 |
| Date Reviewed: 10/26/2007 |
|
Strengths: ergonomics, front light, size, weight, battery charge, solid built
Weaknesses: soft case leaves tool unprotected against everyday use
Summary: I've had this tool for only a few days and it is already one of my favorite tools. Unlike my Rigid electric drill or my 18V Dewalt cordless drill, the PS40 is ergonomically correct and light. Like my other drills the PS40 feels solid and functions flawlessly. I can now fasten screws on most surfaces with confidence and I don’t feel tired after hours of use. It does not function well as a drill, but it wasn’t design for this purpose. It’s just not going to replace any of my drills. It comes in a nifty soft case where all the pieces are securely fasten. The batteries hold their charge well, and charge quite fast. In all, this is a tool that’s going to see a lot of use from me. I highly recommend it.
 100% of People (5/5) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
 There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 08/23/2008 |
|
 Nice compact impact driver unit Strengths: Well built, great battery technology, size, led work lights
Weaknesses: Its no where near as powerful as they claim
Summary: As expected, with the Bosch name on it you can pretty much expect high build quality and a well built piece of equipment. It feels very "substantial" in the hand and not like a cheap lightweight unit (although the performance says otherwise). If you know power tools you know what I mean. Overall, the kit is very nice. The batteries are tiny compared to what you normally get with cordless tools but that's the beauty of new Lithium battery technology. My biggest problem is the units power (or lack of).
Performance for a small driver that feels this substantial should be better. Its no where as good as they claim. The box claims it will deliver 60% more torque than a standard 18V drill/driver. It doesn't. When I first got it I used it for assembling a small project that had a couple of tight screws to drive. It was in "impact" mode and could not finish the job. I used my 18V Ryobi drill/driver to finish the job (with a 1/2 dead battery). The Ryobi not only tightened the screws but would have easily snapped the heads off if I had let it. As a test, I put the Bosch in reverse and it wouldn't even back those same screws out. Maybe this has something to do with why they are now be replaced with a new version.
It failed a second test as well. It claims it will deliver 800 inch-lb of torque (converted this is 67 ft-lb). I was doing a brake job on the car and used a tire iron to remove the lug-nuts. Upon reassembly I used the Bosch to spin the nuts back on. It just barely snugged them up. I finished the job with a torque wrench but what surprised me was that the Bosch only got them to about 7 ft-lb. That's only 1/10 the rated torque. Yes the batteries were fully charged. No, I didn't expect this unit to have the power of a pneumatic driver, that's not what its for. But where did Bosch come up with its hype?
It does feature 3 handy white LED illuminators to let you see what you are working on.
So what's my opinion ... Its more powerful than my Skil 3.6 V pocket driver and feels well built but the unit's power is much less than I expected. For a compact driver it is very nice but don't expect it to do the job of a full sized unit, regardless of the hype on the box.
I'd like to give it a higher rating but the gross overstatement of power is deceptive. Certainly not what I have come to expect form Bosch.
At its full retail price I would give it only 1 star. For what I paid for it on sale its worth 2 stars. If you can get one for $50-75 I would go 3 stars.
100% of People (1/1) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 12/29/2007 |
|
Strengths: Tremendous amount of torque. The size, weight, an hand grip are just right. Battery life, charging time are excellent.
Weaknesses: No speed, pricy, a little bit loud
Summary: This is a very handy impact driver with plenty of torque power. Its lightweight, compact, balanced design accomodate all those jobs around the house. The LED that light up when the trigger pulled is a little icing on the cake. The two batteries charge pretty quick. This thing is built to last too, very durable. I dropped it a few times, didn't hurt it a bit.
The impact noise is a little bit loud, but tolerable. The impact features a quick attach system, which is both good and bad, depending on your intended use.
100% of People (1/1) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 11/10/2008 |
|
Strengths: Very well built, great performance, very nice weight
Weaknesses: None
Summary: This drill is very impressive. I was surprised at how much power this incredible tool has. This is a quality tool that when you pick it up. The quality of workmanship is top notch. The body, grips, and balance of tool are amazing. I love the LED lights to light you work area. Batteries charge quickly and stay charged longer than other power tools. This is not a replacement for my 18v DeWalt tools but I will use my heavy 18v tools less. I recommend this tool.
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 09/05/2008 |
|
Strengths: Compact, Lightweight, LED work light, Powerful for size
Weaknesses: Battery life
Summary: I currently have Dewalt and Hitachi cordless drill/drivers (18 volt and 12 volt, lithium, XRP, and XR types). I have previously owned nearly every major brand of cordless drill. The Bosch PS40-2 was a pleasant surprise in that is it very compact and yet feels rugged and fits my hand well. The power is not quite up to my 18 volt drill/drivers but does what you would expect from a 10.8 volt driver - I would compare it in power to my Dewalt right angle 12 volt XR type drill. I drilled many 3 inch sheetrock screws into 2x4 pine lumber. The nice thing about this driver is that screw stripping or head twist-off is not really a concern. It drives slower than my Dewalt impact driver but you can sink the screw to your desired depth with accuracy and not worry about driving it through your lumber. I really like the continuous-on (better than switched types) LED work light and it has come in handy many times. The driver comes with two lithium batteries which is good because it did seem that my battery life was somewhat disappointing. However, I had been pushing the driver pretty hard and I am used to much larger batteries. The charge time in the included rapid charger is fast. The Bosch PS40-2 does a very good job - I am pleased with my purchase.
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 08/14/2008 |
|
Strengths: Ergonomic, no stripped heads
Weaknesses: None
Summary: I was eating lunch with a client one day and these guys were replacing the windows on the hamburger joint. This little thing was making a racket when they were securing the frames to the buildings so my client stopped and asked what it was. It turned out to be an impact driver and they were glad to explain how it worked, how it had a mechanism in it that drove the screws in much more easily than when using a plain drill with a phillips bit.
I have used this now to blind start screws for mounting undercabinet lighting and this thing makes it a breeze. It also removes and drives in sticky door hinge screws effectively. There are times to reach for this little driver and after a while one will know when its use is warranted. I am sure that when I re-roof my house and install new decking I will be using this to drive the screws in.
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 08/10/2008 |
- chinnboy
from OH
- Member Since:
Dec 2003
View Member's:
Reviews
|
Strengths: Ergonomics, torque
Weaknesses: None
Summary: I own 3 other pistol grip drivers including the Bosch PS20. This guy really does the job. I haven't come near exhausting a charge, and it puts screws into lumber like they are butter. I recently laid a 3/4" plywood floor in a moble home and this tool made the chore a breeze. I'm eager to see how it performs on concrete screws, which stalls out my B&D driver, but from my experience to date I expect it to do a vastly better job.
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 07/29/2008 |
|
Strengths: Light!!! Small!!! Love the LED ring
Weaknesses: Still trying to find them!
Summary: I have an 18V impact driver as well, but this is my new go to. The 18V is perfect for outside stuff (decking, etc) but for common inside jobs like switchplates, hanging pictures, etc this is perfect. Strong....impacts thru everything Ive thrown at it. I have the non-impact version too, and between the two tools I think I can cover any small to medium size job without a problem
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 07/17/2008 |
- saralang
from KS
- Member Since:
Apr 2005
View Member's:
Reviews
|
Strengths: Powerful, compact
Weaknesses: NA
Summary: Impact driver is a great tool, but not too many people realize its benefits for driving screws until try it. And most people will look away because when they see no speed changing in impact driver. But once you try and get your hand on driving screws with an impact driver, you'd never touch the drill / driver again for driving screws.
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 07/15/2008 |
- gowerchoi
- Member Since:
Nov 2005
View Member's:
Reviews
|
Strengths: Lightweight and powerful
Weaknesses: Is only for fasteners
Summary: This fasteners is great. Its lightweight and has a small profile. The only thing I don't like about it is the quick release. The quick release has to be pulled out making bit changing hard with one hand. It holds its charge well and charges fast. The are perfect when fastening in confined spaces and light up when the trigger is slightly pressed.
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 07/14/2008 |
- ooman
- Member Since:
Jul 2008
View Member's:
Reviews
|
Strengths: Small, compact, lithium power, great torque
Weaknesses: None
Summary: If you've been using a drill, and have never used a impact drill, you're missing out on one of the modern tool wonders.
Impact drills are smaller, lighter, and can turn nuts, bolts, screws that many driver drills have a tough time with. They are far less prone to stripping heads and chewing up screw bits. Plus they don't torque your wrist.
This Bosch model has those benefits, plus it has the additional benefit of being extremely small and light weight. A cordless drill driver still has it's place, but get this and I'll bet you'll use it for 90% of the tasks that you used to do with your drill. It is that good.
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 07/10/2008 |
|
so so
Strengths: size, battery life, quick attachments, current promo (free PS20)
Weaknesses: power/torque, PRICE
Summary: While the build quality is great, it just does not have enough power for longer (3") deck screws. Once the impact mechanism starts, it's way to slow. I don't know where Bosch got their data...maybe on full power without the impact mechanism on?
For the homeowner, or plumber/HVAC person, or electrician/cable guy, I think the Bosch could be a nice tool. However, for a carpenter, it's only so-so. Beware if you want to build a deck with this thing because you'll need to have an 18V nearby.
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 07/10/2008 |
|
Strengths: size; weight; torque; handiness; LED lights; battery life; Bosch (need I say more?)
Weaknesses: noise; battery life
Summary: Oh, my! What a spectacular tool. I've used 18V drills for the last 5 years building a deck, for around the house needs, and most recently, for building a playground.
This little driver can do most (if not all) of the tasks of the much much heavier drill. Furthermore, you'll get all the torque without the wrist sprain!
It can drive screws, lag bolts, bits...you name it, I've used it for that recently to put on the finishing touches on a playground.
My next big project will be building a shed, but before then, I have a lot of little things around the house that this "baby" can do.
The only "weakness" is the noise and battery life. While the battery life is much better than NiCads, it's not like it's a cord. You have to make sure that the spare is charged or you'll be sipping lemonade while waiting (albeit not too long - 30 minutes).
SPECS:
- 60% more torque than 18V drill/driver - 800 in.-lbs of max torque
- Bosch Designed Hammer and Anvil System — Delivers 1,800 RPM/3,000 BPM
- LED Light Ring — 3 LEDs illuminate work area for use in dark areas
- Litheon™ 10.8V Batteries — The most advanced Lithium-ion battery available today
- Spring-Loaded Impact Mechanism — Reduces user fatigue
- Aluminum gear housing with protective rubber front
- 1/4" hex drive with quick release
- Ergonomic Soft Grip Handle — For extended comfort and control
- Bumpers on Side of Tool — Protect work surface and prevent slipping
- Variable Speed Trigger — For complete control
Includes
(1) -- Carrying Case
(2) -- 1.5" Power Drive Bits
(1) -- 30 Minute Charger -- BC430
(2) -- Litheon™ 10.8V Batteries -- BAT411
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 06/27/2008 |
|
Strengths: Small, powerful for its size, comfortable and lightweight
Weaknesses: Won't replace my 18V impact for bigger or longer jobs
Summary: This is my new favorite grab and go tool for quick projects around the house and for woodworking. It is lightweight and comfortable with plenty of power for these types of jobs. If I am going to be installing decking, screwing down cement board for a tile job, or other similar types of projects I grab my 18V Makita Li ion impact driver. A rebate at the time of purchase for a free PS20 sealed the decision to buy this and I'm glad I did.
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
| Date Reviewed: 05/26/2008 |
|
Strengths: almost everything
Weaknesses: no bit holder and no hook or loop to hang tool up
Summary: Bosch PS40-2 10.8V Litheon Impactor Fastening Driver is awesome. I simply love it. It will be driver of choice over the PS-20 and my Dewalt 14.4V drill.
This is a torquie little driver just drives and drives and drives. The impact feature makes it so screws don't strip out.
There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
|
|
|
Report this as 
