Bosch 12V Max EC Drill and Driver Review PS32-02 & PS22-02
We’ve been using these compact drills on the ACC job site for a few months now and I’ll tell you what, they are a sight for sore eyes. For kitchen cabinet installations and hardware installation for built in cabinets, drawers, and doors there is no better tool.
I cringe when I see a 18-Volt monster impact driver and drill show up at a fine finish carpentry install. The size, weight, and power of these production model drills are just to bulky to get into the nooks and crannies of cabinets and one false move and you can ding up your work piece, not to mention the potential to strip screws with the high torque of a high powered impact gun.
That’s why we here at A Concord Carpenter fell in love with the Bosch 12V Max EC Brushless Lithium Ion Drill and Driver, because the compact size, power, and weight are PERFECT for kitchen install work and cabinetry. Not to mention Bosch packed these drills with all the right features and the Brushless motor adds tons of value with day to day runtime and exceptional longevity for the long-term life of the tool.
Before we really get into the Bosch 12V Max EC Brushless Lithium Ion Drill and Driver Review, let’s take a look at the specs and features.
Specifications
- Battery: 12V Lithium-ion Battery
- Battery Chemistry: Lithium Ion
- Battery Voltage: 12 Volts
- Battery/Charger: Included
- Case Type: Canvas Zip Bag
- Certifications: CSA
- Charger: BC330
- Chuck Size: 1/4″ Hex Chuck (PS22-02) 3/8″ Keyless Chuck (PS32-02)
- Clutch Settings: 20+1
- Height: 7″
- Length: 5.6″ (PS22-02) 6.5″ (PS32-02)
- No Load RPM: 0-400 / 0-1,300
- Rating: 12V Max
- Speed: Variable Two Speed
- Torque (in. lbs.): 180 (PS22-02) 265 (PS32-02)
- Weight (lbs.): 1.6 (PS22-02) 2 (PS32-02)
Features
- Most compact professional drill/driver in its class
- Light weight
- 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 – provide unmatched portability and versatility in the 12V range
- Out of the Box
These kits are nicely put together, the canvas bag is more like a laptop case, ridged edges with soft canvas material encasing the tool. Inside you’ll find a 3/4″ elastic banding stitched to the bottom of the case to allow you to tuck the charger, batteries, and tool securely under the straps.
The kits include:
- (2) 12V Max Lithium-Ion Batteries
- (1) – 12V Max Lithium-Ion Charger
- (1) – Carrying Case
The tools showcase Bosch quality with a sleek design and heavy duty construction. The drill features an LED fuel gauge at the forward and reverse switch that is well placed and bright enough to keep you VERY aware of your battery life. The quick clutch on the PS22-02 and the keyless chuck on the PS32-02 are smooth and operate extremely well. And finally the folks at Bosch did a great job adding on board storage for 4 bits to give users the flexibility to switch between bits conveniently and quickly.
Performance
These drills are perfect for light and medium duty tasks. They have the finesse to precisely drill and drive soft stainless steel screws and adjust cabinet hardware quickly without stripping screws. While at the same time have enough power to drive a 3-inch screw into framing material to install a cabinet box with ease.
Even before cabinets arrived I found myself favoring these drills. While leveling the ceiling, the overhead work was effortless with these light and compact drills. Additionally, the small size of the drills came in handy when having to make repairs behind the plumbers and electricians, able to get into really confined spaces.
These tools have become my go to during cabinet installation because of the size, runtime, and cadillac features.
Overall Impression
Obviously from what you’ve read in this Bosch 12V Max EC Brushless Lithium Ion Drill and Driver Review you can tell we are a fan of these drills. Light, compact, without sacrificing power, runtime, and high end features.
Of course these little drills are great for carpentry and handyman work, but these tools won’t cut it for heavy duty tasks, and certainly have no place trying to drive anything beefier than long 3-4″ screws. Also, although I really like the onboard storage for bits, overtime the individual bit holders wore down and no longer snugly held bits, so I’d be either losing a bit when holding the tool awkwardly OR slowly reducing the amount of bits I could hold on each drill.
Overall though these are quality drills and if you are a cabinet installer or cabinet maker these may be the last drills you have to buy or want to buy. Highly recommended and ACC approved!
Can’t wait? Buy this drill now HERE!
