Bosch 12V Power Tools

Today we look at two new Bosch 12V Power Tools, a 3/8″ Hammer Drill/Driver, and a 1/4″ Hex Two-Speed Screwdriver. Both are designed to be versatile, lightweight, and compact; intended to make overhead work and getting into dark, tight spaces a little easier. That sounds great, let’s see if they deliver.

Bosch 12V Power Tools

Bosch has built its reputation on being innovators in the power tool market. They don’t have the broadest lineup but they continue to develop high-quality, technically advanced precision tools for trade and industry professionals.

Today we are going over the Bosch 12V Hammer Drill (GSB12V-300N) and the Bosch 12V Screwdriver (GSR12V-300HXN).

Both tools are powered by Bosch 12V batteries and Bosch continues to advance this compact battery technology. The new BAT414 12V Max 2.0 Ah Li-Ion batteries are delivering more power, 50% longer runtime, and longer battery life than their predecessors.

Bosch 12V Hammer Drill/Driver Overview

• Name – Bosch 12V Max Brushless 3/8 In. Hammer Drill/Driver
• Model – GSB12V-300N
• Price – $129
• Where to Buy – Amazon
• Review – Bosch Power Tool Review

Bosch 12V Hammer Drill/Driver Features

Coming in with a head length of only 6.7″ and weighing in at 1.8 lbs. (tool only) this compact hammer drill/driver can still perform. The battery-driven, brushless motor can deliver an impressive 300 In.-Lbs. of torque, a max speed of 1,750 rpm, and its hammer drilling at 26,250 bpm’s is ideal for drilling into masonry and brick.

I always find the traditional Bosch 12V Power Tools’ handle very comfortable. The tool is lightweight but still felt solid in my hand.

It has a single finger variable speed trigger and easy access to forward and reverse. The battery status gauge is well-positioned above the trigger. And there is a very effective LED light on the front.

All metal 3/8″ keyless chuck.

You can easily select from three modes of operation: Hammer Drill, Screw Mode, and Drill Mode.

The two-speed gearbox provides a high-power setting at 0-460 rpm and a high-speed setting at 1,750 rpm. The gear preference is selected with a slide switch located on the top of the drill.

20+1 clutch settings; precise and accurate torque should mean less fastener damage.

Bosch 12V Hammer Drill/Driver Performance

While this is only a 12V tool, I figured we ought to push it a little.  So we used a dull 1-1/2″ spade bit to go through a 2×4. While you wouldn’t typically use this drill for this type of work, we know there are plenty of times when you need to drill these size holes.

On Speed 1, the drill ran through the 2×4 without any issues or slowdowns.

On Speed 2, it stopped right away which is typical.  Even on bigger drills, Speed 2 won’t penetrate the wood.  Speed 1 is usually for larger applications like this that require more torque while Speed 2 is for speed only.  So this wasn’t a disappointment.

Bosch 12V Screwdriver Overview

• Name – Bosch 12V Max 1/4 In. Hex Two-Speed Screwdriver
• Model – GSR12V-300HXN
• Price – $119
• Where to Buy – Amazon
• Review – Bosch Power Tool Review

Bosch 12V Screwdriver Features

The compact housing of this screwdriver comes in with a head length of only 5″ and a weight of only 1.3 lbs. (tool only). Its battery-driven, brushless motor delivers 300 In.-Lbs. of torque, and a max speed of 1,750 rpm.

Keyless all-metal chuck.

Enhanced bit grip and quick-change 1/4″ hex drive chuck.

Like the hammer drill, it has a single finger variable speed trigger and easy to access forward and reverse. The battery status gauge is well-positioned above the trigger. And there is a very effective LED light on the front.

The two-speed gearbox provides a high-power setting at 0-460 rpm and a high-speed setting at 1,750 rpm. The gear preference is selected with a slide switch located on the top of the drill.

This screwdriver features a 20+1 clutch setting.

Bosch 12V Screwdriver Performance

Since this is a screwdriver, we figured we would try it out on some 3″ screws.

As you would expect, the screwdriver sank the screws on both 1 and 2 Speeds.

Bosch Power Tools Wrap Up

When it comes down to it, the Bosch 12V line is a love-hate relationship for me.  I love the quality, feel, and power of their 12V line, but I hate that the line is so small.  My go-to 12V drill and impact driver has always been the Bosch and I want to expand, so I am hoping they will grow this line.

In regards to these 2 tools, the hammer drill, and screwdriver, these are exactly what I would expect from Bosch, quality and reliability.  For me, these are a no-brainer for someone who needs power and reliability in a small tool.  These are great for installers and more.