Power Tools Reviews
Bosch PS40-2 10.8V Impact Driver
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 Nearly Perfect I've had the PS40 for over a month now and find it to be an excellent driver - nearly perfect. At first I was put off by the noise of the impact mechanism, but after drilling hundreds of deck screws I came to appreciate the tremendous amount of torque available. More torque is usually a good thing, but in a standard drill/driver excessive torque can be bad as it requires more work, is less precise, or possibly dangerous if the tool, say, twists you off a ladder. The PS40 doesn't have this problem, in fact, it requires less effort to drive the same fastener as a standard driver or drill. I found myself backing off on the downward pressure to the fastener - much less force is necessary to keep the bit engaged. In particular this is a boon for those situations where you can't get a good and strong angle, such as working overhead or where the screw is hidden from view. With the PS40, if you can get the bit in the fastener that's probably enough to get the job done. The impact noise is loud but not "hurt your ears" loud. If you're using it inside it may annoy others in the house, be forewarned. The size, grip, weight, balance, and battery life are all excellent. It really does feel like a phaser, that is, if the phaser actually existed. As the description warns, the PS40 cannot be used as a drill (I tried). So you'll still need another tool for that. The PS40 will replace my Porter Cable 14.4 cordless drill and is a third the size and weight. I'll reserve the drill for pilot holes (its batteries are failing anyway). For lighter duty driver applications, I would think the non-impact PS20 would be ideal (though I've not tried it). Given that the 20 retails for just over $100 (for the 2 battery & charger kit) I'm considering buying one to compliment the 40. If they ever sell just the PS20 driver alone I will definitely buy one. The PS40-2A kit differs from the PS40-2 in that they throw in a belt holster. I wouldn't pay extra for it. I strongly recommended the PS40 for mid to high torque applications, such as deck building, drywall hanging, and framing. Nearly Perfect I've had the PS40 for over a month now and find it to be an excellent driver - nearly perfect. At first I was put off by the noise of the impact mechanism, but after drilling hundreds of deck screws I came to appreciate the tremendous amount of torque available. More torque is usually a good thing, but in a standard drill/driver excessive torque can be bad as it requires more work, is less precise, or possibly dangerous if the tool, say, twists you off a ladder. The PS40 doesn't have this problem, in fact, it requires less effort to drive the same fastener as a standard driver or drill. I found myself backing off on the downward pressure to the fastener - much less force is necessary to keep the bit engaged. In particular this is a boon for those situations where you can't get a good and strong angle, such as working overhead or where the screw is hidden from view. With the PS40, if you can get the bit in the fastener that's probably enough to get the job done. The impact noise is loud but not "hurt your ears" loud. If you're using it inside it may annoy others in the house, be forewarned. The size, grip, weight, balance, and battery life are all excellent. It really does feel like a phaser, that is, if the phaser actually existed. As the description warns, the PS40 cannot be used as a drill (I tried). So you'll still need another tool for that. The PS40 will replace my Porter Cable 14.4 cordless drill and is a third the size and weight. I'll reserve the drill for pilot holes (its batteries are failing anyway). For lighter duty driver applications, I would think the non-impact PS20 would be ideal (though I've not tried it). Given that the 20 retails for just over $100 (for the 2 battery & charger kit) I'm considering buying one to compliment the 40. If they ever sell just the PS20 driver alone I will definitely buy one. The PS40-2A kit differs from the PS40-2 in that they throw in a belt holster. I wouldn't pay extra for it. I strongly recommended the PS40 for mid to high torque applications, such as deck building, drywall hanging, and framing.  Not worth the money I paid $199 for this driver at lowes, I broke my makita 14.4 2.6ah ( my bad, not the drivers) I was in the middle of building a deck. so I read the reviews and need something right away, This bosch PS40 driver does not have any guts at all You cannot and will not be able to do anything bigger than hang small doors, I just order the makita combo kit from amazon for the same money, Even at the new lower price. There are lot better choices out there Nearly Perfect I've had the PS40 for over a month now and find it to be an excellent driver - nearly perfect. At first I was put off by the noise of the impact mechanism, but after drilling hundreds of deck screws I came to appreciate the tremendous amount of torque available. More torque is usually a good thing, but in a standard drill/driver excessive torque can be bad as it requires more work, is less precise, or possibly dangerous if the tool, say, twists you off a ladder. The PS40 doesn't have this problem, in fact, it requires less effort to drive the same fastener as a standard driver or drill. I found myself backing off on the downward pressure to the fastener - much less force is necessary to keep the bit engaged. In particular this is a boon for those situations where you can't get a good and strong angle, such as working overhead or where the screw is hidden from view. With the PS40, if you can get the bit in the fastener that's probably enough to get the job done. The impact noise is loud but not "hurt your ears" loud. If you're using it inside it may annoy others in the house, be forewarned. The size, grip, weight, balance, and battery life are all excellent. It really does feel like a phaser, that is, if the phaser actually existed. As the description warns, the PS40 cannot be used as a drill (I tried). So you'll still need another tool for that. The PS40 will replace my Porter Cable 14.4 cordless drill and is a third the size and weight. I'll reserve the drill for pilot holes (its batteries are failing anyway). For lighter duty driver applications, I would think the non-impact PS20 would be ideal (though I've not tried it). Given that the 20 retails for just over $100 (for the 2 battery & charger kit) I'm considering buying one to compliment the 40. If they ever sell just the PS20 driver alone I will definitely buy one. The PS40-2A kit differs from the PS40-2 in that they throw in a belt holster. I wouldn't pay extra for it. I strongly recommended the PS40 for mid to high torque applications, such as deck building, drywall hanging, and framing. | |||||||||
