Bosch 18v Litheon 4pc Cordless Kit

[Gary]

I guess you noticed I invested in some Bosch products from the other threads. This review, more like an introduction, will be about the Bosch 18v litheon cordless hammer drill/driver model#17618, Reciprocating saw #CRS180 and the Circular saw #CCS180. The kit included a carry bag that is decent and two fatpack 2.6amp litheon batteries that are supposed to be the latest and greatest in battery technology. The kit also came with a flashlight that's easy to set in different positions and works. What else can I say about a flashlight.

The drill is manufactured in Switzerland, and the other two tools made in China. All appear to be very well made. Actually they are surprisingly substantial in hand. I charged the batteries to full capacity and did fire them up for a desk test. The drill is no different then any other drill I've been using, very well made and the usual features. The circular saw was impressive being very well made and appears to have good power and high speed. With a sharp blade this saw will definitely cut well. The Reciprocating saw is solid, has two speeds, and the blade holder is very secure and the easiest I've every used.

Overall with just my initial handling of the tools I am very satisfied on how well they are made and their very well thought out designs.

I have not used any of these tools in the field, but as soon as I get down and dirty with them I'll get back with a field review.

[Gary]

drill/driver model#17618


I guess what I'll do is review each tool separately in their own post and edit as I get more actual field experience with them.


I don't think I can say much about the drill. I've never been dissatisfied with the major brands. I've been using Makita since the early 80 's and they have always performed as expected. I estimate we have gone through about 8-10 Makita drills in the past 6 years of heavy use with no regrets. I have two left, one in new condition and the other has been through two wars, but still going strong. I have also used Dewalt and their drills have performed well with no complaints.

Why the change to Bosch? Well, haven't you heard "Change is coming"

I used the Bosch for the first time in the hammer/drill mode to drill holes for "Tapcons" (I set the Tapcons with a 14vMakita impact driver) The power was beyond what you would need drilling 1/4" holes with a masonry bit. With a good bit (don't cheap out of crap bits) and the Bosch drill it made the concrete feel like I was drilling in sandstone. Toss your corded hammer/drill in the bin, cause with this drill you will never use it again unless you forget to charge your batteries.

One big plus the Bosch has over the Makita is the chuck. The keyless chuck on the Bosch is much more secure and easier to tighten sercurely than the Makita. The Makita seemed liked I could never get it tight enough to hold 100%. The Bosch on the other hand, clamps down on the bit Gorilla Tight! with less effort.

WIth my 12v 2.6amp makita for my cabinet & finish work, and this heavy duty 18V Bosch drill when I need more muscle, there is very little I will not be able to tackle when a corded drill is inconvenient to use. (which is 95% of the time)

[Gary]

Update

I said the flashlight is just that, a flashlight and if it works what more can I say. My old Makita threw a larger light pattern and was a little brighter, and has a small round push down on/off button that would not accidentally turn on when I would throw it back in the tool bag.

The Bosch is not as bright and does not throw as much light as the Makita and has a trigger type switch that is very easily depressed by another tool in the tool bag. I found this out when I discovered the battery was dead. But the Bosch has a very nice feel and easy to hold, much easier than the Makita. Ergonomically it is designed very well.

The drill is great for power. It will drive 3-1/2" construction screws into hard timber-strands easily. BUT the battery does not last long. Seems I need to reach for a batter much more often than I did with my Makita. But to be fair my Makita was a 14v NiCad with 2.6amp battery and the Bosch is an 18v lithium Ion 2.6amp. I was under the impression that the Lithium would last just as long. I guess it's a power/time trade off, more power but less user time

The circular saw is amazing. If you don't have one get one. Ditto for the reciprocating saw, but when I really want to attack a major demo and need as much brute power I can muster I will always reach for my corded Porter Cable TIger Saw. That will cut a house in half.