Over at Amazon, Bosch’s new PS22 brushless cordless screwdriver has dropped in price over the weekend from $149 to $124. It is also eligible for their $25 off $100+ holiday promo that expires today, 12/22/14, reducing the price to just $99 at checkout.
So for $99 (plus tax where applicable), you get the new teeny tiny cordless screwdriver, (2) 2.0Ah Li-ion batteries, a charger, and a kit bag.
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The PS22 cordless screwdriver launched last year as part of Bosch’s initial push into the brushless cordless drill and driver market. This screwdriver is said to be the smallest and lightest tool in its class. After handling one, I have to agree – it is indeed extremely compact. Despite its small size, the PS22 is still very comfortable to use.
Features and Specs
- 1/4″ hex chuck
- 20+1 clutch settings
- 180 in-lbs max torque
- 0-400/0-1300 RPM gearbox
- 5.6″ length
- 1.6 lbs
- Removable bit storage holder
It is interesting to note that the PS22 has a lower torque rating than Bosch’s PS32 drill/driver, which helps to differentiate the two tools. With a rating of 180 in-lbs, the PS22 screwdriver still packs a lot of punch.
It is likely that Bosch tuned the screwdriver for maximum runtime. And if you need more torque than the PS22 can deliver, the PS32 drill is one alternative, and the rumored PS42 brushless impact driver is another.
Bosch’s older brushed-motor PS21 screwdriver kit is also priced at $99, but it isn’t eligible for the $25 off $100+ promo. So for the same price, you get the PS22 brushless screwdriver and higher capacity 2.0Ah battery packs.
Buy Now(PS22 via Amazon)
Compare(PS21 kit via Amazon)
The PS32 drill/driver is also eligible for Amazon’s $25 off $100+ Bosch promo, dropping the price of the kit from $159 to $134.
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Buy Now(PS32 drill via Amazon)
BikerDad
Looks like a good deal. I already have one each of the PS20 and PS21, otherwise I’d probably jump on this, they are handy for dealing with screws where you need a light touch. Drawer slides, getting into computers and electronics, stuff like that. In short, the opposite end of the usage spectrum from an impact driver.
Now if only Bosch would get off their duff and bring out the EC Impact Driver. GRRRRR.
Aellynh
+1 on brushless impact. Still rocking a PS41 and its dirty as all hell, but still has its place in the tool bag for every day use. Can’t beat 2 pounds and useful for %90 of applications.
mike
This tool is awesome,and thats a great deal,if I didnt already have one id jump on this. Useful for all sorts of things.
Andy H
I’ve got both the PS22 and PS32. Despite its lower torque rating, the PS22 will snap a drywall screw, no problem.
victor serpa
Hi stuart – merry x-mas, you showed me a list one time of brands companies that also own other cpmpanies, I have been an inspector {quality} for over 25 years. Am i correct to say that milwaukee ownes “HART”. their c-clamps are top-notch. also over a year ago i read that dewalt was going to realise a “brushless” recipracating and circular saw but have not heard anything about it………….PS ; I bought the 581h dewalt cordded / battery vac and am very happy with it {amazon minus $25} total came out to $92. just the ac/dc was very conviniant………..your responce will be greatly appreciated……victor .
victor serpa
stuart
Serguei Cheltsov
Hi, Stuart! I am a bit of an arctic field technician and have to stick to a 12V standard in my equipment. When it comes to power tools, I used to buy Nickel-Cadmium models to hit 12V. It was OK as long as Nickel-Cadmium tools were a mainstream and Lithium-Ion ones were a new, expensive and unnecessary toys :). But nowadays there are fewer and fewer Ni-Cd models on the market because of the environmental concerns and other well-known reasons. My last purchase for an expedition was the 14,4V Lithium-Ion Makita angle grinder as it is the closest to 12V (fully charged 12V batteries are actually more than 12V and 14,4V tools are on the edge of their ability before the protective electronics cuts them off, aiming to preserve a “Li-Ion” battery). Of course I mainly use the grinder (and other possible similar tools) with their own batteries, but I can power them from 12V in emergency. My stubbornness to have only 12V-compatible tools might seem stupid, but I remember several times when this compatibility really saved us, so I am faithful to this “12V tradition” so far. Obviously, powering 14,4V tools from 12V batteries is problematic – they are not really compatible.
And suddenly I learn (from your nice blog, thank you!) about 12V Li-Ion lineups of the main cordless tools’ producers! For me this is great, but I do not understand how it is possible. As the voltage of a single Li-Ion cell is 3,6V, the succession of the possible battery voltages is: 7,2 – 10,8 – 14,4 – 18, etc. How do they obtain 12V in Lithium-Ion??? I would really like to know! Thank you very much in advance!
Serguei
Stuart
Hi Serguei,
Although I generally describe these tools as “12V,” they are really “12V Max” products. In the USA and Canada, power tool brands market Li-ion tools as 12V Max instead of 10.8V.
They call them “12V Max” because 10.8V battery packs can approach this voltage when fully charged.
12V Max is the same as 10.8V. You will generally only find “12V Max” branding in North America. I believe that EU regulations don’t allow for this funny businesses, which is why they are properly advertised as 10.8V in Europe.
The same thing is true for Stanley Black & Decker’s “20V Max” marketing for most if not all of their brands, such as Dewalt. SBD and a couple of other companies follow the same marketing strategy, where they brand 18V tools as “20V Max” in North America.
As you said, the battery packs are built with 3.6V cells, and so their nominal voltages must be in multiples of 3.6V, such as 10.8V and 18V.
Keep in mind that not all 10.8V/12V Li-ion tools and battery packs will be suitable for your needs. While some brands’ Li-ion battery packs now offer decent cold-weather performance, others use more basic cells that probably won’t hold up to Arctic temperatures.