12 volt drill users. Bosch anyone? Milwaukee too $$.

[Patrick Irish]

I’ve been eyeing a 12volt impact driver and drill set for awhile. Have a hand me down desalt 14.4 that works great for my needs. Have several batteries, drills, saws, light etc. was looking for something smaller and more compact.

$210 with taxes got a m12 fuel Milwaukee impact, drill, and vibrate tool. Not bad.

Came across a Bosch 12v impact and drill, 2 batteries with a $20 off Lowe’s deal.... $86 out the door. Feel like that was a good deal.

Only dofference is the drill is 3/8” and Milwaukee is 1/2”. Figured I’d use my dewalt if I find j need 1/2” bits.

Anyone use the Bosch 12v tools? They have a battery 1/4” router that looks cool.

[Paul F Franklin]

I have the drill/driver, 2 or 3 of the impact drivers, the flexiclick set, and the jigsaw. The palm router is on my wish list. I use them constantly and only switch to bigger tools for the big jobs. I can't compare to the Milwaukee because I haven't used any of them, but I love the Bosch. I probably have 8 batteries and I have yet to have to replace one. The flexiclick is great for tight spaces. The only gripe I have with any of them is the jigsaw lacks a dust blower. These aren't the kind of tools you'd use on a construction site, but for in the shop I find them indispensable.

[Ralph Okonieski]

I have a number of the Bosch 12v and am completely satisfied with their power and performance. The batteries provide a charge for a long time, except for the oscillating multi-tool. That tool takes the battery to zero very quickly. They are my go-to tools in the shop and everywhere. I’ve had to replace one or two but that was after many years of service. No complaints.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Don't have the Bosch, but have had the Ridgid set for years. Filled out the LSA. Never a problem with these tools. On my original (2006 purchase date) 12V LI drill, I've had a couple sets of FREE replacement batteries using LSA.

[Ryan Lloyd]

Hi Patrick,

I like drills that have the option of standing upright. Both the Milwaukee and Bosch 12v drills are precarious in that orientation.

I've had a DeWalt 12v drill/driver set for close to 10 years now with no issues. They have been nice, light tools that feel good in the hand. I am not aware that DeWalt has a 12v router, however.

For a drill or driver, I consider the most important feature to be ergonomics. Take a drive down to your local hardware store, and see what feels best for you. As far as the operation of these respective tools, I doubt you would be disappointed with any of them.

Regards,
Ryan

[Sam Puhalovich]

I bought the Bosch Flexclick combo kit 6 months-ago ... I'm very pleased with it. I have had the Bosch 12V combo drill-driver-hammer for 2 years ... clearly out-performs the two 12V Makitas that I have in battery life, power and smoothness.
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[Jack Frederick]

I have the M12 kit as well as the small M12 sawz-all (fabulous tool) and love them. Compact, powerful & easy to carry. Oh and I recently picked up the m12 grease gun. It is just so much better than the old hand crank.

[Andrew More]

I've got the 12V bosch drill driver combo. Mostly bought it for the batteries for the trim router, which is excellent. I have been very happy with the tools, which have exceeded my expectations for what they can do. About 95% of my projects I use the Bosch instead of my 18V Dewalt drill driver, which are now mostly gathering dust.

One thing to think about before you buy the Bosch is that their 12v system is much more limited than Milwaukee, and it matters, since the batteries are a huge part of the price.

[Dick Mahany]

I purchased the Bosch Flexi Click when it first came out in 2017. It was my first Bosch 12V tool and I find that it has become my favorite go to tool for light and medium tasks. Even though this model is not brushless, it has impressive power and great run time for such a compact tool. The offset/eccentric chuck and the right angle attachment are excellent for cabinet assembly and installation and make this tool an incredibly versatile one. I didn't like the soft case that it came in so I systainerized mine. I have been thinking about adding the 12V impact driver, but my years old DeWalt 14.4V impact driver just won't quit.

I only have one Milwaukee 12v tool, the Hackzall and wanted to get the Milwaukee M12 FPDX interchangeable head percussion drill, but it is only available in Europe, so now I have multiple 12V platforms but I can live with that.

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[Rob Sack]

I have the Bosch, Milwaukee, and Dewalt 12V drills, drivers and impact. The Bosch and Milwaukee are fine. The Dewalts work well and have a decent run time on the batteries. But for the long haul, the batteries don't seem to last as long as the other two brands. Before you purchase, check out a new deal from Makita. I just got as two tool 18V set which included a keyless chuck drill and an impact driver with two batteries, one charger, and a case for 199.00 plus tax. The Makitas have the weight and feel closer to my 12V's, with the power and run time of an 18V. Plus Makita seems to be the only company left that is solely owned. All the others are parts of larger corporations.

[eugene thomas]

I used the 12volt Milwaukee to finish main floor in my house and sheetrock basement, great tool. From all responces on Bosch think eather way ya go will have nice setup.

[Derek Cohen]

Hi Patrick,

I like drills that have the option of standing upright. Both the Milwaukee and Bosch 12v drills are precarious in that orientation.

I've had a DeWalt 12v drill/driver set for close to 10 years now with no issues. They have been nice, light tools that feel good in the hand. I am not aware that DeWalt has a 12v router, however.

For a drill or driver, I consider the most important feature to be ergonomics. Take a drive down to your local hardware store, and see what feels best for you. As far as the operation of these respective tools, I doubt you would be disappointed with any of them.

Regards,
Ryan

Hi Patrick

I echo what Ryan writes - long after the cost is forgotten, the ergonomics remain.

It is difficult for anyone to give you the ultimate advice when it is a hand tool. You have to try it for yourself. I have 2 cordless drills, one is 25 years old, a Panasonic 12v. At the time I purchased it, I was struggling with a tennis elbow. I recall lifting a dozen different brands, holding them up ... and in the end it was the Panasonic that stood above the others for the least discomfort. It was expensive at the time but has proved itself to be a very strongly made tool. The batteries have been replaced a number of times, and I’ve just replaced them again, this time with NiMh types (fantastic!).

There are lighter, better drills available today. I am not advocating a Panasonic. It’s been 3 or 4 years since I purchased a second drill. This is a 10.8v Festool C12. It’s lighter but has the same balance/feel as the Panasonic. The point I want to make here is that it is used in the workshop and is not for carpentry. I do not need a bigger, more powerful drill. It is powerful enough to drill repeatedly into very hard wood, and it great at getting into cabinet corners or gently drilling screws. Again, I am not suggesting that you purchase a Festool, just that you seek out a tool that meets your needs, ergonomics being one and weight/power being others. Price must come into the equation. This is less so an issue for me since I rationalise that I will get years of use (and I have a wife with the same philosophy).

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Larry Frank]

I have the Milwaukee M12 and it is great for my use. I really do not care about the price but the ergonomics is critical and the Milwaukee fits my hands. Certainly, with the differences in hands every person may find that different brands feel better.

I have Festool Sanders because of the ergonomics and dust collection. My wrists are so worn out that ergonomics is the most critical criteria for me with any tool.

[Jared Sankovich]

I own all versions of the Milwaukee m12 impacts. The latest generation is a bit fat in the grip compared to gen 1, but has better features and power of them.

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[peter gagliardi]

I have owned both. The Bosch is a decent unit, but the Milwaukee stuff just has more power and runtime than any of the Bosch stuff I tried.
The batteries and then the charger died early on my Bosch stuff- 3-4 years.
I only buy Milwaukee now.

[cody michael]

I have a set of ridgid 12v, I use them for everything I can. Only use 18v for heavy duty stuff,

[George Yetka]

My younger brother bought a house and had 0 tools to his name so I dumped my drill/impactor/sawzall on him and bought myself a cxs. I love the cxs but I am now without a small impactor. I am looking at the ps42 not sure if it comes in a set though

[kent borcherding]

I have Bosch tools - usually use impacts a lot. Have 2 - 18volt 1/4" inch impact drivers , 1- 18volt impact driver also a drill driver can switch from impact to drill driver . I believe Bosch discontinued the drill driver that can be switch to impact driver , by pushing button on top to either drill or impact.
Buy all my Bosch tools from CPOoutlet in Georgia. Excellent service.
CPO has many reconditioned tools ,usually tools that were used to demonstrate at tool shows . CPO offers a 120 return on the reconditioned tools free shipping on orders over $49.00

They have some 12volt reconditioned impact drivers Bosch now . Includes 2 batteries - 30 minute charger and carrying case . offer 10% off on reconditioned tools now .
I ordered some 12volts impacts yesterday - for $75.00 each shipping included .
With the120 day return policy and excellent service --from a very good tool seller. Been doing business with CPO for a number years.

[glenn bradley]

Don't have the Bosch, but have had the Ridgid set for years. Filled out the LSA. Never a problem with these tools. On my original (2006 purchase date) 12V LI drill, I've had a couple sets of FREE replacement batteries using LSA.

Yep, haven't bought a battery since 2008. Long life, lots of power and best of all . . . compact. I did win a set with a 12v Bosch Drill/Impact for a magazine tip and it was very nice. I was well satisfied with the Ridgids and had several tools/batts all with LSA. I gifted the Bosch to a deserving forum member.

[Greg Parrish]

I ended up with the M12 stuff when replacing my Makita 18v set due to defunct batteries. I liked the feel of the Bosch but the Milwaukee rep happened to be in HD when I looked and he gave me a ton of spare batteries and stuff for buying.

I have the brushless impact, drill, and circ saw. I also have the hackzall, jig saw, vibrating tool, right angle drill and flash light. Two chargers and a battery for every tool.

The biggest reason I jumped on the deal was all the free batteries. Usually the reason I buy new sets is because the batteries eventually give out and 2 batts cost as much as a new set.

I like the M12 stuff but do wish it were a little more compact sometimes. It is much lighter than my 18v stuff but not as light as I hoped. That said I think it is well built and easily replaced 18v for my usage.

from time to time I catch myself drooling at the new Makita compact 18v stuff but most sets don’t include a hammer drill and honestly I’m not sure it would improve on the M12 sets other than consolidating batteries and charger to my track saw.

[Dave Sabo]

The only gripe I have with any of them is the jigsaw lacks a dust blower.

A file for a 3D printed attachment exists to make a blower attachment. Alternatively, a dust port exists in the Euro market but is extremely hard to source stateside.


These aren't the kind of tools you'd use on a construction site, but for in the shop I find them indispensable.

I disagree entirely. We've had the bosch drivers/ drills / impacts on cabinet installs since they arrived in the early 2000's Plenty capable and the first sets of batteries and units just died out last year. They aren't the kinds of tools that a plumber or electrician would likely get by with for rough-ins, nor would they be suited for framing decks everyday. But for trim out, I don't think they can be beat. 12v is more for precision type work than drilling 5" holes and driving 1/2" lags into sills.


The batteries provide a charge for a long time, except for the oscillating multi-tool.

yes, but the multi tool gets good runtime if you use the 3.0 Ah battery or the larger 4.0 -or- 6.0 Ah ones. The gearbox really designed for sustained heavy use, so the battery life kinda matches the tool's capability.





I like drills that have the option of standing upright. Both the Milwaukee and Bosch 12v drills are precarious in that orientation.

If you use the 4.0 or 6.0 Ah batteries; both brand drills will easily stand upright. Longer life/more power is a small bonus.




For a drill or driver, I consider the most important feature to be ergonomics.

Absolutely, the bosch units have a larger diameter / flatter handle , while milwaukee has a skinnier more round handle. You gotta hold them to tell a difference.




One thing to think about before you buy the Bosch is that their 12v system is much more limited than Milwaukee, and it matters, since the batteries are a huge part of the price

Well, sort of. The batteries are the major part of the price. Oft times it's cheaper to get a "kit" with two new batteries than to buy 2 separate batteries. Yes the bosch lineup is smaller than milwaukee, but pretty much all the bases are covered for the woodworker. Bosch has a better jigsaw by far, and milwaukee doesn't have a router or planer offering or flex-clic. It boils down to ergonomics for me.


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I own both platforms but prefer the Bosch for the drills/drivers. Their planer is an absolute gem. But I also like the milwaukee solderer, air compressor, staple gun and tubing cutter. Their 3" cutoff saw is much better than bosch's, but I like bosch's handheld LED lites better. Milwaukee's dual platform charger for 12v + 18v batteries is a beauty.

[Jon Nuckles]

I have the M12 drill/driver set that I got several years ago for a great price with 2 regular batteries and one larger battery and a charger. I am happy with the ergonomics (I have large hands) and battery performance. The drill isn't quite as powerful as I would like -- it sometimes bogs down when used with a doweling jig in hard woods -- but is otherwise good. I have looked at the other tools in the lineup, particularly the oscillating saw, but haven't had a real need and haven't bitten yet.

[Nick Shattuck]

I've had both the M12 impact and driver and Bosch 12V impact and driver. I prefer the Bosch. It's more compact, and if you ever take them apart, you can tell the Bosch's housing is beefier, less toy-like. The M12 has way more tools available, if that's important, but for a drill/driver brushless and not, Bosch wins hands-down.

For the record, I have M18 fuel drill & driver, but they get used probably 1/100th of the time the 12Vs do. It's just so nice is have so much power in a small form.

[Derek Arita]

I assembled bikes for 8 years as a retirement job. I tried Bosch, but found the Milwaukee more ergonomic to use and also, seemed more torquey...the impact drivers I mean. It just felt more solid.

[Cary Falk]

I have the Bosch 12V drill and impact and am happy with them

[lowell holmes]

I have never been disappointed in a tool that I purchased at Lowes or Home Depot.

[Jim Dwight]

Most of my cordless tools are Ryobi. Most are 18 volt but I have a couple 40V tools including a mower. They work fine for me. But the drills are big and bulky.

So I bought the Bosch flexi-click set and I really like it. Much more compact but still has good power. I've used it to bore 1 inch holes in 2x4s and many other tasks. I got it with a set of Bosch bits which are also surprisingly useful. I have the jigsaw on my wish list.

I just got my first Milwaukee cordless too, a 18V grinder with two 6 amp hour batteries. I was surprised by the high pitched noise the charger makes but also pleasantly surprised how fast the batteries charged. My sons really like Milwaukee cordless tools and I am sure I will get a few more.