Bosch 26618-01 18V Impact Drill/Driver Review

Bosch’s New 3-Mode 18V Impact Drill/Driver

Bosch recently introduced this new 18 volt impact drill/driver which we think will make quite a splash in the cordless tool category. Anyone that’s followed this site for any length of time knows that we use quite a few Bosch Tools and think they make some of the best quality tools on the market today.

The new Bosch Impact Drill/Driver is exciting because it’s really three tools in one. Impact drivers have become a must have tool today but the 26618-01 comes ready to perform normal drilling operations in two different drill modes. The ability to have all these features in one tool makes this a very versatile product.

Bosch 26618-01 Impact Drill/Driver Features

• Drill Mode 1 – RPM: 0 – 750
• Drill Mode 2 – RPM: 0 – 2,800
• Impact Mode – BPM (Max): 0 – 3,200
• Impact Mode – RPM: 0 – 2,800
• Impact Mode – Torque (Max): 1,500 in.-lbs.

Kit Includes:

• (2) — 18V Litheon™ FatPack Batteries – BAT618
• (1) – 30-minute Litheon™ Battery Charger – BC630
• (1)–Double-ended Phillips Bit
• (1) – Belt Clip
• (1) – Carrying Case

Bosch 26618-01 Impact Drill/Driver Review

The folks at Bosch recently sent us the 26618-01 Impact Drill/Driver to test and review. One of the first things we noticed was the great quality carrying case. Bosch always seems to go above and beyond with the quality and styling of the products and it all starts with the case. Everything fits into the case easily and it’s no mystery where things fit (unlike some other tools cases on the market today).

Impact Driver Power

The 26618-01 leads the pact of 18V impact drivers with 1500 in-lbs of torque. That’s quite impressive when you consider the last impact driver we tested had the same torque with a higher voltage battery system. With all the engineered lumber being used to frame buildings today an impact driver with power is essential.

To test this impact driver we used several fasteners that are found on many of our job sites. We tested the 26618-01 with 3-1/2 inch long deck screws and 3 inch long, 3/8 inch lag bolts. All of the fasteners were installed into TimberStrand engineered lumber. With the 1,500 in-lb torque we weren’t at all surprised that this impact driver was able to quickly and easily sink the fasteners completely into the engineered lumber.

Dual Drill Modes

The dual drill modes is a really nice feature especially if you do any drilling into hard and soft materials. On the high speed setting the drill is great for drilling into metal with small bits. The slower speed/higher torque setting is perfect for drilling wood with large spade and auger bits. The mode selector is conveniently placed on the top of the tool for easy access.

Battery Life

The 18V lithium-ion battery packs are great. We installed a dozen lag bolts and dozens of long screws and the drill/driver was still working. The crew used this tool on and off for over a week on the same charge. After that much work we think the battery qualifies for an ata-boy!

Balance / Ease Of Operation

This tool is very well balanced and it’s small size is a benefit when working in close spaces. Bosch gets high marks for the design of this tool and it’s ease of operation. Frankly you really don’t need an owner’s manual with a tool that’s built with these simple to use features. The 1/4″ quick change chuck works very well and makes changing bits a breeze.

Overall Impression

The Bosch 18V Impact Drill/Driver is a top quality tool that met and exceed all of our expectations for a good impact driver. Considering this tool also works as a great drill in addition to the impact features makes it a top pick for us. Retailing under $400 at authorized Bosch retailers we think it’s a great price point for a tool that does what three tools would normally do. If you’re interested in buying the tool online check out this link.

If you buy this impact drill/driver we’re confident you’ll be just as impressed. We’ve never been disappointed in a Bosch tool!