Bosch 12V drill

These are the best models in the 12V class

Cordless screwdrivers are indispensable in any home and craftsman’s equipment. They are probably the most popular power tools of all. A renowned manufacturer in this segment is the traditional German company Bosch. A Bosch cordless drill with 12V is particularly handy. Such models often weigh less than 1 kg including the battery and also have a very compact housing. Nevertheless, they can be used in a wide range of applications.

In the following, we will show you which Bosch 12V drill is a good choice. You will also find out what you should bear in mind in this context. We hope to be able to help you with this guide.

Bosch 12V drill – These models are recommended

Bosch GSR 12V-15

The 12V cordless screwdrivers from Bosch are quite popular. An undisputed bestseller here is the Bosch GSR 12V-15 .

The device belongs to the Professional series and is accordingly suitable for continuous use under demanding conditions. There are about 6000 reviews on Amazon, the majority of which are positive, and various sets on offer. Including the battery, the screwdriver weighs a moderate 950 grams. Accordingly, it is comfortable to use. Practically, two 2-Ah batteries are included in the scope of delivery, so that you can work without interruption for some time.

Although the cordless screwdriver is lightweight and only 17 cm long, it can drill holes up to 10 mm in size in steel. This is ensured by a torque of 30 Nm. The screws used may have a maximum diameter of 7 mm. Two gears and 21 different torque levels ensure that the tool can be used for a wide range of applications. It is also possible to drill gently into wood.

Bosch EasyDrill 1200

Even the brand manufacturer Bosch sometimes offers good value for money. A low-priced 12V cordless screwdriver from the manufacturer is the Bosch EasyDrill 1200 .

This model belongs to the DIY series. It is therefore intended for moderate tasks and sporadic use. For home use, the device is therefore a good choice. It weighs a feather-light 940 g and can still be guided confidently in the tightest of spaces. Depending on the choice, two 1.5 Ah batteries are included in the scope of delivery or the model is delivered individually. It should be noted in this context that only the 12V ALL series is suitable. Professional batteries cannot be used here.

This cordless screwdriver also has a 10 mm quick-action drill chuck, which means that bits and drills can be changed quickly and without complications. The torque can be regulated in 20 steps – up to 30 Nm. In contrast to the previously presented model, however, you can only use screws with a maximum thickness of 6 mm. In addition, only 8 mm holes can be made in steel. In wood, on the other hand, you can use a tried and tested 20 mm.

Bosch GSR 12V-35

The 12V cordless screwdriver Bosch GSR 12V-35 proves that Bosch can deliver quality and performance.

Bosch gets up to 35 Nm of torque out of a 12V battery. This makes this cordless screwdriver the most powerful of all the models in this segment. You can drill holes up to 32 mm in size in wood and up to 10 mm in size in steel. In addition, screws with a diameter of up to 8 mm can be used with this model. A brushless motor is used, which means that a long service life can also be expected. The all-metal gearbox certainly contributes to this.

Furthermore, the comfort is increased by LED lighting and a metal clip. The latter makes it possible, for example, to hang the device on a belt or ladder. In general, there is no lack of equipment. Worth mentioning in this context is, among other things, the capacity display of the battery. In addition, the battery and motor are preventively protected against overload, overheating and deep discharge.

Bosch 12V drill – Here is what you should look for when choosing

Selection options & drive

Bosch currently offers 8 different cordless screwdrivers with 12V batteries. These belong either to the blue Professional series (For regular use in difficult conditions) or to the green DIY series (Inexpensive versions for occasional use at home).

Generally, the 12V drive competes with other electric voltages: 3.6V, 18V and 36V. Only from a voltage of 12V is a drill chuck installed at all, which is why such devices are much more flexible than 3.6V models. Although the dimensions and weight are limited, it is also possible to make solid holes in steel.

Bosch relies exclusively on lithium-ion technology for the battery. The battery and charger are often more expensive than the actual tool. On the other hand, these batteries have great advantages to offer. They have no memory effect and therefore last a very long time. Because the energy density is high, additional weight and dimensions can be saved. In addition, there is only a low self-discharge.

The motor in this category can either be brushless or work classically with carbon brushes. The latter tends to have a price advantage. However, power is lost due to the friction of the brushes. Moreover, only a brushless motor really does not require any maintenance.

Power

Power is, of course, of crucial importance. It does not necessarily have to be high, but it must be suitable for the desired range of applications. In the field of cordless screwdrivers, there are various parameters that indicate the power potential.

For screwing and unscrewing screws, it is worth taking a look at the torque. This is expressed in Nm (newton metres). The higher the value, the better. Especially if you want to work with long screws and/or always want to loosen rusted specimens with confidence, you should be attentive here.

Conveniently, the maximum drill diameters are indicated on every 12V drill from Bosch. At the tip, holes up to 32 mm in size can be made in wood, as well as holes up to 10 mm in size in steel.

The battery voltage itself is also a promise of performance. And since it is limited to 12V, you can’t expect miracles. Nevertheless, it is enough to reliably drive screws up to 8 mm thick.

Drill chuck

Bosch consistently uses a quick-action drill chuck for its 12V cordless screwdrivers. The clamping range is between 1 and a maximum of 10 mm. This design comes with many advantages. For example, you can change bits and drills with one hand by loosening and retightening the turning mechanism.

In addition, the attachment can always be changed without the use of a separate tool. Thanks to AutoLock, the drill engages reliably and noticeably for the user (automatic spindle lock).

Handling

Every manufacturer should provide the user with a high level of operating comfort. Only then can you devote yourself fully to the task at hand and work for a long time without any discomfort. Bosch meets this requirement very well.

It goes without saying that a light weight is the best way to ensure effortless handling. The 12V drill from Bosch weigh less than 1 kg even with the battery. Accordingly, they can be used effortlessly and in a controlled manner even when working overhead.

Furthermore, the handles are all rubberised and patterned. This allows you to grip safely and firmly without having to fear pressure feelings or calluses in the palm.

Because 12V versions are also very compact (always less than 20 cm long), they can usually be used without complications even in narrow niches and hard-to-reach areas.

Handling is absolutely intuitive – if you have already worked with a cordless tool. You can insert the battery with a flick of the wrist and vary the speed by pressing the throttle switch with your finger. Clear symbols help you to immediately recognise further adjustment options.

Functionality

A 12V drill from Bosch has many functions that improve comfort and flexibility. We will briefly explain which ones are particularly helpful below.

The torque can usually be set in the classic way – by turning the preselection ring. In addition, you can choose between 1st and 2nd gear for both DIY and professional tools. While maximum power is available in first gear, high speeds for delicate drilling are available in second gear.

Right-hand and left-hand running is switched via a switch on the side. There is also a neutral zero position in which the screwdriver does not start at all.

A front LED light ensures that even dark areas can be reliably worked on. This also increases the safety aspect.

Also useful is a metal clip on the side, thanks to which you can hang your 12V cordless screwdriver safely on a ladder, for example.

In addition, Bosch makes sure that the motor and the battery last for a long time. If there is excessive strain, the cordless screwdriver switches off as a preventive measure. The same applies if there is a risk of deep discharge.

Another convenient feature is the battery capacity display. You can see the remaining capacity at any time, which eliminates negative surprises in this regard.

Another special feature is the fact that the Bosch Professional 10.8V tools are compatible with the 12V tools of the Professional series.

Price

Certainly, the price also has an influence on the decision. A cordless screwdriver from Bosch can be surprisingly inexpensive in itself – as long as a battery and charger are already included. Otherwise, lithium tools always require a certain surcharge compared to corded tools. In the case of Bosch, this is justified because the 12V series already uses brushless motors, thanks to which, among other things, holes up to 10 mm in size can be drilled in steel.

In general, the price should be in a fair relation to one’s own expectations. The larger the drill diameter in hard materials and the more flexibility you expect, the more you have to invest. With a high budget, the durability usually also increases noticeably.

Bosch 12V drill – It has advantages & disadvantages

The 12V drills from Bosch have many advantages to offer. They are very handy and still have enough power to drive 6-8 mm thick screws into steel. However, they are not the right choice for every application. So that you can comfortably weigh up the pros and cons, we have created a table for you below:

Video: Bosch GSR 12V-15 review