A reader wrote in about new sale pricing on the Bosch 12V Max brushless FlexiClick modular drill/drive kit. (Thank you diaphanaus for the tip!)
They wrote:
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The brushless Bosch flexiclick is $149 on Amazon – the same price as the brushed version. Thought that is a deal worth passing along.
The kit is indeed on sale at Amazon right now, at $149, and the shipping ETA is currently quoted as February 12th, 2021. As additional units get sold, that ETA will likely be pushed back further.
Update 2/4/21: The kit is back in stock and with a 1-2 day shipping ETA.
The Bosch Flexi-Click, I’m sorry – the Bosch Chameleon – features a drill/drive base handle and modular attachments that allow it to access fasteners in right or obstructed spaces.
If you want to price-shop around, look for model number GSR12V-300FCB22. At this time, this kit is $229 everywhere outside of Amazon.
Regular Price: $229
Sale Price: $149
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Read Also: Bosch Brushless FlexiClick Preview
Bosch’s Brushless 12V Max FlexiClick Drill/Driver Kit Now Available
Also See the Competition:
The Milwaukee brushless installation drill/driver has a better attachment system, in my opinion, but it’s hard to beat Bosch’s cheaper pricing.
I prefer the Milwaukee M12 system better than Bosch’s brushed motor 12V Max FlexiClick kit. I have not tested the 12V or 18V brushless FlexiClick/Chameleon models.
Dewalt’s 12V Max Xtreme cordless screwdriver beats any Bosch Flexi-Click/Chameleon or standalone driver that I have tried, and I tend to prefer the Dewalt over the Milwaukee as well when there aren’t any obstructions to work around.
I don’t think I’ve used any Bosch 12V Max drill or driver ever since the Dewalt Xtreme system hit the market.
Surprisingly, the Dewalt cordless screwdriver is still $89. CPO has it for $89 and free shipping on $99+ orders. Or you can get it for $92 via Amazon with free shipping.
Metabo also has a modular-head cordless drill/screwdriver kit as well. This kit is priced at $153 at Amazon.
Hilton
It would be nice if Bosch also offered just the brushless tool so a user with the brushed version could add that to their kit.
Peter
Yup.
Jim Felt
Interesting idea. But I’ve not needed more power simply a different offset form factor.
Maybe eBay overseas?
Stuart
It could be argued that if they sold the bare tool, they would also have to sell the attachments separately.
Pricing might increase, and certain attachments could be hard to find when you need it.
This is what they did with the brushed motor FlexiClick, and so they probably figured it’s best to follow with the same approach.
The sell the tool-only without attachments overseas: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-Professional-06019H3004-12V-35-Screwdrivers/dp/B07RCJRPJ8/?tag=toolguyd-21
Maybe this is just another case of NAINA (Not Available in North America).
Oflannabhra
I had the brushed Flexiclick. I bought a brushless drill and swapped out the chucks, so that I had a brushed drill and a brushless Flexiclick. Sold the drill.
Took maybe 10 minutes.
Adam
The Milwaukee version comes with a free tool right now at most retailers. Defiantely the better buy than the Bosch from that standpoint
blocky
The. Chameleon. Infinite face palm.
skfarmer
seriously?
they are calling this the chameleon now?
i am with blocky, enough is enough.
MoogleMan3
Blasphemy. I’m eagerly awaiting the Bosch Honey Badger.
Tom D
Combination demo SDS max and chainsaw
blocky
lol
Stuart
Yup.
They had videos up about it, but then started deleting them after we posted some of them as part of Profactor coverage.
candrews
I had no idea I’d use my DeWalt 12v screwdriver as often as I do…its size and power make it one of my favorites.
That Bosch whatever would just gather dust in my workshop.
MoogleMan3
The dewalt wopuld be a nice pick, but my go-to screwdriver is the bosch gsr-hx300. Compact, powerful. I can’t believe how light it is for the power it outputs.
Koko The Talking Ape
You mean the GSR 12V-300FC? I don’t see an hx out there.
MoogleMan3
I fudged up the model number; it’s GSR12V-300HXB22
https://www.amazon.com/GSR12V-300HXB22-Brushless-Two-Speed-Screwdriver-Batteries/dp/B08HR2V5PN
Frank D
I want to slap myself every time I see the Milwaukee model. Had a chance to try it, it works, but it is heavy, completely imbalanced and the red front bit gets in the way while working in confined spaces.
Tom D
I have the Milwaukee and it’s ehhhhh ok. The festool equivalent is nicer in many ways.
I hardly use either since the surge is so nice.
Chrisk1970
I used the brushes version but ended up getting the Milwaukee. The grip on the Bosch always felt fat in my hands. I like the face that I can rest the Milwaukee in the ball of my hand and use the finger grooves to guide the drill. The Bosch is a quality tool and both the Bosch and Milwaukee give you the offset chuck which imho makes the tool from either company a game changer for cabinetry.
Jim Felt
I’ve the original brushless Bosch and the newest Milwaukee.
I’m about to give the Bosch away based on my “installation” use experience. I’ve not once used the Bosch when I choose one or the other.
As for the stupid Bosch NA marketing naming convention I simply feel sorry for them. Won’t look good on anyone’s resume.
Ken
I currently use all three of Bosch’s first-gen brushless drivers: PS22 (screw driver), PS32 (drill driver), and PS42 (impact). I have zero complaints and use these for at least 90% of my driving needs. I also have several 18V Bosch drivers that get used when the 12V stuff is not suitable.
When I encounter tight access, I just use a DeWalt right-angle adapter (DWARA100). I’m having a hard time envisioning how the additional attachments would provide more functionality.
The first-gen brushless drivers are rated at “only” 180-in-lb torque, and yet I don’t encounter situations where the 12V drivers do not have enough torque to finish jobs as expected. Of course, when I am driving large screws or drilling large holes, I just default to my 18V drivers.
What advantage, if any, would I gain by buying the flexi-click?
The only advantage I can think of is that for certain jobs it would be nice to have a second drill driver OR second screw driver so that I don’t have to switch back and forth between different bits. For example, yesterday I was installing some Blum undermount drawer slides which requires drilling a 6mm holes, drilling 3/32 pilots, and driving #6 screws. Since this work is done one drawer at a time (and not batch jobs) I had to keep swapping the 3/32 hex-shank Vix bit for pilots with a Phillips bit for the screws. A second screw driver would have been more convenient. Other times, I need to drill a series of two different sized holes (e.g., one clearance hole and one pilot), so a second drill driver would be more convenient.
Perhaps I am not getting how convenient the attachments are compared to a single right-angle adapter like the one I already own?
Noah
The attachment I’ve used the most other than the hex collet is the offset adapter. I work on old houses doing a lot of window tune ups and I find it very useful for locks, hardware, etc Being able to swap heads while drilling and driving is handy in a pinch, but often times I’ll just use a second drill for repetitive tasks.
Frank D
The offset adapter gets the most use for me and is worth the price of admission, ( it’s what brought me to Bosch 12v, compact size & versatility for delicate finish work and retrofits ) if you have a fair bit of tricky work to do in previously finished work. It allows near flush with the wall drilling and driving, tight inside corner work, … and a few times an odd combo of working around the corner, with or without extra long bits … or super shorty ones.
Using the short adapter or none, with short bits allows for the most compact size driver (and drill if you have hex shaft ones) I have seen, without third party adapters or trying to do it at an angle.
I have used mine in some super tights spaces inside of kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, even inside of wall cavities, just making a hole the size of my hand …
And, like you mention it can be a backup regular drill or screw gun, in those instances where you can use three or four power tools for dedicated tasks you need to do in a certain logical sequence.
But, like most people I have a series of drills, in various sizes, the classic 12v Bosch drill and driver do 90% of cabinetry work, the 18v gets a workout in new construction, and the Flexi comes out when the things get tight, space is at a premium, … .
Alex
The 90 adapter is ok but you have to hold it with your second hand. That’s not the case with the flexiclick so it’s more practical.
DHCrocks
What up with that ridiculous charger. The old one was perfectly fine. now you have a wall wart along with the charger base, just more bulk to lug around and it might not fit on a power strip and block the adjacent outlets.
Stuart
It’s supposedly faster.
https://toolguyd.com/bosch-12v-cordless-power-tool-battery-charger-smaller-faster/
I haven’t seen it yet. In any case, I prefer the older charger over the new design.
Maybe it was a cost-cutting move.
Jim Felt
Like they saved a nickel or two on the actual wire. Looks like a cheap kid’s toy charger. What were they thinking? Or is that itself too unlikely?
Doresoom
Thanks for the heads up. I was just checking the price on this a few days ago. Grainger had it for $150+$30 shipping, so I wonder if this was a price match. Either way, I’m grabbing one so I can do a comparison video with the brushed version!
Kizzle
Really disappointed that the dewalt is variable speed trigger only and not selectable. Looking at the Hilti 12v brushless screwdriver as it looks uber nice and has variable speed.
Stephen
I have the Milwaukee M12 Installation Driver and I have to say, the magnet on the handle guard is a killer feature. The rear grip is also excellent – you can hold it like a drywall screw gun. Very comfortable.
My only complaints are the pushbutton forward/reverse drive selector and the lack of an arrow or line to clearly indicate which clutch setting is selected.
Jacob
So clicking on the Amazon link, it now shows the price at $249.99, no sale price and higher than the original $229
Briancal6
the newer brushless Bosch 12v drill is now on sale on Amazon $99
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GSR12V-300B22-Brushless-Drill-Driver/dp/B07SRGJPRJ/
Vards Uzvards
Brushless Flexiclick on Amazon.com – it’s orderable at $149 right now.
“In stock on March 29, 2021”.
Mac
You say the 12V DeWalt beats any Bosch or Milwaukee driver. Why is that? Power is nice, but the Bosch and Milwaukee have enough for anything I’d use a 12V drill for. The whole point of 12V is compactness versus an 18V. The DeWalt seems just as big as a compact 18V model. What’s the advantage then? If it isn’t more compact or significantly lighter, for the same or more power, I’d just as well take the 18V model.
I like power just as much as the next guy, but I really don’t see the value of 12V tools that are just as large as their 18V counterparts.
Stuart
I prefer the form factor. It’s not as big or heavy as an 18V drill.
Mac
I checked the specs and it is indeed lighter than I thought. I can also see how you might like the form factor. However, it still is closer to an 18V subcompact in size than a true compact 12V drill. For example, the DCD701 weighs 890 grams and is 152mm long. The Bosch GSR 12V-35FC weighs 590 grams and is 115mm long. The battery is also slightly heavier (250 vs. 180 grams). When working cabinetry, this is a very significant difference.
I believe one really has to decide on why one wants a 12V drill before deciding which is best. If you want a relatively light and compact drill that does everything and you don’t need more powerful machines (because then 18V makes more sense), the DeWalt is probably one of the best. If however one is looking for a 12V drill because of size, it would be unwise to overlook the significant differences in sizing between models.
Long story short: there is no ‘best’ 12V drill. It totally depends on application and preference.
Stuart
Agreed – there’s really no best option, it comes down to feel and preference.
I have since also purchased Dewalt’s multi-head drill/driver, but I use it as a secondary cordless screwdriver much of the time, as I only occasionally need its different attachments.
The Bosch and Milwaukee are great tools, and I like their 12V-class drills and drivers, I just prefer Dewalt’s better. I have smaller hands, and I find slide-style battery form factors to have more compact and comfortable handles. Drills and drivers with batteries inside the handle grips are absolutely more compact, but the handles feel a bit chunkier.
Mac
Yeah, I agree. Having small hands myself, while I got used to the 12V Bosch handle and have no problems using it all day long, slide style batteries with slimmer handled do feel better.
Mac
I’m sorry, I see I compared the wrong DeWalt drill. I now see you referenced the DCF601F2. This is indeed only slightly larger and heavier than the Flexiclick at 122mm long and 680 grams. However, as far as I can see this is only a driver with no right angle, offset or drill head and a very slow 1100 rpm no load speed. This seems a bit apples and oranges to be fair.