Well, that was weird.
Last week I saw that the Bosch 12V Max FlexiClick modular head drill/driver was available for preorder on Amazon.
Advertisement
This morning, I wondered if I could convince Bosch and their E-Commerce team to offer ToolGuyd readers a $10 discount or similar preorder bonus. I just checked the product page, and there’s now an ETA (This item will be released on September 30, 2017), and a promo:
From August 14, 2017, through September 29, 2017, buy the new Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 12V Max Flexiclick 5-In-1 Drill/Driver System and get a $10 Amazon GC when shipped and sold by Amazon.com. Discount automatically applied at checkout.
Cool. But seriously, is someone from Amazon in my head?
Price: $199 for the kit
The kit comes with everything shown above – the FlexiClick driver, (2) 2.0Ah battery packs, a charger, carrying case, and 4 attachment heads:
- Right angle adapter
- Drill chuck
- Offset driver adapter
- 1/4″ hex bit driver
Plus the built-in low-profile 1/4″ hex chuck.
Advertisement
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Add This($10 Gift Card – Must be added to your cart)
Thoughts?
Modular tools aren’t a new idea, but I find myself excited about the Bosch FlexiClick nonetheless. I don’t know if it’s something I would benefit from all the time, but the attachments look like problem-solvers, especially for cabinetry work.
Question: Can the right angle head be attached at a variety of clock angles, or is it one fixed orientation?
Answer: The offset and right angle tool heads can be attached in 16 different angular orientations.
Doresoom
The offset drive looks like a great solution for driving fasteners next to a corner. Can the right angle head be attached at a variety of clock angles, or is it one fixed orientation?
Stuart
It looks like the answer is yes. I attached one of the new product images, showing the right angle attachment in 16 different angular positions.
Nathan
looking at the attachment collar – note the 3 lobes of the flange.
I suspect but don’t know that you could mount either of those items in one of 3 spots in the circle – so 120 degree offsets with one of them being centered.
Doresoom
Yeah, I noticed the 3 tabs right after posting the question, but still wasn’t sure if the unit could be adjusted beyond those 3 positions or not. Thanks for the update Stuart!
Stuart
You’re welcome!
I saw the tabbed design too, but didn’t want to speculate until I learned more.
The offset adapter and right angle adapter can be set to 16 different angular positions.
Hilton
Doresoom, take a look at this;
https://goo.gl/bjmTWJ
Stuart
Or he could look at the end of the post, where I attached that same image 10 minutes ago. =P
Hang Fire
Cool deal. If I hadn’t just sprung for the Lowe’s Father’s Day $99 deal on two 12V drivers, two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger, I’d be all over that.
Drew M
They bring this to the US and not the little angle grinder? le sigh.
fred
I’ll bet that Germans think Americans are as inscrutable and illogical as we think them. I also betting that Bosch has some logic behind their business decisions. But sometimes I think its like when I’m in Germany and trying to follow a conversation with my faltering knowledge of the language. On those occasions, I’m reminded of their expression “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof”. if I have it right this is saying “I only understand the train station” – a cute way of saying “I haven’t a clue what your talking about.”
Drew M
At this point, I think the only cordless tools I want are a tracksaw, the small 12v angle grinder and an OMT.
I’d love to have revamped 12v and 18v drills with much nicer chucks and better spindle bearings as well but I doubt that will happen.
Toolfreak
I’m starting to think that Bosch has at least a few internal saboteurs, it makes no sense for them to leave so many products out of the US and other markets around the world when their competitor, Milwaukee, keeps coming out with new products and expanding their cordless lineup.
It might make sense to limit some products to the domestic German/European markets if there is a materials shortage or production issue, but I have a hard time believing it is either of those, since the factories are in China and their tools share a lot of common parts, not just with each other but with those of other manufacturers.
Jim Felt
While it’s fun to think collusion or some plot afoot both the Bosch 12 and 18v plus a similar Milwaukee 12v set have been offered worldwide for maybe 3 or more years
Given these company’s ability to track sales per market and plan way in advance it seems pretty obvious they think the average HD or Lowes level tool buyer does not care. While of course the Festool model has been available in two(!) body variants for years. Just not at any big box know nothing stores that I’m aware of.
Kinda like any other multilevel marketing situation. A Bell Curve of quality, price and specialization?
HF at one end, most common brands at the top and Hilti/Festool/Japanese hand tools at the other end.
Choices. Choices. Choices.
fred
The 12V class would seem to be the way to go for this.
Bosch had an 18V variant:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bosch-GSR18V-ECFC2-18V-Cordless-FlexiClick-5in1-Multi-Head-Dynamic-Drill-System-/262579062761
Festool has some too – but their C18 kit goes for $630.
When you are looking to do tight spot work – the smaller form factor of a 12V tool would help. Our installers had a batch of 12V (and some 18V tools): drills; right angle drills; compact impact drivers; right angle impact drivers and a batch of right angle accessories. This kit might replace some of these. The offset head is particularly appealing for driving close to a cabinet wall etc.
fred
BTW – maybe this will get Milwaukee to start bringing theirs (available in Europe) to the US.
Marcelo
I have seen this at a Brazilian dealer. Very cool indeed! The main differences from the 12v seems to be:
– Brushless (EC is written on tool body)
– FlexClick-2, probably not compatible with 12v FlexClick
– SDS attachment!
– Of course, larger size and heavier weight and price.
Diplomatic Immunity
Is this a sign of more things to come with their 12V lineup or is this just typical Bosch random once in awhile release? They’re very lackadaisical vs the other 3 major power tool brands when it comes to releasing new products. I don’t quite understand why.
Bertram
Do you know if this Bosch FlexiClick Drill/Driver has a brushless motor ?
Stuart
I don’t believe it does – there’s no mention anywhere of it having an “EC” motor.
Bertram
Thanks for the quick response, I enjoy your posts.
Bertram
Julian
I’ve been waiting on this kit to replace my aging Festool C12 kit with the same style asst of chucks.
Although the 12volt Bosch drivers have never impressed me in form factor or use, I continue to stay tied to the system for their most excellent carabiner/magnetic led light as well as a few other Milwaukee m12 tools that I’ve adapted to the Bosch batteries: jacket/radio/light USB power supply.
Jt
James C
I really wish we could get this in Red here in the US.
John S
Well they got half of your request:
https://www.milwaukeetool.eu/m12-sub-compact-drill-driver-with-removable-chuck/m12-bddx-eu/
The Red part, just not in the US :/
Davida1
I think that Milwaukee and Bosch have some sort agreement, where they are able to use the others designs. A lot of their tools look and like clones of each other (except for the color). It’s possible that has something to do with why Milwaukee hasn’t released it in the u.s., ie. they can’t release it in a market before Bosch, or they can’t at all sell it at all in this market.
As an aside I wonder if that’s why Bosch is slow to release some tools here.
Bo
The agreement is that Milwaukee’s parent – TTi is who manufacturers these thugs for Bosch.
You don’t think it’s a coincidence that their batteries are almost identical except for the polarity being reversed and the case bevel being on opposite sides ?
Stuart
The Bosch 10.8V/12V Max system came out first.
Doresoom
The Bosch actually looks like it has a lot tighter clearance on the offset drive. The M12 version looks disappointingly bulky.
Hilton
Here’s the press release if anyone is interested.
http://www.bosch-presse.de/pressportal/de/en/bosch-flexiclick-%E2%80%93-now-as-a-12-volt-version-81344.html
or
https://goo.gl/yK4Y7c
Hilton
I found this kit on a UK website for the equivalent of $224 and free UK shipping. This kit however comes with 2 x 2.0aH batteries, belt holster and a L-Boxx carry case with Inlay. Is this worth the extra $24?
Stuart
Don’t forget that you’ll also need a local-to-you charger if you don’t have one already.
Hilton
After I typed that message I realised that the $24 extra is probably less than buying a 220v charger and I get the hard case, extra battery and belt holster for free (essentially). I’ve sent the retailer an email asking is they are able to waiver the UK VAT so we’ll see.
Not that I need this of course, I have 8 cordless drill/drivers already so this purchase may be overkill.
CoolNik
They should waive the VAT (17%) if you are shipping to an overseas address. Both Axminster Tools and Rutlands do and I find that shipping to New Zealand is much cheaper from the UK than the US.
Peter
No luck with the discount so far.
Stuart
Sorry. I added the second link.
You add the tool kit to your cart, and the linked-to $10 gift card. At checkout, you pay for the gift card and get $10 off the price of the kit.
So you end up paying the same – $199, but for the kit and the $10 gift card.
Sorry, the gift card link does seem to be buried in the product listing. I tested it, and it works – I see $199 at checkout for both.
While not the same as a straight-up discount, you get $10 to spend on something else.
Peter
Thank you, that works.
Jim Felt
My “discount” didn’t show up yet either.
Oh well. We’ve got a month to test that out.
Regardless I tried several times over the years to buy this through AmazonUK with no luck. “No US shipping”.
And otherwise the U.K. Tool vendors seemed too high with shipping. So this seems to be really good news.
As for the 18V version I can’t se a use given all the right angle drills and wrenches I already own.
John S
I swear I remember hearing a long while ago that Milwaukee was supposed to be bringing theirs to the US but maybe I just dreamed that:
https://www.milwaukeetool.eu/m12-sub-compact-drill-driver-with-removable-chuck/m12-bddx-eu/
Jim Felt
The Milwaukee M12 equivalent is basically $269 converted from the Pound. However, no AmazonUK vendor can ship it to the US. So the Milwaukee schmucks have embargoed it.
Crap.
Oh. And the Brit Reviews for this M12 aren’t really stellar. Nor apparently is this a Brushless Fuel model either.
BikerDad
If there’s any 12v tool that begs for an L-Boxx, it’s this one. And it should be brushless.
Peter
Yes.
The yeti
Cool factor is high on this one . I have no need . I still want one
firefly
I am so tempted even though I don’t really have any immediate need for it. I have actually purchased an identical driver with identical design at least over 5 year ago from a lesser manufacture. Perhaps a knockoff or maybe that was the original? Not certain but I loved the ingenuity of the design. Unfortunately the driver that I bought had so much run that pretty much render it useless so I just gave it away as a toy. I would expect the Bosch to have substantially better build quality.
Rory
It’s interesting, I’d love to have one. Would make a nice all-in-one bag to have around the house. Especially for putting together/taking apart furniture etc. I know they have an 18V in Europe/Australia, but I guess they figured just the 12V for NA?
Still, not likely a purchase for me. I just bought a new Bosch Hammer Drill last year (HDS183) so not likely to be buying any more drills for awhile!
Toolfreak
I’m planning to get this to go with the rest of my 12V Max tools, but the $10 GC as a bonus seems pretty pathetic, especially when paying the full $199 retail plus tax.
Very few things on Amazon sell at their suggested retail price, and this probably won’t be the exception once it’s actually in stock and available to buy.
Even if it hovers close to the retail price for awhile, I’d expect it will eventually stay at whatever the “sale” price is at other online retailers and big box stores, probably $159.99 or so. That plus another $20 off $100 coupon or better deal in the coming months is going to be a lot better than a $10 gift card.
Charles
Oh please does Bosch still think they can fool anybody?! That has been out in Europe for 4 years! I loved Bosch and jumped on the 10.8 band wagon. The tools are better made than Milwaukee. But Bosch didn’t support the line and I realize I made a grave error investing in big blue.
Where is the 12 angle grinder, band saw, electrical crimper? Or the 12 6.0 ah batteries? How about I can get 2 Milwaukee 4.0 batteries cheaper than 1 Bosch 4.0? Plus the fact lowes only carries like 4 or 5 tools in the 12 v line.
At this point the only thing Bosch could do to earn any respect would be to come out with adapters so the suckers like me who bought their stuff to make their tools compatible with the Milwaukee platform.
Stuart
They have a similar 18V tool that was only available overseas. This 12V Max model is new for everyone.
chris
Research before you make any long term investment. There 12v lineup fits my needs perfect.
Bo
You do realize that Milwaukee’s parent is making these things for Bosch ? Saying they’re better than the Milwaukee equivalent without any empirical or testing data is nonsense.
That you prefer blue to red, or find the smaller grip size of Bosch 12v more comfortable to hold is another matter.
In head to head independent tests Bosch tools almost never outperform the Milwaukee variants in either 12v, 18v, or 36v platforms. Better form, yes. Better values , sometimes. But the raw numbers are usually lagging.
Bo
Regarding the EC / brushless question:
It seems Bosch has decided to release this in the U.S. using the older ps31 drill which is the brushed version; instead of the newer ps32 EC model.
You may also note the offering is now called the gsr12v -140 instead of the gsr12v-15 which is what was touted in the press release linked at the beginning if this article.
My best guess is that the $200usd price point couldn’t be met with the brushed version.
Brad
I’m not sure why they didn’t go brushless, but I’m also not an engineer. Two of the chief advantages seem to be automatic resistance-sensing output and reduced friction that results in greater efficiency ratio. Perhaps the additional degree of separation in the “drive train” between the shaft and chuck diminishes the detection of resistance sensing capability in existing components? Adapting that would probably be fairly easy, but negatively impact the economy of scale that goes with using the same brushless motor circuit board and parts across different models.
Similarly, offset and right-angle functions might inherently undermine the reduced friction advantage.
That’s all speculation at best, of course. All that’s certain is that I really like Bosch’s 12V line for its combination of features, performance, and form factor, and since they’re taking entirely too long to update the pivoting power screwdriver (PS11), I may just pull the trigger on this, so to speak. Too bad they’re taking so long to update the hammer drill, grinder, and OMT, too. It’s the downside of not being into TTI tools: by comparison, Milwaukee comes out with a new tool every time a product engineer sneezes.
fred
The 2 companies seem to have slightly different philosophies. Bosch is privately held, about 1/3rd larger (at least as far as capitalization) than TTI and has its fingers in many more pies than tools and small appliances. TTI is a publicly traded company with manufacturing focus on tools and vacuum cleaners. In recent years – Bosch – may be trying for a “slow and steady wins the race” approach – while TTI seem to be trying to take a “first to market wins out” approach.
Redcastle
Have just ordered the European version from Axminster which comes in an L boxx etc for GBP 175 with a GBP 25 cash back voucher from Bosch. I have been investing in what they now call their 12v line since it came out and with the exception of the OMT (advised against by my main supplier) have pretty much the whole set. The circular saw works on their guide rail system which is nice. I have been looking at the Milwaukee alternative since it came out in the UK however it never convinced me and I do have some Milwaukee 12 and 18v tools. I consider this kit to be all about access and therefore the smaller form factor of the Bosch wins out over the Milwaukee.
Redcastle
VAT in the UK is levied at 20% and does not apply when the purchaser is outside the EU.
Hilton
To be more correct, VAT is not levied when the supplier exports the goods. If I buy from the UK and the supplier delivers to a friend or courier, VAT is still levied.
Mark in Austin
It was available at the Lowe’s I was in this morning. Selling for $199.
Jim Felt
On Amazon Prime too. Thanks for the heads up.