Bosch Drill 17618-01 – Cordless Yet Strong

To keep operation smooth and to help you stay fatigue-free, the 17618-01's ergonomic design and two-tone, soft-grip handle provide optimum comfort and control--even during all-day drilling jobs. And for even greater convenience, LEDs provide illumination when you are working in dark or enclosed areas.

To ensure precise results, the 17618-01 cordless drill provides 25 clutch settings--the highest number of settings available on any other drills that's currently on the market. Settings 1-20 are perfectly suited for driving small screws; settings 21-25 provide the right amount of power for large screws and large drill bits, such as auger bits or self-feed bits. To choose the correct speed, simply use the variable-speed trigger and enjoy consistent, controlled operation.

The Bosch 17618-01 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Brute Tough Litheon Hammer Drill/Driver with 2 Fat Batteries works at speeds up to 2,050 RPM and provides 650 in./lbs. of torque. Durashield housing, unibody construction, and a steel-reinforced collar help you withstand real-world conditions, like temperature extremes, rain, dirt, debris, and drops. The 17618-01's Durashield Housing is constructed with ABS/Nylon composite, which makes the housing flexible and impenetrable. Unlike competitive tools, which use a conventional plastic housing, Durashield will not crack and can easily withstand 10-foot drops.

This tool also features unique unibody construction (as does many other Bosch drills) with three steel straps that keep the motor, gears, and clutch together. This ensures that the gears never separate from the motor, and it keeps the drill functioning even after drops. Additionally, the 17618-01 boasts an exclusive steel-reinforced collar that protects the nose of the drill. It provides extra reinforcement in the event of drops on the chuck and prevents the chuck from bending or breaking off.

Customer Review:
This is a great tool for drilling for concrete, stone and light structural steel. I haven't used it on anything heavier than a small I beam but it did 1/2" holes just fine with a good bit. This is a good all around replacement for a 3/4" HD drill or even a 1" in some cases. The trigger pull is nice and makes slow starts easy. The side handle is friction fit so it can be anywhere except directly in front of the trigger (you can put it there but it interferes with the trigger and visa versa). This is a viable replacement for a ¾" drive cordless drill (my old Craftsman finally gave out) and it does a better job on concrete and stone. If you are looking for something that does 1" or larger holes this is not it (I don’t know of any cordless drills that would be suitable); but for more mundane work it’s just fine. The case is well made and the keyless chuck works just fine.

Now the down side (not much):
It’s large and heavy, not quite as big as my old sears ¾" but weighs a little more with the battery.
The case is well made but not well designed. It only holds a few loose bits (small) and stubby driver bits that need a magnetic bit attachment. Plenty of room for a better arrangement or even provision for one of Bosch's driver bit kits.
With all cordless drills, battery life is important. In my use I can't drill enough in heavy materials for the second battery not to be recharged by the time the first one is flat. But this may be an issue in hot environments or if you leave the batteries in direct sun light (I work mostly above 10,000'). A friend who does a lot of engineered stone cabinet work wound up buying a 3rd battery but he's happy now.
A couple of real nits - There is no index on the clutch, given the overall fit and finish (made in Switzerland not China) it's a surprise. The manual says there is a bit compartment in the handle--a couple of rubber extrusions which can hold a driver bit is not a compartment!

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