When it comes to professional power tools, DeWALT is known for their power, their durability, and their ergonomics.  While professionals want power, they don’t want weight or bulkiness.  This brings me to the DeWALT Compact Atomic Series.  The DeWALT Atomic Series is designed to still be powerful and reliable but without the normal weight and size.  So let’s talk about two items from DeWALT that are part of the Atomic Compact Series, the DeWALT Drill/Driver, and the DeWALT Ratchet.

DeWALT Atomic Series

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Even though this is a series called Atomic, this still runs off the existing DeWALT 20V MAX battery platform, so no worries about jumping into a new battery platform.  When you see the Atomic Series, just know that these tools are designed to be smaller in size but pack a powerful punch.  So you can still run all your DeWALT tools off the same battery platform.

DeWALT Atomic Drill/Driver – Information

• Name – DeWALT ATOMIC 20-Volt MAX Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver
• Model – DCD794B
• Price – $129 (Tool Only)
• Buy – The Home Depot
• DeWALT Reviews – DeWALT Power Tool Reviews

DeWALT Atomic Drill/Driver – Features

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New to the line is the DeWALT DCD794 Drill/Driver.  This drill is designed and built around a brushless motor that delivers 340 unit watts out (UWO). And a brushless motor means longer life and longer run times. The DeWALT Atomic Drill/Driver bare tool is only 2.4 lbs. and 6.3 in. front to back.

DeWALT is said to have one of the best feeling handles in the business. This drill stays true to the feel and balance we love from DeWALT and has the same comfortable handle.

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On top of the drill, there is a slide switch to adjust from low (0-450 rpm) to high (0-1650 rpm) speeds.  And a user can easily feather the speed with the variable speed trigger.

DeWALT designed this drill with a 1/2″ ratcheting metal chuck.

The drill offers 15 clutch settings to help you match the drill to the application.

On the base of the drill, there is a bright LED to help light up your work area.

DeWALT Atomic Ratchet – Information

• Name – DeWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Cordless 1/2 in. Ratchet
• Model – DCF512B
• Price – $199 (Tool Only)
• Buy – The Home Depot
• DeWALT Reviews – DeWALT Power Tool Reviews

DeWALT Atomic Ratchet – Features

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The Atomic ratchet (DCF512) is also built around a brushless motor.  The brushless motor delivers 70 ft-lbs of max torque. The body is a glass-filled nylon housing that helps protect and resists the effects of chemicals and solvents.

The ratchet is just under 16 in. and 2.4 lbs. bare tool.

The tool features a nice slim over-mold grip for comfort.

This ratchet harnesses a 1/2″ square drive.

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The low profile head is easy to change directions, even with gloves on.

On the bottom of the tool, not only is there an LED light but the tool features a variable speed trigger (0-250rpm) along with a trigger lock.

DeWALT Atomic Wrap Up

Overall the Atomic Compact Series is a great lineup of tools for DeWALT.  The Drill/Driver and the Ratchet are no exception.  They are lightweight, extremely comfortable, and powerful but yet, they don’t weigh a lot and they are extremely small for their power.  If you are part of the DeWALT line or looking for a compact set of tools, the Atomic Compact Series is a great option.

The post DeWALT Atomic – Drill-Driver and Ratchet appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

I would like to start by saying I am sorry.  I am not a salesman and not trying to sell you Hilti tools.  This just happens to be one of the brands I am extremely passionate about and love.  They have never let me down, I love the power and performance, plus so much more.  So when I am talking about these tools, I am coming from a place of excitement, I’m honestly NOT giving you a sales pitch.  So let’s jump in and take a look at the Hilti Nuron Drills.

Hilti Nuron Overview

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Before we jump into the drills, you might want to take a couple of minutes and read our article on the Hilti Nuron system so you can get a better understanding of the platform. And you might even check out what Hilti has to say about their Nuron cordless platform.

The Nuron platform isn’t just a rebrand or marketing scheme.  Hilti Nuron is a legit, huge upgrade to an already top-of-the-line tool system that makes your job easier, faster, smarter, and safer.

As we get into the Hilti Nuron Drills, I first want to highlight a user-oriented feature both of these drills provide, the Active Torque Control (ATC).

This is a huge safety feature for the user.  How ATC works is let’s say your drill binds up.  Normally you just have to hang on tight, and then later you’ll probably need to ice your arm, wrist, and shoulder.  With ATC, no longer will you need a doctor or ice.  Once the drill senses uncontrolled torque movement such as binding, the drill will shut down to prevent injury.  For me, this is a huge addition to drills.  Best of all, this type of safety advancement isn’t just on the Hilti drills.  Wait until you see what they did with their grinders and 3D sensing.  But for now, let’s jump into the Hilti Nuron Drills.

Hilti Nuron SF 4H-22 Drill Features

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The Hilti SF 4H-22 is considered the everyday, all-day drill for the majority of your tasks.  The drill offers 314 in-lb (soft joint), and 549 in-lb (hard joint) for torque. The drill is lightweight at only 2.9 lbs.

The all-metal chuck has a clamping range of 1/16″ to 1/2″.

For me, I love the handle and the rubber over-mold.  Very comfortable and has a good size grip that isn’t too big or too small.

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A user can change the speed settings on top of the drill.

• Gear 1 (0 – 610 RPM)
• Gear 2 (0 – 2,100 RPM)

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There are 15 torque settings plus a drill mode and hammer drill mode, which can easily be changed on the front.

Hilti Nuron SF 4H-22 Drill Performance

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I am still amazed this is considered your everyday drill.  Yes, the drill is small and lightweight (especially for a hammer drill), and yet it is extremely powerful (like you need from a hammer drill). As you can see, we ran large spade bits, auger bits, and more.  While most drills have a hard time doing these tasks on Speed 2, this Hilti Nuron drill was able to do most of them on Speed 2 without a problem.  For the tougher applications, Speed 1 ran through everything with ease.

Hilti Nuron SF 6H-22 Drill Features

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If you need something that is a little more powerful, then you can grab the Hilti SF 6H-22 which is a little bigger but has more power to tackle those bigger jobs.  The Hilti SF 6H-22 offers 575 in-lb (soft joint), 752 in-lb (hard joint).  For all the extra power, you’re only jumping up the weight a little as this weighs in at 3.7 lbs.

This drill also has a metal locking chuck that has a clamping range of 1/16″ to 1/2″.

As with the 4H drill, this has the same comfortable handle and over-mold rubber grip.

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The 6H offers a two gear selection mode with the following stats:

• Gear 1 (0 – 490 RPM)
• Gear 2 (0 – 2000 RPM)

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The torque setting offers 15 different positions with a drill-only mode and a hammer mode.

Hilti Nuron SF 6H-22 Drill Performance

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Talk about power, this is one bad boy and will outwork any drill in its class.  That is not their claim, that is my claim.  I absolutely love this drill.  We ran large hole saws, large spade bits, and even mixed concrete with this drill.  I was amazed at the power to size ratio for this drill, absolutely awesome.

Hilti Nuron Drills Wrap Up

Again I am sorry if I sound like a salesman in this article, I am trying not to.  However, I just love how Hilti made such a great platform with some awesome features for these drills. The ATC and power make these my favorite drills on the market, hands down.  Having a single platform to run all my tools, the extra safety features, and knowing if there is a problem, I won’t have downtime, makes these drills worth every penny.  The 4H is priced at $109 and the 6H is priced at $179.  Again for me, this is a no-brainer.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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As an installer, you rely on a wide range of power tools to get the job done.  You need a drill and impact depending upon the application.  But it doesn’t stop there.  You will inevitably be working in tight areas, so a right angle or offset is a nice added bonus to make the job easier.  While it’s great to have all those tools, it can be costly and does eat up room in your tool bag.  So Hilti released a Multi-Head installation tool, so let’s check out the Hilti Multi-Head Drill Driver.

Hilti Multi-Head Drill Driver Overview

Hilti is not the first to release a multi-head tool like this.  Some other power tool manufacturers also have something with the same concept.  What makes Hilti different is the company.  Hilti is known for having some of the highest quality power tools on the market.  They don’t cut corners and they build a tool for the long haul, it’s made to work even the harshest conditions.

Another plus with Hilti is their available service that you don’t get with other tool companies.  Hilti has people in the field and service stores nearby, so you don’t have to worry about downtime.

Now let’s take a look and see what this tool is all about.

Hilti Multi-Head Drill Driver Features

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The Hilti Multi-head (SFE 2-A12) is a 2-speed tool that delivers 400 rpm in speed 1 and 1,600 in speed 2.  The maximum torque (Soft / Hard Joint): 186 in-lb (soft joint), 301 in-lb (hard joint).

The tool is powered by a Hilti 12V 4Ah battery. One cool feature is the battery has a fuel status gauge which you don’t see on a lot of 12V batteries.

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You can adjust the speed from 1 to 2 with a slide switch located on top of the tool.

On the base of the tool, there are two bright LED lights that do a good job shining light on your working area.

The handle features a rubber over-mold grip. For me, the grip is comfortable and my hand fits comfortably around the tool when working with it.

The forward and reverse switch is what you would typically see on a drill/driver where you can press with your thumb or finger to switch directions.

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The tool features a clutch setting from 1-15 with a drill only option.

As you can see on the front of the tool, there are metal bumps that protrude and where the attachments fit in.  As you would expect, with the metal bumps, this tool is high quality and will work through tough jobs.

With the tool, you get a 1/2″ keyless chuck, a hex bit holder, a right angle drill driver, and an offset chuck.

To put on the attachment, you pull back on the red ring of the attachment, place it on the head of the tool, and release it.  Yes, it’s that easy to set up and make changes to the tool.

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As you can see with all four attachments, you can pretty much get any job done.  If you need a tight angle or weird angle, you can set up the tool to fit the job.

If you still can not get to a sport, you can use two attachments together.  Just install the right angle and then you can either attach the drill/driver or hex holder.

Hilti Multi-Head Drill Driver Performance

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As you would expect, the multi-head installation drill is powerful and smooth.  What I like best about the tool is the ease of use.  Changing heads is extremely easy to perform.  No messing around.

While it’s easy to change heads, I can not pass up the power.  For a 12V tool, it’s much more powerful than I would have thought.  This means for tradesmen, this is up for the task.  If you are drilling a hole to run a wire or a pipe, this tool can do it.  Need it for fasteners, no problem.  A tight area, no worries.  This multi-head can perform.

Hilti Multi-Head Drill Driver Value

You can pick this up on the Hilti website for $324.  For me, this is a great deal.  First, you get the tool, 2 batteries, and a charger, plus a bag.  But the money you save by just buying this tool instead of the tools separately is well worth the savings.

I love the Hilti 12V line of tools and this fits nicely into that category.  For the price, this is hard to beat and I like this better than most of the other multi-heads we have seen on the market.

Hilti Multi-Head Drill Driver Final Thoughts

To wrap it up, this is a great tool.  For the money, you get a powerful tool, that is built to last, is versatile, and has a company and service to back it up.  What is not to like about this tool.  For me, it’s a no brainer.

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When it comes to homeowner tools, I can’ think of any power tool manufacturer that comes close to Ryobi.  Ryobi has a wide range of power tools, advanced features while all offer a great price, which brings me to why you are here, the Ryobi Drill – Driver Kit. If you are looking to get started in a brand or want to upgrade an older drill, Ryobi is a great option.

Ryobi Drill-Driver Kit – Information

• Name – Ryobi 18V 1/2″ Drill/Driver Kit
• Model – P215K1
• Price – $99
• Where to Buy – The Home Depot
• Ryobi Review – Ryobi Power Tool Review

Ryobi Drill-Driver Kit – Features

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The drill can provide up to 500 in. lbs of torque using a 9Ah battery so this can be a powerful drill for those tougher applications.  The drill is compact and also lightweight weighing only 2.7 lbs.

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The drill is powered by an 18V Ryobi battery.  This kit comes with 2 – 1.5Ah batteries so you are always ready to go.

The drill features a 1/2″ keyless chuck.

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On top of the drill, you can adjust the speed.  Speed 1 offers 0-450 rpm’s while speed 3 offers 0-1750 RPMs

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On the front of the drill, you can adjust the clutch settings.  The clutch settings can be adjusted to 24 different positions.

On the base of the drill, there is not only an LED light to light up your work area but there is a magnetic holder to hold small fasteners or washers.

Ryobi Drill-Driver Kit – Impressions

While this is a homeowner drill, we wanted to see what it can do and if you can drill or drill some serious holes.  We broke out the 5/8″ drill bit and the 1-1/2″ spade bit.

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As you can see, it performed both operations.  What you can’t see, is how easily it performed these tasks.  For use, we know Ryobi is a great drill but it is always impressive to see a drill rip through the material with ease.

Ryobi Drill-Driver Kit – Wrap Up

The bottom line, this is a great drill to upgrade or get into.  Ryobi doesn’t just offer the most power tools for any homeowner, but they are inexpensive and offer professional features.  Best of all, they are offered at The Home Depot.

The drill is powerful considering it’s designed for the homeowner.  While it would be nice to see a 4Ah battery included in the kit, I really can’t complain. The kit has the drill, two batteries, a charger, and a bag for under $100.

*This is part of the THDPRoSpective program

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It’s amazing when you talk to people about Harbor Freight and the wide range of attitudes you get.  You get some people who love the store and think it’s a great value, you get others who have heard of the store but have never been in one and then those who heard about it, visited a store and have no desire to return. Which category do you fall into?  Today we are going to cover the Bauer 20V Drill Review.  No matter how you feel about Harbor Freight, I would suggest checking this out and letting me know how you feel about this drill and if I am off the wall or this is something you expected.

Bauer 20V Drill Review Overview

Bauer is the house brand for Harbor Freight.  If you are not familiar with Harbor Freight, they have inexpensive products.

For me, Harbor Freight is the last place I think of when I think of power tools.  I am not sure why, maybe it’s just my previous experience or something else.  Either way, I never thought much about them.

However, after seeing this drill and learning a little more, I think my mind has changed.

Before we jump into the Bauer 20V Drill review, I want to talk about the line.  The one thing you can say about this 20V line is they offer many more tools than just a drill. For me, this is huge because I don’t want to own multiple battery platforms.  I want one battery platform that has good tools, at a good value and I can buy other tools that run off that battery platform, which the Bauer meets all those criteria.

Right now Bauer has around 25 different tools for this line.  You can check out more on the Harbor Freight website.

Bauer 20V Drill Review Features

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The Bauer drill, model 1791C-B1 is a drill/driver.  The kit comes with a tool, a battery, a charger, and a tool bag. The drill delivers 450 in-lbs of torque and only weighs 2.63 lbs.  The size of this drill is what is impressive and is only 7-1/2″ in height, 8-1/4″ in length and 3-1/16″ wide which makes this one of the most compact homeowner drills we have seen.

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The drill is powered by a 20V Lithium-Ion 1.5Ah battery. The system uses a slide pack battery which also features a rapid charger with a side pack.

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On top of the drill is where you will find the two-speed setting.  Speed 1 provides a 0-450 rpm while speed 2 provides 0-1,700 rpm’s.

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The drill offers a 0-21 clutch setting to match the drill to the application.  If you are drilling, there is also a drill mode only where it will not clutch out.

One impressive feature of this drill is the 1/2″ all-metal chuck, something you never see on a homeowner drill.

One of the biggest surprises was how comfortable the grip was.  I wouldn’t think a homeowner budget drill would feel so much like a professional tool in regards to weight, balance and especially grip.

On the bottom of the drill, there is an LED light to help light up dark areas.

Bauer 20V Drill Review Performance

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For a homeowner drill, this is one of the best we have seen in regards to size, power and features.  Most homeowner drills are big and bulky, but the Bauer is more of a compact drill and just feels great in your hand.

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We drove a wide variety of screws into a 4×4.  As you can see we took this 3-1/2″ screw and ran it as far as we could go which went all the way through.  We could have kept going but the chuck is bigger than the hole so we had to stop.  Sinking this screw was effortless and this would be one of the biggest fasteners you would be using so for the other smaller items, this drill is an easy winner.

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Next, we ran a 5/8″ drill bit which is a good size to run.  Yes, it wouldn’t drill on speed 2 but speed 2 is for speed, while speed 1 is for torque.  Once we switched to speed 1, it easily drilled through the wood.

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After the drill bit, we took a 1-1/2″ spade bit and repeated the application.  Again, it went through the wood without a hiccup on speed 1.

Overall we were impressed with the power, the size, and ease of use with this drill.

Bauer 20V Drill Review Value

You can pick this drill up with a 1.5Ah battery from your local Harbor Freight for about $70.  Considering you also get a battery and a charger, how can you go wrong?  I have seen other drills of lessor quality and power sell for more and that is without a battery.  So for $70, this drill is a steal.

Bauer 20V Drill Review Wrap Up

If you would have asked me 5 years ago would I ever buy a Harbor Freight drill, my answer would have been no.  Until about two or three years ago, my experience with Harbor Freight hadn’t been the best.  But after going there and seeing this drill and the Bauer 20V line up, I am sold.  I love how this battery can power many more tools.  I like the design of this tool, the toughness and feel and all for under $70.  So in the end if you need a good homeowner brand, I am a solid believer in Bauer.

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For a couple of weeks, we have been releasing and talking about some of the new Hart tools.  Today we are going to talk about the cornerstone for every homeowner, the Hart 20V Drill and Impact Kit.  If you are not familiar with Hart or why they partnered up with Walmart, please read the Hart power Tool article to get familiar with who Hart is and why Walmart partnered up with them.

Hart 20V Drill and Impact Kit Information

• Name – Hart 20V Brushless Drill and Impact Combo Kit
• Model – HPCK252B
• Price – $178
• Where to Buy – Walmart
• Review – Hart Power Tool Reviews

Hart 20V Drill and Impact Kit Features

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The kit comes with a drill/driver, an impact driver, 2 – 2Ah batteries, a charger, and a bag.

As you can see, everything does fit in the bag.  While it’s not organized, it will fit in the bag for storage.

Hart Drill/Driver

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The drill is built around a brushless motor which means more power, longer runtimes, and longer life.  The drill weighs in at 2.5 lbs.

The tool has a metal chuck but is protected by a plastic outside which can help protect your work.  The drill does not feature a locking chuck so it’s just as tight as your hand can get it.

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On top of the drill, there is a two-speed selector.  Speed 1 is 0-500 while speed two is 0-1,800.  If you are performing high torque applications, use speed one.

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The drill features a 24 position clutch with a drill only mode.

One feature I love about this tool is the grip.  The handle and grip are both extremely comfortable.

The trigger is designed for single finger use and isn’t bad for feathering and keeping the drill at a consistent speed.

On the back of the drill, you can store an extra bit.

Hart Impact Driver

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The Hart Impact Driver weighs in at 2.5 lbs and also uses a brushless motor for efficiency and longevity.  The impact driver can deliver up to 2,200 in-lbs of torque.

The driver features a 1/4″ hex chuck which does not require a tool to change bits.

As with the drill, the impact driver features the same comfortable grip.

The trigger is identical to the drill and easy to keep at a consistent speed.

On the base of the impact driver, there is an LED light that does a decent job lighting up a darker area.

Hart 20V Drill and Impact Kit Impressions

As a homeowner, you won’t be doing high demand tasks but yes, you want that ability in case something comes up around the house and you need that extra power.  So we tested the drill and impact with a 5/8″ drill bit, 1″ spade and 3″ screws.

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We ran the drill bit through a 4×4 and it easily went through without any issues.  We do recommend you using the 1st speed for higher demand applications.  So if you are doing smaller projects around the house, this drill will be able to tackle it.

Next was the spade bit which does require more power.  As you can see, no problems or issues.  So if you need more power, the drill will be able to keep up with you.

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We ran a bunch of 3″ screws which is not normally associated with household projects.  We had more than enough power to drive these screws deep and didn’t have the tool cutting out on us.

Hart 20V Drill and Impact Kit Wrap Up

For the homeowner, the drill and driver are a great way to start building your power tool collection.  Both offer good power for the homeowner.  While I wish the drill was a little smaller and had better ergonomics, it’s a great drill for those who need one around the house for monthly projects.  Considering the Hart line already has a large line of power tools and will only grow, this is a great line to jump into.

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Ever since the Flexiclick hit the market, it’s been a huge hit with contractors.  HVAC, electricians, installers and more have used and swear by this tool.  In fact, it’s so popular, other power tool manufacturers have come out with their own version.  With it being so popular, professionals were asking for a Flexiclick based off the 18V and guess what?  Bosch came out with one so let’s talk about the Bosch 18V Flexiclick.

Bosch 18V Flexiclick Overview

As a professional, you know you can’t get any job done with just one tool.  You need multiple tools which means you have to have a drill, impact driver, right angle or other tools because nothing in our jobs is easy or straight forward.  If you’re an installer you know that you will run into a weird situation where it’s hard to fasten something or you are drilling at a weird angle.

This is where the Bosch 18V Flexiclick will be your best friend.  Yes, not only will it lighten up your tool bag and save you money but it will make your life easier and allow you to be more efficient.

Bosch 18V Flexiclick Features

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The Flexiclick is designed around a brushless motor, which provides more power, more efficiency and longer life.  The tool weighs in at 2.1 lbs and delivers 535 in-lbs of torque.

One of the best features of this tool is the kickback control.  The tool is built with a sensor so when it senses the tool is binding up or the rotation is not right, it will automatically shut down the tool and prevent a user from getting hurt.

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The tool comes with one of the best and most powerful batteries on the market, the Bosch Core.  The battery uses a Lithium-Ion battery that is a 21700 cell technology which is lightweight and packs more power.

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On top of the tool, you can switch between speed 1 and speed 2.  Speed one gives you a higher torque with a lower rpm which is 0-600.  If you want more speed and less torque, you can switch it to speed 2 which is 0-1,900.

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The Flexiclick has 1-20 torque plus a drill mode.

I have to say the grip is comfortable.  The grip is your typical Bosch grip with a nice over mold rubber grip.  For me, the handle isn’t too thick or too thin.

On the base of the tool, there is an LED light to help light up your working area.

So here is where the tool shines, the ability to turn this into other tools.  If you look at the metal ring, not only does that scream quality and toughness but that is where the other attachments are held together.

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To remove or attach a new head, you push on, turn and it locks into place.  Again the metal attachment is uniform for every attachment so there isn’t a weaker head or a fail point.

The kit comes with 4 attachments but as of today, there are a total of 5 attachments.  You get the Impact Driver which is a permanent attachment.  You also get the drill head, right angle head, and the offset head.  For those who made need to drill holes into concrete, Bosch also offers an SDS head.

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As you can see, the heads do not make it front heavy.  All the attachments still give the tool great balance and can stand by themselves.  The SDS does make the tool longer but doesn’t mess with the balance of the tool.

Bosch 18V Flexiclick Performance

Overall, I love the power and build quality of this tool.  Normally I wouldn’t expect much from a multi-tool, but this tool isn’t like others.  When it’s a drill/driver, it performs like a drill/driver.  All in all, Bosch did an awesome job with the build quality, the toughness and truly making every tool perform like the real deal.

We used this tool for a wide range of applications but just wanted to show you some below.  Follow us on Instagram as we will be using this for the house project.

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First on the list is the impact driver.  We ran some 3-1/2″ screws and it ran them like a champ. The tool is easy to feather to the speed you want.  It easily has the power to sink the screw and keep going.

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For the drill we used a 1-1/2″ spade bit and took it almost through the whole 4×6.  The only thing that stopped us was the bit wasn’t long enough.  We tried it on speed 2 and we couldn’t get it to go through but that is usually what happens since speed 2 is for speed.  When we turned it to speed 1, it ran through like a champ.

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As you would expect, the right angle performed awesome.  We used a 5/8″ bit and tried to press hard.  Normally you would let the tool do the work, but what the heck, why not force it.  Again, no issues.

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The offset head is the same way. Perfect for those areas where you need to get into a tight space and the impact or drill won’t work.  The head is easy to control and powerful enough to sink fasteners and drill holes.

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This was my biggest question since I have never seen an SDS on a tool like this.  Yes, if you are drilling into concrete all day long, go with a rotary tool.  But for those installers who need to run a couple of pipes or something through concrete, why invest or carry around the bigger tool?  As you can see we drilled into block and it runs like a champ.  So in the end, we were impressed with the SDS head.

Overall, very impressed by the power and ease of use.  Not one head seemed weak or unimpressed.  All the heads and the tools ran like a champ.

While I love the power and the build quality, I am a little disappointed the tool only comes with one battery.  So if I am a new user to Bosch, I am pretty much stuck with going out and buying another battery.  Sure the tool runs for a while on a single charge but I don’t want to sit around and wait for the battery to charge.  It’s much easier and more efficient to swap batteries out.

Other than the issue with the battery, I love the performance of this tool.

Bosch 18V Flexiclick Value

You can pick this kit up for $300 on Amazon.  I had to look at it twice because I think that is a steal.  Considering you get a great top of the line battery and a high-quality tool, plus all the heads, it’s a great value.

Just add up what each one of these tools would cost and you already know you will be spending more than $300.

Bosch 18V Flexiclick Final Thoughts

As you would expect, I am a huge fan of this tool.  I love the 12V Flexiclick so what is not to like about the 18V.  The fact that I have an SDS means I can save money and time with just owning one power head and just use whatever accessory I need for the job.  Being priced at $300 is a steal since I would be paying a lot more to buy each of these tools individually.

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A drill/driver and impact driver are probably the most used power tools among contractors and a homeowner.  So today, we are talking about a power tool combo kit that has both a drill/driver and an impact driver.  So let’s take a look at the Makita Combo Kit Review.

Makita Combo Kit Review Overview

As you know, there are plenty of power tool manufacturers to buy into.  So what makes this kit and Makita a viable choice.

First, Makita offers one of the largest 18V platforms of power tool on the market.  So if you need to buy other tools, you can pretty much stay with their battery and not have to worry about investing in other batteries in the future.

Second, you can get into the Makita line with a powerful drill/driver and impact driver for half the cost it would take to go with other two-piece combo kits.

Makita Combo Kit Review Features

The Makita kit (XT281S) comes with a Drill/Driver, Impact Driver, 2-3Ah batteries, a charger, and a bag.

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The 3 Ah batteries are part of the Makita 20V line.  If you have other batteries such as the 5 Ah battery, these tools will also work with that battery.

The Drill/Driver (XT281S) delivers 440 in/lbs of torque and utilizes a brushless motor to achieve this power.

The drill uses a metal chuck that has a plastic cover.

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The Makita has a 1-21 with a drill only clutch mode.

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As with other drill/drivers, this has two speeds.  Speed 1 gives you 0-500 and speed 2 gives you0-1,900 rpm’s.

I have always been a huge fan of the Makita handles.  I love the feel the size and the rubber over-mold grip.

The drill utilizes a variable speed trigger which is pretty easy to feather and keep at a constant speed.

The Impact driver is also built around a brushless motor that puts out 1,500 in/lbs of torque and produces 0-3,400 rpms with 0-3,600 ipm.

The tool has a 1/4″ hex collet.

As with the drill, the impact driver also has a comfortable handle.

Right below the collet, there is an LED light that doesn’t do a bad job lighting up your work.

Makita Combo Kit Review Performance

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I am currently working on a home addition and have been using these tools for some of the projects.  As you can see, I was using this impact for new stairs we were putting in the basement.  I also used it for hanging sheathing up on the outside of the house.  Makita is known for its impact drivers and this impact holds true to their reputation.

The drill was just as impressive.  I used it for drilling 1″ holes for piping and also used it for 1-3/16″ drill bits.  Time and time again, the drill was a workhorse and never gave up.  I have to say that the power and the ergonomics is what stood out to me with the drill.

Makita Combo Kit Review Value

The kit runs about $229 at The Home Depot.  Considering you get a Drill/Driver, Impact Driver, two batteries and a charger for under $250, I think this is a steal.  You have to remember you are getting a professional drill and impact, plus access to a large line of other 18V tools.  So yes, I think it’s a great deal.

Makita Combo Kit Review Final Thoughts

While Makita offers other drill/drivers and impact drivers that have more features, this is a great budget combo kit to get into.  These tools are powerful and a great value to get yourself into the Makita line.  As noted above, Makita has one of the largest power tool lines in the industry.  So when you need to expand, you know you can stay with Makita and not have to worry about investing in another line of tools.

*This is part of the THDPRoSpective program

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A drill and impact driver are probably the most used power tools on the job site or even the household.  About a year ago, we reviewed the Gen 3 drill/driver and impact.  At that time we loved the power and the size.  During this time is when I was doing the first phase of my house project where I was remodeling the existing house.  Since then I have been able to get a ton of use on these tools and now I am using them for Phase 2 of my project, the home addition.  So I figured we always review tools but never get a chance to go back and revisit them after using them for a while.  So here we are with the Milwaukee Drill Driver Revisit.

Milwaukee Drill Driver Information

• Name – Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
• Model – 2997-22
• Price – $399
• Where to Buy – The Home Depot
• Original Review – Milwaukee 2997 Combo Kit Review
• Milwaukee Reviews – Milwaukee Power Tool Reviews

Milwaukee Drill Driver Revisit

I have been using these two tools for over a year.  During that time we have had other power tool manufacturers drills and impact, but these have been the two I keep going back to using.  While I love the tools, the main reason is the Milwaukee M18 battery platform.

The M18 has so many tools in this platform and I am using a ton of them on the job site such as the miter saw, lights, reciprocating saw, circular saw, impact wrench and more.  So there is a huge convenience of having an interchangeable battery.  I am using the 6 pack charger but I know there is a tool around and can grab that battery if another battery dies and need to finish a task.  I have other manufacturers’ tools on site, but I am always running to a charger and just don’t have all the tools to support a line that Milwaukee has.

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The Drill/Driver 2804 is an incredible drill.  I love the power, the runtime and the size which makes this tool great for everyday use.  We have used it from anything from cutting 6″ holes for plumbing in wood, holes through drywall for lighting to small pilot holes for some finish work.  We even used the hammer drill feature for setting some Tapcon’s.  We mixed mud for drywall and Thinset for tile.  The drill hasn’t let me down.

I don’t want to sound like a broken record but if you are looking for a drill/driver, this is a great tool to own. You will love the size and power.

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When it comes to size and power, the impact driver will impress.  The head is extremely small which means you can get into tight spaces.  I have been primarily using this for fasteners such as the subfloor and underlayment on the roof.  While the head does get a little hot after longer run times, the driver never quit on us.  My only complaint with this tool is I wish it came with a compact battery.  Sure the 5Ah has a longer run time, but when I use a compact battery on this impact, it just feels awesome and the run time can easily last a long time.

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Milwaukee Drill Driver Wrap Up

Bottom line, I love this kit.  The drill is powerful, lightweight and small enough for a larger variety of jobs.  The impact is also a great tool.  Lightweight, powerful and extremely small in size.  My only knock against this kit is the battery size.  I like having the 5Ah batteries but I would like to see a 5Ah battery along with their compact battery.  Since the impact driver is so small and lightweight, the 5Ah doesn’t affect the ergonomics but I just love the feel of the compact battery with the impact driver. However, if they had that setup, I am sure people would want the larger batteries.

Over the year I have used and abused the drill and impact.  I have used it for everything from a simple job to tighten and loosen fasteners to mixing mud to drilling large diameter holes with hole saws.  Both tools have help up and worked awesome for the job at hand.

*This is part of the THDPRoSpective program

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Bosch is one of the premier professional power tool brands on the market.  While they are known for their concrete tools and measuring tools, their cordless line features one of the most durable lines on the market.  They are designed for the professional to last the daily use of job sites.  Recently Bosch launched their Core battery which is a bigger cell for more energy and longer run times.  While the Core battery will work on Bosch tools, this new drill is specifically designed to work better with the Core battery.  So let’s take a look at the Bosch GSB18V Hammer Drill.

Bosch GSB18V Hammer Drill – Information

• Name – Bosch 18 V EC Brushless Compact Tough 1/2 In. Hammer Drill/Driver
• Model – GSB18V-535CB15
• Price – $200
• Where to Buy – Amazon
• Bosch Website – Bosch Hammer Drill
• Bosch Reviews – Bosch Power Tool Reviews

Bosch GSB18V Hammer Drill – Features

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The Bosch GSB18V is designed around their new Core battery.  The tool is designed to be more powerful, last longer and have longer run times.

• 20+1 Clutch Setting
• 535 in-lbs of torque
• No load BPM 28,500
• No Load RPM 0-600 / 0-1,900
• Weight – 2.7 lbs
• Uses 21700 Core Battery Cell – Included
• Works with Bluetooth connectivity module

Bosch GSB18V Hammer Drill – Impressions

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When it comes to cordless tools, I am a huge fan of Bosch.  I love the power and their durability.  The GSB18V is definitely powerful and we were able to get a lot of work done before needing to recharge.  What surprised us most was the size of the drill to the output of the power.  We didn’t have any issues performing harder tasks, something you would normally have to grab a larger drill for.

We easily could use it for fastening, drilling wood, metal and concrete.  What we liked best about this drill, was the weight and the size.  This combination makes it a perfect drill for your daily use where you don’t have to work with the larger drills that are much heavier.

Bosch GSB18V Hammer Drill – Wrap Up

Overall Bosch did a great job with this drill.  Our experience with the Core battery has been more than we expected as we have tested it with a wide variety of different tools since it’s launch date.  The new drill, coupled with the battery makes this a top performer and the fact you can jump into a bunch of other quality tools with this battery, makes it an easy choice to buy.

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When it comes to drills and impact driver, they are probably the most widely used cordless power tools on the market. As with trucks owners, you will also find some of the most brand loyal users in the market when it comes to power tools. Some people swear by Dewalt, other love Milwaukee and still other love Bosch and the list goes on and on. No matter which brand you favor, there is no denying that Milwaukee has been taking the cordless tool world to the next level with their tools and battery technology. So let’s not wait any longer and jump into the Milwaukee 2997 Combo Kit Review and see what we like and don’t like about these two tools.

Milwaukee 2997 Combo Kit Review Overview

If you are old enough, you remember the days of heavy and slow cordless power tools.  The NiCad batteries didn’t last long and you were always recharging batteries. While losing the cord had its advantages, not everyone was a believer.

Jump forward to today and Lithium-Ion batteries and brushless motors have made a believer even out of the old-timers who still trusted their corded power tools. Nowadays tools last all day on a single battery and the tools are lighter and more powerful. Speaking of lighter and more powerful tools, the Milwaukee 2997 now takes it to another whole new level with their Hammer Drill and Impact Wrench.

Hammer drills use to be heavy and large, not so much with the new Milwaukee Hammer Drill in this kit model 2804. The impact is just as impressive as it’s lightweight and small size, which is model 2853.

Milwaukee took two of the most used tools, shrunk them down, increased power and runtime. Who wouldn’t want to try these bad boys out?

Milwaukee 2997 Combo Kit Review Features

The Milwaukee combo kit 2997 comes with a Hammer Drill (2804), an Impact Driver (2853), 2-5Ah batteries, a charger, side hammer for the drill and a plastic carrying case.

Both these tools are powered by the Milwaukee M18 battery which is a 5Ah battery.

The hammer drill features a 2-speed gearbox and puts out 0-550 in speed 1 and 0-2,000 in speed two, which is adjusted on a switch on the top of the drill. Now, this tool may be small and lightweight but it puts out a whopping 1,200 in-lbs of torque which exceeds most of the bigger size drill by other power tool manufacturers, very impressive. Speaking of size and weight, this tool only weighs in at 3.2 lbs. and a length of 6.9″. Add the battery and it will increase, but its still not heavy by any means for a hammer drill.

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The drill features three functions which can be controlled by a single collar. A user can switch from a torque setting, to drill mode to hammer mode by moving the sleeve left or right.

The drill uses an all metal 1/2″ chuck with a ratcheting lock feature to make sure bits stay in place.

While the drill shrunk in size, it has the same handle design, style, and grip as other Milwaukee tools that you are used to.

The trigger is a variable speed trigger which is easy to feature and control. As with other drills, it has the forward and reverses in the same location for easy access with your thumb or finger.

The impact driver is model 2853 and is small for the power it harnesses. Measuring in at only 4.59” in length, the impact puts out 2,000 in-lbs of torque. Still another impressive number is the impacts per minute and speeds. The impact has a speed range of 0-3,600 rpm and 0-4,300 ipm. Get this, the tool only weights 2.2 lbs.

The impact uses 1/4″ hex chuck. You can insert the bit directly into the chuck and you do not have to pull back on the chuck for the bit to stay in place making this a single-handed insert. To remove the bit, just pull back on the sleeve and the bit will come out.

As with the drill, this uses the same style handle and grip.

The LED work light is located just below the head of the impact.

The impact is a four-mode impact with a push button selection system. You have low, med and high speed for different applications. There is also a self-tapping screw mode for metal applications.

Milwaukee 2997 Combo Kit Review Performance

I have to say this drill is amazing. While I only used it for a couple small concrete application, which it handles easily, the size and weight are beyond belief. The drill is extremely comfortable and powerful. Yes, this is my new favorite drill on the market.  As you can see, it goes through the wood with ease. I drilled a bunch of holds for electric, lag screws and more. While I love the 5Ah battery on the drill, I ended up using the compact battery more.

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The impact is equally as impressive as the hammer drill. I used it for a bunch of decking, studs and metal strips for HVAC. While I love the power, I loved how easy it is to feather the trigger and sink the fasteners exactly where I want them to end up. Now I did notice because of the size, the impact did get hot quicker than the second Milwaukee generation I was using previously. Not a huge deal but when working in the hot attic, it is noticeable holding a hot impact driver.

Milwaukee 2997 Combo Kit Review Value

Milwaukee usually seems like it has a premium price tag because of its name, but this combo kit comes in at $380 at The Home Depot. Considering the size, the power, the quality and everything else, including the two batteries, this is a great price.

Sure you can buy something less expensive, but this is the one kit I would tell everyone to own and for the price, you can’t pass it up.

Milwaukee 2997 Combo Kit Review Final Thoughts

I am not one to tell people to jump into a new generation of tool unless there is a huge difference. While the Milwaukee generation 2 drill and impact are incredible, generation 3 is a must-have. Lightweight, smaller profiles and more power is well worth the upgrade. For me, the most important aspect is how long I can use these tool without feeling like I am lifting up a brick. I love the power and everything about these tools. I think Milwaukee hit this one out of the park and did an awesome job with the Gen 3 cordless hammer drill and impact driver.

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When most think of the typical Bostitch lineage, it’s scattered with quality air compressors and nail guns. However, since the Stanley Black & Decker acquisition of the Bostitch brand, we’ve seen some more interesting improvements in their lineup. The most notable of the line is their 18v cordless drill/driver, marketed and sold primarily in US Walmart stores. Let’s jump right into the Bostitch Cordless Drill Review.

Bostitch Cordless Drill Review Overview

For the everyday DIY’er, or homeowner, doing intense research on a power tool may not be the first priority. Usually, it’s one of those, spur of the moment, go home and do the work type of deals, right? With that in mind, if this takes place at Walmart, you may luck out. This Bostitch is a hidden gem of a power tool!

Out of the box, this set includes the bare tool, carrying bag, (1) 18v Battery, and the accompanying charger. Not bad for the low price of $78.00!!

Like a pro-grade tool is meant for a pro, the Bostitch 18v Drill/Driver was most certainly designed for homeowners and DIY’ers. This drill/driver is constructed and performs like a pro-grade model without some of the more robust features that typically have a more intimidating price. Basic features, to get basic tasks done, with reliability and a budget price to match. Who could ask for more?

Bostitch Cordless Drill Review Features

Under the hood, where most pros dare venture, the Bostich is very simply made well. The stiff glass fiber reinforced frame is nicely complimented with a precisely injected thermoplastic elastomer overmold. This serves as a nice grip on the tool, and added protection should the tool be dropped from a mid-sized ladder or less.

Another added touch is the bit holder. Often not included with some pro-grade tools, this tiny add-on is made from ABS plastic, with metal inserts to hold bits in place. If you decide this feature isn’t for you, it’s easily removable with a small screw. It’s the little things that count!

Like most other consumer grade tools in its class, the Bostitch is equipped with an LED work light- activated only by depressing the trigger. Surprisingly, this LED is just as bright as other pro-grade tool lights. This is a nice touch that most drill/drivers are sporting nowadays but sometimes fall short of in the brightness category. The Bostitch nails this one!

With a strange resemblance to the Stanley FATMAX battery, the 18v Bostitch battery is made of strong ABS plastic. Cosmetically, on the ABS constructed battery shell, there is no battery status meter which is unfortunate, but not a surprise. This pretty much aligns with other consumer grade tools in its class but would be a true pacesetter if Bostitch integrated the feature.

As far as specs go, the Bostitch is fairly impressive overall, but certainly, a leader in its price range. It boasts a 24 position clutch and has a very effective 480lbs of torque coming from the 2-speed gearbox. This is certainly enough to handle everyday maker tasks for DIY’ers and more demanding home improvement tasks. All of that power is fed from the proprietary Bostitch 18v lithium ion battery. This battery is probably the weakest point in terms of performance due to its 1.3 amp-hour rating. This doesn’t afford a ton of run time at varying loads but does recharge nicely at around 40 minutes for a full charge.

Bostitch Cordless Drill Review Performance

It felt like I was using a pro-grade tool, it really did! The Bostitch left no room for doubt after driving screws through hardwood and drilling plenty of holes through test pieces of scrap wood. The sheer top end power of the tool exceeded my expectations, and the low-end torque was much the same. With the drill/driver on its highest settings, a quick squeeze of the trigger leaves you with a fair bit of recoil when letting off, a testament to being a step ahead of most consumer grade competitors.

The only real room for improvement (given the price point) would certainly be directed towards the 1/2in chuck. Through hard testing, and even casual use, the chuck loosened on my bits- not a deal breaker, but it would be nice to see a Jacobs branded chuck on the Bostitch. This especially, considering that even some Harbor Freight tools are featuring the legendary chuck brand. It wouldn’t be a costly upgrade, something to consider, Stanley!

Bostitch Cordless Drill Review Value

The Bostitch falls in the mid, to the higher tier of consumer-grade drill/drivers currently on the market. This product, model #BTC401LA comes in at roughly $79 for most Walmart stores or here on Amazon. With that being said, it’s certainly the most expensive option on the Walmart shelf. Compared to other brands, this is a very generous price, especially with the associated quality.

But as with most things, they aren’t perfect, especially with power tools. The one lacking component to the value equation is the absence of a second battery. The Bostitch drill/driver includes a charger, and alone 18v battery. Once you manage to hunt a battery down, the price varies from between $29.99, all the way to $59.99 dependent on the retailer.

Bostitch Cordless Drill Review Final Thoughts

Since I’m the target audience for this Bostitch 18v Drill/Driver, I’ve got to admit, they’ve won me over. A strong, ergonomic, and dependable frame, paired with performance and value makes for a great DIY’er tool. Sure, there are a few minor improvements that could be made, but keeping a sub $80 price point and still including a battery and charger is a tall order. Things like a battery fuel gauge, Jacobs Chuck, and better construction on the battery housing would probably push this tool closer to the $100+ mark. This could impact the attraction- especially on Wal-Mart shelves. Luckily, Bostitch has watered down a pro-grade tool and nailed this one all around, much like they’ve done in the past (pun certainly intended).

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As a professional your day to day tasks can change.  One day you might be drilling concrete and then next you might be hanging cabinets.  Just how there are different jobs, there are also different tools for these jobs.  We all love power, but not when it comes at a cost of extra weight, especially when we don’t need all the power and weight in a cordless tool.  If you look around, each manufacturer is trying to create their own solution for these different tasks.  Milwaukee is splitting there products into 12V and 18V and creating one of the largest platforms and becoming one of the largest power tool manufacturers.  This brings me to day’s article, the Milwaukee M12 Drill and Impact Review.  They redesigned their popular 12V drill and impact.  They made it smaller and gave them more power.  So how do they stack up?  Let’s find out.

Milwaukee M12 Drill and Impact Review Overview

A while back Milwaukee came out with the M12 Drill and driver model 2597.  Both power tools were small, powerful and produced record run times.  So when I heard they were coming out with a Gen 2 model, I was surprised and excited to see what made these special like the previous models.

While there are plenty of time you will still need your 18V power tool, there will also be plenty of times you can leave them behind and use your lighter weight M12 tools, which means working more efficiently.

When it comes to 12V tool, no one competes with Milwaukee Tool.  They have all most all professionals covered for a wide variety of solutions.  This is one of the reasons that I love their M12 line.  Not only is it powerful, but they have so many product specific tools to help the professional.

Milwaukee M12 Drill and Impact Review Features

The new Model 2598 will replace the older version 2597.  So what do you get?  You get more run time, more power all in a smaller tool.

Each tool can be powered by any of the M12 batteries such as the 2 Ah battery or the 4Ah battery which will add a little more weight but give you more run time.

Milwaukee Hammer Drill/Driver 2504

I have to admit I have always been a fan of the Dewalt 12V tools, but their lack of tools in that line leaves me having only one option, the Milwaukee.  With this new Hammer Drill, I can say that I am a bigger fan of this new drill and would take this over the Dewalt.

The burshless motor hammer drill is designed to produce 350 in/lbs of torque and only weighs in at 2.3 lbs.  On hammer drill mode you can expect the tool to have an output of 32,000 BPM.

Milwaukee uses the same grip style and rubber handle you are familiar with in their other M12 tools.

The variable speed trigger is easy to use and keep a consistent speed even when not using it with it fully depressed.

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The drill has 2-speed settings which will produce 1,700 RPM’s.

As you would expect with a professional tool, Milwaukee designed this with a 1/2″ all-metal chuck.  I am not 100% sure, but it looks like a Jacobs chuck.

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The 2504 features 17 torque settings along with a drill and hammer mode.  Milwaukee uses a single sleeve system to keep the overall length down.

The LED light is located just above the trigger and it lights up an area of what you would expect and use to with other tools that have the LED located here.

As you can see Milwaukee really shortened this drill which means you can access more places with lighter weight, but more power.  The new drill is only 6.6″ long.

Milwaukee Impact Driver 2553

This is probably my favorite impact driver on the market and that I mean favorite of any 12V or 18V impacts.  The impact is lightweight and comfortable.  As with the drill, this impact utilizes a brushless motor.  The tool puts out 1,300 in/lbs of torque.

The grip is the same style as the drill and other M12 tools which I think is important so when you move from tool to tool, you don’t notice the difference in your grip or feel.

The variable speed trigger has a nice feel to it but you have to depress the trigger all m ost a 1/4 of the way before the tool kicks on.

The impact is designed with a 1/4 in. Hex.

Milwaukee doesn’t have a battery fuel gauge on the batteries, so they include it on the body of the tool.  Just like the hammer drill this has four bars for the status gauge.

Here is one of the coolest features of this tool, a push button selector.  The recessed selector has three speed along with a self-tapping screw mode.

• Speed 1 – 0 – 1,300 rpm
• Speed 2 – 0 – 2,400 rpm
• Speed 3 – 0 – 3,300 rpm

The self-tapping is a cool mode which helps prevent walking when starting a screw as well as prevent breaking and stripping out screws.

As with the hammer drill, the impact has an LED light just under the head of the tool.

Again, Milwaukee made this tool shorter allowing it to reach hard to reach places.  The impact only measures 5.1″ in length

Milwaukee M12 Drill and Impact Review Performance

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It’s hard to really showin an article, but the impact is awesome.  Very smooth and never found myself fighting this tool.  It drove 3″ screws like nothing and never had to push hard on the impact.

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The drill is just as impressive.  Very smooth and easy to work with.  Didn’t matter if we were using a 1/2″ drill bit or a 1-1/2″ Spade Bit, the drill rocked.

Milwaukee M12 Drill and Impact Review Value

You can pick this pair up along with a charger, (1) 4Ah Battery, (1) 2Ah Battery and a bag for $230 at The Home Depot.  For me, this is a steal.  The drill and impact driver are extremely versatile, lightweight and powerful. What else can you really ask for in this price range?  In this price range I think everyone should one.

Milwaukee M12 Drill and Impact Review Final Thoughts

Bottomline, Milwaukee hit a home run with this kit.  Both tools have significant upgrades which make it worth upgrading from your previous generation.  The tools are smooth, lightweight, powerful and love the small sizes.  The fact that Milwaukee has a huge M12 line is just a plus.

I love how Milwaukee included both battery styles in this kit so as a user, I can decide which on to use during my task.  Anyone looking for a powerful and well thought out drill and impact, I would take a look at the Milwaukee 2598.

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As a tradesman, you are familiar with having to carry around too many tools.  You never know when the time may arise where you need that right angle drill.  Sure it might only be once a month, but you still have to carry it so you don’t miss a beat.  So your tool bag is filled with extra tools and in the end, it can just be money sitting around since it’s not used that much.  Well, Bosch has decided to do something about it.  So let’s jump into the Bosch Flexiclick review.  The model number is GSR12V-140FCB22

Bosch Flexiclick Review Overview

The Bosch Flexiclick is not a unique concept but I have to admit, it’s a very cool concept.  You have a drill that has interchangeable heads.  So if you are drilling holes, you can use the drill head.  However, if you need to get into a tight space, you can remove the head and attach the right angle drill head.  Pretty cool in my book.

Bosch Flexiclick Review Features

Bosch designed the Flexiclick around their 12V battery platform.

The meat and bones of the tool is very compact and lightweight.  The tool puts out 265 in-lbs of torque with a two-speed transmission that has 0-400/0-1,300 rpms.  The tool is extremely lightweight coming in at 1.8 lbs.

Bosch uses their traditional rubber grip and 12V handle style which I find very comfortable.

The trigger is variable speed and easy to control and keep a specific speed.  The forward and reverse are located where you can easily access it with your thumb or finger to change directions.   As with other Bosch 12V tools, the battery status gauge is on the tool and not the battery.

The tool has 1-20 torque settings with a drill setting.

The LED is fairly bright and is located right under the drill head.  The LED does a decent job putting the light in your area of work.  You will still get a shadow due to the location of the LED placement.

As we talked earlier, this is a multi-head tool which means you can switch the heads from one to another.  You will notice that everything is metal which means it will be durable and last.  When you put a head-on, it fits perfectly and is a nice tight fit without any unintentional movement in the head.

To change the head, just turn the ring to the unlock position and take the head off.  You can now insert a new head and lock back into place with ease.

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The tool comes with four different heads which means you can pretty much tackle any job.  The offset and right angle can be installed at different positions.

The right angle can be used with all three attachments and in 16 different positions.

Bosch Flexiclick Review Performance

For me, I have never been a huge fan of multi-head tools just because they seem like they do every okay and don’t really excel.  The Bosch is different.  No matter what head you put on the tool, it excels. The drill does an awesome job and when you switch to the right angle drill, you don’t notice a difference.  So for me, this is an awesome tool and a multi-head tool that I would invest in.

The drill performs like you would expect from the Bosch 12V system.  While it won’t compete against a 18V, the drill is smooth, easy to feather the trigger and powerful enough for most jobs.

Even when you switch to the right angle drill, you don’t feel a loss of power or ergonomic balance.  There isn’t a delay in drilling or fastening.

If you want to use it with the Hex attachment head, you don’t know it’s a multi-head tool.  It feels and operates just like a screw gun.

Even the offset head works smooth.  No loss of power or feel of the tool.

Bosch Flexiclick Review Value

The Bosch Flexiclick retails for about $200 which is a steal.  The Flexiclick is rock solid and you won’t even know it’s a multi-head tool.  No matter which head you have on, you can feel the power.

Try buying a quality drill, right angle, a screw gun and offset tool with two batteries for $200.  You can’t buy those tools for $200, so for me, this is a great value.

Bosch Flexiclick Review Final Thoughts

I realize this isn’t for everyone, but for those who want the freedom, this is a great buy.  Why spend all the extra money on tools that will sit around?  Bosch created a “Jack of All Trades Tool”, that really works.  Normally with multi-head tools, you can feel the power loss.  With the Bosch Flexiclick, that isn’t the case.  No matter which head you have attached to the tool, it’s performance is exactly the same.  Powerful and easy to use.

This is perfect for those tradesmen who need a compact tool that is powerful and has the freedom for multiple jobs.

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