Bosch 26618-01 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Impact Drill/Driver Kit

Bosch 26618-01 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Impact Drill/Driver Kit
by Bosch

Bosch 26618-01 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Impact Drill/Driver Kit
List Price: $620.00
Our Price: $279.99
You Save: $340.01 (55%)
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Category: Tools
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Product Details

Manufacturer: Bosch
Model: 26618-01
Color: Blue
Product features:
  • 3 modes of Operation - Allow user to optimize the tool for drilling, driving, and fastening activities
  • 1,500 in lbs of torque - Has the most torque out of any other multi-function Impact Tool on the market
  • 3,200 BPM/2,800 RPM Gear Box - Allows leading performance with highest torque output and fastest drive time.
  • Spring-Loaded Impact Mechanism - Reduces torque reaction and screw cam-out
  • 1/4-Inch Hex Drive with Quick Release - Works efficiently with most popular accessories
Accessories:

Description of Bosch 26618-01 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Impact Drill/Driver Kit

Includes 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Impact Drill/Driver - 26618-01, (2) 18V Lithium-Ion FatPack Batteries - BAT618, 30-Minute Lithium-Ion Battery Charger - BC630, Double-Ended Phillips Bit, Belt Clip, Carrying Case
The Bosch 18-Volt Impact Drill/Driver gives you superior fastening, drilling, and driving power in one tool. This combination drill/driver delivers an impressive 1,500 in./lbs. of max torque in impact mode, and can be used with any of Bosch's lithium-ion line of batteries for further convenience. Bit changes are easy with the 1/4-inch hex drive, which is compatible with most accessories. Electronic Cell Protection results in longer battery life and better performance.

Bosch Logo
18V Lithium-Ion Impact Drill/Driver
At a Glance:
  • Drill/driver offers three modes of operation for drilling, driving, and fastening tasks

  • 1,500 in./lbs. of torque in impact mode with spring-loaded mechanism to reduce torque reaction

  • 1/4-inch hex drive with quick release for fast bit changes

  • Electronic Cell Protection protects battery for longer life and better performance

  • One-year limited warranty
At a Glance
Bosch 26618-01 18V Lithium-ion Impact Drill/Driver
Superior torque makes this tool ideal for drilling through metal. View larger.
Bosch 26618-01 18V Lithium-ion Impact Drill/Driver
Three modes of operation for drilling, driving, and fastening tasks. View larger.
Bosch Impactors: Faster Performance for Increased Productivity
This multipurpose tool is part of Bosch's new line of Impactor drills and drivers. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, these tools are designed to be faster than comparable cordless impact drivers and impact wrenches. In the demanding world of metal fastening and serial screw driving applications, the increase in speed means a significant boost to productivity.

Features Three Modes of Operation
Ideal for around-the-house and professional jobs, the drill/driver offers three modes of operation so you can optimize for drilling, driving, and fastening applications. Two-speed drilling options--up to 750 or 2,800 rpm--gives you the high speed you need for small diameter bits, and high torque for larger diameter bits.

In impact mode, the tool offers a max torque of 1,500 in./lbs. A 3,200 bpm/2,800 rpm gearbox provides fast drive time, while a spring-loaded impact mechanism reduces torque reaction and screw cam-out.

Easy Access and Compatibilty Features
As user-friendly as it is efficient, this drill/driver has a 1/4-inch hex drive for one-handed bit changes, and is compatible with popular accessories. As a bonus, it also includes one double-headed Phillips bit. Three LEDs provide visibility in tight corners and low-light areas, while its externally accessible brushes makes replacements easy.

About Bosch Lithium-Ion Batteries
This tool is powered by an 18-volt battery from Bosch's line of lithium-ion batteries, all of which boast Electronic Cell Protection. This battery pack design protects both the battery and the tool by preventing the three main causes of battery failure--overheating, overloading, and deep discharging. The results are optimal battery life and performance, 35-percent more run time, and up to two times as many recharge cycles.

Warranty Information
The Bosch Impact Drill/Driver is backed by a manufacturer's one-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Drill/driver, two batteries, charger, Phillips bit, belt clip, and carrying case.


Tools and Hardware Reviews of Bosch 26618-01 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Impact Drill/Driver Kit

Customer Review: Model 26618 vs 25618
Summary: 5 Stars

BACKGROUND:

I own a DeWalt 18-Volt Ni-Cad hammerdrill and a DeWalt 12-volt drill. The batteries recently bit the bullet. The cost of replacement batteries is ridiculous, especially ridiculous to upgrade to lithium-ion batteries. I came to the decision that I would just by a new drill. I have always purchased DeWalt, but I was disappointed with the 18-volt DeWalt drill overall. So, decided to look at other brands. I did a little research online and decided that I could benefit from a powerful impact driver. Further research led me to the Bosch products. Bosch cordless tools seem to get very positive professional reviews and also overwhelmingly glowing reviews from most real users. I was all set to purchase Bosch CLPK23-180 18-Volt 2-Tool Litheon Combo Kit until I came across Bosch 26618-01. I decided on the Bosch 26618-01 because I was primarily interested in an impact driver (not necessarily a "kit"). The Bosch 26618-01 is the best Bosch currently has to offer.

Interested in a Bosch impact drill/driver? What's Available?

There are two 18-volt impact drill/driver currently being offered by Bosch: Model 25618 and 26618.
As of the time of this review, the best deal on Model 25618 is to buy it in a "combo kit" which includes the Compact Tough Drill/Driver model 36618 for around $200. The Bosch CLPK23-180 18-Volt 2-Tool Litheon Combo is a great kit. I almost bought it instead. I suggest you buy it if you can only budget $200. However, the kit comes with the Impact Drill/Driver Model 25618. While this is a great impact driver, it lacks some features found on model 26618 that some might find very important and worth the extra cost.

COMPARE/CONRAST: Model 26618 and Model 25618 - Why does model 26618 cost so much more?

** Model 26618 has a 3-mode switch vs. Model 25618 has single mode
(The 3-mode switch allows the user to switch between: 1) Drill Mode 0 - 750RPM, 2) Drill Mode 0 - 2800 RPM, 3) Impact Mode 0 - 2800 RPM + 0 - 3200 BPM + 1500 in.-lbs. torque

** Model 26618 has 3 LEDs located around the hex ring vs Model 25618 has a single LED located above the trigger.
(User reviews of model 25618 report a shadow to be cast upon your hex bit tip while you are working.)

** Model 26618 comes with 2 "FatPack" batteries vs 2 "SlimPack" batteries that come in the CLPK23-180 Kit
(Some might consider this a "con" since the "FatPack" batteries are slightly bulkier. I personally prefer the extended run-time of the "FatPack" batteries. Regardless of your choice, the "FatPack" batteries are more expensive and help explain the added cost of model 26618. NOTE: As of the time of this review, you can buy the model 25618 alone with "FatPack" batteries for around $200)

** Model 26618 comes with a hard carrying case vs CLPK23-180 Kit comes with a "Jobsite Bag"
(Again, this is a user preference, but a hard case probably a little more costly than a bag which further adds to the cost of model 26618. NOTE: If you purchase model 25618 by itself it comes with a hard case.)

CONCLUSION:

I realize this was more of a compare/contrast between model 25618 and 26618 than a full product review. I originally thought this was the same impact drill/driver found in the kit until I had a closer look. I hope you found this information useful. Please see the additional product photos that I uploaded. After using model 26618, I am completely happy with my purchase and would buy again.

Additional buying tips:
Does model 26618 have enough extra features to justify the extra cost? That is for YOU to decide. I hope this review helps you make that decision. If you decide to buy model 25618 in the "combo kit", you might want to know that the kit being sold by amazon is listed as being "refurbished" (as of the date of this writing) and is selling for $206. It's still a good deal with a full warranty. However, this same kit (only brand new) can be purchased from my local Lowe's for $199. Also, if you decide to buy Model 26618 you might want to look around locally as well. I found Model 26618 on sale locally (at Menard's) for $269 which helped seal the deal for me. I usually find the best deals right here on Amazon, but not this time.

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