6 months ago, we posted about how the Bosch 12V Max brushless tools we’ve all been waiting for – the PS42 impact driver and PS82 impact wrench – would be coming soon.
We first wrote about how these tools *might* be on their way, and Bosch social media confirmed it. But then we waited and waited, and the tools have not yet been released here in the USA.
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Well, they’re nearly here! Amazon’s product pages are up, indicating that the new impact tools are just days or weeks away.
These tools were announced in Europe nearly a year and a half ago!
Here’s a look at their specs and features:
Bosch PS42 Brushless Impact Driver
- 5.5″ head length
- Weighs 1.6 lbs
- 975 in-lbs max torque
- 0-1200/0-2600 speed settings
- Low and high torque settings (corresponding to low and high speed modes)
- 0-2700/0-3100 IPM
- 3 LED worklight
Both of the new impact tools look to feature the same settings buttons, for selecting between low and high speed and torque modes, and for independent LED light control.
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Kit: PS42-02 for $169
Bare Tool: PS42BN for $137
The kit is said to come with (2) 2.0Ah Li-ion battery packs, a charger, and carrying bag.
Buy Now(Kit via Amazon)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Amazon)
Bosch PS82 Brushless 3/8″ Impact Wrench
- 3/8″ drive
- 5.5″ head length
- Weighs 1.6 lbs
- 85 ft-lbs (1020 in-lbs) max torque
- 0-1200/0-2600 speed settings
- Low and high torque settings (corresponding to low and high speed modes)
- 0-2700/0-3100 IPM
- 3 LED worklight
The new PS82 impact wrench looks to have a hog ring-like anvil, for socket retention.
Kit: PS82-02 for $199
Bare Tool: PS82BN for $149
The kit is said to come with (2) 2.0Ah Li-ion battery packs, a charger, and carrying bag. It’s unclear why there’s only one battery shown in the product image. The kit model number also suggests it comes with (2) battery packs.
Travis
By the beard of Zeus! It is actually happening!
Todd H.
I gave up on Bosch 5 years ago when they stopped giving a you know what about t they’re customers. They haven’t been eager to compete against other companies, same tools out for a very long time, those tools are nothing impressive. Bosch lags way behind everyone else. Now they release this, come on, really?????
BikerDad
HUZZZZAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
It’s.
About.
F’ing.
Time.
I will admit, I’m disappointed in the specs of the Impact Wrench. Yes, it’s 1″ shorter than it’s Milwaukee Fuel 12v counterpart, but it’s also down 30%+ on torque. For somebody like me, already in the Bosch 12v ecosystem, it’s a bit of a dead flounder to the face. For somebody looking to pick between the two w/o prior commitments, unless their use case demands the smaller tool, the Fuel spanks.
Furthermore, they’re delivering both of ’em with the 2.0 ah batteries? Seriously Bosch, you’ve got 2.5ah batteries now… I can see maybe doing the impact driver with the lesser batteries, but the wrench?
Here’s hoping they come out with an L-Boxx combo with the brushless drill before Christmas.
Chris
This brushless model last forever on 2.0’s so that not an issue. I haven’t found I’ve needed anything more than this using 3/8 sockets so far and if I do that what my 1/2 inch drill is for. The compactness is what is so useful to me for 3/8.
Bud
Be nice if dewalt made brushless 12v tools and 12v bandsaw
Adam Frye
It would be nice if DeWalt did anything with there 12v line. I have a feeling they put 100% of their R&D into the flex volt for the last 2 years. Probably have to wait until next year to see anything new
Jason
Dewalt admitted that the 12v line is not their focus besides test and measurement tools.
Bud
I’ve been in the trades for the last ten years. I do t see the need for this flex volt stuff. I carry the 12v dewalt all day. My fav tool. I might as well switch back to Milwaukee 12v. At least they update there shit. I already have a dozen m12 tools
Matt J
I’ve gotta agree with most people here, Bosch seems very apathetic about the speed of releases and how they stack up against the competition when they finally come out. Granted they make solid corded tools but their cordless lineup seems like an afterthought.
Jason
I think Bosch but a lot of resources into wireless charging, and that turned out to be a tiny market. With the runtimes brushless tools have you don’t swap out batteries much on drills or impacts now.
Jon
Bosch isn’t on the cutting edge of power tool innovations but that’s partly because it’s a much larger company than other power tool makers.
They are however doing brisk business in automotive equipment (oem and aftermarket) including sensors that enable automated driving systems.
They also have several other divisions including industrial drives and control technology, security and communications systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy and healthcare telemedicine, and software!
Michael
I love Bosch tools. But it torques my jaws that the US market doesn’t seem to be a priority.
Lance
I gave up on the Bosch 12v line about six months ago and went Milwaukee. After years of waiting and little light at the end of the tunnel, I gave up all hope of their 12v line staying competitive.
I now have a full lineup of M12 tools, many of them Fuel models, and seeing this announcement just confirms I made the right move… when they finally did come out the Bosch models have inferior specs.
The revised M12 grips are MUCH nicer than the Bosch 12v tools, both in shape and grip, especially since Bosch put LESS rubber overmold on their new PS32 and PS22 brushless drivers than on their PS31 and PS21 non-brushless models!?! De-evolution anyone?
Funny thing is, the M12 tools are getting long in the tooth and none of their newly released competition is anywhere close. I can’t help but think Milwaukee has a full set of Gen2 M12 Fuel tool plans gathering dust on a shelf, waiting for the day someone releases tools that can beat their current designs.
Sorry Bosch, you got me into your 12v system with the oscillating tool way back when, and have failed to keep my interest since. The straw that broke the camel’s back was when I found out you wouldn’t sell your 12v rotary tool in this market for fear of hurting sales of your inferior Dremel brand. Boo!
John S
Nooo, I didn’t hear that they are not willing to bring their 12v rotary tool over. 🙁 🙁 🙁
I definitely feel stuck in the Bosch 12v line… these two additions helps a little, but I still feel stuck. Oh well, if I really wanted to switch over I could sell all of them, recoup some money and go Milwaukee, but I am not going to… yet.
Travis
Buy the Rotary tool from Amazon UK. I just bought the Bosch 10.8v (12v) circular saw and the rotary tool for $192 shipped to my door.
The rotary tool gets great reviews and can be bought for $90 or less shipped to you on Amazon UK.
Lance
I almost did the same thing, but then I caught a deal on the M12 rotary tool and the rest was history…
The Bosch rotary tool looks awesome, but the thought of importing one and having no warranty couldn’t compete with getting the M12 for $77 with a battery and charger… at the time the Bosch would have cost me 50% more as a bare tool.
Lance
The M12 rotary tool is pretty sweet!
It’s actually the first M12 tool I got. My local HD had the -21 kit (one battery) on clearance so I got two, one for me and one for my buddy who had some Makita 12v tools.
We’re both using M12 stuff now.
The only real complaint I have with the M12 lineup is that the Fuel driver drill is pretty large, the same size as the hammer version. Bosch’s PS32 is WAY smaller and much lighter, which is a big plus… the main reason I have 12v tools is to have smaller lighter options when my 18v Makitas are too big.
But that’s the only negative. I like pretty much everything else about the M12 lineup equal to or better than the Bosch 12v tools, and the selection of tools is unequaled.
Chris
or ebay from Korea is great option I’ve used. Had these tools last year for good prices. Products are great so far and compactness is what I’m looking for in 12v.
Toolfreak
I’m still hoping that defection to the Milwaukee M12 lineup will get Bosch to be more proactive in developing more 12V tools and work on expanding their US market. Maybe it won’t happen, but it’d be nice for consumers if there were more competition among the big boys in power tools.
I do like the extensive rubber overmold of the brushed models, which is partly why I’m sticking with them for now. I’d guess Bosch wanted to visually distinguish the new tools, and probably had some complains of the rubber wearing, so they put the rubber in low wear spots on the new tools. That’s good for longevity, not so much for maximum grip.
As for the rotary tool, Bosch could easily distinguish it from the Dremel tools by pricing it accordingly – along the with accessories. I’m pretty sure those who needed a pro-grade tool would buy it over hobby-grade Dremel tools.
Lance
I would have! I might not represent the majority, but if I could have bought the Bosch 12v rotary tool and a decent brushless impact driver to go with it, I’d probably still be into their lineup (the PS42 is clunky and weak, and was still an improvement over the PS41).
I hope you’re right and they shape up soon, or I fear they’ll have such small interest in the 12v stuff they may just drop the line. Competition is a good thing, and Bosch does know how to make quality stuff. Back when I bought into their 12v lineup they were in the lead, and by a long shot! What a difference five years can make. Back then the M12 stuff was clunky and cheap…
Toolfreak
I don’t think the PS41 is weak, it’s busted loose some fasteners in tight spots where a wrench wasn’t practical in short order, been well worth the cost for me. I do think that the PS82 should have more torque than the PS42 though, and not just a little bit.
I think it’ll be awhile before we can tell if Bosch is going to do much more in the US with the 12V line, it may be they just add a few more tools then nothing else happens for years until more new stuff comes out in Europe and they decide what to bring over again. I’d guess they will throw the most money and resources at what sells the most, if 18V stuff outsells 12V stuff 3 to 1, pretty sure they will do more with the 18V line and keep the 12V stuff around just to have it.
Lance
I guess “weak”‘is a bit harsh, but I was disappointed in its ability to drive longer screws. It would get there but it would take its time. I never had the chance to use it for breaking fasteners free, mostly just driving.
My M12 Fuel impact driver is a little monster by comparison. Not as powerful as my 18v Makita, but definitely enough to do most light to medium duty driving without hesitation.
Agreed that a 3/8″ drive impact wrench should have more torque than a 1/4″ impact driver. An impact wrench should be all about fastening/unfastening torque, not outright speed. A 3/8″ square drive is inherently stiffer than a 1/4” hex so there’s a benefit right from the start, but the tool innards should be tailored for torque as well.
Jay
Guess if you’re into the 12v arena this would be cool. Can’t see anything 12v can do that 18v won’t. Guess old school guys like me don’t really get how 12v is actually relevant. To each his own.
Lance
If today’s 12v tools were available back in 2008 when I started buying 18v tools, I would have skipped the 18v stuff and just gotten the smaller, lighter, cheaper, and still powerful enough to do most jobs 12v stuff.
That’s how they’re relevant to me. Heavy work still needs 18v power, but as a DIYer I rarely do “heavy” work.
Toolfreak
The compact 12V stuff offers similar power and torque to what the older 18v tools put out, but in a compact package and with much lighte weight. Way easier on the back and arms if you’re driving screws for any length of time.
Sam
I have pretty much all of the m18 fuel line. An alot m12 stuff. I have only 1 m12 fuel tool an that’s the 1/4 impact. And I love it to death. Just the size and power it has. An comfort. I use my m12 stuff alot. Almost makes my m18 stuff jealous tho I use that decent enough to. But still
Tj
I’m in the Bosch 12v system, for ONE reason- the hex-drive screwgun that actually has a gutsy motor (PS21).
Every other brand offers one, but neuters the damn motor so bad (not to mention single-speed gearbox), I’d end up using their drill instead, with the chuck taking up another 2″ of space for no reason.
If somebody else would make a screwdriver that had the same motor as a drill, I’d dump Bosch in a heartbeat.
I use the impact too, but if the brushless isn’t any stronger than the brushful one I already have (and it really isn’t according to the specs), then I’m going to save my money.
Lance
I’ve owned all three, the Bosch PS20, PS21 and brushless PS22. The old PS20 was my favorite by far as it had no trigger lag… when you moved your finger the motor reacted instantly, which made for a very nice responsive tool.
The PS21 was nice overall and had more torque, but had lag. I regretted buying it and selling the PS20. I ordered the PS22 hoping it would fix the lag, and it didn’t. It was the same or maybe worse.
I preferred the older PS20 to both of the newer versions because it was such a joy to use. To me torque doesn’t matter in a hex driver. If I need more torque I reach for an impact driver.
Now my hex driver is the bottom of the line M12 2401, the newest version with the revised grip and shortened body. Single speed 0-500 rpm. It’s not quite as torquey as the PS22 in low speed (but not far off!), but once again I don’t care all that much about torque in a hex driver. I use them for smaller fasteners where I need more control than I get with an impact.
The 2401 has instant trigger response, just like the old Bosch PS20. My buddy has the Fuel version hex driver, which uses the same motor and 2-speed transmission as the driver drill, and he loves it. Claims it’s got more torque than he needs. I tried it and it has the same instant trigger response as my cheapo 2401.
Best part about the 2401 was the price. HD clearance for $69 as a kit with battery!
Long story short, try an M12 hex driver if you’re looking for something good. Oh, and the bit holder is better on the M12 tools too; it locks open and ejects the bit, and the new bit just installs with one hand, push it in and the holder clicks back by itself.
Tj
Man, I’d love to turn Red but the thing is, its the high speed that makes all the difference. I r&r sheetmetal screws all day, and need to do it quickly. 2nd gear is all I use. I also need a clutch, so that rules out a low-end impact.
The drill is really the right tool, but the chuck length ruins it. PS21 is the only thing on the market that checks all the boxes. I wish Milwaukee would make one.
Lance
The one area Bosch is still far superior is the compactness of their 12v line.
I get the impression Bosch is marketing their 12v tools to those who already have 18v tools and truly need something compact, while Milwaukee is trying to make their M12 tools be everything to everyone for those who will have one set of tools only.
The PS31 and PS32 are extremely small tools, much shorter than any drill in the M12 lineup for sure. Not that big a deal if you have the M12 right angle drill to get into those tight places, though. 😉
Toolfreak
Can confirm, the PS20 makes for a great compact driver. I still have mine, and it’s still my go-to driver even over the PS21 that I also own. It’s still on the same 1.1Ah battery it came with, that charges fast and lasts all day long on a job and then some. I thought for sure I’d use the PS21/PS31/PS41 more, but nope. I still reach for the PS20 time and time again. It sure is handy to have the other tools when I need a drill, more powerful/compact driver, or an impact.
Lance
Yes, the PS20 was a real sweetheart… I didn’t know what I had until it was gone. By the time I realized I’d made a mistake it was discontinued, and buying a new one would cost more than the PS21 I had replaced it with.
On paper it was an underwhelming tool, but it had a really nice feel with good size and great balance, and that responsive trigger missing from the newer versions.
If anyone is reading this who owns the PS20, think twice before letting it go! Besides the oscillating tool it was probably my favorite in the Bosch 12v lineup. It was definitely the most used.
Toolfreak
Stuart – are you planning to get either of these to test and add to your 12V lineup?
Along with the others, I’m also glad to see Bosch finally release these, although it’s too little too late for me as well, I bought the PS41 kit with the same 2.0Ah batteries for less than half what the PS42 will cost almost a year ago, and I’ve actually been able to use it instead of waiting. I am still waiting to see better specs on brushless tools before I do away with what I have now. I get the battery life is supposed to be better, but drills and drivers don’t seem too hard on the batteries so it’s kind of a moot point. They also don’t seem to be using brushless motors for some of the other 12V tools, so I’m thinking I’ll wait until the entire line is brushless.
The PS82 impact wrench sure looks nice though, 3/8″ drive but only 85ft-lbs – not much more than the PS42 – or my PS41. Too bad they can’t seem to get 100+ ft-lbs out of these things, even brushless. I’d love a compact cordless electric impact to use for jobs where 1/2″ electric impacts are just too big, but it’s going to need more torque than the impact driver to be useful or worth even buying.
Again, glad to see these finally making it over here for those who are buying new tools, but I’m going to stick with what I have right now and hope by the time I need to replace my 12V tools, Bosch has come out with newer models with better specs, and releases them within a year of being out in Europe.
Stuart
I’ll try to. I’ve been waiting for the PS42 to come out for the longest time. If I can’t get my hands on a demo unit, I’ll order one.
As for the torque – I think that 1000 in-lbs is appropriate for a 12V-sized tool. My guess is that Bosch is going for compact size and very long runtime.
Standard compact 18V-class impacts deliver what, 1400-1600 in-lbs of torque on average?
Maybe we’ll see a high performance 3/8″ or 1/2″ brushless impact that can squeeze out 100+ ft-lbs of torque, but I doubt it.
I think you’re right, that 1200 in-lbs might be a sweet spot for peak brushless 12V Max performance, but I’m not convinced that there’s enough of a market for Bosch to consider going there,
Lance
The M12 Fuel 3/8″ impact wrench (2454) is rated at 117 ft-lbs, and the M12 Fuel hex impact driver (2453) is rated at 100 ft-lbs.
Sorry to keep beating the Red drum, but I’m a little bitter with Bosch wrt their 12v lineup. Given the age of these M12 Fuel tools I would have expected Bosch to come closer than that.
The Bosch tools are more compact than the M12 competition which is definitely worth something. Having said that, progress should have been made in that time and equaling the performance with less size would have been a more noble route, in my opinion anyway.
MikeakaFazzman
Feels like ive been waiting an eternity for these,I love my Bosch 12v tools and have been eagerly awaiting these to release here. Looks like it might be a Boschtastic holiday time this year. I’ll probably go with the older models as they are just as good and much less cost. 3/8 anvil would be nice thou.
Nathan
why bother with the 12 volt stuff especially for a 3/8 drive impactor.
my dewalt DCF885 is only 5.3 inches long too – so shorter than these if the measurements are to be believed. more powerful, with 3 speed also, and using a stronger battery with more capacity if I really need it – and I haven’t.
Same thing with milwaukee’s 18v impactor. it’s what 5.5 inches too and more torque available.
Chris
You’d have to add an adaptor which could add another inch or more so if your really working in tight spaces that is what this is for. I use it to zip off the plastic undercarriage when doing oil changes, my 18 volt (also very compact) with adaptor won’t fit without jacking up the car and I don’t need to jack up to get my oil pan under. Using a socket and ratchet sucks for 8 screws.
Nathan
I meant to put their 3/8 impactor model number – which is the same housing as the 885. but yes I can see it being an issue.
Travis
What really irks me is that Bosch takes a long time to develop and release brushless updates to the PS21 and PS41, but they really offer little improvement over the brushed models.
The PS22 is no smaller than the PS21 and offers marginally better power. You are gaining greater runtime, which I have never had a problem with on the brushed model, and a belt clip.
The PS42 seems to be no smaller than the brushed PS41 and again offers marginally better power. I am certain runtime will be increased but again I have used this tool a lot and never found runtime to be an issue on the brushed model. You do gain lighting control and torque options on the new model. But if size of the 12v is so important I really feel these models should have been made smaller with a brushed motor.
rumpole
wow! i am in the same boat as so many of you. i left the red group behind when i had repeated battery troubles on one of their 1/2 hammer drills. this was in the now ancient nicad days. when it was time to switch to li-on i went with bosch. over the years i have been as disappointed with bosch’s inability to market a variety of tools under either their 18v. or 12v. (10.8v) form factors. i am invested now in the bosch line but every time the red team comes out with a new tool in their cordless lineup i am tempted to give my bosch kit to one of my nephews and go back to the red group. wake up bosch!
rumpole
Satch
I guess it comes down to what you want the tool to do. For me, an admitted Bosch fan, the compact 12v driver models are ideal. Not because they are the strongest, longest lasting or whatever. I like them precisely because they are just about the most compact and lightweight drivers and impacts around.
I am an electrician by trade but a lot of my work is commercial/industrial maintenance. You need tools that work in wildly varied environments. You may be disassembling a switch gear one day and working on a commercial cook range the next week. You don’t always need or want a driver or impact too to put out loads of torque . What you DO need many times is a driver that is small and short enough to get into a ridiculously small area to remove fasteners.
I just about bought the PS22 but wanted to wait til the PS42 came out so I can see if they offer a combo kit. I sure hope so. Those blue beauties would be a nice addition to my kit. I wonder if I should even mention I bought the Skil iXO 4v lithium screwdriver? I mean, it cannot have over 50 inch pounds of torque and 200rpm. What use is it? Well, if you are removing fasteners from a residential range or washing machine and you can strip the holes in the blink of an eye, then the little Skil is ideal for quickly and safely removing the hardware and it is light as a feather and super compact. Horses for courses. BTW, I tried to find the Bosch version of the iXO because the blue colour is just too cool.
Satch
Is anyone else having problems leaving a reply? I submitted one two days ago and it still hasn’t shown up. Oh well, lets try again.
I had said before that sometimes it comes down to horses for courses. Having a 12v compact driver or impact with more torque than all the others is fine. As long as that’s the goal or need. I like the Bosch PS22/PS42 for their compactness and light weight.
In my line of work it sometimes makes the difference to have a super compact driver for removing fasteners inside control cabinets or other hard to reach areas. I don’t need the 3/8 impact driver model so won’t speak to that but for the 1/4 inch models I have no real need for the most powerful model ever. I will reach for my 18v stuff for that need. I won’t say it doesn’t make a difference for some but there are those out there who benefit from the PS models tiny size.
Industr
Bosch PS32 excellent handling , runtime and power/torque . Belt clip ,4 bit holder are important because the bits are always close.
BoaSorte
I’ve had the very first Bosch 10v line and have been heavely into Bosch. I’ve had Bosch for over 8 years now. I’ve had brands like Craftsman, Dewalt, Makita, Panasonic, Milwaukee and Hilti. But Bosch has been my brand since their first 10V line. Just love how compact they are compared to other brands. I even have their brushless 18V line. Bosch hasn’t let me down yet and I know a lot of people will disagree with me on my thoughts on this brand. It’s all personal preferences. I’ve used all other 12V brands and I just gravetated more towards Bosch because of how the tools feel and perform in my humble opinion. I respect everyone else’s opinion. It will always come down to personal preferences.
So I’ve been waiting for these babies for a very long time. Now I’ve got my hands on all their brushless 12V line. I’ll even share a very important secret Stuart. I’m the only guy that I know of that has a Bosch 12V Brushless HAMMERDRILL DRIVER!! I also have their miniature brushless angle grinder and it is an awesome little handy tool. I just smile whenever I use it on the job.