Bosch PS41-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Impact Driver

by Bosch

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Bosch 12-Volt Max Impact Driver offers the precision of variable speed, a light body, and a short head length. This tool is easy to handle in tight, narrow spaces, while its three LEDs mounted around the head of the driver help in low-light settings. It comes with two lithium-ion batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag.

12V Max Impact Driver At a Glance: Compact head length and light body for easy use in tight, overhead areas Battery fuel gauge and ergonomic handle for easier use 930 in./lbs. for coverage of 80 percent of impact driving applications Includes two 12-volt lithium-ion batteries, charger, and case One-year limited warranty

Three-LED light ring illuminates low-light areas. View larger.

Its compact design is ideal for working overhead and in tight spaces. View larger.

Compact Body for Tight Areas and Overhead Work
The impact driver features a compact build with a head length of 5.4 inches. This streamlined design makes the drill small enough to fit into tight areas and narrow corners. Along with its reduced size, the driver weighs 2 pounds, making it equally well-suited for continuous overhead work.

High Torque for Faster Performance
As powerful as it is compact, the driver packs a punch with a high torque of 930 in./lbs. for coverage of 80 percent of impact driving applications. It provides 2,600 rpm and a variable speed trigger for complete control.

Battery Fuel Gauge and LEDs for Convenience
The driver is user-friendly, with an easy-to-read fuel gauge for effortless battery management and a three-LED light ring for use in low-light areas. An ergonomic, soft handle provides extended comfort and control, while bumpers on the side of the tool protect the work surface and prevent slipping.

Warranty Information
The Bosch 12-Volt Max Impact Driver is backed by a manufacturer's one-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Impact driver, two batteries, charger, and carrying case.

Product Description

This Bosch 12-Volt Max Impact Driver offers the precision of variable speed (0-2,600 RPM), a light body, and a short head length. As powerful as it is compact, the driver packs a punch with a high torque of 930 inch-pounds for coverage of 80 of impact driving applications. This tool is easy to handle in tight, narrow spaces, while its three LEDs mounted around the head of the driver help in low-light settings. Includes: Bosch PS41-2A 12-Volt Max Impact Driver, two lithium-ion 12-volt Max batteries, 30-minute charger, and carrying case.

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Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B003LST02W
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: PS41-2A
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,924 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #7 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Impact Drivers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bosch tops Milwaukee for now, December 10, 2010

By 

E. Redifer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bosch PS41-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Impact Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have had a Milwaukee M12 Impactor and driver for a couple years now. At the time I bought it I had tried out the original Bosch and I thought the Milwaukee to be better.

Well, time goes on, and this new Bosch is much improved and much better than my Milwaukee. I picked up the combo pack, because I'm setting up a new workspace and needed a new pair. So before I took these over to work, I decided to do my own direct comparo - bottom line; both the new PS41-2 and the PS21-2 significantly outperform my old Milwaukee units.

I drove 3 inch wood screws into a piece of 2x6 treated lumber - pretty typical duty for one of these. Both the Bosch and Milwaukee Impactors drove the screws with no trouble - the Bosch put the screw in about 3x as fast. I then drove the screws into a big knot - Bosch - no sweat, Milwaukee - did it, but barely. I then performed the same test with the new PS21 and the Milwaukee driver - This is where I saw the most difference between them - the PS21 drove the screws pretty effortlessly, even on high speed. The Milwaukee drove the screws very slowly, and its low speed is slower than the low speed on the Bosch.

So on both speed and power - these new Bosch's win. I didn't try to test the endurance, because that wouldn't be fair comparing the new Bosch to the old Milwaukee batteries, but I haven't had a problem with the battery capacity before for home use.

This is not surprising, I'm sure Milwaukee is going to try and up the ante again in a few months.

On other features, these Bosch's are significantly more compact, but I think I still like the grip on the Milwaukees slightly better, because they are a bit thinner at the "neck" where the handle meeds the body - this is minor, however and I'm shure some people would say they like the Bosch better. I do like the placement and the size of the reversing button on these bosch tools.

For some reason Bosch put a battery gauge on this impact tool, but didn't put one on the driver tool. This is one of my favorite features of my Milwaukees - and I would say their 4 LED gauge is still better than the Bosch 3 LED gauge. Also, I like the quick change bit chucks on the Milwaukees better still - Interestingly both of the Bosch tools and Both of the Milwaukees have different chucks. My favorite is the one on the Milwaukee M12 driver - it holds "open" until you push a bit in, then it locks - this means you don't have to use both hands. The Bosch tools have a chuck that seems a bit small - they are a little harder to get grip on.

The LED headlights on these are improved over the prior models, but that's not something I really use much. One other nit - the Bosch tools seem to have a slight delay starting when you pull the trigger. It took a little getting used to - I think I like the instant start of the Milwaukees better in that respect.

So there you have it. If you are thinking about buying one of these, go ahead, they seem like great tools, and they have speed and power. I can't imagine most homeowners ever need any more power than these have - they are going to take a bite into 18V tools. I do still recommend you take a look at the other companion tools that share battery packs before you buy, which may tip you to one brand vs another.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best in Class, but there are limitations, November 20, 2010

By 

Marcin (SF Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bosch PS41-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Impact Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

I initially purchased the Milwaukee M12-series model 2450-22 1/4" impact driver. It advertises 850 in-lb torque. This Bosch claims 930 in-lb torque. In lb-ft, that's 71 for the Milwaukee and 78 for the Bosch. This all started with the Milwaukee's inability to loosen a fastener anywhere near its rated torque...

I performed my test on two exhaust manifold bolts using the same torque wrench and same 1/4" hex to 3/8" square adapter and a 12mm socket. Each tool had a full battery and each was tested on both 12mm bolts. I tightened the bolts in 5 ft-lb increments until i couldn't break them free anymore. The Bosch was able to break free bolts tightened as much as 45-50 ft-lb. The Makita would break bolts free at 35 ft-lb max. This gives the Bosch about 60% of rated torque and the Makita 50% of its claimed torque.

So, based on the above, neither tool delivered its rated torque in my test. Given i will mostly use this for working on my car, I wanted something as gutsy as possible that was compact. Given the Bosch delivered more of its already higher torque, the Bosch was a keeper in my book. I returned the Milwaukee. So, besides decent power, what else about the Bosch?

Pros:
-1" shorter body than the Milwaukee. Will fit into tighter spots AND balances well in the hand.
-The rubber-coated plastic body feels great in the hand. Better quality feel than the Milwaukee.
-Great trigger. Smooth and easy to finesse screws slowly if needed.
-Two batteries and a 30-minute charger (Milwaukee has the same setup).
-3 LEDs for lighting in front of the tool. Brighter than the Milwaukee, although the Bosch does have a bit of a weird light pattern. This could be improved.
-One of the few tools not made in China (Milwaukee and Makita are). Made in Malaysia for the Bosch.

Cons:
-Slight delay when trigger pressed. Milwaukee feels instant. Minor gripe.
-Soft padded case. Milwaukee has a tough plastic case. Bosch case takes up less room. Each has its advantages i suppose. I'd prefer a plastic case.
-Price. $160 for the Bosch. Milwaukee can be had for $100.
-Few tools in the 12V line. The Milwaukee M12 line is huge.

For me, price was a lower concern than quality and performance. Of course, if the Bosch was $250, I probably would have kept the Milwaukee :) For the $60 extra over the Milwaukee, I felt good with my purchase given the higher power, better feel, and smooth trigger of the Bosch. My only other planned purchase for the future is a compact 12V drill, which Bosch also makes (it has great reviews).

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great driver for its size, October 31, 2010

By 

Roy "Roy" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bosch PS41-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Impact Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

bought this driver during a bosch sales event at a local store with one extra battery.
I custom build houses for living and could not be happier with this 12v driver for the following reasons:
1, it has superior power for its size. my crew and myself used it to drive deck screws, floor screws, dry wall screws at tight spots, all day long. very handy all around driver.
2, compare with bigger conventional drill/driver, it is really easy on the wrist.
3, for its size, you can put it in the pouch and working on awkward spots like top of the ladder.
4, battery charge is not bad at all, again, for its size.
5, i dropped it quite a few times from 4 to 5 feet hight, still works no problem.
6, the LED light is a great feature.

if you are looking for a compact driver with solid quality, i highly recommend it. it does not however replace the 18v/36v hammer drill/driver for heavy duty drill/driving, like drive screws into masonary.
hope that helps.