Bosch 33618-2G 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Posted by: admin in 18 Volt Cordless Drill
Bosch 33618-2G 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit This is basically an upgrade of Bosch’s existing 33618 Brute Tough drill. The upgrade from the regular 33618 model comes in the form of Bosch’s “Bluecore” battery technology, which offers longer life and faster charging time than other Ni-Cad battery platforms. Otherwise, this is pretty much the same as its predecessor. In this case, that’s a good thing, as the 33618 has long been a favorite of professionals, and for good reason. As a class, Bosch’s Brute Tough tools offer exceptional durability and power in an efficient package. The 33618-2G drill is no exception. This drill delivers one of the best power to weight ratios of any cordless drill available. Bosch engineers managed to squeeze a truly impressive 550 inch-pounds of torque into a 5.7-pound package. To get more raw turning power than that in a Nickel Cadmium-powered drill, you would need to jump up considerably in weight. The Bosch-built unibody power train contains the motor, gearbox, and clutch in one contiguous unit for durability and the best alignment possible. The Durashield housing, made from a flexible ABS nylon blend, makes the tool extremely resistant to damage from external impacts. A steel-reinforced collar protects the tool even when it is dropped on the chuck. Bosch claims the drill will easily survive multiple 1-story drops. We haven’t tried to duplicate that, but if anyone experiences this, please let us know in a customer review.
A host of other features make this a great tool to own and use. External motor brushes can be replaced in as little as 2 minutes. All motor brushes eventually wear out. External brushes that you can change yourself will save service costs down the line, and the Bosch’s brushes are easy to access and change quickly, which is nice, since “drill motor maintenance” is rarely on anyone’s list of favorite recreational activities. There is a 15-position clutch to prevent stripped screwheads and buried screws; a ratcheting, single-sleeve 1/2-inch chuck for one handed bit changes and carbide-steel teeth for a stronger bit grip. A 2-speed gear box to provides optimal performance for both high-torque and high-speed applications. The integrated magnetic bit holder at the base of the handle is easy to access.–Tod Harrick
Bluecore Battery Technology
Bluecore batteries offer up to 50% longer life than comparable batteries of the same voltage and a fast charging time. Special cooling rods absorb the head inside the batteries. Sensors within the batteries communicate with the new Bosch 30-minute chargers to ensure optimal results. Bluecore batteries are completely compatible with all Bosch cordless tools.
Fast 30-Minute Charger
Available in single or dual bay models, this charging station charges all Bosch 9.6-, 12-, 14.4-, 18-, and 24-volt cordless tool batteries in 30 minutes. A microprocessor measures internal battery temperatures to optimize energy flow and maximize battery charge capacity. 2 LED indicators make it easy to see when your batteries are fully charged.
What’s in the box
Drill/Driver, single-bay 30-minute charger, (2) 2.4 amp hour batteries, 1 double-ended screwdriver bit, integrated magnetic bit holder, side handle, carrying case
Customer Review: Let down
The biggest disappointment with this drill is that it won’t charge below 32 deg F, pretty major setback for winter work that I’ve never seen on any other model, and I’ve used many. Where other chargers blast the battery with juice until it heats up enough to accept a charge Bosch just shows a red error light. Even when I brought it inside and it finally warmed above freezing it only trickle charged at cold temps taking hours to fill. I called Bosch and they said that the Litheons are the same way so I returned mine and ordered a NiMh of a different brand, more amp hours and maybe I’ll actually be able to use this one. Also the softer break “durashield” housing is more prone to scratches and won’t help you anyway if you drop it on the cheesy plastic chuck my model came with.
Customer Review: INCREDIBLY GOOD
I count this in the top five purchases in my life. Extemely high quality, very powerful. If you use this drill in any normal way, you will be very happy. If you use it in abnormal ways (see below) you will be astounded.
It drilled a half inch hole in BRICK with cheap bits intended for a hammer drill (the bits didn’t survive!). I only managed to max out the drill trying to extract rusty 3/8 inch lag screws from treated 4 X 4’s, but my conventional plug-into-the-wall-drill did no better (I was using an adapter to drive hex ratchet sockets). When I say max out, there is some kind of safety torque thing which keeps the drill from harm.
The batteries last a long time, even in heavy abuse.
This drill passes the ULTIMATE consumer test, in which the manufacturer must be smarter than the user, and foresee the user’s lack of expertise.
EXTRA Value: 2 batteries, long warranty.
Wow.
Entries (RSS)