If you want a well-known brand that you can rely on to stand the test of time then Bosch is the way to go. Reliable, reasonably priced and with tools that pack enough power for any home DIY’er, you can see why they have records of selling over 50 million power tools a year!
Now, looking more specifically at the Universal Impact 18 Hammer Drill by Bosch, this powerful cordless drill is perfect for if you are drilling, screwing, or impact drilling.. the tool is exactly what it says in the name – universal impact 18 and perfect for helping you out in all those DIY projects that you have on the go!
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Bosch Universal Impact 18 Features
Before we go into detail reviewing this Bosch Cordless Hammer Drill, we thought it was best to explain to you the different features that it offers, so that you can see if the drill is going to be right for you! Offering more power and features than many other hammer drills on the market, the Bosch Universal Impact 18 manufacturers really have thought of everything!
- 20 Torque levels for different drilling and impact drill jobs – easily controlled using a twist mechanism on the head of the tool. Clear signage makes it simple to switch between levels.
- 2 speed gear box – allows for more control when screwdriving or drilling larger holes but then more speed for when you have a big job to undertake
- Can work with various different materials including wood, metal and masonry – better value for money by increasing the number of jobs that the tool will be able to work on
- 10mm Single sleeve chuck and automatic spindle lock – bit changes can be completed quickly and LITERALLY single handedly, which increases the ease at which you can work and also how quickly the job can be done. Compatible with a number of bits increases the flexibility of this tool!
- 18V battery – Making the most of the “Power for All 18V” battery which will be compatible with over 40 other Bosch products that are currently available on the market. Long lasting – quick to charge – providing 18V of power – what more could you ask for from a battery?
- Up to 1350rpm (no load speed) – offering up to 400rpm in first gear and 1350rpm in second gear, you can be guaranteed that the Universal Impact 18 is going to help you get the job done quickly.
- 30Nm of torque – Offering more than enough power to allow you to work with different types of wood, metal and masonry without affecting the speed and precision of the tool!
- 1.3kg with the battery – The fact that this tool is lightweight even with the battery means that you will be able to work for longer with reduced fatigue.
Bosch Universal Impact 18 – Pros
Where to start! There are so many things that we liked about this Hammer Drill, it really does feel as though Bosch have stolen all the good features from their previous drills and just made them ever better! The number of torque settings and 2 speed gear box means that the tool will be ready for any jobs that you are hoping to complete, and will be able to complete them to a high standard and with a high quality finish.
Whether you are completing a job on delicate materials or working with tough masonry or metal, there will be a setting that works for you! The two speed gear box is easy to switch between and can be done whilst you are working which will reduce the overall time you are working and increase the ease at which the job can be done.
- The Universal tools from Bosch, versatile and strong with intelligent solutions for bigger projects
- Right amount of power for every task: 3-in-1 that can be used for screwing, drilling and impact drilling. It also features 20 torque settings for screwing in different materials
- Versatile Use in Different Materials: Drilling and screw driving in wood and metal or impact drilling in masonry
- Easy Screw and Drill Bit Changes: The cordless impact drill features 10 mm shank and a single-sleeve drill chuck
- Power for ALL 18 V: The included battery is compatible for all products within the green Bosch Home and Garden 18 V system and Bosch Unlimited vacuum cleaners
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Not only this, but the tool offers a drilling diameter of 30mm into any wood jobs that you are completing, and 10mm into steel and masonry. This should be more than enough for any projects that you have planned, and shows that the hammer drill is more than up to the task of working with masonry and steel (instead of just talking the talk like many hammer drills you see on the market!).
The main reason we have fallen in love with this Bosch Cordless Hammer Drill is just how easy it is to use! Bosch has really thought through everything that you need from a drill so that it can help you to get those jobs done.
The keyless chuck avoids that nightmare situation of losing the key, or having to root around in your tool box or pockets every time you need to change the bit and the easy to flick between speed and torque setting allows you to play around with different combinations – perfect for more complex jobs or for those starting out with power tools.
One of the things that we like about the new models of Bosch tools in general – that comes as standard with this Hammer Drill is the “ALL 18V” battery pack. Let’s start by saying that the fact the drill is cordless means that you will be able to work pretty much anywhere, with the flexibility of working at different angles without a wire getting in the way (this is helped by how light the battery pack is).
Bosch has remodeled many of their newer products so that they are all compatible with the ALL 18V battery pack. Quick charging and a reasonable battery life, you are also saved the hassle of trying to remember which battery goes with which product as this battery will work with them all! This hammer drill comes as standard with one battery, but there is the option to purchase it with an additional battery if, like us, you think this drill is going to be getting a fair bit of use!
As well as the technical features offered by the Universal 18, the lightweight feel and comfortable design of the tool means that you will be able to work all day without suffering from fatigue. This is something that is often missed with all-rounder drills, but the design of the neck of the drill, along with the weight balance and comfort grips mean that this drill will really work with you to get the job done.
Bosch Universal Impact 18 – Cons
To be honest, we struggled to find any negatives for the Universal Impact 18, the tool really does do all that you need and more if you are a general DIY enthusiast looking to complete jobs around the home! The only thing that we would say is the battery life can be restrictive when you consider the diversity of uses for the tool.
There are so many jobs that the tool can complete, that you will probably find yourself turning to it for most DIY tasks, which is fantastic – but not if the battery cannot keep up! However, this can easily be combated by buying an additional battery pack (if you don’t already have one from purchasing some of the other Bosch models!).
The tool does lack some of the additional features that you find on other Bosch models, such as the battery charge indicator lights and the spotlight in the chuck or on the base of the drill, which is a bit disappointing! But, we feel that the money and design has been spent on offering power and versatility in the tool, which we concede is what the tool is actually for!
Also, there are more professional models on the market that offer more power than the Bosch, however they also come with an increased price bracket! The Bosch model never claims to be the biggest and baddest on the market for professional use, it is for private, DIY enthusiasts that want a reliable and powerful tool, and is priced accordingly! For the price you will struggle to find something with more power and features!
Universal Impact 18 Accessory Set
Bosch does a very handy 91 piece bit and screwdriver set as part of this range. It is well worth checking out if you are purchasing a hammer drill for the first time and don’t yet have any drill bits.
It is less than half the price of the drill and features a ratchet screwdriver, all the bits you could need, plus 11x masonry, 11x metal and 8x wood drill bits to get you going.
- V-Line drill and bit set suitable for drilling and fastening tasks in wood, stone and metal.
- 11 metal drill bits Ø 2-8 mm (for metal, plexiglass and hard plastics). 11 masonry drill bits Ø 3-10 mm (for masonry, limestone, natural and artificial stone). 8 wood drill bits Ø 3-10 mm (for hardwood, softwood and plastic).
- 15 screwdriver bits L = 50 mm (PH 0/1/2/3, PZ 0/1/2/3, S 6, T 10/15/20/25, H 5/6), 34 screwdriver bits L = 25 mm (PH 0/0/1/2/2/3/3, PZ 0/0/1/1/2/3/3, S 3/5/7, T 10/10/15/15/20/20/25/25/30/40, H 4/5/5/6), 8 sockets Ø- 6/7/7/8/9/10/11/12/13 mm, 1 universal holder, 1 countersink, 1 ratchet screwdriver, 1 magnetic rod.
- For all handheld and stationary drills. Practical Bosch V-Line case with a clear arrangement of the contents.
- Dimensions: 320 x 60 x 225
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
What warranty comes with the Bosch Universal Impact 18?
Bosch offers a two year guarantee on all of its power tools – a pretty standard warranty for power tools. However, if you register the product online with Bosch then they will extend the warranty for another year at no extra cost!
How many Bosch products can be powered by the ALL 18V battery?
Currently Bosch have over 40 products and power tools available to purchase that are compatible with the ALL 18V battery pack. This ranges from combi drills, and impact drivers to hedge trimmers and saws. We would predict that they will release an ever bigger variety of products over time, allowing even more use for the ALL 18V battery.
How long does it take to charge the ALL 18V battery?
The Power for All 18V battery will be back up to full charge after just over an hour of charging, allowing you to get back working as quickly as possible. If this is something of importance for you then Bosch does offer a fast charging battery changer that claims to be able to change the battery in just under 55 minutes!
- The Universal tools from Bosch, versatile and strong with intelligent solutions for bigger projects
- Right amount of power for every task: 3-in-1 that can be used for screwing, drilling and impact drilling. It also features 20 torque settings for screwing in different materials
- Versatile Use in Different Materials: Drilling and screw driving in wood and metal or impact drilling in masonry
- Easy Screw and Drill Bit Changes: The cordless impact drill features 10 mm shank and a single-sleeve drill chuck
- Power for ALL 18 V: The included battery is compatible for all products within the green Bosch Home and Garden 18 V system and Bosch Unlimited vacuum cleaners
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In Summary
Bosch Universal Impact 18 Cordless Hammer Drill
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Performance
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Features
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Ergonomics
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Value
Summary
The Universal Impact 18 Cordless Hammer Drill is a well performing, great value tool from Bosch that ticks all the boxes for the home DIYer.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Multiple torque settings
- Part of Bosch’s “Power For All” battery system
Cons
- Could be more durable
- No battery indicator
I have the Bosch universalimpact 18 drill but the battery is stuck and will not release. Please help. Thank you.
Have you tried contacting Bosch directly?