The newest tool on the block is Bosch’s 26618-01 3-mode multi-function cordless impact drill/driver. Bosch stepped things up a notch with this Impactor by incorporating two conventional speed settings as well as a selectable impact mode.
With the combined capabilities of a standard drill and an impact driver, Bosch’s new 18V drill/driver offers the power and versatility to handle many application that the two separate tools would normally be used for.
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More specifically, the three modes include a high-torque 0-750 rpm setting, a high-speed 2800 rpm setting, and a 1500 in-lb impact mode. This cordless is also quite compact, with an overall length of 7″.
Other features of this new drill/driver are Electronic Motor Protection to protect the motor from damage due to stalling, Electronic Cell Protection to protect the batteries from overload/overheating damage, and soft grip surfaces for less user fatigue and reduced slippage.
One more thing to note is that this 3-mode drill/driver has a 1/4″ hex drive chuck. If you plan on using it to bore holes, make sure that you pick up a set of uni-bodied hex shank drill bits or other high quality hex shank bits. At least definitely avoid cheap slip-on shanked hex bits.
We are definitely liking Bosch’s ingenuity and innovativeness, and hope that they continue their thinking outside the box approach with future tool designs.
The 26618-01 18V 3-mode drill/driver is initially priced at about $369, and should soon be available through authorized Bosch retailers.
Personally, we would probably opt for the somewhat cheaper 2-tool drill & impact driver combo kit. But then again, we don’t have to lug separate tools around all day at a jobsite.
Bosch 26618-01 3-Mode Impact Driver via Amazon
Product Info (Bosch)
Bosch 18V 2pc Drill & Impact Driver Kit (Amazon)
2WYKD says
Dec 8, 2009 at 10:27 amdo all of the drill bits have to have the 1/4″ shank? do they make any sort of 1/4″ chuck style adapter?
I’d love to have this but certainly don’t look forward to buying those bits
2WYKD says
Dec 8, 2009 at 10:29 amguess i spoke too soon. who has tried one of the 1/4 shank chuck adapters with success?
Stuart says
Dec 8, 2009 at 10:51 amThere are 1/4″ hex chuck adapters, such as this keyless version, but that’s not really an ideal solution.
Personally, I would only use one-piece drill bits, such as 1/4″ hex shanked spade bits or twist bits similar to Dewalt’s Impact Ready bits as mentioned in the post.
I expect that this tool will be a huge hit with professional contractors and installers, although it likely won’t be as popular with consumers and DIYers for this exact reason. That, and it is slightly more cost effective to opt for a separate drill and impact driver, although this may not be the case in the future as the design matures.