Here’s a sneak peek on the new Bosch 18V cordless impact driver, model GDR18V-1800C.
Features & Specs
- 1/4″ hex chuck
- 1800 in-lbs max torque
- 3 speed settings
- 0-1100, 0-2300, 0-3400 RPM (no-load)
- Up to 4000 IPM
- 4.9″ length
- Weighs 2.4 lbs (without battery)
- LED worklight
- Compatible with optional Bluetooth connectivity module
- Kitted with next-gen CORE18V batteries with 21700 Li-ion cells
- Belt clip
The new Bosch brushless impact driver has an updated look, competitive specs, and modern features.
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What’s interesting, aside from the great on-paper specs, is that it’s compatible with an optional GCY30-4 Bluetooth connectivity module, which will allow for customized tool settings. This is something that Bosch has talked about, and shown off for a couple of years now, but the technology has not been very visible in the North American market.
Buy the optional module if you want the added functionality, or don’t if you’re okay without it.
The new Bosch brushless impact driver will be kitted with a charger and (2) CORE18V 4.0Ah compact batteries. We talked about the new Bosch CORE18V battery packs previously.
Curiously, a Bosch CORE18V 4.0Ah battery is less expensive on Amazon than a 2-pack of 2.0Ah batteries. I think that compact brushless drills and impact drivers are well-paired with compact battery packs, but the idea of the impact being kitted with compact 4.0Ah battery packs sounds like a good one, if you don’t mind the slightly larger size.
The new Bosch impact driver looks a lot like the new upgraded 18V “Freak” 2-in-1 impact driver/wrench, which wouldn’t be surprising giving the similar specs.
I want to know more, and plan to discuss the new impact and other upcoming Bosch 18V cordless power tools in more detail, once those details are available.
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Pricing is not yet available, but I would expect it to be a little less expensive than the new 18V 2-in-1 impact.
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Amazon)
Buy Now(Drill and Impact Combo Kit via Amazon)
Compare(2-in-1 impact kit via Amazon)
Compare(2-in-1 impact bare tool via Amazon)
Is this everything you’d like to see from the latest Bosch cordless impact driver?
In a modern-day brushless impact, multiple speed and torque settings are the norm, at least for premium models. But, it has been increasingly common to see special fastening modes as well. That’s something the new Bosch impact seems to lack, however, it might be something that the Bluetooth module can enable via customization options.
Nathan
looks on par with either the Dewalt or the milwaukee minus having the one key/tool connect whatevers. Bosch comes out with the module – then they are the same.
Provided the include the module for free for customers that bought them now. or some provision for new purchasers.
curious how their light works – I like the dewalt light the best so far .
Nathan
Hold on a tick – what’s the slotted big circle thing mid handle? is that were the module would go? How does that affect ergonomics? Bosch is typically good about that.
Nathan
nevermind – the link finally opened up. interesting placement.
CountyCork
Unless you really need that inch shorter I’d bypass buying this one for GDX18V-1800 and you get both impact driver and impact wrench in one. The older hybrid has been flawless for years now.
Toolfreak
I like a lot of Bosch tools, but ugh, that placement of the module in the handle and that round cover over the hole is just ugly. It also seems like a great way to mess up one of the most important parts of the tool, where your hand goes. I have concerns about there being an access port to the inner parts of the tool where sweat and grease and whatever else winds up on the hands and gloves can get in there. A rubber cover, even threaded and slotted, doesn’t give me confidence. I also think it’ll mess up the overall smooth feel of the grip.
This poorly thought out design gets a pass from me. If I want a seperate bluetooth or wireless module in my tools, I’d rather it go into the handle from the bottom, leaving no opening in the handle itself.
A side benefit of a bottom-opening location would also be the battery would already be removed when replacing the module, whereas the side-handle location allows the module to be installed or removed with the battery still attached.
Jim Felt
Toolfreak is really on to something here. That is a very accessible but actually too accessible opening point. Who the heck that was a great idea? A desk bound “designer”? Pass.
CountyCork
I don’t see where they could add a Bluetooth module like that where the battery connects at all. I would have picked the back lower side just above where the battery connects. If your right handed I don’t think you would feel it but may be left handed although it looks like the contour is the exact same so you might feel the difference in your palm. If I we’re left handed I don’t think it would bother me. I’m fairly certain sweat/water intrusion are non-issues but is an area that grim will find. A little dirt build up will give it some character.
Jorn
Interesting observations but I own two Bosch cordless tools (including the GDX-1800C) that utilize Bluetooth and the module cover is not noticeable in the hand at all.
Also, plenty of wrist watches for active sports have screw on covers that are rated for under water, I don’t think it’s a concern.
CountyCork
How are you liking the GDX so far?
Jorn
I’ve only used for a few small projects utilizing the 6mm hex drive driving.
Impressions:
+ Very light weight and compact
+ Good ergonomics
+ Powerful
+ Has plenty of fine low speed control for machine screws and whatnot. I was even using it for electrical switch plate covers as a goof.
– Hex bit holders need to have a long shank in order to fit the chuck
– The hex chuck seems a bit sticky, I’ve added some lithium grease and we’ll see if that helps.
– Seems almost too powerful on the lowest speed/power setting. I was able to drive drywall screws into a soft 2×4 below flush before the hammer action started.
– The light isn’t “bad” but it’s a step backward from lighting around the chuck.
Nathan
Thanks that’s really my only concern is the fitment of that cover. I figure over time it would end up not sitting right and causing issues.
Matt
Maybe following in m18/DeWalt footsteps could pay off here? Make one model with the connectivity module port(or just a “connected” model) and make one without. Same specs but one that lacks Bluetooth for those if us who don’t want it
Toolfreak
One other point I forgot to make – stuff like a removable cover is a problem because you know what happens to stuff like that. It gets lost. Or you drop it and it breaks or someone steps on it or runs over it or something else. Then you either have a hole into the innards or have to rig something up with duct tape or some other round plastic piece that sort of fits while you try to find where to buy another one from, and it turns out it’s some crazy price for one tiny cover, plus even more money for shipping since they’ll only ship it in a crazy big box via DHL or UPS.
The What?
This is an epic fail on how to design an impact driver. No variable speed trigger and no torque output control switch on the tool. On top of that the tool can only run at 3 different rpm’s with the torque wide open in all 3 modes. And the turd on top is that it requires a module that you have to pay extra for because it was over engineered with technology that does nothing to boost performance or extend the life of the tool. So why did Bosch design something that makes the task of driving in a fastener so complicated and difficult? And why should people be forced into paying extra for some module just so they can keep track of how stupid they are? Why do I need to an app to track my batteries when I should be smart enough to be able to keep up with my own PLEASEWATCHYOURLANGAUGE? Why do I need an app to tell me that my battery is dead? Do they really think I’m that people are that PLEASEWATCHYOURLANGUAGE dumb that they can’t tell when a battery is dead or getting hot? Do they really think that it requires an app that has to spell it out via Bluetooth to know when to change the battery or give the tool a break? Why would they design technology that gives you an excuse not to apply common sense when using power tools? The wireless tech that they are using for tools is nothing more than a chaperone designed to hold your hand because they think that you are too stupid to apply common sense and think for yourself. It doesn’t improve the performance of the tool nor does it extend the life of the tool or battery. It doesn’t perform or provide diagnostics to let you know if something is broken. So what exactly is the purpose of this technology if there’s no benefit to be gained by the user? Seems to be a good way for them to charge us more money for something that does no good for the tool or the person that owns it. But they sure do make it sound like it’s awesome, don’t they.
Stuart
Of course it has a variable speed trigger. I’ve never seen an 18V cordless impact driver, either a brushless or brushed motor, that didn’t have a variable speed trigger.
0-3400 RPM is a speed range, with x-number of small steps in between, depending on the trigger design. This impact has 3 speed ranges/settings, 0-1100, 0-2300, 0-3400 RPM (no-load).
The Bluetooth module is optional, and is not required. It’s a separate purchase for those who want it.
CountyCork
Where are you getting your misinformation from? I think you are jumping to a lot of unfounded assumptions.