New Bosch Flexi-Click 5 in 1 driver coming to the US

[Van Huskey]

I as just looking into importing one of these last week...

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http://toolguyd.com/bosch-12v-flexi-click-drill-driver/

[Bryan Lisowski]

I like the idea, just wish it was in 18v. Festool CSX kinda makes this useless for me. But thanks for posting.

[Van Huskey]

I like the idea, just wish it was in 18v. Festool CSX kinda makes this useless for me. But thanks for posting.


I have both the CSX and Bosch 12v Brushless drill/driver and love them both and find them to be complimentary with each having their strong suits, I have seen my 18v tools get regulated to DIY chores, I just don't need the power for woodworking and the Bosch EC (brushless) stuff is quite powerful.

[Victor Robinson]

Ahh, wish Milwaukee had that. Tied to their 12v system and not interested in spending for the Festool drills. It's really just that eccentric chuck that I'd want. I have a pretty good right angle accessory that I'm happy with.

Though I do have a Bosch 12v tool......hmmmm

[Van Huskey]

Ahh, wish Milwaukee had that. Tied to their 12v system and not interested in spending for the Festool drills. It's really just that eccentric chuck that I'd want. I have a pretty good right angle accessory that I'm happy with.

Though I do have a Bosch 12v tool......hmmmm

They have them on the other side of the pond

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Festool doesn't make an eccentric chuck for their 12v drills, only the 90*.

[Victor Robinson]

They have them on the other side of the pond

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Festool doesn't make an eccentric chuck for their 12v drills, only the 90*.

Maybe Milwaukee will be nudged to get theirs to the US, though I'm not holding my breath.

Didn't know that about the CXS, thanks. Makes me even less interested in it (and I chug the green otherwise).

[Van Huskey]

Maybe Milwaukee will be nudged to get theirs to the US, though I'm not holding my breath.

Didn't know that about the CXS, thanks. Makes me even less interested in it (and I chug the green otherwise).

I imagine if Milwaukee perceives the Bosch to be selling well here they will introduce it, if not then they won't. Several manufacturers do this in EU/UK but not here which I think is a shame.

If the CSX was brushless and had the eccentric chuck available I would own two and be more than happy with my drill and driving needs for woodworking. The CSX just has great ergonomics despite the funny look. I bought the Bosch instead of the Milwaukee because I didn't are about all the other 12v tools Milwaukee makes and the Bosch is so tiny compared to their 12v offering, the red ones are about the same size as the Makita sub-compact 18v drills.

[Victor Robinson]

I imagine if Milwaukee perceives the Bosch to be selling well here they will introduce it, if not then they won't. Several manufacturers do this in EU/UK but not here which I think is a shame.

If the CSX was brushless and had the eccentric chuck available I would own two and be more than happy with my drill and driving needs for woodworking. The CSX just has great ergonomics despite the funny look. I bought the Bosch instead of the Milwaukee because I didn't are about all the other 12v tools Milwaukee makes and the Bosch is so tiny compared to their 12v offering, the red ones are about the same size as the Makita sub-compact 18v drills.

The gem of the M12 lineup is the subcompact bandsaw...was genuinely surprised how useful it is - not just for DIY/house stuff but even in the shop. Love that thing.

[Mike Tekin]

I saw this news too and this is fantastic!!! I don't agree with the pricing on Festool drills at all and have used them extensively at my local woodworking store/club where I used to work a few hours a week. I own the Bosch 12volt brushless driver and the trigger control and precision is just as good as the TXS/CXS for less than 1/2 the price. I wish this 12V flexi model would get here quicker than May!

[Greg R Bradley]

Festool doesn't make an eccentric chuck for their 12v drills, only the 90*.
Festool C & T drills have eccentric. The CXS does not because it is so small in diameter that it doesn't need it. It isn't a defect, it is an advantage. There isn't anything else that comes close to the usefulness of a CXS for work in tight spaces. There will be certain tight spots that will work better for one design over another. The C & T drills are moving away from the 12v max and 15v versions as the 18v is so light that there isn't much demand for the lower power units.

Having the different attachments should really help the usefulness of all those tools. The would then do a wide variety of light tasks as the CXS does now.

[Vince Rosypal]

Thank you for posting. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for this.... I love my Bosch tools!

My wife bought me my first 12V Bosch drill with locking bit holder about 10 yrs ago for my birthday..... when I opened it I though OOOOHHHH it's so tinny (so it must be weak).... what the heck am I going to use it for.
Turns out its a power house that I am constantly sinking 3" screws with still to this day... ya batteries are getting a little old but still good run times

[Edwin Santos]

The gem of the M12 lineup is the subcompact bandsaw...was genuinely surprised how useful it is - not just for DIY/house stuff but even in the shop. Love that thing.

That's intriguing. Care to share some examples of uses? I assumed the primary function of a portable bandsaw was for metal cutting but maybe not.

[Ben Rivel]

Nice! Hopefully DeWalt will come out with something similar for their 12V line. I have a few 12V tools already and I think 4 batteries.

[Van Huskey]

Festool C & T drills have eccentric. The CXS does not because it is so small in diameter that it doesn't need it. It isn't a defect, it is an advantage. There isn't anything else that comes close to the usefulness of a CXS for work in tight spaces. There will be certain tight spots that will work better for one design over another. The C & T drills are moving away from the 12v max and 15v versions as the 18v is so light that there isn't much demand for the lower power units.

Having the different attachments should really help the usefulness of all those tools. The would then do a wide variety of light tasks as the CXS does now.


Horse hockey. I have read that over and over again on FOG but it just isn't accurate. The centerline of the chuck on the CSX is about 15/16" from the top of the housing (maybe 1/16" less to the side) and both the C & T drills with the eccentric chuck can get much closer than that. The Bosch PS 32 is within 1/16" top and side of the CSX and is shorter (with the Centrotec chuck installed on the CSX) and about 1/2" taller. Don't get me wrong I love my CSX, it is my first thought when it comes to drilling or driving and I only pick something else up if I need more power or the admittedly odd situation another drill/driver fits where it doesn't. This is why I think the CSX would be my perfect drill with a brushless motor (more power) and an eccentric chuck.

[Ben Rivel]

Horse hockey. I have read that over and over again on FOG but it just isn't accurate. The centerline of the chuck on the CSX is about 15/16" from the top of the housing (maybe 1/16" less to the side) and both the C & T drills with the eccentric chuck can get much closer than that. The Bosch PS 32 is within 1/16" top and side of the CSX and is shorter (with the Centrotec chuck installed on the CSX) and about 1/2" taller. Don't get me wrong I love my CSX, it is my first thought when it comes to drilling or driving and I only pick something else up if I need more power or the admittedly odd situation another drill/driver fits where it doesn't. This is why I think the CSX would be my perfect drill with a brushless motor (more power) and an eccentric chuck.And them ditching the Centrotec chuck and swapping it for a standard 1/4" bit chuck!

[Victor Robinson]

That's intriguing. Care to share some examples of uses? I assumed the primary function of a portable bandsaw was for metal cutting but maybe not.

Hi Edwin, not to hijack Van's thread, but yes you're right - primarily for metal cutting. In the shop for me, this means angle iron, threaded rod, bolts to length, etc. I don't work with metal as a shop activity per se, but it frequently comes up in jig/fixturing or building custom solutions for the shop. The little bandsaw makes quick, accurate, quiet, and safe work of some of those tasks that otherwise would require a hacksaw, dremel, or angle grinder. Total luxury purchase for a woodshop but once it saves your butt a bunch of times you really come to appreciate it - or at least I have.

[Van Huskey]

Hi Edwin, not to hijack Van's thread,

Nobody EVER needs to worry about hijacking one of my threads, I am all for organic conversation.

[Van Huskey]

And them ditching the Centrotec chuck and swapping it for a standard 1/4" bit chuck!

I'm 50/50 on that. I know a lot of people love Centrotec so I kinda keep my mouth shut about it but mine tends to live with a Wera Rapidaptor in it as I much prefer the Wera bits.

[Victor Robinson]

I'm 50/50 on that. I know a lot of people love Centrotec so I kinda keep my mouth shut about it but mine tends to live with a Wera Rapidaptor in it as I much prefer the Wera bits.

Tell me about these Wera bits. What do you like about them? I'm tired of using cheap bits...

[Ben Rivel]

I'm 50/50 on that. I know a lot of people love Centrotec so I kinda keep my mouth shut about it but mine tends to live with a Wera Rapidaptor in it as I much prefer the Wera bits.Bingo! Wera bits and screwdrivers are all I use in the shop. Wiha in my electronics lab.

[Edwin Santos]

Hi Edwin, not to hijack Van's thread, but yes you're right - primarily for metal cutting. In the shop for me, this means angle iron, threaded rod, bolts to length, etc. I don't work with metal as a shop activity per se, but it frequently comes up in jig/fixturing or building custom solutions for the shop. The little bandsaw makes quick, accurate, quiet, and safe work of some of those tasks that otherwise would require a hacksaw, dremel, or angle grinder. Total luxury purchase for a woodshop but once it saves your butt a bunch of times you really come to appreciate it - or at least I have.

Thanks Victor, it also looks like there could even be some opportunities in clamping it and using it like a mini-stationary tool. It's always amazing to me how portable tools can be secured in a vise or clamp or some other way and take on a whole new dimension. You've got me thinking...


Nobody EVER needs to worry about hijacking one of my threads, I am all for organic conversation.
Plus I especially can't imagine you objecting when the hijack takes your thread in the direction of bandsaws, if even portable ones, Van.

[Mike Heidrick]

I am a big fan of my portable metal bandsaw!! Id love a BIG metal bandsaw as well.

[Mike Heidrick]

There was a company making tables for portable bandsaws. Inventables had a DIY version out there too I think.

[Victor Robinson]

There was a company making tables for portable bandsaws. Inventables had a DIY version out there too I think.

You're probably thinking of Swag Offroad. Their table for the [larger] portabands is pretty popular, and if someone wants a pseudo-stationary bandsaw to cut metal, that would be the way to go IMHO. Those portabands are a little heavier - around 10 lbs - and a little more expensive...around $250 for corded, 300+ for cordless bare tools.

The bandsaw I was referring to is the M12 subcompact - it's very small and very light and pretty cheap (can probably be had for around $100 for the bare tool) and to my knowledge there isn't a 3rd party table already made for it. Might not be that hard to rig something up - Edwin's on it. :D

[Van Huskey]

Plus I especially can't imagine you objecting when the hijack takes your thread in the direction of bandsaws, if even portable ones, Van.

Not at all. :) It actually had me "shopping" for one thinking I should get one, I started with cordless portables (20v Dewalt since I have batteries) then the corded portables then the floor standers then I realized I cut all my small metal (rare but it happens) with an old all metal (weighs a TON) Craftsman 10" miter saw with a friction disc, while not ideal it does get the job done.

As to the Wera bits I find them to be excellent but not cheap. I prefer the diamond coated ones like these https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-056400-1-x-25mm-phillips-bitorsion-diamond-coated-bit/

The Rapidapter is also the best bit holder I have found and it really locks them in. It has a magnet to hold them then you just lightly press the tip of the bit and it locks down like a gator on a poodle. While Amazon has the single piece bits you can just add to an order to try them out if you like them I suggest getting two things:

1. a Bitcheck which comes in different sizes but is a set of bits and a short Rapidaptor https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01BNGH3TK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2. Kraftform Kompact set ( there are several different ones) which is a handle with the long Rapidaptor and a selection of bits. This thing is mega-cool you push a button on the top to pop the handle open to access the bits then with a touch of the locking mechanism the shaft pops out from the short position to the long position. Then you can also take the Rapidaptor out and use it in a drill/driver. It just reeks of quality and thoughtful engineering. https://chadstoolbox.com/wera-05051024001-kraftform-kompakt-25-bits-assortment/

You may have noticed one of my links was German Amazon which is here some of the best prices are, in the case of that Bitcheck about half what they charge in the US (not the price is actually lower because what you see is with VAT that we don't pay). Zoro also actually has good Wera prices and with a 20-30% off coupon they send out quite often they can be the cheapest place around. As for the German and UK Amazon I buy a lot of Festool, Wera and other European tools through them at significant discounts, note that not all things ship to the US. In the last month I have bought Wera bits, Festool Systainers, Abrasive Systainers some Dominos and a couple of Festool vac hoses, it ships quickly (about a week) and no hassles. Other Wera sources are Chads Tool Box and KC Tools both of which send coupons on occasion if you sign up.

[Victor Robinson]

As to the Wera bits...

Nice, thanks Van. I've got a Bitcheck in my Amazon cart, no diamond bits in that set though (still not convinced on those). I'm curious to see if the Rapidapter is really that much better than the adapters I have from Lee Valley.

[Van Huskey]

Nice, thanks Van. I've got a Bitcheck in my Amazon cart, no diamond bits in that set though (still not convinced on those). I'm curious to see if the Rapidapter is really that much better than the adapters I have from Lee Valley.

I am pretty sure Amazon sells the single diamond bits, you may wanna try one, they grip better than anything I have tried. I haven't used the Lee Valley adaptors but maybe having just used Dewalt/Milwaukee/Craftsman and the like made Wera an easy sell. I started with the Wera Kraftform screwdrivers and moved to the bits and honestly haven't been let down yet.

[Rich Riddle]

I wish that 18 Volt version was available in the USA but it appears as though Bosch only sells it in Europe.

[Dick Mahany]

Has anyone seen a recent update as for US availability ? As of the end of July, I couldn't locate any news.

[Steve Peterson]

For years, I used a Craftsman cordless drill. Most of the cost was in the battery, You could buy a second drill with a battery and a charger for about the same cost as a spare battery. I got used to having one drill for drilling pilot holes and a second one set to low range for driving screws. It is much easier to grab the other drill instead of changing the tip and switching gear ratios.

Eventually, the batteries all started failing and I switched to Bosch 18V Li-ion drills. What an improvement. I need a second battery, so I might as well get a second drill. I see no need for the gimmick of interchangeable heads.

Steve

[Dick Mahany]

I see no need for the gimmick of interchangeable heads.

Steve

I'm interested in the offset chuck. I've only seen those available from Festool or non-US Milwaukee set ups.

[Ben Rivel]

Looks like the 18V version is on eBay:

[Dick Mahany]

Looks like the 18V version is on eBay:

Thanks much, I looked at those but I noticed they didn't include the offset chuck and being sold from S Korea, I'd need to then buy a US 110v charger. I just might go that way anyway and buy the offset chuck from Europe.

[Bill Dufour]

Are these better made then all the interchangeable stuff made before like drill powered skilsaw, sander, jigsaw. Even my delta contractor saw/jointer was not very good. I think this kind of multitool was popular in the 40's and 50's.
My take is the alignment of the motor to the transmission shaft is not very accurate or repeatable so there is a lot of room for misalinment and the resulting orbiting eccentric forces. A motor and a simple water pump should to be parallel and concentric within less then 5/1000" for good lifetimes.
Bill

[Gary Sostrin]

Time to give back to this great forum and to the members where I have gotten valuable info. You can preorder the 12v bosch flexiclick on amazon right now for $199.95 and I believe they give you a $10 gift card at the time to be applied to the order while supplies last. Just ordered mine

[David T gray]

thanks ordered one.

[Jim Becker]

Festool doesn't make an eccentric chuck for their 12v drills, only the 90*.

I have the older Festool 12v with all the trimmings and I have a chuck similar to the top "silver" one in your photo for it. It allows drilling/driving really close to something.

[Dick Mahany]

Time to give back to this great forum and to the members where I have gotten valuable info. You can preorder the 12v bosch flexiclick on amazon right now for $199.95 and I believe they give you a $10 gift card at the time to be applied to the order while supplies last. Just ordered mine

That figures...............I contacted Bosch 2 weeks ago about availability. They sent a reply stating that they had no information on whether or if it would be available for the US, so just yesterday I received my Festool T18 set, and then saw this today. Timing is everything.

[David T gray]

so it arrived a few days ago its heavyyyy for its size and feels good in the hand more then enough power for what i will use it for. the bag sucks barely fits every thing zero room for bits its going to make a new home in the box festool supplied with that $99 sander deal they had.