Review: Bosch PS41-2A 12v Kit

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The 12 volt entry into the Bosch impact driver line has more power than it’s competitors as well as a shorter length, making it one of the best in it’s class. A good hand-feel and extras like LED headlights and battery fuel gauge make this a favorite among homeowners who want a powerful alternative to a cordless drill.

At a max rated torque of 930 in-lbs, this 12v offering is nearly as powerful as an 18v driver. The power comes in a small package, and makes this driver quite easy to get into tight places. At 5.4″ long, you will find it can get into a ton more places than its larger cousins, not to mention a typical drill.

In testing, the Bosch PS41-2A was able to sink 3″ wood screws into pressure treated wood – a typical usage for an impact driver – in a 1/3 the time of some competitors, and didn’t struggle when going through knots. Other reviewers have mentioned how the Bosch could loosen nuts better than competitors in side-by-side tests. (While we don’t doubt these trials, they complained that none of the tools lived up to their torque rating. See this entry on why torque ratings seem exaggerated for more information on this.)

Construction of this cordless is excellent, especially for such a small tool. It has a soft rubber grip that balances well in your hand, and is sturdy enough to withstand the accidental drop to the floor.

The small batteries that work with the Bosch 12v tool line pack a big punch. Recharge takes less than 30 minutes, and drain time on typical usage is excellent. Even during heavy usage, you should have no problem recharging one battery before you drain the other.

• 3-LED light ring turns on when you pull the trigger, to help illuminate your work in dim areas.
• A battery meter lets you know (approximately) how much longer you can work before needing to recharge the battery.

The biggest complaint with the Bosch is the fraction of a second delay that occurs when you pull the trigger. While it’s not a deal breaker, it does take some getting used to.

The carrying case with this kit is not hard-plastic, but rather a zippered padded case. This may not be an issue for most people, but we prefer the security of a hard shell in case of accidents.

Buy it! If you want a small, light compact driver and don’t need the added power of an 18v tool, then the Bosch PS41-2A is a great addition to your collection of power tools. Easy to use, with a long battery life, it will take care of 80% of your needs.

However, if you are looking to do a lot of driving into masonry or other more difficult materials, you may want to think about moving up to the big brother, the 18v Bosch 25618b

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Bosch PS41 info and prices at Amazon

	Bosch Bare-Tool PS41B 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion 1/4-Inch Hex Impact Driver 12v Max impact driver, bare tool (no battery)
	Bosch PS41-2A 12V Max 1/4-Inch Hex Impact Driver Kit with 2 Batteries, Charger and Case,Blue 12v Max impact driver, two 12v Max li-ion batteries, 30 min. charger, carrying case