Bosch GSB 120 Cordless Drill Review

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The Bosch GSB 120 is a powerful, yet lightweight, cordless drill that is more than capable of working on many DIY projects, or just general work that you might be completing around the home. This review will give you all the details you need about this handy tool, as well as considering the pros and cons that it offers. 

Bosch GSB 120 Features 

Here are some of the main features offered by the Bosch GSB 120. If you like what you see then keep reading for our honest review on the actual tool itself!

  • Power – 12V
  • Weight – 1.2kg 
  • Cordless Lithium Battery
  • Speed – 1300rpm
  • Torque – 30Nm
  • Price range – £70-100 (sometimes found more expensive but offering deals such as drill bits etc included – which are well worth considering)
Sale
Bosch Professional 12V System Cordless Combi Drill GSB 120-LI (incl 2 x 1.5 Ah Battery, Charger GAL 1210 CV, Carrying Case)
  • Power and flexibility within reach for screwdriving and drilling
  • High productivity and excellent torque: due to 2-speed gearbox
  • Longer battery life and more durability: thanks to Electronic Cell Protection
  • Professional 12V System. Compact power. Maximum freedom. All rechargeable batteries are compatible with new and existing Bosch Professional tools in the same voltage class
  • Included this Set: GSB 120-LI, 2x1.5 Ah battery, charger GAL 1210 CV, carrying case

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Pros 

There are many things that we like about the Bosch GSB 120….

To start with, the fact that the tool is cordless means that you are able to take it anywhere, which is really handy when completing DIY jobs (although it does mean you may get roped into doing jobs for friends and family as well!). It also comes as standard with two lithium batteries, which are long-lasting and quick charging, so if you need to work for hours on end you can be sure that the power to your tool will be able to keep up (providing you keep the spare battery pack charged!). 

The Bosch GSB 120 offers 12V of power, which is more than enough for most home DIY projects that you could be working on, and will drill and drive into both wood and steel. We found that the tool can work with up to 20mm of wood and just under 10mm of steel (but this does depend on the type that you are working with – so this may sometimes be less). It also has a hammer function, increasing the number of jobs that you can use your tool on – so even better value for money! 

Despite having plenty of power, the tool is only around 1.2kg including the battery pack, which means that it is lightweight and easy to handle! We believe this is so important, as so many cordless tools will be heavy and cumbersome, with large battery packs, so although they are cordless you are actually limited when trying to work in hard to reach spaces because of the weight and shape of the tool. This is not the case with the Bosch GSB 120, as you will be able to work at all angles and heights, with minimum fatigue. 

Another feature that we liked about the Bosch GSB 120 is that it offers electronic cell protection in the battery. This means that if the tool becomes too warm then the tool will shut off, protecting both the battery and the components in the tool from damage when overheating. This also means that the batteries cannot become worn and damaged through overcharging – which is something we have seen with many cordless tools! 

Although there are many more, the final selling point that we just have to mention for the Bosch GSB 120 is the speed and torque flexibility that you have to work with! With a max speed of 1300rpm and torque of 30Nm, your Bosch GSB 120 will certainly be up to the task, however, it also comes with 20 torque settings, 2-speed control and an easy to use trigger control, so that you are able to customise your tool every time depending on the job and materials! 

Cons

We struggled to find any real faults with the Bosch GSB 120. There is the issue that it doesn’t come with any additional drill bits, so these will have to be purchased separately, which does add to the initial outlay. We also found cheaper models available on the market with the same power, however, they didn’t offer the features (or the loved and trusted brand name) that comes with the Bosch GSB 120. You get what you pay for – and it really is as simple as that! 

Sale
Bosch Professional 12V System Cordless Combi Drill GSB 120-LI (incl 2 x 1.5 Ah Battery, Charger GAL 1210 CV, Carrying Case)
  • Power and flexibility within reach for screwdriving and drilling
  • High productivity and excellent torque: due to 2-speed gearbox
  • Longer battery life and more durability: thanks to Electronic Cell Protection
  • Professional 12V System. Compact power. Maximum freedom. All rechargeable batteries are compatible with new and existing Bosch Professional tools in the same voltage class
  • Included this Set: GSB 120-LI, 2x1.5 Ah battery, charger GAL 1210 CV, carrying case

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Overall Judgement 

Our overall judgement on the Bosch GSB 120 is good. It is a handy, cordless tool that is perfect for being whipped out to complete jobs around the home – and with the two lithium batteries, it will always be ready to go! We also like the keyless chuck, which can hold a wide range of bits from between 1mm and 10mm, adding greatly to the diversity of the tool and the speed at which you can swap between applications. 

The tool is very user-friendly, with settings that are easy to control and use, and able to complete many different jobs (providing you purchase the additional drill bits). It also requires very little upkeep and maintenance. These features combined make the tool perfect for anyone new to using power tools, or just someone who appreciates a handy, hard-working tool that can always be relied upon. 

It is worth mentioning that the tool will struggle when working with particularly tough and thick materials. However, it would be unfair to judge the Bosch GSB 120 too harshly on this – as the tool works well for the power and torque that is advertised, so if you are wanting a more professional tool, well then you have to be prepared to pay the extra cost and opt for something similar to the 18V model! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why does the Bosch GSB 120 have an LED light?
The LED light is fitted near the chuck of the tool to help increase your accuracy when working by illuminating the area that you are working on. This is a feature that you won’t realise the significance of until you actually try it! 

What does the Bosch GSB 120 come with?
The Bosch GSB 120 comes with two batteries, a charger, a tough case that will hold the tool, both batteries and a charger, and a 3-year warranty (with a 2-year warranty for the batteries).

What is the difference between the Bosch GSB and the Bosch GSR?
The main difference between the two tools is that the GSR has drill and drive functions, whereas the GSB also has a hammer mode as well.

Bosch GSB 120
  • Performance
  • Features
  • Ergonomics
  • Value
4.3
About Thomas Paxton 368 Articles
Hey there, I'm Thomas Paxton, your Tool Guru with a Twist! I've been knee-deep in the world of tools since I was a little tinkerer in my dad's shed. Now, I'm running my own website where I share my passion for tools and gardening products through buyers guides and insightful tips. I've got the knowledge and experience to break down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language. I purchased Tools Review from Mike Jones at the start of 2023, he has done a sterling job of building the site and I hope I can continue in his success! When I'm not writing guides, you'll find me in my garden or garage, putting my skills to work and pushing the boundaries of creativity. So, whether you're a pro or just starting out, join me on this adventure, and let's conquer DIY projects together!

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