Bosch has alerted me to some changes made to the pending USA launch of their 12V FlexiClick modular drill/driver.
First, there will be a USA-specific model number, GSR12V-140FC. This kit, which will still retail for $199, will come with the main tool, a keyless drill chuck, locking bit holder, right angle attachment, offset angle attachment, (2) 2.0Ah Li-ion battery packs, a fast charger, and a carrying bag.
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That’s pretty much what we expected. In Europe, there’s the choice between a lower priced bare bones kit with the tool and 1 attachment, and a full kit with all attachments and an L-Boxx. The US price equivalent falls in between, including all 4 attachments and a carrying bag to keep the costs modest.
But unfortunately, this suggests that there won’t be a molded insert for users who want to keep their FlexiClick in a separately purchased L-Boxx.
It is confirmed that the 12V FlexiClick will deliver up to 265 in-lbs of torque.
There’s one more notable change – the 12V FlexiClick comes with a 3/8″ drill chuck, and NOT 1/2″. (Bummer.)
The ETA has also changed, from May 2017 to Summer 2017.
Update: May 2017 and Summer 2017 are considered the same time target.
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Jerry
I like it. I don’t use my compact tools for demanding jobs, but rather for quick handy jobs, especially where space is tight. I would think this would be a good way to have a higher end tool without a big investment. The only competition I can really think of offhand would be the B&D/Craftsman version of interchangeable cordless tools. Ridgid/Ryobi has one as well, but it is enough different I don’t think they are directly comparable. They are inline instead of pistol grip, and 18V. Ridgid had a 12V version but I think they may have dropped it. All they need now is an impact driver attachment to be complete. One quick question, is the drive coupler 1/4 hex? If so, it could be about the most compact hex driver I’ve seen with decent capability. I know it wouldnt have a locking bit holder, but for the few times you’d need it that short, it would be tolerable.
JMG
I just don’t get it. Tool companies have all of these cool storage options available… as long as you don’t live in the states. Is the market for these items so horrible that there can’t even be an option for special order?
fred
Maybe Bosch sees the US market more clearly than we do. After all we are the country where Wal-Mart is our largest retailer, Harbor Freight has over 700 stores and our biggest home centers like Home Depot and Lowes focus their tool aisles seemingly more on the DIY market (e.g. Ryobi and Kobalt) than professional-grade tools.
Matt
I think this may be Bosch’s 12v game changer. A way for them to step out of the shadow and deliver something of quality to a very demanding market. Something not yet available, unless you have the money for Festool or the removable chuck on Feins 12v brushless drill.
I am still not certain why this isn’t a part of their EC line(besides perhaps a price point?) Would the EC brushless motor have made this too pricey for entry into the competitive USA 12v market? Especially with a lack of solid footing and lagging in availability, maybe Bosch needed to make something somewhat affordable…. Then again their brushless 12v was lacking in power compared to the brushed model and this seems to have similar torque numbers if not identical.
So does this mean their brushless motors lack power?
Either way, I am a firm believer that Bosch makes the most powerfully compact 12v tools. The size and weight coupled with decent torque and excellent run time allows for a very well balanced tool as well as more room in my tool bag for other necessary items.
I personally cannot wait.
Will
I have the 18v fein and I cannot understand why they don’t offer attachments other than the chuck and a 1/4″ attachment. Why no right angle or offset like FESTOOL,Milwaukee 12v in Europe and Bosch even has an SDS attachment.
Toolfreak
Some of their brushless tools have lower specs than the brushed models, BUT in practice they do seem to work well and can do the same everyday stuff as the brushed models. Most people aren’t going to push 12V Max tools to their limit, and if they are, then they need to move to the 18V line. I’m sticking with my brushed 12V Max stuff for now, but mainly because of the prices, though it’s nice to have higher specs for now, but I have little doubt that the next generation of brushless tools will be quite the upgrade.
Marvin McConoughey
Concur. I have both and the practical difference in my usage has been zero.
John Blair
I’m considering buying one internationally so I can have the LBoxx version. I’ve ordered from Axminster before and their shipping isn’t too ridiculous. http://www.axminster.co.uk/bosch-gsr-12v-15-fc-drill-driver-set-12v-2-x-2-0ah-103608
I hate that US companies don’t include a nice case. I end up making my own with Kaizen foam but that just isn’t the same.
fred
Cases are a funny thing. Some folks eschew cases entirely – and certainly on the shop floor where tools might be stored in drawers, bins or even hung overhead, cases may be less relevant. But for power tools stored in tool rooms, workout centers, or even trucks for grab-and-go use – a case is a nice thing to have. At one time – when you bought a professional-grade tool it came in a steel case – with room for accessories. Then manufacturers switched to blow-molded cases – providing adequate protection – but added bulk and usually no room for accessories. Now – to give you something on the cheap – they bundle tools or kits with a nylon bag – maybe OK for carrying – but pitiful IMO for storage or tool protection. Everything seems to relate to being able to show a low bottom-line price.
Marvin McConoughey
Concur. I have both brushless and non-brushless Bosch and the practical difference in my
moderate usage has been zero. It may be different for heavy users.
Toolfreak
I bought a Bosch 12V Max drill kit with the L-Boxx..and sold the L-Boxx. It wasted a ton of space using the inserts and only having two tools and a charger in there, and there wasn’t enough room in one box for more than a few of the 12V Max tools even without the inserts. I also found the plastic to be pretty fragile, it seemed like it would crack if you treated the box too roughly, and the handle felt like it would snap off. Not really ideal for durable tool storage and transport.
The L-Boxx would actually make a lot of sense for a kit like this, but a bag is usually tougher, though Bosch’s tool bags seem to get pretty poor reviews for durability, too.
The yeti
I have considered ordering Lboxes . They seem like a lot of money for plastic . They would look good on the shelf I guess . Up here they are like 100 dollars a box . I’d rather save up and buy the bosch mitre saw with the knuckle arm .
Chris
Wouldn’t a unit purchased from a UK dealer (axminster for example) have the wrong plug on the charging unit? Or do you use a converter?
Stuart
I don’t think kits can ship, due to battery restrictions.
But… you could toss the charger and use a US charger. The batteries should be the same. My 12V Max batteries work in my 10.8V (same thing) saw that I ordered from Amazon UK.
I have 2 Bosch glue pens that I’ve been waiting to use. They charge via USB, and so that simplifies things for me. I’ll toss the chargers – if included – and use my own.
Robert
I would have preferred they made it brushless and included only 2 heads is they needed to hit a price point.
glenn
If Bosch were to release a 10.8v rotary hammer as well, that along with the above and their other products in the line up would probably sway me to swap from Milwaukee. Bosch 10.8v tools are also generally a bit cheaper in Aus than Milwaukee as well.
Chris
Bosch’s PS32 brushless drill is tiny and delivers 180 in ibs of torque so maybe that wasn’t quite enough power to cover the needs of these attachments. Just guessing though. Doesn’t really bother me too much that it’s not brushless and I’m sure it will last plenty long enough to justify $200.
Bryan
I’m sure this will be a great tool. I have the brushless pocket driver and it is rock solid as well as the Festool CXS. I’ve become a huge fan of the centrotec system so I’ll probably hold off but looks really slick.
Austin werrmann
No lboxx and no 1/2“ head, I may be importing this one even with it coming out here. Then I just have to put the flexclick head on a ps22 brushless body. It’s possible and fits like a glove. A German guy on YouTube already did it.
Chris
I wonder if the body is basically ps21?
Garrick
Sounds like a way to go for myself. Having already enough PS21s, it would be great to put one in an LBOXX with all the extra heads. I wouldn’t need the driver head though. I never use them, as it introduces an extra bit of slop when driving screws. I just spend the extra fraction of a second and install them in the drill chuck.
DazDwnUnda
Do you have link to video of PS22 with flexiclick head
Austin werrmann
Where did you see it was going to have a 3/8 chuck. Bosch says it will have a 1/2″
http://pressroom.boschtools.com/GSR12V-15-Flexi-Click-5-in-1-drill-driver
Goodnightjohnboy
What I don’t understand is why 12v? I’d much rather have an 18v version. 18v would be considered professional. It doesn’t have to be brushless. But a 12v battery ain’t got enough balls for a multiple attachment drill/driver. Its sort of like they ripped off the 20v b&d matrix with their own 12v version limited to only 4 attachments. Where’s the impact driver or rotary hammer attachment?
fred
Why 12V ? It’s because 12V LiIon tools are plenty powerful enough for many jobs and move compact than their 18V big brothers. Our installers used Milwaukee M12 tools almost exclusively. Our carpentry and construction crews used Makita 18V LXT tools and later Milwaukee M18 almost exclusively. Our Plumbers used a combination of 12V and 18V tools depending on the task.
If my ex-compatriots had invested in Bosch instead of the M12 lineup – this driver kit would be on the purchase list for installation work.
Toolfreak
As much as I like my Bosch 12V Max tools, this modular stuff seems too gimmicky. The B&D Matrix/Craftsman Bolt-on was bad enough, but now Bosch is doing it?
I guess if it came with the 1/2″ drill attachment, that plus the 90 degree and offset attachments would make it unique enough for existing 12V Max owners to add, with the straight driver attachment allowing you to use it solo without bringing a seperate driver along.
Would be nice if Bosch offered a kit with just the driver and attachments for say, $99-129, skipping the batteries, charger, and bag so exitsting 12V Max owners can just add it to their lineups without stuff they don’t need more of.
Otherwise I guess I’ll just wait until these are at a hefty discount, maybe when the 2.5Ah batteries start coming standard in the kits instead of the 2.0Ah and they clearance the older kits.
Brent
I want the Milwaukee version, or if I could afford it the Festool cxs…
Alick
I saw this set at a tool show in the UK today. The one thing I had wondered about was how solid the locking mechanism for the interchangeable heads was. It felt good. No movement to speak of. I can’t say how well it will stand up with wear but it was great out of the box and better than I expected.