Saturday, July 30, 2011 Bosch 32614 14.4 Volt Compact Tough Drill/Driver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have owned this drill for nearly a year and it continues to amaze me with its power and durability. During this time, I have installed a new wood working shop in my walk out basement. The work required countless holes in seasoned overhead joists and concrete walls to install wiring, outlet boxes and plumbing lines. The compact size, of this drill, using a Bosch 3/4 spade bit, will fit easily between joists and studs on 16" centers, allowing straight and true holes with minimal effort. My, now retired, Craftsman 14.4 would not begin to fit, resulting in a few holes drilled at an angle ----- OK for wiring but not for water lines. Besides, the Craftsman bogged down in concrete drilling and smoked a battery.
The balance and ergonomics of the Bosch are very good, either for heavy work or fine model work. The Swiss quality is evident ----- I am really impressed with the chuck, which locks easily and has never slipped on me.
Based on my 40+ engineering years in the medical electronics field, here is a battery life tip. Do NOT run the battery down to the last ounce of power. As soon as the drill begins to lose power, remove the battery and let it cool for 20 - 30 minutes before recharging. I have found the operational battery life to be very long and the 1 hour charger should keep up with most applications. Yes, there is superior battery technology, but it comes at a very high price. You could always purchase an additional battery if you require production output.
I do not have much need for the case , however if you lug your tools around, it is rugged and well designed with steel toggle clasps.
PS: November 13, 2005 : The December 2005 issue of Consumer Reports gives this drill (32614-2G) a BEST BUY rating. I sure agree with that rating.

PS-2: May 4, 2008: The drill continues to provide outstanding service. I recently finished building a 12 X 17 deck, using composite planking and fascia. I hired a contractor to do the rough in framing and laying of the decking material while I installed the fascia and railings. He had a DeWalt 14.4 volt drill and I offered him my Bosch as a back up. I soon noticed that his DeWalt was back in his tool box and he was using my Bosch for the entire job, because it easily out performed the DeWalt. The Bosch kept up with 2 days of intense screw driving using the 2 original batteries, and it kept up with the job load without missing a beat. The charger quickly recharged one battery while he was using the other. He thought the performance was remarkable, and I had to agree. I doubt if you could find a tougher work environment for this wonderful tool.

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Product Description:
14.4V, Compact Tough Drill Driver Kit, Full Metal Clutch Ring With 16 Positions, Ratcheting 1/2" Single Sleeve Chuck With Carbide Teeth, Finger Groove For Optimal Professional Hold, Reverse Switch, Durashield Housing Designed To Withstand Daily Use & Abuse, Bit Holder, 2.4 AH Bosch Platinum Series O Pack Battery System, Snap Hook, Ergonomic Soft Grip Handle, Variable Speed Soft Grip Trigger, Externally Changeable Brushes, Improved Bosch Design 48mm Motor, Bosch Built Powertrain With All Steel Gears.