The Truth about the Bosch Freak!
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- Опубликовано: 2 июл 2024
- The Bosch Freak has been around for a decade now. So I think it's time we have an honest discussion about whether it's a good idea or not!
#bosch #boschtools #dewalt #dewalttools
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My nephew is an electrician and has had them for several years... the shop he was working in had one sitting on the shelf, and all the Milwaukee guys just ignored it... he grabbed it, and it broke loose some stuff they couldn't get on theirs... suddenly everyone wanted to use it.
I picked an 1860 up a few months ago, and honestly am impressed that it can not only break the lug bolts loose on my car (even with a 2ah battery), but can also be tuned down to run screws in a panel that stop at a soft hit. It is slightly slower than my nephews 1800, but has more ugga-duggas for sure. Throw a 8ah battery on it, and man oh man does it really come up to task.
One other thing we noticed... if you need max ugga-duggas - put a driver bit in the center hole, then run your 1/2" socket... I don't know why it makes a difference, but it does.
We will have to test that last bit to see if it's consistently that way. But for now, I can say that when I need max ugga-duggas... I look to other impacts.
In the field its a great tool. It has enough power for most jobs. Ive used mine daily for 2 years in commercial maintenance and the versatility of the tool is a huge plus. I might be running a bunch of concrete anchors, or maybe running a bunch of 2" wood screws, maybe im removing a ton of 1/2" bolts from an access panel on a machine...point is one tool does the job and not having to carry around adapters that constantly break is a huge plus to me. My only complaint with the tool is the noise. Its loud. But other than that it is the perfect tool for my needs.
Thanks for sharing!
hi Brandon had a question for you if my only opition was to use cement/ concrete screws with anchors in drywall or plaster can you think of any problems or is the only problem you can predict that I would need a socket wrench intead since the tip is a hex ? thoughts please thank you?
This tool is paired with my 18v flexiclick , which I have all attachments for and my Bosch bi turbo 7 1/4 track ready circular saw. Absolutely love that combo. I can get so much work done with just 3 tools. Also keep my 12v chameleon with me. That’s all you really need. Can’t wait to get their barrel grip bi turbo jig saw.
Me as a German living in California, I love how nobody is not on Bosch.
Giving me low prices at Lowe’s cuz nobody wants to buy it and have to clearance it. I just bought this very impact driver for $50 at Lowes . Other brands might be more powerful, but Bosch tools are comfortable, durable and they are smooth and not loud (and except this one, but all impacts are loud) . Bosch FTW
Glad you found a system that works for you!
I really like the concept of the "Freak". Some other big company's should use a design like this , it would make sense for high powered impacts like the Milwaukee or Flex to use something similar. You can only get these cheap fake Makita's with these collet or have to make one for yourself like Mancaver Tools did.
I have to imagine there is a reason others haven’t whether it’s for patent reasons something else. But it would be awesome if they did.
A Milwaukee M18 Fuel "Freak" impact!
@@TinkerWithTools The only other company that makes a tool like this is the Korean company Keyang. They have a comparable model and a newer one that's more powerful (at least on paper). From what I've seen they make decent tools, but they're not widely available.
It's a compromise over dedicated tools is a big one. 1/4 impact is for screws yet want to work on a car with it. If you want to work on large fasteners. That's why 1/2 and up impacts exist they can't put out the same in such a compact size. If you notice how they try and make something look more impressive they use in-lbs.😂
The outstanding feature on the Bosch is the connectivity with the app. You have so many features and many custom modes
That is something that’s nice but not absolutely exclusive. Milwaukees one key impact allows some customization as well. If you need some really custom preset modes that could be beneficial.
@@TinkerWithToolsYes milwaukee does have it too but nothing really comparable.
I'm not a pro contractor, just handy around the house and my car. The Freak series is the perfect 2 in 1 combo for my purpose. Freak 2 and up, the 1 is obsolete.
Good comparison. I used to only use a socket adapter on my impact because I don't
Use a Impact wrenche often. But I did buy a impact wrenche anyway it does work out better.
Yeah if you are doing a lot of that type of work the dedicated tool makes a big difference.
@@TinkerWithTools 👍
I think it’d make a great engine bay driver. It’ll do screws when you need it to, sockets when those are required, and it most likely won’t shear off small fasteners like valve cover bolts. I don’t think it’ll take off harmonic balancers or Honda crank bolts, but it’d do 90% or so of what you’d need it to. I think it’s a great diy driver and is most likely built with the same quality as other Bosch tools, but I wouldn’t use it as my go to in a professional setting. Great review bro.
Thanks. The well built part seems to be true.
A great review! Thanx
Thank you!
thank you for your comments was reading about brushed vs brushless do we agree that if I am poor and trying to save money that brushless lasts longer and should be used when possilbe but if I am very poor and can only afford to buy a brushed model that would mean that hopefully it was in expensive enough that if it wears out I can buy a new one Ps it does not seem I use tools very often only need it for occasional home improvments since I am not a mechnic and the tools do not get used frequently do you think either should last a long time? thoughts please thank you!
With brushless tools the motor will be relatively maintenance free. On brushed tools under heavy use you might have to replace the brushes but there is nothing inherently less long lasting about a brushed motor. Brushed tools will typically be cheaper upfront. Brushless tools are commonly more compact, efficient with batteries and will usually make more power in modern tool lineups.
ive been checking this line up from bosch for the last week. im very interested in the gdx 210c. i do washing machines and air conditioners (also fridges but the tool does not come into play there). i visit about 5 houses a day. might be tearing appart a whole washing machinge to replace the ball bearings and the spider at one house, and then moving to the next one to instal a split AC. with that in mind, you can imagine why im looking for a "jack of all trades" impact. for pulling rusted to hell bearings, an impact wrench would save my day, but i'd also need a driver for the nearly 20 bolts that join the two halves of the tub... just right there thats 2 tools, meaning some decent bulk and weight to carry along all day. right after that i may go to remove an old split unit hanging outside a 5th floor window... impact wold certainly come handy for removing rusted bolts while having half my body hanging from the window (using one hand. combi drivers kick). right after that i'd have to install the new split unit... so, in total, i'd have to carry 3 drivers. about 3.5 kilograms of bulky tools. if this baby can do a half a decent job at all of these things (would have to be a C model for the speed and torque controls), it'd be the perfect tool for me.
Your use case is why the tool should and doesn’t work for some people. I think the counter point is just that you can put a bit adapter in a traditional impact and accomplish the same thing. Depending on how stiff or tight those bolts are I would imagine that would also represent some space/weight savings.
@@TinkerWithTools yeah thats the thing. i'd work with a 1/2 to 1/4 adapter, but then the impact wrench might just be too much torque and slow speed for 5/16 masonry screws, not to mention small metal screws on the lids and stuff. and using a 1/4 to 1/2 or 3/8 addapter would not be enough for pulling bearings, IF the impact driver had the torque. stuck within a rock and hard place here. this is why i think the gdx 210c MIGHT be the one to do it all, since it has quite some breakaway torque for bearing pulling, and enough controll (mode A and B) for small metal screws. although, i guess i could carry a small battery driver for small screws and an impact wrench with a bit adapter for anything else.
swapable heads however, THAT would be amazing. 1 head with anvil and spring for driver, 1 head with anvil and spring for wrench and 1 head that is actually a combi drill head. speed selection for each head on the body... that'd be christamas for me. hahahaha.
Sorry I think I wasn't clear, I was suggesting to use a 1/4" impact driver with a 1/4" hex to 1/2" square drive adapter. There are several on the market that offer superior torque to the Bosch. Additionally the Freak has been shown to actually produce more torque on a similar adapter versus using the outer square drive alone. But if the freak works for you, then for your use case, I think it could be a winner. I just have felt like they are not providing enough of either impact wrench function or impact driver function to make it better than the two dedicated tools.
Bosch is the most Handsome and thats the fact and nothing can beat him.
That's true the regular impact driver of this model is sweet
I believe the Freak could also be a 3 in 1 by using impact drill bits, correct? If so, that would be only one tool needed for general work.
You could do that. I have never loved using an impact for drilling but I get the desire to have a single tool. In that regard I would just got back to a drill.
I've never used a socket adapter on my impact driver. I feel a impact driver purpose is to drive screws not lags. A lot use threre impact driver for convenience, too lazy to grab a impact wrench, don't have one etc. Your going to kill that impact driver driving in lags. I seen it happen many times on jobsites guys using there drivers to put in countless lags then saying their impact driver lost it's power. Use a impact wrench or even a drill/driver if driving lags. Right tool for the job
I think there are certain fasteners like ledger locks and timberloks that are made with impact drivers in mind. But you are right with heavier tasks the wrench will be the better suited tool for longevity
I have 1800 model impact driver with the 1/4 collet only and its been going strong for almost 4 years now.
I managed to find the 1800 for less than 100.00 I hope I will be impressed with it?
I am likley to only use this as a drill it's unlikely I will have to many bolts
@@FredengleI'm satisfied with mine.
Thank you this good video
You're Welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
my new question is I now have the bosch freak and also bosch hammerdrill I do not have the experiences you have can you explain to me any thing I should know if I am going to use either of the just mentioned for home improvement projects I would not think the hammerdrill feature is needed but I think the screw mode could possibly be useful? any ideas please thank you ! Note : Strangley I have adapters I dont think I have any bosch batteries I think I have dewalt batteries
I use the impact driver mostly for fastening screws and other structural fasteners. They can be used with sockets with an adapter. But with the freak you won’t need that. As for the drill you can drive screws and other fasteners either in screw mode with the clutch settings for precise control. Drill mode with will be great for wood and metal drilling. For fasteners it will give full speed and torque depending on gearbox speed 1 or 2. And then hammer drill mode is typically only used for concrete or masonry drilling.
thank you for your response in case I was unclear I now have the freak and a bosch hammer drill I did manage to find an adapters so I am using dewalt batteries so I guess the answer is you belive I should be happy with the above tools? thoughts please thank you
I really like Bosch drills. As for the freak it’s not my favorite impact driver but it will still do the job so I think you will be well covered.
Did you also try with bosch dual rank pro core batteries (5.5 and above)?
I only have the 2, 4 and 8 ah batteries for Bosch. In this video I used the 4 but I have a RUclips short where I use all three batteries. There is a difference but it’s not all that significant and wouldn’t overcome the gap
I'm a huge Bosch and Festool fanboy (Finish carpenter... can you tell. Ha), but I never cared for the Freak. The collet always locked up with the slightest amount of dust. So, when the 1860s came out I went with the standard impact and love it. Another thing I noticed, is when you add a Profactor 8ah battery the tool completely changes... for the better. On the job site a fellow contractor has the Makita 40v line, and when we race the lines together my Profactor keeps up and even wins, sometimes. Yes, Milwaukee and DeWalt make more powerful tools; however, the build quality and materials used are not the same. That's not to take anything away from those brands, they are amazing, it's just a different philosophy between the manufacturers.
I haven’t noticed a tremendous difference on the 8 ah (I did a short on this and saw only negligible improvement). I do appreciate the build quality and the concept of it, but it just fails to deliver for me.
They have an upgrade for the collet..
Good job 👍👏 man , you make very good stuff. Btw, have you heard about the metabo SSW 18 ltx 300 bl or SSW 18 ltx 400 bl . Those two impact wrench have a electronic speed selector, so those 2 machines can be impact drill too... ,😉By a french 🇨🇵 viewer
I have been Metabo tools a few times but I haven’t tried anything besides an older 12v brushed model. I’ll Have to check it out. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@TinkerWithToolsmetabo came out with a grinder and drill, they say will replace corded. Drill has swappable chucks.
I wish Bosch would step up to the plate here they are so good at many other things, Bosch sds bits, T shank jigsaw blades, x lock grinder and multi tools. Let’s go guys put your head into it. DeWalt, TTI, and Makita need a kick in the butt!
I would love to see a bi turbo version.
Where I live CT got a clearance sale on these, people keep returning them saying there underpowered and I'm one of them. Great concept tool but useless for my needs
The bits does lock
mmmm tengo 3 años con el 1800 y lo uso en mecánica automotriz y también en tareas de atornillado de tornillos y hacer agujeros en las paredes, es mi primera llave de impacto, y me agrada mucho, aunque estaba viendo la Dewalt 921B y me gustan sus números de impacto al doble que la Bestia, y lo compacto que me serviría para los lugares mas estrechos dentro del motor de un auto donde la Bestia incomoda. Me compraría el 921B agregando un adaptador para hex 1/4
Dewalt makes a nice impact wrench right now. I don't have the 921 but I have the 911 (slightly less powerful) and it's does well. For bigger stuff, I have the mid torque and that thing is quite strong.
Thanka kevin james
Is this latest model quieter than the previous gen?
I think you would be hard pressed to tell a difference but I can try to measure it later. They really do operate almost like identical tools.
Could you try it again with the 8ah battery?
I’ve run it off camera before and don’t find that impact drivers experience as significant of a bump on the higher amp hour batteries as a drill does. If I revisit the freak I’ll make sure to include it though.
I have to second this... nephew has an 1800, and I have and 1860, and the jump from the 2 through the 4 to the 8ah battery is noticeable.
well done, thanks
Thanks for watching!
Also the quality and longevity of the tool should be on there. I don't have bosch tools but I know that they are some of the most reliable tools out there
It is something that can be taken into consideration, but I think you will find that it's highly subjective based on someone's personal experience.
1860 inch pounds. For an impact wrench that's horrible. For an impact driver not bad. The question would become what is the hammer set up on the inside and how big of a hammer it has. Judging from the outside casing it's going to have a hammer the size of an impact driver versus the larger casing of the dewalt impact wrench. So in theory you can use half inch sockets on it but for smaller tasks. I would still spend the money on two separate tools. a good mid torque half inch drive will cover about 90% of what most people need to get done and an impact driver ranging from 1800 to 2200 in pounds and you're good to go. Only other thing to factor in would be the battery platform if you already have one like I'm team orange and rpm.
The problem is that even compared to the DEWALT with similar specs it seems much less powerful and slower. So while on paper it seems decent in specs it doesn’t feel like you get what is promised.
Very disappointing results but I have a soft spot for Bosch tools and the Freak probably has more than enough power for my needs.
I have a few of their tools that really impress me and I love them. The sanders, the top hammer drill, the flexiclick/chameleon are all excellent well made tools that I would even say top their segments potentially in my opinion. And the freak has an idea that really feels like it should do well but it just under-delivers for me.
They need to come out with a profactor model. This is not just limited to the Freak, even the regular 1/4 hex impact driver from Bosch lacks in performance.
That would be awesome to see.
@@TinkerWithTools too many tools, but Bosch still make good sanders
How is Bosch’s standard impact driver?
I have used the standard impact in their 12v lineup but not the 18v. No retailers carry it in stores around me, just the freak. It has the same specs on paper so I would expect it to be similar to that of the freak.
Their standard impact is badass. It has never let me down.
I don't doubt that other companies aren't making the Freak tip because it is patented by Bosch. Wait another few years for that patent to expire and I doubt you will find ANY tool that DOESN'T use that system.
I just looked through 8 years of patents and patent apps and I can’t find anything related to the collet/square drive. And if I am being honest with you I really doubt it will catch on simply because the Bosch has been showing in testing to have worse performance on the square drive than it does when using a collet extension. I want to love the freak and have tried 3 different models of them to date and I just can’t convince myself that it’s worth it.
i really fail to see how the fraction of a sec difference makes it viable for bosch to deem necessary to launch a new model?
The difference between the two models is the addition of a user interface with customisable modes and functions
Thank you for using a drill from Bosch
No problem 👍
I have both the freak and dcf840 & 850. No doubt dewalt is faster and in most cases on a building site the preferred choice. The bosch on its own, yes its not very impressive, however, bosch overall make some quality tools and the big advantage they have is in their durability. most dewalts burnout, become faulty and are unfixable within a few years. bosch will last way longer and spare parts are much more available and affordable than with dewalt. So overall Bosch is the more professional brand, its just that they have a rather unimpressive impact driver. a little freak in the mix.
Fair points... although to be fair I have a decent amount of Dewalt tools and so far they are all still working.
with me
Bosch Freak is still good at the idea that Bosch has brought to us , but if they could put some more power on there Freak that will be much better
Well said. I need it to be great at something but right now it just fails to do that. So much promise and I want to see a more powerful version because it would be a truly great tool.
@@TinkerWithTools Maybe the BiTurbo Freak , I don't know but let's wait for the great returned from Bosch With Powerful New Freak Generation
I would love to see it.
He changed the impact to a wrench in the last head to head and didn't change the model number🤔 wonder why🤔
The last fastener was driven both with the impact driver using an adapter and then with an impact wrench using just a socket on the square drive. Both tools beat the Bosch but I listed the impact since with war the fastest.
@@TinkerWithTools I hear ya
My question is just bought the 1800 it seems but I managed to get it for under 100.00 thoghts?
Do you think I will be happy with it?
I think that the freak is a well built impact with a lot of potential. For that price, if you aren’t comparing it to other impact drivers and it will get the job done. I have other impacts that I love at the price point but don’t let that deter you.
as previously stated it seems I was able to get an 1800 less than 100.00 do you think I will be happy with it ? it certainly would help save space I guess?
If you were happy enough to purchase it and it has worked for you so far, I think it will be fine for you. There are plenty of people besides myself that like and use the freak. And yes it will save space over that dedicated two tool approach.
good to hear I must have purchased an older model but the main reason I got it was as a space saving feature as previously stated got it under 100.00 I hope I will be happy y with it got a question for you I imagine you know alot about home improvment so got a question for you do you think its possible to use a concrete/cement designed screw with an anchors in drywall/ plaster ? thoughts please thank you the thing I do notice of course is I would if I were to try need a socket wrench well I do plan to get one ? ideas please thank you@@TinkerWithTools
Yall tried it with the smaller battery
Correct Bosch where I live really only has a 2ah, 4ah, 8ah and then there big 12ah. You could go up to a larger batter but the but I typically don't enjoy running an impact on such a large battery.
I always thought the Freak was Gimmicky and it always Sucked at Both an Impact Driver and a Impact Wrench.......👍🖖
Yeah it needs to excel at something.
🤷🏼♂️ "If the (Bosch) Freak is "TRULY!" what it claims to be, Then the ❓ of it (replaceing) two separate tools becomes a "VERY LAUGHABLE!" question all together." 🤦🏼♂️
he used gloves with the dewalthe used glives for the Dewalt
i have the freak but i prefer to use the gdr18v-1860c the impact driver only version of it it just looks and feels better and it can actually fit where you are trying to work both are great tools though in my opinion
Do you have both? If some is the performance similar on both tools?
i do have both and i havent actually tested it but while using the impact only version at work it feels as if the performance is better but i have to test that to be sure because the specs are the same on both so it may all be in my head lol
impact driver only*
@@TinkerWithTools also just to note i have went through three of the 1860c freaks before having one that actually works the collet fails on them and driver bits get stuck in the collet or you cant take them out and if you take it apart to try to fix it good luck getting it back together lol ive had one replaced under warranty and then the other i destroyed basically then i found one at lowes for 25 dollars out of box in the clearance section and that one has worked perfectly other than that ive never had a problem with a bosch tool and their customer service is amazing
I appreciate you sharing. While it sucks to have to have tools replaced, I am glad that they were able to somewhat help. And God bless the clearance section. Always great to find a deal!
I don’t think people using 6” screws would buy this tool it is just for the homeowner that would do a quick repair. Which in that case the tool is fine. But for construction purposes stick withe Milwaukee
I am not saying it won’t get the job done but compared to a lot of other tools it comes up short in terms of performance. I wish it were different though.
Bosch is number 1
Others companys probobly will never make one because of money and its mostly pointless compared to a regualar impact driver. If u watch torque test channels video on it, it makes more torque with the driver to wrench adapter.
Yeah for me it doesn't get close enough to other impact drivers or impact wrenches to be beneficial in giving up two tools for one on price.
I own quite a few Bosch tools, including the 1800 model. I like the brand but I can say Bosch simply doesnt know how to make decent impact drivers/wrench. The freak 1800/1860 will live long being a mediocre tool.
It has so much promise but for me fails to deliver.
Gen 1 couldn't easily drill into galvanized steal a few millimeters thick using self-tapping screws vs Gen 2 big difference I could actually take the lug nuts off a wheel and go through the steal much easier using Bluetooth soft start allowing for gradual power increase GEN 1 meh 😑 Gen 2 🤨 I would say 🤔 30% stronger give or take bigger battery and a full charge does indeed increase the power slightly maybe 15% or less 🤷♂️ furthermore the Gen 2 got some metal shaving inside with a burning smell almost jammed and died 🔥 completely I said FK it send it and it grind through the metal shaving inside the motor and lived 🫡
I appreciate you sharing. It's nice to know that certain tools can take some abuse.
Used to keep this one in my car for tire changes. The anvil cracked because of that hole through it. Cool concept on paper, poor product in reality.
I thought how could the anvil be strong enough. I own one but haven’t really worked yet.
Too small of a tool for that. You would need the purpose built impact wrench. But at nearly $300. It's not worth carrying around for just that purpose
That never happened to me or my coworkers. I have used it on my ram1500 numerous times.
if it was stronger it would be good but it is weak as heck
Well said.
Just buy the Dewalt stubby impact wrench and pair it with the adapter that turns the tool into an impact driver. Fuck Bosch, thier core batteries are garbage and moreover Bosch Customer service is ass
845? why? 887 flagship, 850 a new approach with a wider motor, and 840 the fastest. is not 845 a born loser?
Based on the new leaked images of a DCF860 which looks like an improved 850 but with teh speed of some of these other impacts, it's possible that this is the impact that pairs best with the DCD800/805 and the new 860 will be the pairing with the replacement for the 998/999 drill that we have also seen leaked images of. If that is the case, then I think it starts to make more sense. I have found in testing that the 845 is a tough faster over a number of tests than the 840 but those two are the fastest on the most common fasteners. When you get on something where torque is more the focus on not as much speed, the heavier anvil seems to benefit the 850 a little more on the those applications. Hopefully the 860 is the best of all of these. But either way, their releases have been confusing from the standpoint that they haven't clarified the purpose or hierarchy of all of these releases.
BOSCH is Garbage!!!!!!!!
Sure, Jan.
The Bosch freak is an amazing design in theory. But it is criminally underpowered and frankly, sucks.
Well said.
Quality tool for a homeowner though, love my 1800c. It does the lugs on my SUV, all the way down to small self tapping metal screws. It may be under powered for the job site, but it certainly doesn’t suck, kinda gimmicky yes. And then again, it could be from well on the job site depending on what you’re doing, there is that a job discussion, do you really need enough torque to be busting adapters every third lag?
If I just bought the 1800 do you think I will be happy with it thoughts please thank you