Bosch has announced a brand new 18V FREAK brushless impact driver, model GDX18V-1860C.
Bosch says that this is a new version of their existing GDX18V-1800C FREAK impact driver.
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The new model delivers 1860 in-lbs of max torque, compared to 1800 in-lbs for the previous model, which is an increase of 3.33%.
We’re still waiting on additional product images from Bosch, but I found one of the bare tool on a sales page. Interestingly, the GDX18V-1860 does away with the handle-located connectivity module, or at least it seems that way.
However, Bosch press materials say that you can connect to this tool via the Bosch ToolBox app and an optional connectivity module, which allows users to change or adapt the tool’s special modes.
They say that for each mode, the user can choose between different behaviors, such as auto shut-off, auto slowdown, and [adjustable??] torque.
The Bosch GDX18V-1860 has 3 predefined driving modes:
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- Self-tapping screw mode
- Wood screw mode
- Metal bolt mode
There is also a fourth “custom mode,” but it’s uncertain as to whether this is only available with the optional connectivity module that’s sold separately.
The GDX18V-1860C’s predecessor, GDX18V-1800C, had 3 speed and torque settings, up to 3,400 RPM and 4,200 IPM.
As with all of the Bosch 18V FREAK impact drivers, this model also features the brand’s distinct 1/4″ hex bit chuck within a 1/2″ square drive anvil for use with impact-rated sockets.
Price: $159 for the bare tool
At the time of this posting, you can get the older model GDX18V-1800CB15 kit, with compact 4.0Ah battery and charger, for $159 (or $199 at most sellers). The newer model is $159 for the bare tool.
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Lowe’s
Buy Now: Older Kit via Amazon
Bosch also has another model, GDX18V-1800B, which is more value-oriented.
Discussion
So far, it looks like the optional Bluetooth connectivity module placement has been moved, or possibly removed entirely. There’s no indication via the product imagery as to where it was moved to, but it’s clearly not built into the left side of the handle.
The control interface features a “speed” button and also a “mode” selection button, suggesting that you might still get the speed and torque modes of the GDX18V-1860C predecessor.
Bosch says that you get a fourth mode with the impact driver, but there appear to be two selection options here, with A and B settings. It’s unclear what the defaults modes are for that setting.
It seems to me that you get 3 speed settings and the 3 predefined modes listed above (self-tapping screw, wood screw, metal bolt), and that the A and B modes are the fourth (and fifth?) modes that can be customized via the Bosch ToolBox app (assuming the optional Bluetooth connectivity module socket is present and simply moved to a different location).
The LED worklight has also been updated, with more of a flat and opaque white cover, rather than the shaped clear lens featured on their older model.
The new model definitely looks to be an upgrade over the existing brushless FREAK impact driver, with a minor bump-up in torque specs and expanded control options.
We’re still waiting to hear back from Bosch to help fill in some details, but what we do know so far paints an interesting picture.
Updates
We still haven’t heard back from Bosch USA, but luckily a reader found a product guide for the similar EU model GDX18-210C (PDF). (Thank you Erick!!)
It looks like you get the 3 speed modes plus an A mode for self-tapping screws, and a B mode for wood screws.
Thus, although Bosch press materials mention 3 predefined modes, you get 2 of these on the tool. If you want the metal bolt mode, you need to use the Bluetooth connectivity model to switch things around via the smartphone app.
Also, Bosch EU’s imagery shows that the optional Bluetooth module connection port is still located in the middle of the handle, but this time on the right side instead of the left.
Nathan
1865 in’lbs is 155 ft lbs for a 1/2 drive impact wrench. This is the main reason I didn’t like the predecessor.
as an impact driver – that’s right in the sweet spot for a driver. As a wrench it’s not useful – and yes I’ve said in the past I run sockets with my impact driver – but nothing with a 1/2 size. and in 1/2 side I’m going to need – use more torque.
Thus I’m going to end up with 2 devices anyway. While I get the concept idea – it’s not that practical. I might put a 5/16 socket on my impact driver – I do but it’s a 1/4 drive socket.
Glad they are going to keep on and I assume someone must like the idea and use it that way but I just don’t see it.
Big Richard
That was my critique, too. It’d be nice if it could sense when you have a 1/4″ bit in there and run at 150 ft lbs, but then when using the 1/2″ anvil it could run at 300+ ft lbs.
MM
I agree with both of you.
At first this sounds like a great tool: the idea of using both hex bits and sockets with the same driver is a neat idea. But the more I think about it the less I like it. For a 1/4 hex impact driver I want a compact lightweight tool. But for a 1/2 impact wrench I expect a certain minimum amount of power. Right now my go-to 1/2″ cordless impact is the Dewalt “mid range” model with 330 ft-lb. I would describe its power as adequate for my needs but not impressive or exceptional.
So what would I get out of this tool? An oversized impact driver combined with a weak impact wrench. I can see that it might work for some people but not for me. The peak torque number is just too low if they expect people to use this with 1/2 drive tools. Heck, these days the 3/8 drive 12V compact impact wrenches are already well over 200 ft-lb, leaving this thing in the dust, and you could always just put a 1/4-drive socket on it if you wanted to use 1/4 hex bits in it.
Jared
I feel similarly. Having the dual-use chuck is still a nice option though.
The utility COULD be greater though if there was a higher power unit. I understand that they don’t want users snapping their 1/4″ hex accessories.
Perhaps just a switch at the top for impact driver vs. wrench mode? The former could limit max torque.
On the other hand, a more powerful 1/2 in impact driver is likely a heavier tool – perhaps compromising it’s utility as an impact driver. Maybe it’s just best to think of this as an impact driver with a cool trick rather than a genuine combination tool.
Stuart
Bosch’s press materials simply describe this as an impact driver. The Freak is best considered as an impact driver with 1/2″ anvil for users who might otherwise use a similarly powered 1/4″ hex impact with a socket adapter.
Jared
Ha. Well they were ahead of me on that one. I think in that context – it’s not bad.
I recently bought a Dewalt 887 to replace my old brushed Bosch impact driver, if I could have had the Freak chuck on the 887 – I might have gone that route!
I have the biggest Dewalt impact wrench for heavy duty auto tasks, but it can be a workout to use when you don’t need the power.
My funds have limits. I can’t just buy a range of impact wrenches – so in that context I understand what Bosch must have been thinking.
Using an adapter in an impact driver sort of works, but you lose some power with that arrangement (and have to keep track of the adapter).
Stuart
Unless I’m reading too much into it, I think they’re avoiding describing this as an impact wrench.
It definitely won’t hold its own against most cordless 1/2″ impact wrenches out there, but it’s not really meant to.
There’s one more thing to keep in mind – Bosch announced their first hybrid 2-in-1 impact driver nearly 8 years ago, and it launched ~7-1/2 years ago.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/bosch-18v-brushless-hybrid-impact/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
There have been a couple of iterations since then under Bosch’s Freak branding.
I’d say that being able to use sockets is more about convenience and comfort than power delivery.
There are always a lot of people who vocalize how the Freak/2-in-1 is weak as a 1/2″ impact wrench, and it is. But, that Bosch continues to update this tool after more than 7 years is a testament to its popularity or sales volume.
Jim Felt
General question.
Do most buyers of these type of small impact tools truly use all the settings offered or is this more of a marketing one up man ship attempt kind of thing?
Chris
I’ve wondered that too. If I had all these settings, I think I would forget to change modes and end up blowing things through or stripping things out. But maybe it’s something you only use if you’re doing a lot of one type of screw?
MM
I can’t speak for everyone of course, but myself and most of my co-workers learned using air tools which had either no controls other than the trigger, or perhaps they added a basic knob for low through high power. As such I generally don’t feel a need for the various special modes; I have gotten very good at feathering the trigger to control the tool. In my specific case, not only from having used pneumatic wrenches but also from having done an awful lot of power tapping small holes with electric drills. I usually leave my impacts on the highest setting and do everything with the trigger, especially the large impact wrenches. If I didn’t need a lot of power I wouldn’t be using that big a tool in the first place.
That said I sometimes do set the switch lower for specific jobs that I know I want to limit power on so I can’t say I find the settings totally useless, but I’m more than happy with a simple “hi med low” selector, it’s probably last on my list of concerns about a potential new tool purchase. I’m much more concerned about power, ergonomics, and battery platform.
I’d also say that this technology is a good thing for new tool users. I remember the first time I used a pneumatic 1/2″ impact gun and there was certainly a learning curve involved. Pull the trigger too hard and you can strip or break even fairly sizeable bolts. Don’t back off the trigger when you’re breaking a fastener loose and you can easily fling it across the shop. Those hazards are avoided to a certain degree with some of the new electronic modes. Might be something to think about if buying tools for a business that will be used by lesser skilled workers, or as a gift for new tool users.
rob
My Makitas have a million modes and they keep adding more. On the impact wrench and one of the impact drivers there’s an auto stop in reverse mode that I use fairly often. All of the impact drivers have a self-tapping screw mode and I use that maybe half of the time.
Erick
GDR 18V-210 C (GDX18V-1860C) should be with bluetooth
https://www.bosch-professional.com/ch/de/products/gdr-18v-210-c-06019J0100
https://www.k-rauta.fi/tuote/akkuiskuvaannin-bosch-gdx-18v-210-c-2x40ah-procore-l-boxx/4059952587745
Quick guide https://www.bosch-professional.com/binary/ocsmedia/optimized/full/o367019v21_1600A025VJ_202107.pdf
Stuart
Thanks!
I’ll update the post. I’m sorry, I should have realized that Bosch EU would have the same tool but with a different model number.
Erick
On page 18 you can find heat gun GHG 18V-50, nail gun GNH 18V-64 (M) and new GDS/GDR/GDX https://www.bosch-professional.com/de/media/service_relaunch/downloads/kataloge/2021_03_update/bosch_aktuell_2021_t3_de_at_lq.pdf
YouTube (24:29) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRCOsf-mkRA&t=1469s
Frank D
Still waiting on Bosch to bring more 12v tools to NA.
Already have two 18v platforms.
Stuart
I’ve given up on waiting – if there’s a Bosch EU tool I want, I just order it from Amazon UK or Germany.
Jim Felt
Or even eBay, in say Korea, in my case.
CoBlue
Just this week I was surprised to see the Bosch 12v random orbital sander on a Lowes store shelf. I don’t think they’d even announced it was going to be released in the USA. It’s tiny. Seems like it might be nice for overhead work.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-12V-Max-Brushless-5-In-Random-Orbit-Sander-Bare-Tool/5002185097
You can also order the 18v version on their website.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-18V-Brushless-5-In-Random-Orbit-Sander/5001953093
Nathan
Yes I get the idea that they have it impact driver setup. That’ s shown in the rotational speed. I think they were hoping people would use this with a socket set to replace the use of a impact driver with nut drivers setup. which really just works well.
I don’t use nut drivers but that’s just me – I use 1/4 socket adapter and sockets. works very very well for me.
Just seems like a waste to me.
Patrick
I have the 1800 and it’s been fantastic. It’s somewhat low profile, knocks the lug nuts off our vehicles twice a year without blinking, and feels great in the hand. The highest power setting snaps smaller fasteners though with the second setting feeling a little slow. I don’t recall if it was size 6 or 8 but it was obnoxious. I’m curious if the new AB setting option would help mitigate that.
Maps Bam
The torque settings are awesome and they should exist on ALL cordless impact wrenches and impact drivers.
rob
They aren’t already?…Bosch is following the leader on this one.
A. Contractor
I run a contracting company and we use the Bosch IDH-182 impact from 2014. It was an early version that became the freak. I don’t know the specs but probably not as good as this one, certainly no features – just a couple of lights. These tools are used all the time. They have been used and abused – dropped from up high, left in snow, rain, dust and mud. Still original with no repairs yet, however a couple of issues. Used mainly for Lag bolts, hex drive machine bolts, GRK’s and Robby’s (1/4″ square drive screws)
Likes: It is super handy to whip out the 1/4″ bit and change to a hex or socket. (or at least used to be)
Strong – We even also use it to do the wheel nuts (13/16″ Socket) on the 1 ton’s we run to change from winters to summers too. I have noticed that the smaller batteries are way less torque than the new 8.0Ah or 12.0Ah batteries which increase the break out torque significantly especially when full.
Fits in the hand well and is well balanced even with larger batteries.
Dislikes:
In the last few years the release collar that releases the 1/4″ drive bit does stick on them, and we have to strike it with a hammer to get the collar to move. Maybe I should clean and oil them sometime… The orange gripper came off the collar years ago, maybe lasted a couple of years…can’t remember, but it was at least 6 years until this other collar problem.
One of them has a dodgy trigger that sometimes only does on or off no variable speed. I bought a new trigger assembly last year that cost me about $30 with shipping. Not yet installed.
I had the same piece of plastic grey trim with a red logo on that kept falling off them after the first few years of abuse. Eventually we didn’t bother putting it back, and that was years ago. I see this version does not have it.
I will buy the newest to have on the self just in case these old ones eventually fail. At 10 years it works out to maybe $20 a year per unit, so yeah for us they have been great.