Bosch recently announced a new line of heavy-duty 18V impact wrenches. These new tools can provide a heck of a punch – 500 ft. lb. of max torque, and are [relatively] lightweight at 6.7lbs with a 10″ head length.
Taking a quick look at a few of the other high-torque 18V impact wrenches on the market, it looks like Bosch may have reclaimed the title for “best in class torque”.
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The new product family includes three models:
- IWTH180-01 with 1/2″ friction ring for quick and easy socket changes.
- HTH181-01 with 1/2” detent-pin for accessory retention.
- HTH182-01 with 7/16” quick change for tool-less accessory removal, and works with 7/16” hex shank accessories.
All three models feature a flat-anvil design for easy installation and removal of sockets, all-metal gear train, 1900 RPM and 2100 IMP motor, LED flashlight function, improved airflow/cooling, and electronic cell protection.
The tools are equipped with 2 18V Lithium-ion FatPack batteries, a 30-minute charger, and a hard carrying case wth socket storage.
For comparison, here are a few competing 18V models along with their torque specs (via Amazon):
Milwaukee 2663-22 – 475 ft-lbs
Makita BTW450 – 325 ft-lbs
Dewalt DW059K-2 – 300 ft-lbs
Product Info via Bosch
Bosch IWHT180-01 (friction ring model) via Amazon
More Bosch Impact Wrenches via Amazon
wantedabiggergarage says
This is just an announcement (copy of a press release), not a hands on review, correct? I ask because I can’t find a release date, and the one model that is on their site, has a buy online, that takes you nowhere (announced tools, sometimes don’t come to fruition).
Stuart says
Yes, this info is drawn from a product announcement, not a release or hands-on review. The friction ring model is available now, as is the 7/16″ chuck version, with the ball detent version added to Amazon’s catalog but is not yet in stock.
The friction ring model is also currently available from Ohio Power Tool.
The tools are supposed to be released “this fall”, so you should be seeing them trickle down to additional retailers.
Justin W says
Are all 3 Bosch models rated at 500 FT lbs torque?
I currently have (and LOVE) all three Milwaukee models whose torque varies as follows presumably due to gearbox yet not speed differences as these 3 units (and only these 3) share identical motor armatures and fields:
Milwaukee 3/4 Square Impact Wrench w/Friction Ring:
Model 2664
525 FT lbs Torque (6,300 inch lbs); 1900 rpm, 220 ipm
Milwaukee 7/16 Hex Quick-Change Impact Wrench (DRILL):
Model 2665
350 FT lbs Torque (4,200 inch lbs); 1900 rpm, 220 ipm
Milwaukee 1/2 Square Impact Wrench w/Friction Ring:
Model 2663
450 FT lbs Torque (5,400 inch lbs); 1900 rpm, 220 ipm
The 7/16 quick-change Hex model mounts those crazy 6 to 18 inch ship augers from Milwaukee as well as Bosch’s excellent NailKiller Augers and many Irwin Augers as well.
I’ve bored 1-inch holes through a 1-foot diameter utility pole (and some tree trunks) in less than 20 seconds!! Using larger ‘switchblade’ style cutters (removes all material rather than hole-sawing a plug) I’ve encountered zero difficulty boring 3-inch holes in huge beams and trees as well but recommend single-piece bits as they impact power seems to easily break bits that aren’t ‘solid-cast’ single drill bits.
For me, these 7/16 hex impact drills have opened up an entire new world of capability all of which is now safe since even the largest bits won’t tear your arm off at all—in fact, you can hold the drill easily with 2 hands and 1 hand if you had too but requires some strength. Old hole hawg type drills would rip your arm around all the time…thing of the past! 🙂
LarrySanders says
I would like to see how this compares to other “real” impact guns like for instance the Snapon CT6855 which produces 620 max torque.