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Bosch DDH183B 18V EC Brush-less Brute Tough 1/2″ Drill/ Driver Review

Bosch DDH183B 18V Brute Tough 1/2" Drill/ Driver

4/5

Manufacturer: Bosch
Model number: DDH183B
Price: 169.00
Power source: 18-Volt
Motor size: EC Brushless
Weight: 4.0 lbs

Bosch Solves Problems

I want you to know that the new Bosch DDH183B 18V Brute Tough 1/2″ Drill/ Driver should definitely be at the top of your list for choices.   Bosch recently released the 18V Brute Tough 1/2″ Drill/ Driver, and we took it to the job site to see how well it worked.

As soon as we picked it up out of the box we could tell Bosch had upped their game once again with another well designed and built tool.

Bosch DDH183B specifications

• Battery- 18V Lithium Ion
• Chuck Capacity- 1/2″ Keyless Chuck
• Length- 7.8″
• No Load RPM- 0-2,100
• Torque- (in- lbs.) 663
• Weight- 4.0lbs
• Width- 2.5″

Includes- Drill, Auxiliary Side Handle, 1 Magnetic Bit Holder, 4 Bit Tips, 1 Belt Clip

Bosch DDH183B Features

The  Bosch DDH183B 18V Brute Tough 1/2″ Drill/ Driver uses an 18V EC Brush-less Motor which Bosch claims will deliver 663in- Lbs. of torque.  Believe me, this drill packs a mean punch in the power department.  It also has an all metal 1/2″ chuck and a 25+1 precision clutch and features a variable speed selector;

• high torque (0-480rpm)
• high speed (0-2, 100rpm)

Bosch Power

There is no shortage in power with this drill.  We tested it using Bosch’s Core 6.3aH battery pack and the runtime was impressive.  One of the tasks we tested it with was to drive a box of 375 2″ screws into Boral Trim and we didn’t need to change the battery all day.  Bosch also included their Electronic Motor and Cell Protection, which protects the drill from overheating.  This equals longer run time and avoids potential damage to the tool.

Kickback Control Safety Feature

According to a study released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission more than 2,500 people receive hospital treatment for injuries resulting from the use of power drills.  I personally love the fact that the tool companies are keeping the user in mind and continue to improve the safety features on their tools.

The motor in the Bosch 18V Brute Tough 1/2″ Drill/ Driver features Bosch’s Kickback Control which is an integrated acceleration sensor that will automatically shut the tool down in the case of a serious bind up.

Testing the Kickback Control

To test this, we used the Bosch DDH183B 18V Brute Tough 1/2″ Drill/ Driver along with Bosch’s Daredevil spade bits to drill thirty six 1/2″ holes in pressure treated lumber.  The drill caught a couple of tough spots in the wet lumber.  Instead of twisting out of my hands, the Kickback Control shut the motor off.  Anyone who has ever had a drill twist their wrist and arm will know how nice of a feature this is.

Ergonomics and LED Light

Bosch uses their Brute Tough design for the build of the DDH183B.  It’s only 2.5″ wide and 7.8″ long and weighs in at 4.0lbs without the battery.

The grip was very comfortable and the drill is well balanced.  It features one LED light that shines from the base of the drill.  Bosch nailed the angle that the light shines at and we didn’t notice any shadows with twist bits, spade bits, or driving bits.  The light remains on for 10 seconds after releasing the trigger.

Belt Clip

One of the things that stood out to us was the belt clip.  I hate when a manufacturer gives a belt clip that’s barely big enough to clip onto your tool belt.  The clip that Bosch has put on this drill is both longer and has a wider opening, making it very easy to clip onto your belt.  We noticed that with the bigger 6.3aH battery pack, the Bosch DDH183B 18V Brute Tough 1/2″ Drill/ Driveris a little “bulky” when hanging off a tool belt.  Even with the larger battery, it is still well balanced and easy to control.  Bosch also provides a side handle accessory for additional control of the drill.  We found the handle quick and simple to install.

All Metal Chuck

One of the first things we noticed on the Bosch DDH183B 18V Brute Tough 1/2″ Drill/ Driver was the all metal chuck.  It is super smooth to adjust, holds tight, and we didn’t notice any unwanted loosening of the chuck at all.

25-Setting Clutch

The clutch features 25 settings plus the drill setting.  The settings are very easy to read on the drill and the selector is smooth and easy to change.  We liked the 25 different settings.  It’s a great feature for when precision fastening is important.  The clutch mechanism worked flawlessly at all settings.

Mode/ Speed Selector

The Bosch DDH183B 18V Brute Tough 1/2″ Drill/ Driver has a mode and speed switches on top of the motor housing.  The mode switch controls the drilling and driving feature, and the speed switch allows the user to select between speeds 1 and 2.

• Speed 1: High Torque (0-480rpm)
• Speed 2: High Speed (0-2, 100rpm)

Both switches seem to be well built and were smooth to operate.

How Much?

The Bosch DDH183B 18V Brute Tough 1/2″ Drill/ Driver comes as a bare tool and is retailed at $169 which we feel is well- priced.  We used the Core 6.3aH battery which retails at $99.99.  For more info on the battery check out Todd’s review here:

Bosch CORE18V 18V 6.3 Ah Battery

Final Thoughts on the Bosch 18V Brute Tough

I gave this drill 4/5 stars.  I would like to see Bosch cut down on the size and weight.  It is well balanced and easy to control, but it is bulky and heavier, compared to competitors:

• The Bosch 18V Brute Force 1/2″ Drill/ Driver weighs in at 4.0lbs.
• The Milwaukee 1/2″ Drill/ Driver (2701-20) weighs in at 2.8Lbs.
• The Dewalt 1/2″ Drill/ driver (DCD791B) weighs 3.4Lbs.

I would also like to see Bosch offer it as a kit with at least two batteries and a charger.  So if you are on your way to the home center to pick up that new drill, the Bosch 18V Brute Force 1/2″ Drill/ Driver will be a great choice.

It will definitely be found hanging off of our tool belts.

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