someone who wants it exclusively for driving larger screws in soft or medium woods and/or drilling pilot holes. If you want something that you can push the limits of or something that will work with finer detail and finishing you will be very disappointed. Bosch is on the right track and I'm hoping the next generation will get it right.

Excellent product feel and great power.....able to get into the tightest of places without causing pain or discomfort...very light and easily hangs from an apron pocket...super fast charging time...battery lasts longer than any other i have ever used.....

Plenty of power(compared w/ my milwaukee 6546-6 milwaukee cordless screwdriver(2.4 volt-2 sppeds 200 and 400rpm)!!!!!Well balanced and lightweight!!!!!Love the soft start. Pivoted adj. head made getting into tight spots a breeze. Would prefer it to be a little slower. Would like 400rpm(for driving screws) vs the 600 rpm the bosch has. But 600 rpm is better for drilling in tight spots w/ hex shank drill bits. Seems well made. Very pleased w/ it!!!!!UPDATE:10/11/06-Used to remove swing seat from glider to stain underneath seat. Nuts were 1/2" and 7/16". PS10 removed all but 2. Attempting to remove the 2 stubborn nuts resulted in PS10 making a pulsating sound for about 3 seconds and then it shut off.I removed the nuts w/ a rachet(ie they were not so struck that a impact driver was needed-they just were tighter than the PS10 could handle). I spoke to bosch and they said PS10 has a overload protection circuit to prevent motor/battery damage. A little disapointed in raw power but impressed at protection circuit. I guess the 80 inch lb rating is right on the money. Bosch tech support agreed w/ me that bosch went for long run time versus max power. Still love 5 stars!!!!!!

I enjoy using this tool and would buy it again in a heartbeat. Having said that, there are a few issues.

First the pros: VERY ergonomic, easy to handle and facilitates one hand use. Excellent tool for tight spots. The reverse switch is easy to change with one hand, without looking. Short distance between the handle and the head of the device makes it easy to use; helps coordinate easy driving of screws. All of these benefits make this tool unique and worth owning. Finally, battery life is excellent.

Cons: Yes, the clutch is inept. I can't say it is useless, but is close to it. Another dissappointment is the limited power the device has. Other reviewers here are correct--it can't generate enough torque for the maximum clutch setting to be useful. The Dewalt 7.2 is more powerful, no doubt.


Bottom line, the utility of the tool does overshadow its limitations of torque and the clutch. This is an outstanding tool for the homeowner, and a nice addition to the toolbox of the professional.

I echo most of the previous complaints, with the clutch issue being the most serious IMHO. The power, flexability, batteries are fine. The clutch is a joke, it really has no practical function. This Bosch is getting dusty while my Dewalt 7.2v got two shinny new batteries & is doing all that I ask (Except fit in real tight spots)

I've had my PS10-2 for a few months now it has been a good addition to my tool inventory. The adjustable head is the way to go. I been able to put this tool into some pretty tight places and it works great. It takes a few uses to get used to the slow start up but I actually like the extra control.

In my business I use several cordless drills as well as other wood and metal tools. I had been looking at purchasing a right angle cordless drill like the one Dewalt makes. I have used that drill at times and found it to be a little large to get into some of the areas I had and it was not flexable. When I saw the Bosch PS10-2 I knew that must be the one I was looking for. I purchased one and soon after another. It seems that others I worked with would borrow mine and I would have to go looking for it. The battery seems to go and go. It is not very powerfull like the 18 volts screw guns I use but I found that this is a plus. When installing hardware and using pocket screws I could very easly strip the screw or in many cases twist them off. With this tool I can find the correct pressure and set it. When the screw is in correctly the tool stops.

I have read other reviews where the user complains about changing the bits, etc. quickly. How many times do you try to pull a bit out of your work and the bit comes out of the tool. This doesn't happen, it is just a pleasure to use the tool. I have found that this tool is in my hand more than any other tool I have. The recharge takes not time at all.

I own this tool. It is unique in its application because of the articulating head. Beautifully made in every way. Highest quality in every way. I compared it with my Dewalt 7.2 volt hand driver. The dewalt is a lot more powerful and can drive deeper. In reality this is of little importance. This tool has plenty of power and be a nice addition to one's tools. Other rt angle drivers cost a lot more and are not as compact.

I purchased this because I already owned the Litheon Pocket Driver. I was so impressed with that one, I purchased the I driver hoping it would be as good. While it's a nice tool, it's usefullness is somewhat limited. I haven't found the task that only this tool would work for. I find it a little bulky & unbalanced. It is however well made and consider it a quality tool that will last under job site conditions.It seems to stay in my truck as I often reach for the pocket driver instead. I don't regret buying it as I'm sure one day the job will come where only this tool will get it done and I'll be glad I had it on hand.