Compact Drill Reviews

Review

I’d been wanting to upgrade from my reliable Makita 9.6V for a long time and looked at practically every 12V out there. I am not a professional, but a pretty serious diy-er. I was looking for more power and battery life but had neither need nor desire for a big heavy monster. As of this writing, there was really only one other drill worthy of serious consideration at this quality level / price point- the Panasonic EY6405FQKW. 12V models from serious manufacturers like Porter Cable, Milwuakee and Makita were all considerably more expensive. While each company still makes some great drills and other tools, (I own several each by Porter Cable, Makita and Bosch and have been happy with them all) in this 12V cordless drill category, Bosch and Panasonic are the front-runners.

In the end, despite the fact that the Panasonic is the best seller here and very highly rated, I chose the Bosch for several reasons; My comfort level with the brand, the fact that it’s Swiss made, (the Panasonic drill is made in Mexico) the 3 year-warranty and price (.00 less) all swayed me towards Bosch.

The drill has not disappointed a bit through the first few months. The keyless, one-handed chuck is fantastic. Great soft grip and balance. The trigger and switches are comfortable and perfectly laid out. The power is incredible, plenty for all but the absolute toughest jobs. (Something that I keep a corded tool around for anyway.) Operation is smooth and quiet, given the power at hand. The trigger is sensitive enough that you can turn a screw as slowly as needed in a delicate situation. The battery life far surpasses the old Makita and with the two included batteries you’re never stuck on the job without power. Quality is something that can be easily seen when it’s put in your hands; Bosch delivers a great product with the 32612. Am I gushing? Maybe, but I have nothing to do with the Bosch company or anyone affiliated, I just really like nice tools.

Feature

Compact Tough design for increased maneuverability in tight spaces and less user fatigue
Two speed gearbox for high speed or high torque as needed
Ratcheting, single-sleeve 3/8″ Chuck for one-handed operation
Includes 2 batteries
Ergonomic soft-grip handle design

Overviews

12V, Compact Tough Drill Driver Kit, Full Metal Clutch Ring With 16 Positions, Ratcheting 1/2″ Single Sleeve Chuck With Carbide Teeth, Finger Groove For Optimal Professional Hold, Reverse Switch, Durashield Housing Designed To Withstand Daily Use & Abuse, Bit Holder, 2.4 AH Bosch Platinum Series O Pack Battery System, Snap Hook, Ergonomic Soft Grip Handle, Variable Speed Soft Grip Trigger, Externally Changeable Brushes, Improved Bosch Design 48mm Motor, Bosch Built Powertrain With All Steel Gears.

Specifications

Bosch’s Compact Tough cordless drills are designed to provide professional power in a compact profile and perform tough jobs in tight spaces and close quarters without compromising durability. Employing a flexible ABS nylon blend, this tool can stand up to the roughest job site conditions. This 12-volt model has a two-speed gearbox that delivers up to 280 inch-pounds of torque in high-torque mode and up to 1,200 rpm in high-speed mode. There’s also a large two-sided fan for cool operation and motor durability and a 16-position clutch for matching the torque to your task. We like the ratcheting chuck that allows for quick, reliable one-handed bit changes and the soft rubber grip Bosch includes on all its cordless tools. This 12-volt model represents a great compromise between power and a lightweight slim profile–offering plenty of torque and speed–and weighs only 4 pounds. This model includes the drill, two 1.4 amp hr batteries, a one-hour charger, a bit holder, and a carrying case. –Brian Trinen