Oded sent in a tip about Bosch’s new “GO” cordless screwdriver. I took a look, and it does seem quite neat.
The Bosch GO cordless screwdriver is a compact micro USB-chargeable device, which Bosch says features new motor technology and will “change the way you work.”
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Its 1/4″ hex bit holder can work with “all possible bits,” including common 1″ insert bits and 2″ power bits. There’s a forward and reverse switch, with an intermediate spindle lock mode for manual use. An LED fuel gauge lets you know when it’s time to recharge the battery.
At the rear is an electronic clutch torque dial.
The Bosch GO cordless screwdriver also features a “Push & Go” trigger switch system, where you simply push the tool into a screw head to start turning them. We’ve seen this before, on Ridgid’s 12V Max palm impact driver.
What, no LED worklight?
Bosch says its new motor technology makes the GO’s motor the most powerful in its size.
The GO is available in a kit, and in a kit with separate screwdriver bit set.
The Bosch GO screwdriver is not currently available in the USA, and it’s not showing up on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de.
I was shared a link to Bosch India’s site, and also found the GO listed on Bosch Africa’s site. There’s a press release by Bosch Philippines.
Specs
- 3.6V Li-ion battery
- 360 RPM (no load)
- 5/2.5 Nm max torque (hard/soft), ~44.25/22.13 inch-lbs
- 1.5Ah built-in battery
Bosch says the new GO screwdriver will “revolutionize the way you work.”
I’ll ask Bosch North America whether we’ll see this new screwdriver anytime soon, and will keep you updated.
The yeti says
Its sort of a solution out looking for a problem . I guess for an older fella with busted up hands this might be a good product. For me. It would get plugged up with mud or dropped in a puddle or broken . Ill stick with regular screwdrivers while i got the strength to run one
Curtis says
In my line of business it would probably work quite well. I’m constantly removing and installing wall plates and small fasteners. Most drills and impact drivers are overkill and are too bulky to carry around, “just in case”.
I carry one of the kobalt ratcheting screwdrivers that goes twice as fast as a conventional screwdriver, but this would probably be better.
Wayne says
If I needed this thing a lot, I’d be leery of having to recharge the battery (rather than just swap it).
Why not use Klein’s Rapi-Driv for those plates?
Alick says
I know a guy who maintains the electrics in street lights and roadside power cabinets. He relies on a drill driver so much to save time opening and closing enclosures that if his batteries run dry he calls it a day and goes home.
This isn’t up to that job but IF it’s got a high enough rpm, as well as the 22 inch pounds torque, it could be pretty handy for removing and refitting faceplates.
Hilton says
I don’t know, looks a bit gimmicky. I’d rather have control with my ratchet screwdriver and if I need repetitive work I’ll pull out on of the impact drivers.
I think a LED light should have been included.
Mike B. says
It looks like just what I want. Compact, light, easy to store, convenient USB charging. I am an older fella with busted up hands and procrastinate on many projects when I count up the number of screws I need to remove and replace. Yet, I don’t want to go in the lazarette for the drill which also can’t get into tight places that a driver can.
I find headlights on tools to be gimmicky. If I need a headlight on a tool for a project, that means I will already have the workspace lighted so I can see what I’m doing.
Jim Felt says
Whoa! “Lazarette”. I had to tap for Google to learn that meaning. Isn’t that a lovely word for cubby? And your likely lifestyle sounds lovely too. Ahoy.
Bill Strobel says
Right now the Bosch Go Cordless Screwdriver is only available in India. You can buy off eBay. I bought mine there and I am quite happy with it.
Tomas says
Might work out for laptop or desktop repair, although it would be good if it was thinner or had a longer shank.
Jim Felt says
I’m a total weird tool geek but I can’t for the life of me see much value to this $60 direct from India screwdriver. (Though I love direct imports normally)!
For that much I’d rather put the cash towards a controlled torque Wera screwdriver. Really.
Bob says
It’s also available in Brazil and i have one. I’m disappointed. It doesn’t have variable speed and even in the lower setting the torque is too strong for most house day to day stuff. It end up being hard to control. Also you have to push it a little too hard to activate the motor, with again make it useless for smaller works.
I think it’s too powerful and lack control for smaller stuff. For not so small to bigger driving jobs, a 12v pistol style drill/driver is better anyway.
If only it had speed control..
Bob says
Also, it costs R$160, or around US$50
Bill says
I will use my Bosch 12V to take things out quickly and to put things back in, most of the way, and then I will switch to a regular old screw driver. I trust myself more to not overtighten, etc. I know that probably seems a little awkward but it works for me. 🙂
Farid says
Thanks for posting this.
At first sight, it looked very tempting: comact size and high torque. However, after comparing specs with my Milwaukee M4 (https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2101-22) , I am not sure it’s worth switching. If I was starting fro scratch, then it is tempting. It would be nice to see how fits in my hand though.
The Max torque is exactly the same as the Milwaukee M4. The Milwaukee has two speed settings and a 21-position clutch. I can’t tell what the clutch settings are on the Milwaukee. The Bosch is almost 2.5″ shorter, but I do like the two position handle on the M4.
The M4 is normally double the price of the Bosch ( assuming India prices) , but I got mine on special for $50.
BTW, when working on repairing electronics and appliances, using anything but the lowest clutch setting on the M4 when screwing fasteners into plastic housings is a sure way to strip the threads. On the plus side, I was able to screw in 2.5″ screws into studs on the high torque setting.
We have the old NiCad version at work. Some have been around for 20 years and are used daily. I have seen the same exact screwdriver sold by Weidmuller for using on terminal blocks but under a different brand name.
adam says
Slightly large ergonomics for a ‘screwdriver’ imo. Sounds more like a nice accesory if you had a lot of Ikea stuff to build. It is nice there is no propritary charger & batteries to worry about, but see myself preferrinf other methods of driving screws
ToolOf The Trade says
I’ve never really understood the point of the cordless screwdriver. Most situations that require a screwdriver are typically torque sensitive and requires controlled fastening. If a screw requires a quarter or half turn, then this would fail miserably. I could see this being useful for someone with arthritis or carpal tunnel. And that is a maybe. Screwdrivers shouldn’t have a motor if you can’t control it or if it can’t replicate human interaction with a normal screwdriver. Seems like a swing and a miss from Bosch.
Donny says
I occasionally do final assembly of a few different products. I can tell you an electric screwdriver (or regular electric driver) is an enormous time saver. The standard clutch on them works fine.
Bob F says
I’ve been using my Panasonic for 20 years in the communications industry. It’s my primary driver when it comes to equipment assembly/disassembly, racking equipment and all the myriad of screws they like to put in electronics gear. Can’t live without it.
fred says
Wiha used to sell this for 4mm hex bits:
https://www.jensentools.com/wiha-275988-proturn-battery-powered-micro-bit-driver/p/477-919
Working off 3-AAA batteries – it was made in China and seems to have been discontinued.
I’m not sure what niche these tools fall into. Battery-powered screwdrivers have been around for a long time for homeowner use and seem to sell.
Pneumatic and electric screwdrivers from folks like Mountz, IR, ASG et. al. certainly fill a role in a production environment – but most have torque control.
Brian A says
Hopefully Milwaukee is coming out with something similar to build on their USB platform and to replace the M4.
Stuart says
You’re not the only one thinking that!
I asked and was told they’re focusing on personal lighting products right now.
Adam says
There are so many potential uses for those little things? Sort of wished they licensed the battery platform out so other companies would start using them. That would be awesome.
I have several Craftsman 4v tools that I actually absolutely love, such as powered scissors, rotary tool, solder iron, $ drill. They are running on 4v batteries (same as Ryobi Tek4), and could see them running on these batteries instead, though obviously the M12 line takes care of a couple of those plus more power, but I always pick the 4v drill up for doing electric plate work. I mentioned walkie talkies once before too.
ktash says
I have both the Ridgid palm impact driver and the Black and Decker gyro driver. I use both of these all the time. Both have led lights and those lights are important. How to tell if a screw is slightly or badly stripped before taking it out, for instance. How to hit that tiny punched hole in installing drawer slides inside a cabinet with lots of bright light/shadows.
I often use the gyro screwdriver instead of a regular drill driver or impact driver. For one thing, I can move my hand off the back pressure area and use it like a manual screwdriver . This is great for tightening down something delicate.
This doesn’t seem to improve on any of these things and is pretty pricey for what it is.
Jeremiah says
I got a hammerhead screwdriver (similar to this) a while ago when it was on special for about $12.50.($25 normally?) I got it mainly for plate- covers, which has been the main use. It also has a non-contact voltage detector built in which I’ve used a couple times. It has excellent lighting with 2 led’s .for what it is my only complaint is its slow. It would be excellent for someone with carpal tunnel or similar limitations. I think it’s worth about $20
Bob says
Reminds me of my Hammerhead, which I love. Alas, the Hammerhead has low torque and speed is a tad slow. It’s great for repairs and projec ts, but not wood construction.
An electric screwdriver must be strong and rugged, and I have yet to see one that truly is. Even if the motor doesn’t have the power to drive a 2″ #10 drywall screw into pine, the mechanism should be strong enough to do it by hand without breaking gears or shafts.
Hilton says
I’ve just seen this advertised in South Africa for the equivalent of $57 plus VAT.
Marcelo says
They are available for sale at Brazil. I have seem a few here at the stores. Priced around 40-60 USD over here (everything here is SO much more expensive). Not impressed – the GSR MX2-drive is much more impressive (although at double price).
Fabio says
I don’t like the GSR MX2 drive because it doesn’t have a clutch.
Fabio says
Now is available on all amazon europe stores at 46€ – 50€
Lon C. says
I bought one on ebay for $40, free shipping from S. Korea. I do like the push on tool to start it, but at the highest setting, it will twist out of my hands. Really like it for its light weight and fast recharge capabilities.
HenryDara says
I bought one, and I hate it. This thing is a real piece of crap. Nothing to hold the bit in, so get the tape out. Almost impossible to use except in a completely practiced repetitive task, but still not worth picking up to use ever. I really tried, with total frustration each and every time I tried. Bosch has gotten so bad in their designs over the last 10-15 years that I will never buy another Bosch tool as long as I live…. and I used to buy nothing but bosch.