Bosch 18V Lithium-Ion 1/4 – inch Hex, Impact Driver – Model # 25618-01
By Josh Bordenca
The Bosch 18V Lithium-Ion Impact Driver, model number 25618-01, is Bosch’s fastening driver. This 2,800 RPM/3,200 BPM, 125 foot-pound of torque driving machine will have you cruising fasteners home all day long.
This impact driver has even claimed the title of “Most Compact Impactor” Design. It’s been given a gear box cover for added protection, a built in LED light, a ¼ inch hex drive with quick release, and my favorite part, the impact mechanism is spring loaded reducing user fatigue substantially.
Want more, well here you go: Externally and easily accessible brushes, a variable speed trigger for those of you who want more control, and heavy duty belt clip. The Impactor also comes with two Bosch Lithium FatPack Batteries, a 30 minute charger, and a pretty decent carrying case. I t’s also up to 25% shorter than its competition as well as up to 25% lighter.
First Impression: The Bosch “Impactor”
Having the Bosch L-Boxx storage system for most of my tools, the case is not one of those. Now that does not mean I do not like the case, quite the contrary. This tool has a case that is actually well thought out. Everything has a designated place. The only real addition I would make to the case would be a place to put multiple bits so they are not free-floating in the case.
I’ve been testing this Bosch Impactor on multiple projects and honestly the biggest stand-out feature is the spring loaded impact mechanism. Other impact drivers I’ve used have had more vibration through the handle, and actually made a lot more noise. These two topics seem to have been addressed. The high performance motor and all metal gears of the Impactor, tied with the spring loaded impact mechanism have made the Impactor less stressful and straining on my wrist as well as my ears.
At the end of the day it comes down to productivity, Bosch claims that the Impactor is 25% faster than comparable cordless impact drivers, and with a 30 minute charger, run time has increased that much more. The hammer and anvil system produces 1,500 in.-lbs. (125 ft.-lbs.) of dynamic torque allowing you to apply the correct speed for whatever project you may be on.
This driver is not only user friendly, compact and lightweight, but when you add in the Electronic Cell Protection with Bosch’s new batteries, you’re getting 35% more run time out of each new battery.
Features:
- 2,800 RPM/3,200 BPM
- Hammer and Anvil System Produces 1,500 in.-lbs. (125 ft.-lbs.) of Dynamic Torque
- LED Light
- Spring-Loaded Impact Mechanism
- 1/4″ hex drive with Quick Release
- Externally accessible brushes — For easy brush replacement
- Variable-speed trigger
- Battery Voltage
- Length 5.7″
Overall Impression:
After multiple applications between 3 to 4 inch screws, multiple sized lags, and even longer Timber lock structural screws into LVLs, I found the Impactor to be lightweight, easy on my wrist, and the variable speed control makes my job that much easier. I may have added one or two more places to secure bits to the actual driver, but that is no deal breaker.
The reduction in user fatigue alone sets the Impactor apart for applying long screws and lags. Less noise and more productivity is a quick recipe to a happier homeowner, and a pleased contractor.
How Much And Where To Buy?
The Bosch 18V Lithium-Ion Impact Driver sells online for $270.00 here:
Bosch-25618-01-18-Volt-Lithium_Ion-Battery