Last week, I received an email from Bosch PR, teasing me about a new Bosch announcement that I should check back Tuesday morning for. Can they tell me more? No, I was advised to “stay tuned…”
The big announcement was about a giveaway they’re running on social media.
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And… Bosch renamed their 18V hybrid brushless impact driver and wrench. It’s now to be called The Freak.
I’m not kidding, and this is is a permanent name change.
The Bosch IDH182 first debuted 4-1/2 years ago, and was recently joined by a more affordably priced brushed motor version.
It has a 1/4″ hex bit holder, and a 1/2″ square drive anvil. It’s a 2-in-1 impact tool that you can use as an impact driver and an impact wrench. The brushless version has 3 speed and torque settings.
The beauty of the tool is that you have an impact driver and an impact wrench in a single tool. It costs less than two pro-grade tools, and it works without needing any bit-to-socket or socket-to-bit adapters.
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In the new marketing imagery, the Freak driver is shown in use with a spade bit, screwdriver bit, and socket.
Indeed, Bosch Daredevil spade bits are said to be Impact Tough.
I get it – Bosch wants to draw some fresh attention to their 2-in-1 impact tool, and their CORE18V 6.3Ah battery pack. (As a reminder, new 4.0Ah and 8.0Ah CORE18V battery packs are on the way.)
I guess the name change gives their massive giveaway a little more sparkle?
Personally, I think that The Chimera or The Hydra would have been a little more suitable. Then, Bosch could have talked about its beastly power, or monstrous performance.
Instead, we have the Bosch FREAK. And social media posts that start with:
HOLY FREAK ‘N’ $#%^ we’re giving away a lot of CORE18V!
On one hand, I would have went with a different approach, or rather a different name for the tool. On the other hand, it’s going to get younger pros and DIYers talking and taking a closer look at the Freak.
What was wrong with “The Hybrid?”
You know, the name is really bugging me. How do I talk about it? I tested The Freak a few years ago, and it seemed like a decent performer. Or The Freak is a decent 2-in-1 tool when you don’t know if you’ll need an impact driver or impact wrench and don’t want to be burdened with lots of adapters.
The Freak! The Freak?
Bosch Professional Power Tools presents: The Freak.
This just seems wrong to me. I can’t keep a straight face! Great tool, though, that Bosch Freak impact driver.
That big announcement, by the way? They’re giving away 2000 prize bundles which include THE FREAK tool, Core18V 6.3Ah battery pack, and charger. You have to take a “30 seconds or less” video to enter.
Here’s the video announcement, by the Bosch Tools North America CEO:
My favorite part:
“I know these [competitors’ impact drivers] aren’t going to cut it.” And then he dumps them into the trash bin.
I don’t know why, but that the trash bin is labeled “trash” makes it even funnier.
The humor of the promo video makes me feel better about the name. Maybe.
“Hey, pass me the impact. No, not that one, the Freak!” I really can’t see the name catching on.
csroc
I guess this will trend well on Instatwitchatbook?
Flotsam
just a stupid name
Diamond Dave
I must have missed the original posting about this tool as it is new to me. Probably good for auto mechanics being a one tool option however I am invested in Dewalt 20v and Milwaukee M12 and am happy. With my Dewalt I have the 3 speed Impact and also the Brushless Impact Gun. Shopping for the mid range impact gun currently. In Summary, neat idea for Bosch but not neat enough to add it to my platform.
Nathan
name alone would actually prevent me from buying it. so good job bosch North america.
meanwhile I guess I’ll enter the contest – meh.
my biggest concern since they are weaking the 1/2 drive socket head with the hole in it (and it’s edges for the hex bit retention) then it is a weaker impact wrench. I don’t know but wonder how many of broken there under repetitive use.
ALso I forget it’s torque rating – but how does it actually stack up to the dewalt and milwaukee higher end impact drivers.
Ray
Hi Nathan, I think the video worked well, and as proof I will use your words. First you state the name will stop you from buying. Then you have an idea, that maybe it isn’t good due to the ” weakness of the drive socket” , but finally you have a thirst for knowledge, and want to know how it stacks up against the competition. Well done Bosch.
Nathan
if the box sitting on the shelf at the _____ store says “the freak” on it – and the torque rating isn’t drastically higher than the yellow, red, other red, or green counterparts I’m not buying it.
Sergey
It doesn’t stack up well, it’s pretty weak as a wrench. I doubt it’s even capable of taking wheels nuts off.
I don’t remember the exact specs, but I was intrigued by it when Bosch released it a millennia ago. Then I looked at torque, said “meh”, and got myself a 3/8 Milwaukee which has way more power.
Oh, and naming it The Freak was really dumb.
Chris
If you torque lugs appropriately it should be able to handle most lugs atleast on cars/suvs.
Patrick
Correct. Lugs nuts just launch off our cars when the impact is in the highest setting. I also torque them down to their correct numbers, so that helps. It also took apart some suspension components that I didn’t think would budge without the breaker (but there was penetrating fluid sprayed in).
Clayton
Yeah because lug nut never rust and require way more torque than what they were tightened to. Lol
Jay Davis
I’ve had this impact nearly 2 years. For its size, it is a bad ass. Really. This tools is considered a mid level impact. All my coworkers have Snap on. They paid upward of 450 bucks or more. I also have the big 18v Snap on at home, I got a great deal on it years ago. It is bad ass too, however, big and heavy. This Boshe is light and powerful. Does it compare to my Snap on? Not quite. It it smaller, but don’t let its size fool you. For the money you can’t go wrong.
Chris
Couldn’t be more wrong. It’s perfectly designed for 1/2 inch sockets or hex. If there is a downside is it’s not powerful enough to fully utilize 1/2 inch impact sockets.
Stuart
1650 in-lbs max. (137.5 ft-lbs)
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/bosch-18v-brushless-hybrid-impact/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
This is a driving tool, and it won’t hold up against the heavy-duty impact wrenches designed for more demanding automotive work.
It’s more designed for smaller construction-type fasteners and anchors.
Framer joe
Not really, … construction lags, flat loks,,timber looks, truss looks, ledger looks etc… require at least a mid torgue range of 250 ft lbs… sometimes 500-600 ft lbs…
Stuart
Great point. Okay, how about “smaller” construction-type fasteners and anchors. I’m not sure how else to describe this category of suitable fasteners.
You’re right – this would never be the right choice for a TimberLok lag.
But for
Tapcons? Smaller lag screws? Smaller hex bolts? It’s plenty capable for that.This tool is 1/2″ not to give the impression that it can handle all tasks one would use a 1/2″ impact wrench for, but probably because 3/8″ wouldn’t have been enough to surround a 1/4″ hex recess.
Corey
Tapcons shouldn’t be impacted lol split the difference in examples?
Stuart
Damnit, that’s right.
What’s a good generalizing example for smallish hex-head fasteners that can be fully tightened with less than 150 ft-lbs of torque?
NewtonsApple
Hrm, I missed something along the way. Why shouldn’t I use an impact on Tapcons?
The instructions seem to call out using an impact…
https://www.tapcon.com/products/tapcon-pro-installation-kit
If you are fastening something rigid like a metal part, and impact might be tricky to tell when it is tight before snapping the head. For anything compliant like a 2×4 it is pretty easy.
Stuart
I’ve heard the same, a few times.
I haven’t traced it to the source, but I assume it’s because of the propensity to over-drive and strip out the holes.
I can’t find a good reference though, and your link does mention using the bits in a “1/4″ impact hammer.”
In the brochure, that set is said to work with “all impact drivers, rotary hammers, hammer drills, SDS and carbide straight shank bits.”
So maybe it was just a myth?
Corey
Tapcons in concrete/masonry, I’ll clarify. 99% of my use of tapcons in industrial applications. I imagine they’re badass in carpentry, but unfortunately for me, my practice in use and teaching involves smacking apprentices who think they can impact tek screws and concrete screws to hell all day long lol I take the impact, hand them the rotohammer with a 3/16 pilot, along with a 5/16 nut driver for hand torquing. Curse whomever created that sds nut driver adapter, I’ve never seen so many well intentioned blown out holes in foundation in my life.
DFig
“Tapcons in concrete/masonry…”
Wow, thanks to you. I, too, made the mistake of perusing and not catching that no-no for anchoring in slabs. Thankfully, I’m securing with 1″x6″ Hilti’s 99% of the time. Only a handful of Tapcon installs, ever. Appreciate the info.
Nathan
SO 1675 inch lbs. The Dewalt top end impact driver (which I’m assuming they are marketing this toward) is 1825 inch lbs. so Dewalt beats it.
Milwaukee’s fuel impact driver (the new one) is rated to 1800 inch lbs.
Bosch looks pretty short on that end.
Adam
Even with all that torque on the Milwaukee, it doesn’t work through same as a 1/2″ socket. My impact should have been able to take my lugs off, but instead it slowly twisted & sheared the 1/4″ hex to 1/2″ adapter in half.
The yeti
I have one. It is weak sauce. Never gets used
Corey
Exact reason I quit using hex to square drive adapters years ago. Adapters are garbage. I own a Makita sub 3/8s said to be just north of 100lb, and a dewalt 1/2 monster with 1200lb breakaway. Couldn’t be happier. Extremely interested in the new m12s, as well.
Tonch
It is expected from Bosch to launch new GDX/GDR 18V 200C in September (at least in Europe).
Specs for GDR (1/4″ drive):
– 126mm length (4,96″)
– 200 nm (~1800 in lbs)
– 4000 ipm
– 3400 rpm
We’ll se how it compares with competition 😉
Greetings from Croatia!
P.S. sorry for bad English 😉
BillC
So they watched IHOP’s idiocy on social media and said “hold my beer”?
Chris
Do you really think they are going to sell with Freak on the box? I love the tool so I don’t care what they call it. It’s perfect for large lags or precision screws all day long.
Patrick
I have had mine for 3 years and it’s been flawless. It’s been used a lot on my vehicles and I have hardly found a nut that it wouldn’t break. I *feel* like the core battery last year gave it a little more oomph, but I can’t say for sure. I have used the heck out of the 1/2″ option and it’s in just as good of shape as when I started.
Strange rename, great driver.
Jim Felt
I too have the original brushless version and have never regretted it. The 6.3Ahr Core batteries seem to have added to its ommph.
The Freak name is simply IMHO weird semi German marketing 101. Or maybe 100.5.
Dopey but hey we’re all talking about it so there’s that.
Chris
Max torque of 1,650in/lb.
The Dewalt DCF887 has max torque of 1,825in/lb. (impact driver not impact wrench) you could easily use a socket adapter though.
Framer joe
Not really, when it’s used that way it hold bits anymore,they fall out
Nathan
mine doesn’t seem to. I put the 3/8 square to 1/4 hex adapter in and it’s locked in good. place my socked and sink lagbolts like it’s a deck screw.
Raoul
I’ve rounded over the hex fitting on name brand adapters and wondered if there was damage to the inside of the anvil. I’ve made it a point to use impact wrenches when using sockets.
That being said I find the Freak an interesting idea but I would like to see it and feel it next to regular impact drivers. I have come to like the small and light size of the drivers and use the driver 99% of the time so I would be hesitant to carry a Freak around all day unless it was as small, light, and bit changes were as convenient as the regular driver.
Paul
Let the kids run the advertising/social media/World Of Warcraft department and this is what you get…
Framer joe
Call it ” the Beast” maybe ,but that’s just a “freaky” name….
Raoul
How about the Chupacabra. It would be fitting because I have heard about the tool but never seen one.
Corey
Trying to prop up a blah took with weird marketing. It’s underwhelming as either tool, and pretty much universally out performed in both categories. For example, by each of those impacts he pushed in the trash…
BustedKnuckles
Too soon to say these Freak’n suck?
Nathan
I like where your heads at.
sellers
That name s already taken
http://cdn3.volusion.com/lcdaj.lqrhk/v/vspfiles/photos/01-1920-2.jpg
Steve
Lol. Bosch is great but they’re slipping. As far as impact drivers go, more isn’t always better because you’re likely to split wood and break fasteners. As an impact wrench, more is usually better, but this one is weak in comparison to what’s out there.
AC
FYI, and I learned the hard way, even if you properly torque your lugs by hand, expect to need 400+ft lbs to reliably remove them after a few months. No chance the freak would work in this application.
I tried a few 18V Milwaukee 1/4 impacts and got no where. I now have a 1/2″ Milwaukee Mid Torque, 450ft lbs fastening, 600ft lbs nut busting and that works well but still takes some hammering to brake things free and I carefully torque to 94 ft lbs. by hand.
John W
I bought this tool several years ago when it was first introduced. We have consistently done all of the things you are questioning. It hasn’t let us down. It has become a go to tool for my guys. It was dropped-by accident- 20 ft to asphalt 3 years ago, and still works great. We now have several in our system.
Todd
This thing falls right into a category of mediocrity. Far less powerful then almost every (if not every) other mid sized 1/2″ impact wrench, and marginally less then some and just on par with other 1/4″ hex drivers. The name, while gimmicky and reminiscent of something you would see at Harbor Freight, is whatever. I would really have liked to see it put up some big numbers like every other mid-torque driver, and have an electronic limiter for using 1/4″ hex but it seems they just put a 1/2″ drive on a 1/4″ hex impact driver and called it sliced bread.
I suspect the reason for the low torque output has something to do with the fact that the 1/2″ drive had to be hogged out to accommodate the hex bits and the accompanying retention mechanism, along with the fact that now the drive has to overcome internal and external stresses from the “one thing does all” design.
In my younger days, I would have jumped all over this, as I did with other “wonder tools” thinking I was thumbing the system and getting a deal or something. I know better now, specific established tool designs are generally as efficient as possible for their intended usage, and when you try and stack a bunch of other functionality on them, the performance or longevity suffers.
All that said, for a homeowner/DIYer who is already on the Bosch 18v platform and wants a 1/4″ hex impactor, I would recommend this. It could be used for light-medium duty automotive work. However what most people would use it for in an automotive application (removing lug nuts) it is, on paper at least, a bit under-powered.
Bosch makes extremely reliable tools, and their batteries are in it for the long haul. I have a 12v battery and brushed impact driver that has to be 12 years old that still works, although the driver is showing its age as I used it extensively to remove 1/2″ and 9/16″ bolts and nuts (thousands) when air wasn’t convenient when I was wrenching on diesel trucks for a couple years rebuilding radiators and removing valve covers among many other things. Soaked through and through with oil and grease, cleaned with ether and brake cleaner hundreds of times and still kicking.
ToolOfTheTrade
I’m having a hard time keeping a straight face thinking about it also. The freak is on sale this week. Well, how much does the freak cost? Pick up the freak and hand it to me! Don’t touch the freak if you’re not going to use the freak properly. Buy your own freak and keep away from mine. Use the freak to screw it in. Your freak is too weak. Don’t forget to put the freak back when you’re done with it. Somebody stole my freak. Can I borrow your freak? Go to Lowes and look for the freak, if they don’t have it then we’ll have to order a freak online. Hilarious! Is it stamped on the housing? What an awful name for a tool and an excellent punchline for Bosch tool jokes. If it’s specs were freakishly higher than everyone else, then it would be fitting. What is so freakish about this tool to warrant such a name? The torque rating is one of the lowest in its class. And BTW you should never use one of these to tighten your lugs. Removal purposes only! Lugs are torqued to spec (usually around 100 ft lbs) using a torque wrench for a very good reason and should never be tighter than the rated amount. It’s a good way to warp your rotors or snap your studs. The freak is not a torque wrench. I understand them wanting to reach the younger generation, but if I were twenty years old and shopping for tools to begin a career with, there’s no way I would consider something called the freak to be a professional tool. Nor would I buy it for diy purposes. Then again I’ve never really considered Bosch cordless tools to be pro grade material. This is a diy marketing gimmick not to be taken seriously by professionals. At least I hope not. Dual tool or double impact would have been a better fit than the freak. With a name like that, the freak better be cheap and if it’s not, then the freak will sit on the freaking shelves for weeks.
Chris
Kidding aside how can you not consider Bosch to be pro grade, that’s kind of ridiculous statement. Almost as ridiculous as Bosch deciding to go with this promo.
Robert
Bosch is pro grade all day any day every day.
Charles Gordon
Only freak if it goes flexiclick and includes the mini-chainsaw.
glenn
Not that I can enter, but if I were to, I would use Rick James’ Superfreak as the soundtrack and present the tool against the opposition’s using perspective to make appear ridiculously giant sized……..or ridiculously tiny.
Gman
Sounds to me like the name campaign has been a huge success. I haven’t seen this much discussion on a tool in a while. I would have called it mediocre, but that just me.
Chris
Many people want to put Bosch down and I just don’t get it. There really aren’t many duds in their lineup and I consider there batteries to have the absolute best tech for longevity. If you read through the comments you will realize the people who own this tool have a lot of praise. In my experience this tool has been the perfect impact for a farm. If I ever need more torque I use Bosch’s big impact wrench which has never let me down. Negativity gets a little old on toolguyd at times. Too many people bashing whatever 18/20v system they don’t have. I really think you can’t go too wrong with any of the brands really, the competition has been great. The reason I chose Bosch was for there solid batteries (Core 6.3 is just bad ass), tools are well built, and there line up has everything I need. I’m sure Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi, Rigid and others all make fine tools as well.
Toolfreak
I don’t think the marketing team over at Bosch *really* put enough consideration into that name and it’s other more modern meanings.
Really, really, REALLY bad idea if you want people to take your power tools seriously.
Hopefully the marketing campaign comes and goes without doing too much damage, but it’s still pretty freakin’ sad a company like Bosch can go along with something this dumb in 2018.
As for the tool itself, I can see its uses but I passed even when I saw a few at Lowe’s on clearance for 75% off. The specs were too low for what I wanted. I got the Craftsman (Ryobi) impact wrench instead, rated at 300ft/lbs.
Hopefully over the next few years Bosch does a better job of marketing and selling their higher torque impact drivers and wrenches. I’d like to see a 1/2″ and 3/8″ brushless impact with competitive torque at a competitive price.
Stuart
It’s something different.
While I might not like the name, the name change and 2000 prize giveaway campaign is an active effort, and that’s a good thing.
John
Don’t bash it til you try it.
I bought the Beast, it’s original design.
It’s fairly obvious you haven’t tried it.
And then Milwaukee copied their designs..
Or someone got bought out?
Either way. I love all my Bosch tools!
Matt
Bosch was always my favorite tool brand next to Craftsman. Though I’ve bought some Dewalt in the last couple of years and have even grown fond of Hitachi.. I’m not fond of the ‘freak’ name though. Ya, I suppose it has people talking but it just seems immature for Bosch. I always viewed them as a more mature professional image brand. This seems like something from the early Ryobi marketing archives that never made the cut.
Tipping the other drills into the trash was pretty funny though in that video.
Ryan
Wow, one would think that this being a tool related website/blog, this would be more populated with those that don’t care about political correctness, let alone care much about marketing. As someone that has worked in the construction trade for decades, let me assure you, most women and dare I say even women care more about project completion than the marketing..
On another tool forum, which I won’t disclose the name, the word seemingly offended what I’d assume are men/women that use tools to complete projects. Either for commercial, residential or home use. If the work “freak” truly offends anyone, especially in this context, you are far too sensitive. Bosch is a tool manufacturer and their goal, as with I’d assume(?) with most for profit corporations is to make money.
What I’ve noticed is some companies more recently are involving themselves in social issues and or are appealing to the fringe minority that seems to be offended over ANYTHING. Thankfully by and large tool companies have ignored this, as I buy tools to use them and nothing else. These companies aren’t politicians, political think tanks nor should they be as they risk alienating a portion of their audience.
As someone who owns their own business, the same applies to myself and other small businesses. My job is to serve the customers need by completing the project, whatever this may be. Sure I may have opinions, yet on a professional note, I never engage in such behavior. Frankly, I am glad to see Bosch disagreed the perpetually offended.
Tony
I always thought that Bosch undermarketed the IDH182 when they first released it. I already own 2 of them. They are great for driving deck screws. But they were not designed as a high end lug nut driver. Hence, the consumer confusion. It’s funny to see that after several years Bosch is just now getting around to applying some marketing humor to spread the word. What they should have done (and years ago) is to compile a video of all of the different uses that this tool can be appropriately used for. The CEO walking around with one in his hand in the video is funny. Improve on that . . . have the CEO go around to different job sites, show at least 10 different (valid) uses for its competitive advantage, and Bosch’s marketing team would look better.
Mattd
To be honest I really like this type of “chuck” for impact drivers and would love to see it become the standard. I use my impact with a 3/8 adapter all the time. And lose the adapters just as often. Only reason I never bought one is that I already was bought into a different brand.
Brian M
It’s a neat idea on a tool and it probably needed attention but the name is dumb (IMO) and it’s not worth making a video for a chance at winning a free one. I’d do it for their flexclick but not this.
The tool is an impact driver not an impact wrench. It’s more capable than an impact driver with socket adapter because you don’t have torque loss and the added length. The anvil is weaker because of the hex drive built in so that’s why torque has to be limited…I guess that’s why it’s a “Freak.”
glenn
If they meant offend, they could have called it many other things. Frankly, I find it quite funny. Other tool companies should do the same. Eg; Milwaukee should rename their M12 vac as ‘Useless’ . Dewalt could call their 10.8v line’ ‘Defunct’. Makita could call their line up of drills and impacts as ‘Different part number and add an x and few random letters’. Seriously, some people are odd. Bosch are having a bit of fun and it has people talking about it. A win for Bosch,.
Alick
Silly name but a good tool so who cares. I needed an impact driver and chose this because it’s the most comfortable tool in MY hand of any power tool I’ve ever picked up. It’s powerful enough, has excellent LED lighting and a useful 3 speed selector.
Joseph
Well Bosch isn’t known for very good names. A couple of years ago I bought the Bosch Bulldog Xtreme Max, great tool but horrible name.
I think the name doesn’t matter though because on a jobsite you rarely call a tool by its marketed name. “Hey Tony, hand me the Festool 575387 plunge cut track saw, would ya?” It just doesn’t happen.
Satch
It is kind if funny how we get caught up in stats, numbers, etc. In the end, does it install and remove screws and nuts&bolts to your satisfaction? So far the consensus amongst this who actually use it is; yes. Of course experiences will vary but overall it seems to be good.
Agreed this is not for daily automotive use but honestly, if you need that use you need something with an air hose or an electrical cord I would think.
Now the name? Kind if of odd but that’s Bosch. Function before fame. Glitz isn’t their forte.
Rich
Just received notice that I won a FREAK!