For the past two months we have been reviewing new tools from Bosch’s 2025 lineup (check out utility knives and wall scanner reviews) and we are excited to announce that the Bosch 18V Brushless Colt™ Palm Router is officially available in the U.S. market. Our kit comes with the Bosch 4Ah battery. Today we are sharing a once over of the features, an honest review, and some insight about what a palm router is used for, for our beginner trade professionals and diy’ers.
Guide
Bosch 18V Palm Router Overview
- Model Name: Bosch 18V Brushless Colt™ Palm Router Kit
- Model #: GKF18V-25PL14 + Battery GBA18V40 (4Ah)
- Features: Compact and ergonomically designed palm router that delivers between 10k-30k RPM and a max 1.39 horsepower and what Bosch calls “the best power-to-size ratio in its class”. Quickly and easily change between bits thanks to simplified flip-and-release spindle lock lever. Has a cut depth range of 1/64 in. – 1-11/32 in. Also has: drop detection, backwards compatibility, soft-start circuitry, restart protection, and has unique finger pockets to give users more control of the router while cutting. Enhanced with Bosch AMPShare™ System.
- Where to Buy: $399 on Amazon.
- Learn More: Bosch site.
“What is a palm router?”
A palm router, also known as an edge or trim router, is a woodworking tool that can cut and level wood. It’s a lightweight tool that is capable of plunge cuts, cutting down or directly into a piece of wood, and intricate cuts. This is why it’s often called a “trim router”, because it’s ideal for making intricate cuts in trim. It’s also commonly used to cut out copies of wood pieces or custom wood cutouts.
This Bosch 18V Palm Router is a professional-grade palm router and not necessary for someone who is just starting out. But could be perfect for the diy’er who is ready to take on more advance projects and techniques.
Bosch 18V CORE18V® Lithium-Ion 4Ah Battery
The Bosch GBA18V40 18V Battery is packed with 21,700 single-layered lithium-ion cells in an innovative battery design with copper end plates, power rails, and a flexible circuit board. All of this creates a more efficient battery with less resistance which provides twice the runtime and 60% more power than the previous Bosch BAT612 18V 2 Ah battery. When this battery power and efficiency combine with the palm router’s brushless motor you get a peak horsepower of 1.39 and 10k-30k RPM.
Made with Bosch’s CoolPack™ 2.0 technology for temperature control and overall longer battery life. It’s lightweight, only 1.10 lbs., making it a perfect pairing for Bosch 18V Palm Router since users won’t lose control from the added weight.
Bosch 18V Palm Router Features
Like most tools, there are a ton of different palm routers on the market with tons of different price points. To speed things up we are just going to highlight the key features that excite us the most about the Bosch 18V Brushless Colt™ Palm Router Kit.
Best Power-to-Size Ratio
This Bosch palm router measures 6.6 in. X 3.7 in. and weighs less than five pounds with the battery, yet it produces up to 30k RPM and has a 1.39 max horsepower. The router also has “Constant Response Circuitry” also monitors and maintains the speed of the palm router. You are getting a tremendous amount of consistent, steady power in a smaller and easy to control tool.
Compact & Ergonomic
It fits comfortably in your palm and all around is a great size and weight for maintaining optimal control. Bosch took this a step further with an ergonomic handle with a rubber overmold, and finger support pockets. This allows you to have a higher or lower grip on the router. So, you can adjust your grip based on the project. All of the buttons and controls are located in easy-to-access and intuitive locations, such as when adjusting the speed and cut depth.
Rough & Fine Depth Adjustment
Users can make precise cuts in 1/64 in. increments, an exceptional amount of control. Also, this router has a max cut depth of 1-11/32 inches or about 1.34 inches. This is a strong range for a simple router.
Safety Features
The Bosch 18V Palm Router has quite a few safety features. Things like the ergonomic design fall into both user experience and safety, but we’re just going to focus on safety features:
- Auto shutoff fall detection.
- Soft-start circuitry for lower start-up torque.
- Restart protection during battery changes.
Accessories
In addition to the features, this kit comes with a few router accessories. Here is everything in the kit:
- Bosch GKF18V-25 18V Brushless Colt™ Palm Router with Fixed Base
- GBA18V-40 CORE18V® 4 Ah Advanced Power Battery
- GAL18V-40 18V Charger
- PR011 Plunge Base
- RA1175 Edge Routing Dust Hood
- PR012 Surface Routing Dust Hood
- Chip Shield
- Parallel Guide
- PR114 ¼ In. Self-Releasing Collet Chuck
- Collet Chuck Wrench
- Hard Shell Carrying Case with Foam Inserts
Where to Buy
Currently, the Bosch 18V Brushless Colt™ Palm Router Kit is available for $399 on Amazon. There isn’t one other exact kit to compare, as other routers are either sold individually or are corded, and I didn’t find another kit as comprehensive as this one. So while there is quite a range of prices, I think this router kit from Bosch is fairly priced when you consider you are getting a tool, battery, charger, carrying case, and seven additional accessories.
Bosch cordless power tools are also covered by a 5-year limited warranty.
Final Review
All around, the Bosch 18V Brushless Colt™ Palm Router Kit provides a great palm router with a great battery platform for professionals. Pros will love the control and the battery efficiency. In addition to the router quality, this kit includes tons of great router accessories, which provide a ton of added value and makes a great toolbox addition for Bosch users.
Read more Bosch reviews by Tools in Action.
