This Bosch UK or EU product is not available in the USA.
Bosch has recently come out with a new 3.6V li-ion rechargeable cordless screwdriver in the UK and Europe, which they’re calling the PSR Select. The PSR is essentially an auto-loading cordless screwdriver with 12-bit revolver-style cartridge.
The screwdriver comes with 12 bits – 3 Torx, 2 hex, 3 Phillips, 2 Pozidriv, and 2 slotted -that can be selected by rotating an integrated cylinder and sliding a switch at the top of the tool.
An illuminated window lets you quickly identify the current selectable bit and a charge indicator tells you when to return the tool to its charger. No-load speed is 210 RPM, and torque is 4.5 Nm, which converts to about 40 inch-pounds.
Advertisement
As with other Bosch UK tools, such as their special edition crystal-decorated screwdriver and combination miter table saw, this product is not available outside the USA.
More Info via Bosch UK
Update: A similar product, the Skil 360 Quick Select, will soon be available in the USA.
Joe Helms
Hah, that’s interesting.. although I have to say I’m a little disappointed. I was hoping it had a magazine with screws in it, that popped into place as you needed them.
I’m not sure how useful having the bits ‘auto-load’ would be. The bit storage itself seems to be the biggest advantage: no need to pack bits separately.
Chuchundra
Seems like a neat little gizmo you could keep in the kitchen or your desk drawer for quick jobs, fixing toys and what not without having to go into the garage/basement and look in your toolbox.
Adam
i will never understand the need for quick draw speed when switching bits on a small screwdriver like this. as if anyone is ever fastening more than 2 different type screws within a short period of time in the same general vicinity. and even then, the odds of needing to quickly go from a p2 to a t15 are slim to none. bit storage? sure. thats the only useful part about gimicky tools like this. i think what i have found to be the most useful storage method on a drill body is a strong magnet for holding screws and an extra bit. something that only Ryobi has really ever marketed. plus, when not in use, it doesnt detract from the size or styling of the tool, unlike clip style bit holders, which i have found to be relatively useless as they seem to only be capable of holding a 2 inch bit.
Robert
I agree with you Adam. This is not the kind of thing I would expect Bosch to be associated with. It’s way too gimmicky and is clearly geared towards everyday consumers. Not to suggest that Bosch only markets to professionals. This however would even be gimmicky for a handyman, to say nothing of a contractor.
Some of these products are far too easy for companies to attach their names to. In the long run, I think it hurt their reputation. Bosch should stay away from stuff like this, but that’s just my opinion.
Robert
Stuart
Bosch green = DIY tools for EU market.
Bosch blue = pro-grade tools for EU and USA markets.
Robert
Stuart,
I’ve seen many cases where companies hurt themselves with consumer grade items sold under the same name. In spite of the color difference, the Bosch name is still loud and clear.
If Bosch is selling a consumer grade line, a wiser approach in my opinion would be selling under a different name. DeWalt and Black and Decker are good examples. The DeWalt name is totally detatched from the consumer line.
What Bosch is doing extends their range of consumer groups, but I believe hurts their reputation in the long run.
Robert
Stuart
You make a good point, but I really don’t think that Bosch is watering down their pro lineup in Europe by offering a line of DIY products. Knowing that it might cause confusion in the USA, Bosch green DIY products sold here are often packaged under Skil.
From what I can tell, Bosch’s green DIY tools are not quite as consumer-grade as Black & Decker tools are compared to Dewalt. Looking over Bosch’s UK DIY tool catalog, I see a number of products that I would likely buy if available in the USA.
This product is a little gimmicky and certainly homeowner/DIY-oriented, but there is little chance that EU pros will think less of their Bosch blue tools because of it. Creating a new brand for the lineup instead of just distinguishing it with green plastic instead of blue would be hugely detrimental with little long-term benefit.