Bosch Hammer Drill HDH183 and Drill Driver DDH183

If you have been following me for a while, you know I am a huge fan of Bosch.  In fact, people have accused me of being a Bosch fanboy.  I am not really sure how to answer that.  When a company makes great products, how can you not appreciate their products?  I have been using Bosch ever since 1991 and have never had any issues with their products.  We have been beating them up over the years and they last.  A buddy of mine leaves his drill in the bed of his truck.  Doesn’t matter if it rains or snows, he just leaves it there.  They are about 7 or 8 years old and still work for him.  Bosch may not always be first to market with their tools, but you can pretty much guarantee that when they release their tool, it will be one of the most reliable tools on the market.  So call me a fanboy if you want, I am cool with that.

Recently Bosch just released two new drills.  A hammer drill model HDH 183 and a drill/driver model DDH183.  Now don’t get these confused with their recent launch of the HDH181 and the DDH181.  The 181 models are a little bigger and have a four pole motor.  But that’s not why we are here today.

Since both of these tools are pretty much the same, I am going to cover them together.  Yes, there are differences since one is a hammer drill and the other is a drill/driver, but you can check out the stats below or check out their website to see the subtle differences between the two (DDH183 – HDH183).  I want to cover the major items that make these tools some of the best in the market.

I usually start with the drill, but this time I want to cover the batteries.  These kits come with two FatPack 4Ah batteries and a fast charger.  At first, I was disappointed I didn’t see a 6Ah battery, but after studying the stats and this tool, I am not sure if you really need them.  The fast charger will charge these batteries 80% of the way in 25 minutes and 100% of the way in 35 minutes, not too bad.  In fact, that is one of the fastest in the market.

Bosch designed both of these drills with their 1/2″ metal ratcheting chuck, so you are pretty much assured not only will the chuck last through anything, but your bit will never come out on its own.  Not only is it stronger, but it allows the drill to transfer more power to your work.

Bosch designed these with a brushless motor.  Again, not new to Bosch or the market, but I like the fact of a brushless motor and the tool being more efficient.  But here is the really cool thing about this tool, its safety feature.  Have you ever being drilling a hole only for the tool or bit to catch?  What happens?  You either hurt your wrist, arm or shoulder or you bang your knuckles against the next board or concrete.  Bosch designed these with a kickback control.  When the tool senses any type of accelerations such as a violent spin, the tool will automatically shut down and protect the user.  Seriously, how cool is that?

Here is the deal, I could go on and on about these drills, but I would much rather have you do something.  Find someone who owns a Bosch tool and get their opinion and see for yourself.  I could sit here all day and tell you stats about these drills and why Bosch rocks, but you really won’t fully understand until either you have used their tools or get a story from a friend or coworker.

Bottomline is you won’t go wrong with a Bosch.

DDH 183 Drill/Driver Specification

• Chuck Capacity 1/2″ Keyless Chuck
• Chuck Design Keyless
• Chuck Size 1/2 in
• Length 7.8″
• No Load RPM 0-2,100
• Torque (in. lbs.) 663
• Weight 5.4lb
• Width 2.5″

HDH 183 Hammer Drill Specification

• Chuck Capacity 1/2″ Keyless Chuck
• Chuck Design Keyless
• Length 8.03″
• No Load BPM 0-31,500
• No Load RPM 0-2,100
• Torque (in. lbs.) 663
• Weight 5.5lb
• Width 2.5″