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I think I'm going to be quite pleased with it and expect to get several years of use from it.If you are looking for a well-made drill, I don't think you will be disappointed with this one. I think it will be a great addition to my shop. Just to try it out, I drove some 8# 1 1/2" screws in seasoned walnut without any pilot holes. But they make a nice set. Many times the Makita has been too large to use in a tight place.
I like the feel of the drill and newer style chuck. It did it with ease. I will have to say that the Makita is one strong and reliable drill though. I chose this drill because I wanted a little smaller drill than my Makita. I have found that the 9.6 volt Bosch has a lot of torque also.
I was surprised that the drill is made in Switzerland, the batteries in Poland, and the charger in China.
Of course it has keyless chuck, adjustable torque, reversible, extra battery, charger and case. A perfect homeowner tool. The ultimate test. Beware similar looking models, that may be cheaper, but have a fraction of the power of this baby. It's TORQUE. Here's the secret -- those huge 18V batteries make a drill too heavy for most users, and it's NOT size that matters. This particular model has the same torque (turning force) of larger drills, and the battery life is more than adequate for everyone except drywall installers who use it all day long. My wife loves it.
Also, in my hand it has the best feel of the competitive products, but that is pure personal preference. So even though the drill speed isn't so high, it works just fine for our needs. We do a lot of small repair work, not heavy production jobs. The 12 volt might have been a better choice so that I could have bought and used the radio charger, but it is too late for than now. I own 3 of these. I am older than I used to be, and the tool bag seems to get heavier on its own. And it is light (I also have a 19.6 P-C cordless in the truck for those rare occassions).
Power to spare for a 9.6 volt model and a clever clutch chuck for one handed bit changes. I would rate the drill 5 stars but the case is essential for work sites so I have to take that into account. They used to. I've used cordless drills for 32 years now (yes, 32 years) but I've been reluctant to change brands until now. but not in the case, where they would be most handy.
Bosch is a new brand for me. It's so comfortable it fits like a glove. The only complaint I have is the same problem with all my cordless drills, why don't they give some extra room in the case for spare bits. Bosch, Porter Cable, Dewalt are you listening. Before purchasing this tool I researched a number of different manufactures and when you compare the battery amp hrs., the available clutch settings, the torque (in inch pounds) and the metal gears in the motor, there's only one choice.
I'm glad I took the chance because this thing has quality written all over it. I carry a fair assortment of spade bits, vix bits and quick release bits.
I understand that Bosch has bumped up the warranty on newer batteries to 2 years, but that's cold comfort to me. The switch failed after less than a year, and Bosch kindly replaced the entire drill rather than repairing it. Unfortunately, it has not lived up to my expectations. I have a DeWalt 9.6v drill that's about seven or eight years old, and its original batteries are stronger than the Bosch's which are one-fifth as old. I bought this drill because I liked the design. The ergonomics are excellent and it feels like a quality unit. Now, however, the batteries are failing and they are just barely past their 18 month warranty limit, and of course a pair of new batteries cost nearly as much as the whole drill kit.
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