I’ve spent some time digesting the latest announcement about the new Bosch 36V Drill and 36V Hammer Drill. They’re part of the Brute Tough lineup and there are some real benefits to the features that come with it. It’s a heavy-duty cordless drill and Bosch KickBack Control is a welcome safety feature to help avoid injury when the bit binds up. And the build quality is there to go along with Bosch’s reputation.
But there are some things that, if we’re honest, are hard to ignore and make us ask some questions. First, you’re moving up to Bosch’s 36V platform, but you’re netting 1800 RPM and 885 in. lbs. of torque when you get there. I’m not worried about the RPM’s. Yes, you can get 2,000 or more with some models. But when you’re working in the kind of applications where you’ll grab this big of a drill, you’ll give up a few seconds of speed to maintain control.
No, it’s the torque rating that raises my eyebrows. Makita, Milwaukee, and Hilti all give you more than 1,000 in. lbs. of torque on their 18V platforms, so why doesn’t Bosch’s 36V give us more?
Bosch sticks with a 4-pole brushed motor rather than going brushless. That’s a move that also raises questions for a $500 drill kit. Those questions along with a larger, heavier footprint and price may relegate this drill/hammer drill to a select group of users.
So Should Pro’s Take a Pass?
While there are some questions hanging out there, let’s not forget that this is still a solidly built tool that, for Bosch, gives you more power than their 18V models. If you’re already using Bosch’s 36V tools and have several batteries for it, the bare tool might be an attractive addition to avoid adding an 18V platform.
There’s also the capacity to consider. A 4.0 Ah, 36V battery is going to pack 144 watt hours – a number that only Milwaukee’s 9.0 Ah pack and DeWalt’s FlexVolt 9.0 Ah pack will exceed. So if you’re doing a lot of heavy-duty drilling – hole saws, auger bits, masonry – the higher capacity will keep you working longer. With double the cells of an 18V battery, the pack isn’t working as hard to sustain higher loads consistently. That’s better for the tool and the battery. In the end, it’s Pros working with those larger hole boring accessories frequently that will benefit the most.
Bosch 36V Drill/Hammer Drill Key Features
- KickBack Control – reduces the risk from sudden rotational torque reaction in a bind-up scenario
- Precision clutch with 25+1 settings – provides driving accuracy for reduced fastener damage
- Upgraded all-metal chuck – for more durability, along with first-rate bit retention
- Four-pole brushed motor – provides maximum power with 885 In.-Lbs. of torque
- Brute Tough design – weighs just 4.25 Lbs. (tool only, not including battery), but delivers 0-27,000 bpm (hammer drill)
- Outstanding control – variable speeds for high-speed drilling (0-1,800 rpm) and high-power drilling (0-420 rpm)
- Durashield housing – can stand up to tough jobsite conditions
- Sure-grip side-assist handle – helps prevent slipping and increases control during use
- Ergonomic grip zone – offers a soft grip and upgraded design for better handling and greater comfort
- Electronic Motor and Cell Protection – features longer life in tool and battery, protects from overload
- Drill-area LED – illuminates dark work zones
- Two Bosch 36V batteries and a 18V-36V dual charger – provides long runtime with a 4.0 Ah FatPack battery
Bosch 36V Drill Specifications
- Model: Bosch DDH361
- Power Source: Bosch 36V battery pack
- No Load Speed: 0 – 1800 RPM
- Max Torque: 885 in. lbs.
- Chuck: 1/2″
- Length: 9.75″
- Weight: 4.00 lb (bare)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $459.99
Bosch 36V Hammer Drill Specifications
- Model: Bosch HDH361
- Power Source: Bosch 36V battery pack
- No Load Speed: 0 – 1800 RPM
- Max Torque: 885 in. lbs.
- Blow Rate: 27,000 BPM
- Chuck: 1/2″
- Length: 9.75″
- Weight: 4.25 lb (bare)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $529
