Best Installation Drill/Driver 12V Part 1

Some interesting results, one clearly out performs the rest.
Metabo 12V 601037840 Currently not available from authorized retailer in the US
Kit 601037620 Currently not available from authorized retailer in the US
Dewalt BL 12V DCD703 Not sold as tool only
Kit DCD703F1 👉 ACME acmetools.pxf.io/nLNeDR
Lowes 👉 www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-XTREM...
Bosch 12V GSR12V-140FC Not sold as tool only
Kit GSR12V-140FCB22 👉 amzn.to/3qBwkiN
Bosch BL 12V GSR12V-300FC Not sold as tool only
Kit GSR12V-300FCB22 👉 amzn.to/3qs3TDJ
Metabo BL 12V 601039890 👉 www.mscdirect.com/product/det...
Kit 601039800 Currently not available from authorized retailer in the US
Milwaukee BL 12V 2502-20 Home Depot 👉 homedepot.sjv.io/KjJYkv
Kit 2505-22 👉 amzn.to/3CopRKQ
Home Depot 👉 homedepot.sjv.io/xkyqA3
Hilti BL 12V SFE 2-A12 2241415 👉 homedepot.sjv.io/DKQMDG
Kit 3649603 👉www.hilti.com/c/CLS_CORDLESS_...
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[@dsgamecube]

I have the brushless Bosch. One thing to note is that the right-angle and offset adapters can be quickly rotated by pulling out on them. Also, there's an SDS Plus adapter available, for some reason. I bought it, of course, because it's kind of absurd, and it works decently.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks! for pointing out how the Bosch can be quickly adjusted, I wasn't aware of this and will mention it when I cover the new Festool's. I seen the SDS adapter, hope to test that at some point it looks cool.

[@ProxyFinal]

why the bosch's locking system is a big deal is that it secures the attachments in place from falling off or easy disengagement. I noticed that the Milwaukee had the tendency to catch onto weird places that may cause the release the attachment. As a Milwaukee guy, I unfortunately prefer the Bosch over the M12.

[@Tools-Tested]

Interesting that’s a good point, thanks for the info.

[@NeilDunlop]

I have the Milwaukee and brushed Bosch and generally reach for the Bosch - although I do prefer the ergonomics of the Milwaukee (that button excluded!) in the hand. The main reason I'll go for the Bosch is the locking bit holder on the hex and offset chucks. They'll take a 25mm bit which comes out easy when you want it to, but the Milwaukee eats so much of a 25mm bit that you really don't want to put one in there. The Bosch also holds Centrotec bits (I only have a few) where they just fall straight out of the Milwaukee. Also, for me, I want a locking holder on the offset when drilling in tight spaces so the drill bit doesn't pull out when backing out of the hole. In the UK, the Bosch kit came in an L-boxx with insert trays that keep everything organised and you can shake it around and everything stays put. That cloth bag yours came with looked like only a vague afterthought. The Milwaukee bag is big enough to store (if you toss the charger) 2 drivers, 2 sets of chucks and a spare battery which is great. You wouldn't want to throw it around but it makes for a good grab bag for drilling and driving.

[@rentedmule1287]

Love my brushed Bosch. Outside of the weight it’s a winner in my collection

[@mongocrock]

The milwaukee is designed to be held with the index figer along the tool and use the middle finger on the trigger. its lines your wrist up better with the drill bit or driver bit. Used that way it improves the ergonomics considerably. They over all design is "inspired" by the festool. Great comparison thanks

[@jaywelker5566]

Festool wasn't stupid enough to put an electronic for/rev switch on theirs though. Guarantee Milwaukee walks some of these poor design choices back if there's a Gen 2 of this thing.

[@steffendetrick]

That’s right! it’s designed to be held just like a screw gun. People seem to either love it or hate it. I personally like it I can fit it anywhere I can fit my hand.

[@steffendetrick]

@@jaywelker5566 maybe, maybe not because Dewalt just did the same user interface with their screw gun. The settings are placed on the top in the exact same spot, which I was surprised about, considering all the mixed reviews with Milwaukee’s installation driver.

[@georgedavall9449]

Exactly

[@rentedmule1287]

I have the 3 out of the bunch and the Brushed Bosch is my go to. Outside of it being a little more hefty it works like a well oiled machine

[@2down4up]

I use the Milwaukee everyday at my job and with regards to the ergonomics I 100% agree with you! While I’ve adapted to the ergonomics, the fact that the tool sleeps and therefore sometimes you only need to press the button once and sometimes twice is really infuriating. Whoever decided to position the buttons like that and then complicate it with a sleep feature really needs to have their head checked. However, you showed me something I didn’t realize and I feel profoundly stupid because of it! I didn’t realize that I could stick a 1/4” hex bit in without the locking hex driver piece! Man I feel dumb! Thanks for the awesome video and for learnin me somethin.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah that switch is way over complicated for a drill. Lol hey I’m glad the video helped, we all are only human.

[@robertfrost5020]

I own the older Bosch brushed version - had it 4 years now. Can't see myself upgrading as it's powerful enough and perfect in size and weight. It is literally as small as it is possible to be and you can still hold it firmly but comfortably. You can drop it in your tool belt bags or in your tool box and takes up very little room. Battery lasts surprisingly long. It is the one power tool that always comes with me. If my impact driver battery dies and I'm putting in 100mm or 4 inch screws ill use this for 10 or 20 minutes to get to the end of what I'm doing rather then stop and find another battery - it is more than good enough for what it is designed to do.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep thats understandable, they all seem to get the job done.

[@NWGR]

Great comparison and review, thanks for posting! I had the milwaukee for a while but sold it and got the dewalt instead. The dewalt is much nicer to hold and use, and the additional power doesn't hurt. I prefer having the locking chuck on the right angle attachment; more than once when using the milwaukee the bit would be left behind in the screwhead. In general I don't like non-locking chucks. Festool finally has a new brushless version of their CXS (along with an 18v version) coming soon. Checking out part 2 now, thanks.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thanks, yeah hoping to test the new CXS when they come out!

[@wayward-saint]

I love the ergonomics of the Milwaukee. I think they could have made a normal direction changer, but the hand position is great. You pull they trigger with the middle finger. The hand sides in line with the drill, much easier to press straight into your material.

[@georgedavall9449]

Exactly

[@J.Wick.]

Love that little Dewalt myself. I use the DCF601 just about everyday. Love that thing. The Bosch has always looked nice as well. Same for the Metabo.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah these 12v Dewalt are 🔨, I hope to test the DCF601 at some point but would expect similar resaults. Yep the Bosch seems good, really like that the new Dremel's use Bosch battery's. Metabo BL is good just very hard to find.

[@ccbowers]

I bought the Bosch 12V brushless and is the only tool I have in that line. The only complaint I have is the case (especially after seeing this review). The way that the attachments lock it feels very secure and the added motion to do so is a nonissue. I originally wanted the Milwaukee but hated the ergonomics. I never liked the bulbous grip from m12 in general and the fwd/reverse is right where you might not easily reach. A dud from them.

[@cristianpaulmartinez52]

i am using the bosch brushless everyday for lighting installation job right now & love it. I had tried milwuakees 2 years ago didnt like the fwd rvrs switch and did not like the chunky D handle, though i do love the magnet & I actually prefer the way the back is shaped like a drywall screwgun, more ergononic for me. using the bosch or m12 impact I choke up on the handle so my pointer finger is next to the light. the bosch comes with a bit holder that holds 4 bits which is vury useful & better belt clip location on the side of the head makes it easy to grab off ur belt. I keep in in my hammer holster with the small 2.0 battery and have to change it once a day at least. im sometimes using it to drill through 2x4s 1/4-1in holes but it is annoyingly underpowered but gets through in 3x the time, still the size & weight savings makes up it, & sharp bits matter more then torque & rpm. mostly driving small fasteners, the offset is a lifesaver when doing light fixtures and assembling furniture. I use the offset 70% of the time, drill chuck 20%, right angle 5% , 1/4in hex 5% of the time.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah to me thats what kills the Milwaukee with that goofy forward revers button. I agree that bit holder is nice. Thanks for the info!

[@byebyefederalreserve]

I'm not a fan of the typical fwd/reverse switch on the side since I often bump it out place with my thumb. So maybe Milwaukee is trying to solve that. I remember the older drills with the lever under the chuck in front of the trigger. I like that position.

[@mr.t9976]

Wish we got the European Milwaukee driver in the US. You can also get a free tool pretty often at Lowe’s with the Dewalt driver

[@thetruth5210]

I have the brushless Bosch and Metabo. As a tradesperson I have never seen someone use any of these provided bags or cases. My Bosch stays in my Velocity/Unilite Rouge 4.5 as my daily driver because out of all of these it takes up the least amount of space. For the same amount of real state one of the other drills would take in my bag, I get a drill, charger & spare battery. You also left out the Bosch’s GFA12-H attachment that adds SDS functionality. My Metabo is in Kaizen foam in a MetaBOX and used primarily for running conduit in elevator shafts. I would not go back to a traditional drill/driver, if I need to drill I use Bosch/Diablo spade bits and Milwaukee titanium hex shank twist drills. One the only times I use the three jaw chuck is for Klein 4’ or 6’ dill bits to run wire/cable to attic and/or basement/crawl space without causing drywall damage.

[@yunzpiano5182]

I own the brushless bosch because of the weight. I wish each weight could be tested which is another important factor.

[@Tools-Tested]

I did test the weights, it’s noted in the spec table in the video. Yeah the Bosch has good performance for its size.

[@swimfan6292]

AvE did a tear down of the funky looking Milwaukee drill.. ray gun looking thing. he hated the switch for it but the overall construction was decent

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah over complicated switch.

[@codydoornbos2838]

Didn't want to mention the angle of the Bosh bits can be adjusted after locking them in?

[@gf2e]

How good is the trigger control? I have the brushed Bosch, and what I love most about it is how good the low speed trigger control is. I can remove and reinstall self tapping wood screws without worrying about stripping. My M12 Fuel drill’s trigger control (previous gen, with the electronic clutch) is terrible. Never feels right. Great at high speed work but I can’t stand it for screws. I store mine in a narrow Packout bin with a foam insert I made myself. Perfect size for a tool like this.

[@superspeeder]

EXACTLY! My favorite cordless screwdriver ever was the original Bosch PS20 driver. It was narrow, had enough torque for small/medium screws, and it had PERFECT analogue trigger control of its brushed motor. That’s the #1 criteria for this type of tool in my opinion.

[@boosted2.4_sky]

These are designed with small fasteners in mind.. don't need much power or torque...accessibility and convenience is key..

[@Tools-Tested]

Very true, power to me is important if someone is replacing a normal drill with one of these.

[@scotts4125]

I'm on the Makita platform but they don't have anything like this so I have the Milwaukee. The top button is stupid but I like everything else about it. Funny I hated the soft case. The velcro to me was a PITA. Some guy on Etsy makes a foam cutout for the entire kit minus the charger and it all fits in the half size thin Packout box with the clear top. It's so nice in that. I used to carry the sub compact Makita drill and driver. Now I just grab this packout and good to go.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah wish Makita made one. Just looked up that pack out it looks like a sweet setup.

[@scotts4125]

@@Tools-Tested It makes it really nice. I also bought the entire range of step down drill bits up to 1/2" with the 3/8"s shank. I wish they made a 1/2" drill chuck for it but now with the step down bits all good.

[@Tools-Tested]

@@scotts4125 yep 1/2 would have been nice. The version in EU/UK has a 1/2. I just received it from Germany, it’s a much bigger drill but the attachment is a lot easier. It will be in the part 2 video.

[@scotts4125]

@@Tools-Tested Looking forward to it and you gained a new sub.

[@toolscientist]

There's an extra Bosch attachment that's a 1J SDS. Metabo also has a torque multiplier, but I think that's only for 18V.

[@Tools-Tested]

Thats very interesting, thanks for the info. I might have to test that SDS and look into that Metabo TM.

[@toolscientist]

@@Tools-Tested beware that Bosch has flexiclick in 12v and 18v and they're not compatible. 18v has a red collar and 12v has black collar

[@Tools-Tested]

@@toolscientist yeah I seen that, same would be to east lol

[@toolscientist]

@@Tools-Tested makes sense for reducing size and weight on 12V. They should have at least called it Miniclick to reduce confusion.

[@robertrada6040]

I’ve used all of these (and the 18v counterparts and of course the og Festools, Fein and etc). The one I run with is that last place Hilti. 😂.

[@Tools-Tested]

What made you go with the Hilti?

[@robertrada6040]

@@Tools-Tested Honestly, no other reason than simply liking how the Hilti 12v drills felt in the hand. Dewalt and Metabo can eat the other's lunch in the power department. I was looking to buy a 12v bit driver at the time. The multi head came later as I started appreciating how many 12v drills, and a light and so on I can fit in a small bag or a tool box. I'll be honest, the chucks on all of the 12v multi heads are nowhere near the quality of the various 18v models (to be fair, I have not use the 12v Fein, so don't know about that one) and the Hilti ones are on the lower end. That said, all of the 18v models that went through my hands honestly didn't get much use outside of being stubby insert bit drivers and maybe sometimes using the offset head. I've seen the light with 12v. I actually use all of the heads on it. Because of the size, it can actually get into those tight spaces.

[@ex8280]

milwaukee's .3 inch is much better than .4 inch of the dewalt....finally a reason to keep my installation driver. LOL.

[@peteganze6416]

After buying the Bosch 12v stuff I'm giving the other stuff away. the weight for the performance is surreal.

[@andreasjonsson8075]

Trigger feel is more important for me. You can always grab a larger machine

[@kylefowler5082]

I've owned the Milwaukee version a few years and I agree that the ergonomics are lame. Yes I understand that you're supposed to hold it a certain way and the trigger buttons have a reason to exist as well but in practice I would have just prefered a standard drill with the fancy attachments. I also don't like how if you want to use an XC battery the tool becomes unbalanced. Like other commenters stated the European version looks better. I do like it's slim size and that it's not so powerful to rip out of your hand if it hangs up when you are in an awkward spot. These tools are definitely not all about power. When I want more power I use the gen 3 12v drill, that thing is a tank! Lastly after a bit over 3 years on the jobsite with daily use the tool is starting to make some squeaking noises so it's getting close to death I believe. Just something to keep in mind. If it does die I plan on buying the European version if Milwaukee turns me down on warranty. You never know these days they are getting picky on the warranty.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah its really odd ergo wise, I did just get the European version in . I had to order it from amazon Germany..... It's huge compared to the rest, but the attachment of the heads is easier vs the others. Hopefully in a week or so I will do a part 2 comparing it vs the others. Also look at other things which are important when comparing these drill drivers. Thanks for the info!

[@davids8493]

If these are designed as a installers tool, I would think that it would be imperative that the tool be of a slim design. That Dewalt looks absolutely huge. It looks like a 18v sized tool. IMHO.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah it looks it but it’s really close. I’m going to be doing a part 2.

[@juanc5149]

😮 So is the Dewalt dcf601 basically the same as the 703 when it comes to internals?

[@Tools-Tested]

Hard to say, but I would assume so. Hope to test the dcf601 at some point on the dyno.

[@jaywelker5566]

@@Tools-Tested think there's a chance the 703 gearbox fits into the 708 20V Atomic? Flipping between a couple tabs on Google images they look very close, but the screw spacing on the front and input gear on the motor could be slightly different for all I know. Otherwise the only real difference I can see is that the front motor vent cutouts are a little bit different, but the overall geometry on their side profiles appears dead on. Being able to get this tool onto the 20V platform would be the way to go I think. Especially with the 1.7 Ah Powerstack making the 12V line a bit redundant.

[@engineer_alv]

@@jaywelker5566 totally agreed. DeWalt's 12V Xtreme lineup looks redundant now that they've put real effort into their 20V Atomic lineup. Their tools size and weight about the same and the 1.7 PS battery weights about the same as their 12V @ 2Ah battery. Offering just a dozen of 12V DeWalt tools seem to backup our findings even more. There's a reason Milwaukee and Bosch don't market a subcompact 18V lineup along their 12V lineup. They differentiate very well between each other and Bosch even has an 18V installation driver that looks, weights and performs vastly different from their 12V version so they won't cannibalize.

[@ccbowers]

Dewalt did a good job, but it appears significantly larger than the Bosch. Is it just because of the larger battery? These are often used in tight situations, so I wonder if size is another factor or are they close enough in size

[@engineer_alv]

they aren't close in size. Bosch and DeWalt look about the same length but the DeWalt is taller and heavier by almost 0.5lbs bare tool. But it also has a slightly narrower grip because it uses a slide in battery rather than the stem battery on the Bosch (which would also apply to Milwaukee). DeWalt's 20V Atomic line is almost the same size and weight of their 12V Xtreme line and the 1.7Ah Powerstack is almost the same size and weight of a 12V 2Ah battery. That's why IMHO their 12V Xtreme line is a hard sell and it shows because DeWalt invest very little in it (almost no tool selection)

[@ccbowers]

@@engineer_alv Despite Bosch 12V and M12 having the same exact battery design (minus superficial differences), I find Bosch's grip much better. Milwaukee making the grip bulbous perplexes me.

[@engineer_alv]

@@ccbowers I hear you, I like my M12 tools but only my high speed ratchet has a comfortable grip. Can't say the same about my 3rd gen impact driver

[@chingonbass]

@@engineer_alv I got that 12v Dewalt oscillator and it's a little beast. Works just as good as the Makita 18volt a had. It's also a bit smaller and way easier to handle.

[@superspeeder]

I have the Milwaukee and agree it has some funky ergonomics. As a replacement for a drill, no way. BUT, as a tool for driving fasteners in awkward locations it’s pretty darn good. As another commenter mentioned, the handle is designed to keep your hand in-line with the fastener. Once you get used to the grip and the direction control, it’s actually very good. I’m glad you evaluated the attachments and cases - I otherwise wouldn’t know how the Milwaukee stands up. The offset attachment does work well. In line with my other comment regarding the brushed Bosch trigger control, I think judging this type of tool based on how much torque it makes is not important. If it has enough torque to drive medium sized screws it’s enough, again if you’re not using it as a drill replacement. I also use the OG M12 2401 and love it mainly for it’s brushed analog trigger control; no delay, linear response, single speed and enough torque to get the job done. If it had a permanent offset drive it could be perfect as a screwdriver.

[@ryu-ken]

I have the brushed bosch lol😅😅😅😅

[@ck7cu]

Hmmmmm.... if this would be a fair comparison you gotta add in the Festool CXS (king of all installation drill/drivers).

[@Tools-Tested]

Was waiting on the new CXS that just dropped. Hopefully at some point I can buy it and run the same tests.

[@stevensullivan242]

I love the Dewalt, probably my most used tool in my shop, but I'm just disappointed in the platform. Feels like their 12v lineup is neglected.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep personally I think the dewalt is the best value here with very good performance. But I agree, really wish they would expand the 12v platform.

[@GTRliffe]

milwakee is best shape the grip weight is more balanced with that handle also that handle style can be hung in more places than the others. placing a drill down isn’t always easy

[@Tools-Tested]

Yep I can see how the handle would be good for hanging or even passthrough when climbing a ladder.

[@raymondcheng3488]

im surprised with Hilti's performance, mancaver compared it to the metabo and they performed similarly.

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah I remember watching that video, hard to say why the data is different.

[@raymondcheng3488]

@@Tools-Tested if the torque test came out differently, the Hilti is probably solid. I tried it in the store and its a reasonably strong tool. Would you be doing any real world usage test on these?

[@swimfan6292]

is watts really the best way to perform tests for this kinda thing? it's really not the ideal unit to work with through rotational physical load test... it just seems weird when you think about the capacity of a battery gets measured in total Watt hours, but your measured output indicates a much higher output of wattage than the battery.. brain freeze ahhh

[@saiiiiiii1]

He got all the relevant numbers. Torque, rpm, watts out. What does watts out have to do with watt hours of the battery. Pulling 500 watts out of a 100wh battery is no biggie

[@engineer_alv]

I think it works. Having a tool consuming more watts is a good way to know how much it will last on a single charge. You can see big variations between tools of the same voltage, eg a Milwaukee ID with a 2Ah battery will potentially run longer than the DeWalt with a 2Ah battery

[@Tools-Tested]

Yeah most motors are rated in watts which can also be easily converted to HP. Battery's are rated in AH (amp hours), So 6ah= 6 hours of run time @ 1amp. So watts/volts= amp draw Hope this makes sense.

[@swimfan6292]

@@saiiiiiii1 true but I've seen agm batteries capable of some high wattage too.. it's not a race to the top, but a matter of sustaining that position once there.

[@ryanmont100]

Bosch

[@joggeko]

Dewalt! Period.

[@MihaiDobrin88]

why not MILWAUKEE M12FPDX instead of that toy?

[@Tools-Tested]

Milwaukee won’t sell the FPDX in the US…. But I did import one from DE and test it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH2pmpJshK2Ffrs It’s interesting how we don’t get everything the EU and UK get and vice versa.