Review of the Bosch I-Driver

[joseph j shields]

Review of the Bosch I-Driver

Santa brought me a new Bosch I-Driver. Below is my mini review – enjoy!

Overview:
I have a couple of tools for driving in screws in tight quarters. But each has weaknesses:

• I have a corded small right angle drill, but it has no clutch.
• I have a right angle “thingy” that attached to my cordless drill. Now I have a clutch, but it is awkward to use.
• I also have a small palm-sized ratcheting screw driver that is slow and also awkward to use.

With the Bosch I-Driver, I now have a tool that will drive screws in tight quarters without any weaknesses.

Please be aware that the Bosch I-Drive is more of a “right angle” DRIVER – and less of a drill. At 600 RPMs it could be limiting and tough to call this a drill. But as a driver it performs flawlessly.

Also, the tool does not have an adjustable chuck… it has a ¼” locking Quick Change Chuck that prevents bit loss in drive mode – you pull to insert or release 1/4″ hex shank bits. You can use drill bits BUT they must have a ¼” hex shank.

Specs:
No Load RPM0-600
Torque (in. lbs.)80
Weight (lbs.)2.2
Rating10.8V
Length90° = 3-1/2″ / 180° = 11-1/2″

What Do You Get?
Here is case closed... nice case with padded handle:
(SEE Photo #1 Below)

Inside the case you have: (See Photo #2)

• The Tools
• 2 Batteries
• Charger (30 minute)
• 2 bits

See photo #5 for features of the tool.

Impressions – What I LIKED:

This is a different type of driver in a couple of ways… and in this case different is good!

• The first time I pulled the trigger, I thought the batteries were dead. I then realized that I was experiencing the “soft-start” mechanism. As you pull the trigger it spins slowly to speed (actually is more like a split second) This allows you to make sure the bit has engaged the screw. It took about 5 minutes to get used to the soft-start. After driving in my 10th screw into hard maple, I began to appreciate the difference… no more “cam-outs”. (Note-the soft start is most noticeable if you squeeze the trigger to full RPMs.)
• The second thing I noticed was the “electronic” clutch. When you hit the clutch point the motor stops. All my other drills (which have “mechanical” clutches) continue to “grind” when hitting the clutch point. I rather like the motor cutting out… I feel like I have a little more control when drilling the screws.
• The torque seems pretty good. I was driving 1 5/8” pocket hole screws into hard maple at a clutch setting of “5”… so I had 2 more positions to max plus the drill mode. (No it will not compare to my 18v cordless)
• The unit has a nice ratcheting head for tight spaces. I found the tool to be a little awkward to use in the 0 degree position in the vertical position. In the horizontal position it was fine. (see photo #3 below). But the tool wasn’t really designed to be used in this position… after all it’s for tight quarters.
• At the 90 degree position the tool was a pleasure to use.(See photo #4) I tried it in a cabinet situation and it worked great!
• With a short bit, you can comfortably get into a space of 4”.
• The tool is very well balanced. The balance point is right where you hold it.

Impressions – What I DID NOT LIKE:

There’s not much to dislike about this tool… once you understand the soft-start.
However, there are a few things Bosch could have done better:
1. This drill was designed for tight spots i.e. places where light will probably be a problem. SO, why didn’t Bosch add a light to this drill?? I think Bosch missed on this feature big-time! OR this will be available on version 2.
2. The tool comes with 2 bits. It would have been nice if the tool could have incorporated a place to accommodate “on-tool” bit storage. Not a big deal, but it would have been nice.
3. It seems like the clutch doesn't adjust low enough for driving small screws or driving into soft material. It may strip them out. At the lowest clutch setting, I can drive a 1 5/8” pocket hole screw about 1/3 way into a 2x4 before the clutch kicks-in.

Final Thoughts
This is really a nice tool for close-quarters and Bosch did a good job designing the tool. The only thing they missed on was not putting a light on the tool.

The tool is built in China, but the fit & finish are high quality. It is what you would expect from Bosch!

I would highly recommend this tool if you find yourself having to drive in screws in tight spaces.


I hope you find this helpful!



-jj

[glenn bradley]

Thanks for the review Joseph. Good stuff and congrats.

[Jim DeLaney]

I've had mine for about two months, and pretty much echo all your likes and dislikes. One 'difference of opinion' is that I have no problem with using the straight-on, 0° position. I grip it differently, though. I hold it with the tool pointing upward/outward, like I'm shaking hands with it, and my thumb on the trigger. I find it very easy to control in this position.

BTW, mine replaced a DeWalt 7.2v screwdriver (DW920) that I'd had for about ten years. The second pair of batteries for the DeWalt died, and replacing them would have cost more than a new DeWalt driver kit, so I decided to 'upgrade' to the Bosch. After using it for a while, I'm convinced that the Bosch really is an upgrade. I particularly like the Lithium batteries. No shelf-life power loss like the NiCads.

[Steve Clardy]

Great review!!

I bought the small pistol grip model. I really like it

[Gary Keedwell]

[quote=joseph j shields]Review of the Bosch I-Driver

Santa brought me a new Bosch I-Driver. Below is my mini review – enjoy!

Overview:
I have a couple of tools for driving in screws in tight quarters. But each has weaknesses:

• I have a corded small right angle drill, but it has no clutch.
• I have a right angle “thingy” that attached to my cordless drill. Now I have a clutch, but it is awkward to use.
• I also have a small palm-sized ratcheting screw driver that is slow and also awkward to use.

With the Bosch I-Driver, I now have a tool that will drive screws in tight quarters without any weaknesses.

Please be aware that the Bosch I-Drive is more of a “right angle” DRIVER – and less of a drill. At 600 RPMs it could be limiting and tough to call this a drill. But as a driver it performs flawlessly.

Also, the tool does not have an adjustable chuck… it has a ¼” locking Quick Change Chuck that prevents bit loss in drive mode – you pull to insert or release 1/4″ hex shank bits. You can use drill bits BUT they must have a ¼” hex shank.

Specs:
No Load RPM0-600
Torque (in. lbs.)80
Weight (lbs.)2.2
Rating10.8V
Length90° = 3-1/2″ / 180° = 11-1/2″

What Do You Get?
Here is case closed... nice case with padded handle:
(SEE Photo #1 Below)

Inside the case you have: (See Photo #2)

• The Tools
• 2 Batteries
• Charger (30 minute)
• 2 bits

See photo #5 for features of the tool.

Impressions – What I LIKED:

This is a different type of driver in a couple of ways… and in this case different is good!

• The first time I pulled the trigger, I thought the batteries were dead. I then realized that I was experiencing the “soft-start” mechanism. As you pull the trigger it spins slowly to speed (actually is more like a split second) This allows you to make sure the bit has engaged the screw. It took about 5 minutes to get used to the soft-start. After driving in my 10th screw into hard maple, I began to appreciate the difference… no more “cam-outs”. (Note-the soft start is most noticeable if you squeeze the trigger to full RPMs.)
• The second thing I noticed was the “electronic” clutch. When you hit the clutch point the motor stops. All my other drills (which have “mechanical” clutches) continue to “grind” when hitting the clutch point. I rather like the motor cutting out… I feel like I have a little more control when drilling the screws.
• The torque seems pretty good. I was driving 1 5/8” pocket hole screws into hard maple at a clutch setting of “5”… so I had 2 more positions to max plus the drill mode. (No it will not compare to my 18v cordless)
• The unit has a nice ratcheting head for tight spaces. I found the tool to be a little awkward to use in the 0 degree position in the vertical position. In the horizontal position it was fine. (see photo #3 below). But the tool wasn’t really designed to be used in this position… after all it’s for tight quarters.
• At the 90 degree position the tool was a pleasure to use.(See photo #4) I tried it in a cabinet situation and it worked great!
• With a short bit, you can comfortably get into a space of 4”.
• The tool is very well balanced. The balance point is right where you hold it.

Impressions – What I DID NOT LIKE:

There’s not much to dislike about this tool… once you understand the soft-start.
However, there are a few things Bosch could have done better:
1. This drill was designed for tight spots i.e. places where light will probably be a problem. SO, why didn’t Bosch add a light to this drill?? I think Bosch missed on this feature big-time! OR this will be available on version 2.
2. The tool comes with 2 bits. It would have been nice if the tool could have incorporated a place to accommodate “on-tool” bit storage. Not a big deal, but it would have been nice.
3. It seems like the clutch doesn't adjust low enough for driving small screws or driving into soft material. It may strip them out. At the lowest clutch setting, I can drive a 1 5/8” pocket hole screw about 1/3 way into a 2x4 before the clutch kicks-in.

Final Thoughts
This is really a nice tool for close-quarters and Bosch did a good job designing the tool. The only thing they missed on was not putting a light on the tool.

The tool is built in China, but the fit & finish are high quality. It is what you would expect from Bosch!

I would highly recommend this tool if you find yourself having to drive in screws in tight spaces.


I hope you find this helpful!

Joe..my wife saw your picture and thought you looked kind of young for woodworking(beaver) lol lol

[joseph j shields]

Yeah...

ps Ward & June say "Hello" :-)

-jj

[Jeff Heil]

I have been thinking about an impact driver for drawer slides and tight quarters, this might be a better idea. Can anyone ballpark a retail price and advise on battery life? Thanks in advance!

[joseph j shields]

You can get it for about $150...

Can't answer your question about battery life since I just got it :-(

-jj

[Jim DeLaney]

I have been thinking about an impact driver for drawer slides and tight quarters, this might be a better idea. Can anyone ballpark a retail price and advise on battery life? Thanks in advance!

I paid $144 for mine at Hartville Hardware.

Battery life is excellent - several times what the charge life of my former DeWalt NiCad driver was. Also, the lithium batteries don't lose their charge while being stored between uses. In two months, I've only recharged each battery once, and I've done a lot of driving (and a little bit of drilling) with the tool.

[Ed Labadie]

Joseph,
Very good review.
I have both of the Bosch 10.4 drivers, great tools. I have no complaints with mine.

While chatting with a Bosch rep at a show last summer, I was told the next addition to the 10.4 volt line will be an impact driver. It is supposed to be the same size as the pistol grip model, only slightly enlarged in the body area to accomodate the impact mechanism.

Ed

[Doug Shepard]

Anybody know of any sellers with a price better than $139.99 ?? So far that's about the best I've found online, but am also waiting on a reply back from CPO Bosch that may have factory refurb ones for $119.99.

[joseph j shields]

Anybody know of any sellers with a price better than $139.99 ?? So far that's about the best I've found online, but am also waiting on a reply back from CPO Bosch that may have factory refurb ones for $119.99.

If you have a Menards in your area....

They often run a 15% off "Bag Sale".(15% off anything you can put in their bag)

This would bring the price down to around $125.

-jj