Bosch has announced a brand new 18V FREAK brushless impact driver, model GDX18V-1860C. Bosch says that this is a new version of their existing GDX18V-1800C FREAK impact driver. The new model delivers 1860 in-lbs of max torque, compared to 1800 in-lbs for the previous model, which is an increase of 3.33%.
We’re still waiting on additional product images from Bosch, but I found one of the bare tool on a sales page. Interestingly, the GDX18V-1860 does away with the handle-located connectivity module, or at least it seems that way.
However, Bosch press materials say that you can connect to this tool via the Bosch ToolBox app and an optional connectivity module, which allows users to change or adapt the tool’s special modes.
They say that for each mode, the user can choose between different behaviors, such as auto shut-off, auto slowdown, and [adjustable??] torque.
The Bosch GDX18V-1860 has 3 predefined driving modes:
- Self-tapping screw mode
- Wood screw mode
- Metal bolt mode
There is also a fourth “custom mode,” but it’s uncertain as to whether this is only available with the optional connectivity module that’s sold separately.
The GDX18V-1860C’s predecessor, GDX18V-1800C, had 3 speed and torque settings, up to 3,400 RPM and 4,200 IPM.
As with all of the Bosch 18V FREAK impact drivers, this model also features the brand’s distinct 1/4″ hex bit chuck within a 1/2″ square drive anvil for use with impact-rated sockets.
Price: $159 for the bare tool
At the time of this posting, you can get the older model GDX18V-1800CB15 kit, with compact 4.0Ah battery and charger, for $159 (or $199 at most sellers). The newer model is $159 for the bare tool.
Bosch also has another model, GDX18V-1800B, which is more value-oriented.
Discussion
So far, it looks like the optional Bluetooth connectivity module placement has been moved, or possibly removed entirely. There’s no indication via the product imagery as to where it was moved to, but it’s clearly not built into the left side of the handle.
The control interface features a “speed” button and also a “mode” selection button, suggesting that you might still get the speed and torque modes of the GDX18V-1860C predecessor.
Bosch says that you get a fourth mode with the impact driver, but there appear to be two selection options here, with A and B settings. It’s unclear what the defaults modes are for that setting.
It seems to me that you get 3 speed settings and the 3 predefined modes listed above (self-tapping screw, wood screw, metal bolt), and that the A and B modes are the fourth (and fifth?) modes that can be customized via the Bosch ToolBox app (assuming the optional Bluetooth connectivity module socket is present and simply moved to a different location).
The LED worklight has also been updated, with more of a flat and opaque white cover, rather than the shaped clear lens featured on their older model.
The new model definitely looks to be an upgrade over the existing brushless FREAK impact driver, with a minor bump-up in torque specs and expanded control options.
We’re still waiting to hear back from Bosch to help fill in some details, but what we do know so far paints an interesting picture.