Bosch is breaking into new territory with its first 18V cordless ratchet. Today, I’m going to walk you through its performance and design highlights and show you what sets this model apart so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your tool arsenal.
Bosch 18V Cordless Ratchet Performance
- No-Load Speed: 0-400 RPM
- Max Torque: 45 ft-lbs (540 in-lbs)
- Anvil Size: 3/8 in.
- Anvil Style: Pin Detent
- Motor Type: Brushless
At the heart of this 18V cordless ratchet is a brushless motor that produces a solid 45 ft-lbs (540 in-lbs) of torque with a top speed of 400 RPMs. As far as the torque goes, it’s on par with what we expect, though there are other brands pushing the bar further. The speed is on the high end, giving Bosch an advantage when you’re working with longer bolts.
As is normal for this tool class, you can always turn the ratchet manually. Sometimes, you want to avoid overdriving fasteners, so you feather them down with the motor and then give it the final hand turn so you can feel how much torque you’re applying. Other times, a nut or bolt might need a little help breaking free. Either way, you don’t lose the ability to use the ratchet by hand just because you added a motor.
What’s interesting is that this ratchet features three speed modes and a variable speed trigger so you can dial in the speed to fit your application. That’s particularly helpful when you’re working to avoid overdriving fasteners or need a higher level of control than simply feathering the trigger offers. It’s an uncommon feature that most other brands haven’t added yet.
Pro Tip: Cordless ratchets aren’t as violent as an impact wrench. It’s perfectly fine to use your standard chrome-plated sockets without fear of breaking them.
Bosch GRC18V-60N Ratcheting Wrench Design Notes
- Model: Bosch GRC18V-60N
- Power Source: Bosch 18V battery
- Length: 14.3 in.
- Weight: 2.0 lbs (bare tool), 2.75 lbs (with 2.0Ah battery)
Size and Weight
The Bosch GRC18V-60N ratcheting wrench weighs an even 2 pounds as a bare tool, and only 2.75 pounds with a 2.0Ah battery. All in, it measures 14.3 inches from tip to tail, which is right in line with what we’ve observed from other manufacturers.
Grip and Trigger
Looking down at the grip, Bosch draped the top of the tool body with a textured rubber overmold and equipped it with a large paddle trigger. This gives it a familiar feel for folks who are making the switch from pneumatic ratchets. There’s also a trigger lock to prevent accidental activation while you’re on the go.
Personally, I prefer the larger trigger because it affords me the ability to use multiple hand positions, versus a single-finger trigger that’s more limited.
Low Profile Ratcheting Head
One area where some cordless ratchets struggle is the size of the actual ratcheting mechanism, but I think Bosch absolutely nailed it. The head extends 3 inches from the tool body and measures 1-1/4 inches wide. It also features an oversized directional switch that’s easy to manipulate, even while wearing work gloves.
However, you’ll notice that the head is thicker than many hand tools. That’s to make room for the mechanics that are making your job easier. Whether you’re in MRO, a mechanic, or another trade, you’re likely to run into times when the head plus the socket is too long, so don’t give away your combination wrenches just yet.
Additional Features
- LED work light
- Tether ready
- Compatible with all Bosch 18V batteries
Quick Model Comparison
| Bosch 18V GRC18V-60N | Makita 18V XRW01 | DeWalt 20V Max DCF513 | Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3053 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-Load Speed | 400 RPM | 800 RPM | 250 RPM | 400 RPM |
| Max Torque | 45 ft-lbs | 35 ft-lbs | 70 ft-lbs | 70 ft-lbs |
| Bare Weight | 2.0 lbs | 2.7 lbs | 2.4 lbs | 1.5 lbs |
| Tool Length | 14.3 in. | 14.75 in. | 15 in. | 12 in. |
| Bare Tool Price | $179 | $199 | $199 | $229 |
As you can see in the chart above, there’s a pretty wide range of directions in how brands dial in the speed and torque. Bosch finds a nice middle ground, which is a great place to start as they enter this class. It fits the needs of the widest range of users, and from here, the design team can consider which direction to go. More power, more speed, extended reach, or a combination are all relevant targets.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Bosch GRC18V-60N Ratcheting Wrench delivers a well-balanced combination of power, control, and usability. The brushless motor provides plenty of torque for most automotive and mechanical tasks, while the slim head and cordless design make short work of tight or awkward fasteners. Thoughtful details like the oversized paddle trigger, 3-speed motor, and excellent ergonomics help it stand out in a crowded field.
If you’re looking to upgrade from manual or pneumatic ratchets to a modern cordless solution, this Bosch ratchet is a reliable and professional-grade option worth serious consideration. Not to mention, the price is a bit lower than comparable models from other brands, and that’s a plus in my book!
The Bosch GRC18V-60N retails for $179 as a bare tool and comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
