In a surprise move, the Bosch Go 3 cordless screwdriver is launching in the USA!
You’re welcome.
I had previously purchased a second generation Bosch Go cordless screwdriver from Europe, and it’s been great. But, it’s built-in battery is starting to age, and I’d like to replace it at some point.
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A few weeks ago I ranted about how the Dremel-branded version of Bosch’s Go series cordless screwdrivers seemed to have been discontinued. See Rant: The Dremel Go Cordless Screwdriver is Gone.
Without being able to order the Bosch Go 3 at a fair price (de minimis exclusions ended, driving up the price), and there not being a Dremel version as there was for the first and second generation models, I was disappointed, hence the rant post.
Maybe someone at Bosch listened to our interest and took action. Or maybe this was already in the works, and Bosch is coincidentally launching the first USA version of their Go series cordless screwdriver since the the series was introduced in Europe nearly 8 years ago. (See Bosch Go Cordless Screwdriver.)
It seems unusual, for Bosch to launch the first two Go screwdrivers under Dremel branding, and now the third under their regular pro label.
This appears to be the same kit as is available in Europe, with no power adapter and just a USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
It features a built-in 4V Max Li-ion battery, adjustable torque dial, push-to activate and push button dual operation, universal 1/4″ hex bit compatibility, and USB-C charging.
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My older Bosch Go 2 was bundled with an L-Boxx mini case, but this one comes with a more compact kit box.
Price: $69
USA Model No. GSD4V-35
Nearly 8 years have gone by without a USA-version of the Bosch Go. 2 weeks after I rant about wanting a USA version of the latest, and here we have it. Deserved or not, I’m taking credit for this. Woo!
Next, how about a USA version of the modern Bosch IXO cordless screwdriver? Here’s my older kit, which I recently gave away. It was a fantastic tool – also ordered from Europe – but I’ve been cutting down on excess and preferred the Bosch Go for its form factor and torque dial.
My Bosch IXO was bundled with one of the best tool cases I’ve ever seen.
I like the mini L-Boxx that came with my Bosch Go 2, and am curious to see if I’ll feel the same about the smaller case that’s included with the new Go 3. In either case, I doubt I’ll be as impressed as I’ve been with the Bosch IXO case, which was high quality with a touch of elegance.
Luis
Looks to be competitively priced. Are you ordering one, Stuart?
Stuart
Not immediately, but very likely in the near future.
I might wait for either a coupon opportunity (keep in mind code TOOLGUYD takes $10 off $79+ at Acme Tools, resets every 30 days), or a larger order. I still have my Bosch Go 2, and so there’s no rush.
fred
As an alternative, Amazon has the Vessel 3-speed US model at what they say is the lowest price in 30 days – perhaps to compete on price:
https://www.amazon.com/BALL-GRIP-Rechargeable-Screwdriver-5PCS/dp/B0D52XF1XK
Jared
I’m interested in that one. I have the last Dremel version of the Bosch, so I don’t need an upgrade… but Vessel’s just looks cooler.
James
Just bought that one but haven’t had a chance to run it yet.. looks and feels nice though!
Matt_T
Did you deliberately use a pic with the new 18V Bosch hole hawg in it? That’s way more interesting than a screwdriver.
Poking around on Acme I also found a new 18V Bosch Hackzall which looks to be a decent improvement on the old version.
Luis
I noticed a couple 18V hole hawgs (the other one being 7/16″ hex) and the 18V ratchet are now available in N.A
fred
Their new cordless 7/16 stapler also seems to be a first.
https://www.acmetools.com/bosch-18v-brushless-16-gauge-7-16-inch-medium-crown-stapler-bare-tool-gth18v-50mn/S0000000098040.html
Matt_T
I saw Acme had the ratchet available to order. Didn’t mention it because Stuart has already done an article on it. That and my 14.4V iQv is still hanging in there so I have zero interest in buying the Bosch version LOL.
Peter
I had a Metabo like 15 ish years that looked similar to the older Bosch you are showing.
I think I expected too much.
Might give the new Bosch a try though.
MB
I get why these types of tools have internal batteries, but it really kills my motivation to want to buy one. Nothing pisses me off faster than when the battery in one of these types of cordless drivers dies mid project. Usually ends up in my cussing a bunch, going and grabbing my screwdrivers, and questioning why I bothered to buy the stupid thing in the first place.
Wayne R.
And when the battery is in its final swan song, like Stuart’s, not being able to disassemble the thing is just an insult – especially when the machine is in otherwise good condition.
I’ll rely on a plain screwdriver or a larger machine rather than that.
Stuart
The battery in my Go 2 lasts a LONG time.
@Wayne – the battery’s not in its final swan song.
In truth, it could probably last a few more years. My Go 2 is not a daily use tool, and my “charge it and leave it” habits aren’t good for longevity. A bit of effort and discharge-storage care, and it’ll last even longer.
I balked over upgrading to the Go 3 (I figured I didn’t yet *need* one, and I was hesitant about the light), but then got upset when there was no option for a Go 2 anymore either. I don’t need an immediate replacement, but after realizing it’s been 5 years I was looking proactively.
Some folks complain about built-in batteries, and others complain when the batteries are removable but wrapped in proprietary casing.
Mainstream tool brands, retailers, and safety agencies do not encourage straight Li-ion cell replacement in the same way you can swap AA or AAA NiMH cells. You can do this with flashlights – but none I’ve ever seen sold at home centers or retail stores – and specialty products (such as replica and hobby light sabers).
So the choice is a built-in battery at lower cost and complexity, or a custom replaceable battery similar to Milwaukee Red Lithium USB or Ryobi USB Lithium. Both approaches have their critics.
It’s far easier for brands to launch a tool like this with a built-in battery than to design an entire ecosystem around a custom-encapsulated Li-ion battery cell.
A built-in battery is the best approach for this type of tool. Want a replaceable battery? There are options of that too, such as Makita’s https://www.amazon.com/Makita-DF012DSE-Lithium-Ion-Driver-Drill-Auto-Stop/dp/B071F4XTPK/?tag=toolguyd-20 .
Walty
What’s the difference of using something like this Bosch vs something like an Milwaukee M12 driver? I’ve never felt the need to have an electric screwdriver. Am I missing something?
Rick
I don’t think you are missing much if you have just a handful of screws.
But if you are assembling (say) a seven foot heavy duty storage rack, with about 60 screws provided for the assembly, an electric screwdriver is definitely the way to go.
Doing that manually would be really tedious, and take much longer.
zchris87v
It comes in handy for things like electrical work where a driver is overkill. I borrowed a screwdriver from a toolbox while changing out light switches at a house, not realizing it was electric until I bumped the switch. Instantly sped up the job, so I bought one for myself (a relatively inexpensive kobalt). I’d use the Yankee Handyman I have, but I don’t have bits for it and they’re rather expensive. I do have an older Ryobi one like the IXO pictured above, but the grip makes it cumbersome to lug around due to the shape.
fred
Before the age of battery-cordless tools, Yankee spiral drive screwdrivers could be seen in use on various job sites. If you needed more torque – you got out a bit-brace with a tanged screwdriver bit. The phone company guys would also show up at your home with a Stanley-Yankee push drill
https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Yankee-Push-Drill-Set/dp/B005CX7EMW
Shane
My grandfather retired from Bell back in the 80’s. I inherited most of his tools when he passed and this little jewel was in the mix. I cleaned it up really well and got it in good working order mainly because I like older/novelty tools, but it sits right beside any woodworking projects where I will need to bore a pilot hole for a screw. It’s so much quicker to grab and go with that than it is to pull out another drill. Half a century later and that original bit is still dutifully boring pilot holes!
TomD
The key with an electric screwdriver is you don’t have to ride the clutch like a maniac like you do with a drill/driver/surge.
If you’re driving deck screws, who cares, clutch out or cam out.
But if you’re doing screw work you need something that won’t bring a ton of power to bear, and an electric screwdriver does just that.
I remember factory lines that had them, each tuned to the right torque for the screws tightened at that stage.
fred
In our fabrication shop – we use torque-controlled drivers from Hios and Mountz.
No need for these (and price would have been prohibitive) in our other businesses.
Stuart
It’s like using a bit holding screwdriver vs a full-size ratchet with bit adapter. The small size, light weight, and different form factor of cordless screwdrivers can be convenient depending on the task or project.
My Bosch Go 2 is great when I want a lightweight and controlled tool. When working with a lot of smaller screws, it is less fatiguing to use than manual or larger powered screwdrivers. It’s so much smaller and lighter than an M12 or other 12V-class tool. Its lower speed helps to avoid damage without excessive attention to delicacy.
Archer
I can see some logic in the Bosch branding. For one, it streamlines production since they can just make one tool for the global market instead of different variants, with different tooling, plastic colors, and maybe packaging. (The latter may have to differ between NA and RoW anyway.) The rest probably comes down to perception and visibility, Dremel stuff is usually tucked away in some dark corner of the tool section while Bosch gets a prominent display in the general power tool area. Being in the Bosch lineup also means they can include it in the prominent Bosch endcap and aisle stand displays we see around the holidays, and to me it seems like exactly the kind of tool that fits into that sort of thing, being cheap enough to be an impulse/gift buy.