Bosch 35618 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Brute Tough Drill/Driver Kit

 (5 customer reviews)

I too have purchased high end Bosch tools in the past and have been very happy with all the performance and quality standards set by the name, except for this drill. The first one I purchased actually dropped the low speed position. Pulling the trigger slowly did not do anything, but once I hit the point on the trigger it went superspeed. So I took it back and replaced it (still under warranty). I purchased the same drill thinking it was a bad unit. I really liked the torque, metal clutch, and quick battery charge. Unfortunately, last night while installing a vanity, it started to smoke, and then after I set it down for 5 minutes, I came back and it did not even turn on. I am very disappointed and will return it for a Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Hitachi.

I bought this today from Lowe's when the battery in my Craftsman 19.2V drill died pretty quickly. I've had the Craftsman drill for four years now and I know it's disposable as I only paid $80 or so for it, so I expected more from the Bosch after paying $240 (+ tax) for it.

The high/low transmission is my major beef with this drill. Today I was installing a new door in my home which required a little bit of framing work, and when I tried to shift the drill from high gear to low (not while running of course) it would often fail to switch- the selector was in the low speed position, but it spun at full speed (not great when trying to drive a heavy deck screw) and of course lacked control and torque. Revving it a couple times usually somehow caused it to complete the shift. It did this many times. It often popped out of position (into Neutral between the high and low speeds) and sometimes the selector didn't seem to want to engage in either position. The transmission...Read more

I have used this drill and the other related 18V tools for years, intensively. This machine is tough strong and can handle a lot of mishandling. I've dropped it and picked it back up, it just keeps going. Yes the batteries are NiCad, which means they wear out after a couple of years and are not as good as the latest generated Li-Ion, so you need to find replacements now and then (I've had one die after 3 years). I find it more effective to buy another tool with the same batteries than to pay for a new one, although Amazon seems to have a very well priced offer for the batteries. The carger that comes with this tool charges in a half hour, so if you have two batteries you never have to stop. I have really appreciated Bosch's 3 years warranty and 18 months on the battery (1 year on refurbished tools but not on their batteries) and I have actually used the warranty. I had a replacement tool within a day, they paid shipment both ways. I also own the 18V planer, jigsaw, reciprocating saw,...Read more