A couple of months ago, we knew that Bosch was coming out with new 12V Max brushless impact tools – an impact driver and a 3/8″ impact wrench. Bosch has officially announced these tools, at least in Europe, and we expect that these will [eventually?] make their way to the USA as well.
Additionally, there is a new 1/2″ impact wrench as well, and it’s quite a bit more powerful than the one that was released with the launch with Bosch’s family of EC (brushless) drills and drivers.
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Hex-9 Impact-Rated Multi-Construction Drill Bits
Along with news of the new cordless impact tools, there were a few words about new Hex-9 Multi-Construction drill bits.
Straight-shank versions of these Multi-Construction bits came out quite a few years ago, and can be used on wood, plastic, tiles, sheet metal, and masonry materials. They feature diamond-ground cutting edges and are meant for one-shot drilling of multiple or sandwiched materials.
Multi-Construction drill bits look, and perform, like modified masonry bits.
These aren’t the first impact-rated masonry bits, as Irwin offers something similar (prices vary, via Amazon), but it’s still a surprising – and welcome – development.
Bosch 12V Max Brushless Impact Driver & Wrench
The new Bosch 12V Max impact driver (GDR 10,8 V-EC Professional), which I presume will be dubbed PS42 when it comes out in the USA, features a 1/4″ hex chuck, and the new impact wrench (GDS 10,8 V-EC Professional) is engineered with a 3/8″ square drive.
Both are quite powerful, with the impact driver delivering up to 110 Nm (~974 in-lbs) of max torque, and the impact wrench delivering up to 115 Nm (~1018 in-lbs).
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Both tools have two torque and speed settings – a low mode for use on smaller screws, and a high mode for use on medium-sized fasteners. This helps to provide additional control and reduces the risk of overtightened or damaged fasteners.
Both impact tools will also feature ring-shaped LED work lights which feature independent on/off controls.
Bosch 18V Brushless 1/2″ Impact Wrench
The new 18V cordless impact wrench (GDS 18 V-EC 250 Professional) can deliver up to 250 Nm (~2213 in-lbs) of torque in forward and reverse rotation, which is quite a bit more than the 1600 in-lbs their IWBH182BL compact brushless impact wrench can put out.
That doesn’t mean this is a heavy or bulky impact wrench, as it still manages to weigh around 1.9 kg (~ 4.2 lbs).
This is a single-speed model, which makes it less suitable for use on smaller fasteners – unless you have a lot of patience and control. That’s not to be unexpected, as 1/2″ impacts are typically used on bigger bolts and fasteners. Bosch boasts about how this impact can easily loosen rusted-over concrete screws with a maximum diameter of 16 mm (~5/8″).
Specs
| Specifications | GDR 10,8 V-EC Professional |
GDS 10,8 V-EC Professional |
GDS 18 V-EC 250 Professional |
| Battery voltage | 10.8 V | 10.8 V | 18 V |
| Battery capacity | 2.5 Ah | 2.5 Ah | 5.0 Ah |
| No-load speed (1st setting/2nd setting) |
0 – 1,200 rpm/ 0 – 2,600 rpm |
0 – 1,200 rpm/ 0 – 2,600 rpm |
0 – 2,400 rpm |
| Rated impact rate (1st setting/2nd setting) |
0 – 2,700 bpm/ 0 – 3,100 bpm |
0 – 2,700 bpm/ 0 – 3,100 bpm |
0 – 3,500 bpm |
| Max. torque | 110 Nm | 115 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Bit holder | 1/4″ internal hexagon | 3/8″ external square | 1/2″ external square |
| Head length | 139 mm | 137 mm | 163 mm |
| Max. screw diameter | M12 | M12 | M16 |
| Weight including battery |
970 g | 970 g | 1,9 kg |
| Price including two batteries and quick charger |
€249 | €249 | €529 |
First Thoughts
While there’s nothing groundbreaking about this news, users have been demanding cordless brushless impact drivers for some time now. It has been surprising that Bosch did not release these tools with the launch of their other 12V Max and 18V brushless drills and drivers, but it seems they needed more time to perfect.
One feature I look forward to is the on/off control Bosch built into the LED worklights of the smaller-voltage impact tools. While built-in LEDs are incredibly useful, especially when in the form of near shadow-free ring lights, there are times when they’re just not needed.
Hopefully these make their way to the USA soon, and I cannot think of a reason why they wouldn’t.
Jerry
I am surprised their 18V brushless 1/2 drive impact doesn’t deliver 200 Ft/lb. I guess they are going more for compact, than powerful. However IMO, it seems kind of low for a 1/2 drive. Ryobi’s 18V 1/2 drive that has been out forever is rated for 200, Craftsman’s new one is 300, as is DeWalts old 18V NiCad (which I have).
IMO, in this day and age of high performance tools, 200 Ft/lbs would be more what I expect out of a high-performance 3/8 drive, than a brand new brushless premium tool.
Stuart
For this model to deliver a little more torque, up to 200 ft lbs – or greater – would probably require a different design. I’m sure they can produce a very heavy-duty 1/2″ brushless impact.
It doesn’t look like they’re targeting automotive users – it looks like they designed the tool for construction trades, where tool size and weight might be valued over extra torque that most users might never need.
Jeff
the Bosch GDS 18 V-LI HT Professional puts out 650nm, but no where near as compact
Jimmie
I wonder why the 12V impact driver and wrenches have slightly different torque ratings? Judging from the picture and the spec list, I would have expected them to share most of the same internal components.
Stuart
I’m pretty sure I’ve seen that before. Maybe the chuck design and mass has something to do with it.
Nathan
exactly – impact mass creates the applied torque – also they are probably mindful of the shear limits of screw head – and screw bits.
I’m often surprised at the amount of torque coming out of impact drivers.
RX9
The GDS 18 V-EC 250 weighs in at 184 ft-lbs.
That’s respectable, but for a brushless model, it should stack up higher if it wants to really stand out.
Let’s take a look at the rest of the 1/2″ 18/20V Compact impact wrench field:
Bosch’s brushed 24618 has a paltry 133 ft-lbs.
Dewalt’s brushed DCF880 has 150 ft-lbs.
Panasonic’s brushless EY75A2X has 151 ft-lbs.
Metabo’s brushed SSW18 LT has 162 ft-lbs.
Makita’s brushed XWT05Z has 170 ft-lbs.
Ingersoll Rand’s (high-cycle) brushed W5151P has 175 ft-lbs.
Milwaukee’s brushed 2659 has 183 ft-lbs.
Hitachi’s brushless WR18DBDL has an identical 184 ft-lbs.
Hitachi’s brushed WR18DSDL has a slightly higher188 ft-lbs.
Ingersoll Rand’s brushed W5150 has 190 ft-lbs.
Makita’s brushless XWT02Z has a class-leading 210 ft-lbs.
Milwaukee’s brushless 2655 is tied for best-in-class with 210 ft-lbs.
Marco
Metabo’s SSW 18 LTX 400 BL out classes them all: 295 ft-lbs
Personally I got 5-6 years ago Metabo’s brushed 1/2″ impact. I use a M12 impact for the little things. When I have to do a lot of repetitive screwing or need the power I use my 1/2″ 18v Metabo with a Wera 1/4″ adapter. On the highest setting, screwing through most things with drywall/deck screws is like a hot rod for pure speed. Probably my number 1 cordless tool. 2nd would be my new metabo spot lamp.
RX9
Good point!
It looks like the SSW 18 LTX 400 BL has raised the bar way above its competitors. It’s a bit longer than many of the others, but at only 4.2 lbs, it looks like it definitely belongs in the compact class.
Another one I forgot to mention:
Hilti’s brushless SIW 18-A with 147 ft-lbs.
Berg
It looks like there may be another Bosch impact driver:
Bosch 18V Li-Ion High Torque Impact Wrench IWHT180-01
500 Ft Lbs of Max torque
Marco
Yes but that’s a higher class more suited to work that requires that kind of power. Milwaukee and Metabo both offer heavy duty impact wrenches with those numbers or grwater power wise. Realisticaly at this top class they all are going to get the job done.
Drew
Milwaukee M12 Cordless Impact Wrench, 3/8 In. is rated for 117 ft*lb
Bosch brushless 12v…. 85 ft*lb
Bosch brushed 12v…. 77 ft*lb
bymbie
HI Stuart,
Is it possible to remove that email list pop-up? It gets annoying after a while. Thanks.
Stuart
Thanks for the feedback! It’s set to go off no more than once every 15 days and no more than 3 times total. It’s also set to only go off when someone leaves the site. If it’s breaking, I’ll either look into a different service or find a less annoying means to draw attention to the signup.
I had hoped that, if annoying, it would only be mildly so. I figured that at most 3 times in 45 days wouldn’t be a noticeable distraction.
Could you please make note of how often you see it?
bymbie
It might be that I use pretty vigorous privacy settings, so the site thinks that I’m a new visitor each time I visit or open a new tab… So for less “secure” people, it might not be an issue. I just deal with it, since the content is worth it.
Thank you for your response.
BikerDad
As Glenn Reynolds says, “faster, faster”.
I’ve been waiting for the 12v brushless impact, now just get them onto the American market.
http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/264/200/acb.jpg
Nathan
Did I read correctly there is a separate switch for the LED light ring – that’s a feature I wish more tools had.
pete
There’s still no belt clip on the 12v tools. That was the only reason I sold my bosch 12v set! It worked really well and I was really pleased with it but…. no belt clip!
Dan
They do a fabric holster for the drill shaped tools that can go on your belt, not as good as a belt clip though.
MattP
My Bosch PS22 and PS32 both came with belt clips…
cody
I seen that bosch 18 volt EC impact wrench about a month ago. Bosch also has available in Europe and in Australia a 18 volt EC brushless impact driver. Model ( GDR 18 V-EC). It only has a 1/4 hex shank on it.
Joe
By the time these make it to the USA, Milwaukee will have made a tool line with a new style battery.
I like Bosch. Their corded tools are awesome, but they’re slacking as far as releasing new tools.
Todd H.
Wow Bosch has really taken a plummet! They are the ONLY company claiming that brushed motors put out more power then brushless. Milwaukee, Makita, DeWalt, or totally destroying them. I noticed Bosch is cranking out nothing but excuses when I question their local store reps. Slow sluggish tool releases from them have been the story for a few years now. Seems like they have no interest in joining everyone else’s desires for faster, better, modern tools. I also noticed they heavily invested time into nonsense useless wireless battery crap. Total joke! Come one guys get serious, your not showing your German potential genius anymore.
Pablo
I’m not sure why you think it’s false? Metabo acknowledges this as well, and their SB 18 LTX brushed drill puts out 974 in-lbs, which is more than every brushless model out there except for the Makita XPH07/DHP481 @ 1090 in-lbs. Metabo manages to have 90% of the power of the Makita, while being 30% lighter.
Metabo’s brushless model “only” does 797 in-lbs, but wins in runtime.
Perhaps the REAL truth is, brushed models can still be made very good, but the marketing departments are pushing everyone to brushless because that’s what sells nowadays, regardless of actual performance.
Phil
What got my attention was the 2.5AH rating on the 10.8V (in the US: 12VMax) batteries. That is 0.5AH more than competitor’s 10.8/12V 2.0 packs, and is essentially made from the same cells as the 5.0AH 18/20V batteries. Bosch or, more likely, the battery manufacturer has finally come up with cells that are up to the current draw of the smaller tools while running solo. In LiIon designs, cells that are designed for a greater power (ampere-hours) tend to have a lower ultimate discharge rate. There are cells available now that are rated for 3.5AH, but these are not suitable for use in power tools at the moment, since they are only able to supply about 8-10 amps maximum. This works well for laptops and electronic gear, but power tools, even the small 12V ones can often draw 25 amps when pushed hard, like when a bit binds up while drilling a hole. The tool electronics determine the ultimate current draw from the batteries, and will shut the tool off if overloaded. There’s usually a bit of a time delay built in to allow a couple seconds of overload before shutting down. High capacity cells/batteries can’t handle such overloads, and can be damaged if exposed to such a high current draw even for a moment. High current cells sacrifice capacity (amp hours/watt hours) for being able to deliver a larger amount of current on a continuous basis. The reason is pretty simple, the cylindrical cells can only hold a specific volume of active components. Like most batteries, LiIon cells use a pair of dissimilar metal plates with an electrolyte between them, the plates are thin layers of foil that are rolled up with the electrolyte in between and put inside the shell of the cell. To increase capacity, you just increase the surface area of the assembly. You are constrained by the size of the finished cell, so the only way to roll up more plate and electrode area is to make the plates thinner. thinner metal foil can’t handle as much current as thicker foil can. Pull too much current from that cell and the foil plates will heat up because of the increased resistance of the thinner metal. Go really overboard and the foil can actually rupture. This can cause the cell to burst, and with such a high capacity in such a small space, the results are not pretty.
To make the high capacity 5 and 6AH packs, the cells are paired up in parallel, then these parallel pairs get wired in series to com up with the desired voltage. Each pair shares the load, so at most those cells will only see half the current than those cells used in the smaller, “slim” packs. This has long been the way tool manufacturers have made high powered “fat” packs and the lighter and smaller “slim” packs. The bigger packs simply have twice the number of cells. Since the slim or fat pack can often be placed on the same tool, the smaller pack needs to be able to withstand the amount of current ultimately drawn by the tool without failure. In some cases, like Makita LX tools, the smaller of the packs are not keyed to fit certain tools, like circular saws, that draw a lot of current, only the big pack will fit. Milwaukee came up with a cool idea in their Fuel series that determines which pack is installed. The “smart” electronics in the tool tailor the ultimate power of the tool. A drill will put out less torque when a smaller pack is installed, limiting the current draw and protecting the pack. Throw on the bigger pack, and you get full power. This way you can still use the lighter pack when you don’t need a lot of power, and not get completely locked out by some physical means. I believe other manufacturers are using this technique in their brushless tools.
Being able to have 2.5AH in the small space of 12V tools will give you a good boost in run time. Those little Bosch drivers won’t need nearly the number of battery swaps when being used for long periods of work. In my case lately, it seems I am picking up tools that I have used again and again and the batteries just keep going. This is far removed from the days of NiCd/NiMH. And things just keep getting better year after year.
rx9
Good points on battery tech! Between the R&D money dumped on the phone, auto, laptop, and tool industries, there’s a good chance we will see even better batteries soon.
Stuart
Not necessarily. Electronic devices often need higher capacity slow-drain batteries. Power tools need higher capacity high-drain batteries. The different form factor and power output needs means that developments in personal electronics and power tool areas might not be cross-applicable. As a generalization, the battery pack in your phone/tablet/ultra-portable laptop are a completely different chemistry than those in a cordless power tool pack.
Top brands’ Li-ion battery packs are made with cells that can deliver up to 20-25 amps! 2.5Ah cells with such power rating is only a recent achievement, and 3.0Ah cells used in upcoming 6.0Ah battery packs are about as cutting-edge as you can get. I don’t even think those 3.0Ah batteries are commercially available yet, and so Bosch might have made special dealings with the battery manufacturer.
busf
You guys really shouldn’t buy into these “marketing” ft lbs numbers. Manufacturers have no agreed upon standard to measure. Therefore these numbers can be fudged to get you guys to buy. Also, just because an Impact can reach a certain ft lbs number, doesn’t mean the tool will be able to consistently deliver this for the life of the tool! The impact function is a mechanical design that will fail over time. Using better materials and longer design/testing times will normally equate to a better tool for the long haul. So it may not be so bad that Bosch took their time to design this tool. I know about impacts from a lot of first hand use in the manufacturing sector.
rx9
That’s an important thing to consider, though I do think there’s not much room for fudging. Still, ft-lbs aren’t everything. Issues like cost, size, weight, availability, other tools in the system, battery life, charging time, warranty, build quality and features (lighting, anvil type, belt clip, adjustable torque/speed, etc.) all weigh into the purchase decision.
Oscar
What are the chances the impact driver comes out this year
Jeff
Per an online chat I had with Bosch today they will not be releasing the 12v impact wrench in the USA anytime soon. Only thing coming this year is the 12v jig saw
Hazstahl
This
” You guys really shouldn’t buy into these “marketing” ft lbs numbers. Manufacturers have no agreed upon standard to measure. Therefore these numbers can be fudged to get you guys to buy. Also, just because an Impact can reach a certain ft lbs number, doesn’t mean the tool will be able to consistently deliver this for the life of the tool! The impact function is a mechanical design that will fail over time. Using better materials and longer design/testing times will normally equate to a better tool for the long haul. ! “