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I have found that the 9.6 volt Bosch has a lot of torque also. But they make a nice set. Many times the Makita has been too large to use in a tight place.
I think it will be a great addition to my shop. I like the feel of the drill and newer style chuck. I was surprised that the drill is made in Switzerland, the batteries in Poland, and the charger in China.
I chose this drill because I wanted a little smaller drill than my Makita. It did it with ease. I think I'm going to be quite pleased with it and expect to get several years of use from it.If you are looking for a well-made drill, I don't think you will be disappointed with this one.
I will have to say that the Makita is one strong and reliable drill though. Just to try it out, I drove some 8# 1 1/2" screws in seasoned walnut without any pilot holes.
Of course it has keyless chuck, adjustable torque, reversible, extra battery, charger and case. The ultimate test. My wife loves it. Here's the secret -- those huge 18V batteries make a drill too heavy for most users, and it's NOT size that matters. A perfect homeowner tool. This particular model has the same torque (turning force) of larger drills, and the battery life is more than adequate for everyone except drywall installers who use it all day long. It's TORQUE. Beware similar looking models, that may be cheaper, but have a fraction of the power of this baby.
So even though the drill speed isn't so high, it works just fine for our needs. The 12 volt might have been a better choice so that I could have bought and used the radio charger, but it is too late for than now. I own 3 of these. And it is light (I also have a 19.6 P-C cordless in the truck for those rare occassions). Also, in my hand it has the best feel of the competitive products, but that is pure personal preference. I am older than I used to be, and the tool bag seems to get heavier on its own. We do a lot of small repair work, not heavy production jobs.
but not in the case, where they would be most handy. I'm glad I took the chance because this thing has quality written all over it. They used to. Power to spare for a 9.6 volt model and a clever clutch chuck for one handed bit changes.
Before purchasing this tool I researched a number of different manufactures and when you compare the battery amp hrs., the available clutch settings, the torque (in inch pounds) and the metal gears in the motor, there's only one choice. Bosch, Porter Cable, Dewalt are you listening. I carry a fair assortment of spade bits, vix bits and quick release bits. Bosch is a new brand for me.
The only complaint I have is the same problem with all my cordless drills, why don't they give some extra room in the case for spare bits. I would rate the drill 5 stars but the case is essential for work sites so I have to take that into account. I've used cordless drills for 32 years now (yes, 32 years) but I've been reluctant to change brands until now. It's so comfortable it fits like a glove.
The switch failed after less than a year, and Bosch kindly replaced the entire drill rather than repairing it. I have a DeWalt 9.6v drill that's about seven or eight years old, and its original batteries are stronger than the Bosch's which are one-fifth as old. I bought this drill because I liked the design. Now, however, the batteries are failing and they are just barely past their 18 month warranty limit, and of course a pair of new batteries cost nearly as much as the whole drill kit. I understand that Bosch has bumped up the warranty on newer batteries to 2 years, but that's cold comfort to me. The ergonomics are excellent and it feels like a quality unit. Unfortunately, it has not lived up to my expectations.
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