Bosch PS32 12V Max EC Brushless Drill Driver Review
Bosch PS32 12V Brushless 3/8” Drill/Driver
Bosch 12V Brushless Drill/Driver
Manufacturer: Bosch
Model number: PS32-01
Price: $159
Power source: 12V Lithium Ion
Weight: 2 lbsFeatures and Specifications
The PS32 (PS32-2 kit shown) is full of features that make it a PRO grade tool. Features include:
- Battery: 12V Lithium-ion Battery
- Charger: Model BC430
- Chuck Capacity: 3/8″ Keyless Chuck
- Chuck Size: Single Sleeve 3/8″ Chuck
- Clutch Settings: 20+1
- Height: 7″
- Length: 6.5″
- No Load RPM: 0-400 / 0-1,300
- Torque (in. lbs.): 265
- Weight: 2 lb
- 2x tool life – brushless motor and improved gearbox and electronics mean twice the life of our previous generation.
- Improved runtime – brushless motor and 2Ah battery provide increased runtime for difficult applications.
- 20+1 clutch settings – perfect torque adjustments for precise screw driving.
- 4x bit holder attachment and belt clip.
Performance & Features
At first look the PS32 didn’t look much different than the other 12V drill/drivers on the market. However, after a very short time using this tool I quickly realized it offers lots of really great features and the performance is top notch. The following are some of the features that impressed me most:
Autolock Chuck: The feature that I’m most impressed with is the Auto-Lock chuck. This isn’t the first drill to use this feature but I’m so impressed with how well it works especially on a small voltage drill/driver like this. It allows you to quickly tighten or loosen a bit without any tools or using your hand to hold the chuck.
20+1 Clutch: The clutch on the PS32 works very well. I tested the drill by installing a variety of screws including 2″ long deck screws and small cabinet wood screws. On the highest torque setting the drill is capable of installing longer more demanding screws and on the low setting I was easily able to install hinge screws without stripping the screw heads. It’s also nice having the clutch lock setting for drilling in hard materials like steel and hardwood.
Battery Charge Indicator Light: I like that the battery charge indicator light is on the side of the drill where it’s easy to see. Having an indicator light is really useful because the lithium-ion batteries don’t give any sort of warning before they run out of power. This indicator light is easy to see and well positioned.
Belt Clip & Bit Storage: The other feature I really like is the bit storage block that comes as an optional accessory along with a belt clip. The user gets to decide if he/she wants to use the belt clip or the bit storage, or both together. If you’re not a fan of these accessories you simply don’t install them. For a 12V drill/driver I think this is a great set of extra features.
When it comes to performance the 12V EC Brushless motor combined with the 2.0 Ah battery is very impressive. Using the PS32 I often forgot it was a 12V tool and felt like I had the power of an 18V. On a single battery charge (I still haven’t had to charge the first battery!) I used the PS32 in the workshop for an entire month drilling holes, installing screws and every task I performed. The PS32-02 comes with two of the 2.0 Ah batteries so in almost any situation I can’t imagine tasks that would drain both completely in a days time.
The PS32 offers ample torque to do a wide range of application. I was able to easily install 2″ deck screws into framing material. The 20 position clutch also made it very easy to install delicate cabinet hinge screws without stripping them. The wide range of easily controlled torque makes the PS32 extremely versatile in any tool bag.
Video Preview – Bosch PS32 12V Drill/Driver Kit
I taped a short video highlighting the Bosch PS32 Drill/Driver along with some initial thoughts.
Overall Impression of the Bosch PS32-02 Drill/Driver
The Bosch PS32 12V Lithium-Ion EC Brushless Drill/Driver is an exceptional cordless tool. In fact, between the features and performance this tool can easily replace an 18V drill/driver in most applications. When you consider how small/compact this tool is combined with the extended run time from the EC Brushless Motor and 2.0 Ah battery it’s a very attractive platform.
This drill is priced around $159 which makes it a very good value, especially considering it comes with two batteries and the accessories bits. If you’re looking for a 12V drill/driver then the Bosch PS32 should be on the top of your list.
About the author
Todd Fratzel
Todd Fratzel is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz, and the President of Front Steps Media, LLC, a web based media company focused on the Home Improvement and Construction Industry.He is also the Principal Engineer for United Construction Corp., located in Newport, NH. In his capacity at United he oversees the Residential and Commercial Building Division along with all Design-Build projects.He is also the editor of Home Construction & Improvement.
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[…] 12V brushless drill drivers are extremely versatile, compact, and powerful thanks to brushless motor technology. This month the folks at Bosch are sponsoring a giveaway for their new PS32 12V Brushless Drill Driver. One of our lucky readers is going to win this great new tool and entering is really easy. Take a minute to learn more about this tool by reading: Bosch PS32 Review. […]
The Bosch PS32 is actually rated at 179 in/lbs!
The PS31 is rated at 265 in/lbs. Going brushless lost power in the Bosch lineup and didn’t really lose any size . These numbers are the same for the PS22 vs PS21 screwdriver. these are the numbers directly from the Bosch websites.
I love my Bosch 12v tools but these numbers, if true, are a bit baffling.