New Innovations from Bosch Tools

This week I participated in the Bosch Tools Global Leadership Tour at their US headquarters in Mt. Prospect, IL. Bosch is a global organization and their tool division is number one in Europe and with events like these they're trying to climb the very competitive ladder of tool manufacturers in the US.

Product Development Process
The first day started with a real-world example of product development. We were asked to submit an idea of a tool that we feel is needed and the top two ideas Bosch would consider developing or at least show us the process of what it takes to do this. It all starts with a lot of free form brainstorming and the top two ideas were submitted by Ethan from One Project Closer (universal battery adapter) and Marc of HomeFixated (battery powered beer cooler).

Ethan's idea took top prize and we think would be an amazing addition to any manufacturers offerings but we doubt any of them would get on board with a universal type of attachment. From sliders to post style there would be a lot of obstacles to creating this type of accessory given the current battery options and it's unlikely that the manufacturers would agree on a universal battery attachment, but we can keep dreaming.

Bosch 12V Max Lithium Ion Impact Driver Review

Bosch has an update to their compact impact driver with this 12V Max Lithium Ion Impact Driver (Model PS41-2A). It delivers more torque and higher RPM than the previous model but weights .2 lbs less at 2lbs.

We like the improved form factor of the blunt casing as opposed to the rounded off body of the earlier version that looked like a Star Trek laser gun.

Hits: 3 LEDs, smooth variable powerband, 2 batteries
Misses: Wish the base was more stable
Uses: Drives screws and bolts with ease. Great for working on cars or building flat-pack furniture

Form
We love the way this tool looks. It's sturdy shape gives the impression that it means business and it really delivers as evidenced by its best in class 2600RPM and 930 lbs of torque.

It's a tight compact size so you can use this in almost every application including small spaces but Right Angle Impact Driver from Craftsman might have an advantage in a few situations but the Craftsman model is also longer.

The forward-reverse toggle switch is easy to access and locks in place. There is also a nice battery indicator light along the left side of the tool.