Bosch is continuing to expand its 18V cordless system with new and upgraded power tools. One of the gaps they’re filling will make the job easier for electricians and plumbers. We’re teaming up with Bosch to tell you more about two new 18V High-Torque Right Angle Drills and what sets them apart from the competition.
Designed for Where Pros Work
Depending on which accessories you prefer to tackle rough-in projects, there are two models of the Bosch 18V High-Torque Right Angle Drill to choose from. The GRD18V-127 features a standard 1/2-inch keyed chuck, while the GRD18V-127HX is your go-to if you want a 7/16-inch quick-release chuck.
No matter which one you choose, the performance and other features are identical.
Bosch designed these right angle drills to be compact, so they not only fit between studs more easily, but also get into and maneuver around other tight spaces you run into during new construction and remodeling jobs.
At 6.6 pounds for the quick chuck model and 6.8 pounds for the keyed chuck version, they’re legitimately lightweight as well. In fact, they’re the lightest compact models available—something your arms will thank you for when you’re drilling overhead.
Performance Pros Demand
Bosch’s 18V battery system serves as the powerhouse, driving a brushless motor which offers higher performance, longer runtime, and longer service life than brushed motors.
Bosch’s battery and brushless motor technologies are a winning combination, and these drills are designed to muscle through rough-in applications with self-feed bits up to 2 9/16 inches or hole saws up to 5 inches. Bosch’s closest competitors are only rated for hole saws up to 4 inches, so you’re getting a drill with a broader capability.
In front of the trigger, you’ll find a speed selector with two working modes. High gear delivers up to 1800 RPM for faster drilling with smaller bit sizes. When you need higher torque for larger bits and more control, low gear churns out up to 550 RPM.
Setting a New Safety Standard
When Bosch said they built advanced dual kickback control into these drills, that got my attention, as many current right angle drills don’t have rotational control for bind situations. First of all, there’s what we know as more of a standard kickback control. As you’re working, if the sensor detects that the bit binds up, the motor shuts off in a split second, so the tool doesn’t spin around and cause you injury.
The second is called Slow Kickback Control and steps in when you’re working at slower speeds, like when you’re drilling a large hole, for example. In applications like that, the tool may require increasingly greater strength from you to control it in place. The sensor can detect when the tool starts to slowly rotate and shuts it down before your grip slips and the tool can spin out of control.
If either kickback control is triggered, you’ll see the LED light and Kickback indicator light flash to let you know.
Additional Features
- LED Light: Illuminates your work area so you can easily see when there’s not enough ambient light
- Hand Guard: Extends below the trigger to protect your hand from surrounding material while you work
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re thinking about adding a compact right angle drill for rough-ins to your tool crib, or you’re looking for an upgrade over the one you currently use, the Bosch 18V High-Torque Right Angle Drill is one of the most compelling options available. The design team did much more than fill a gap in their lineup—they set a new standard for performance and safety in this tool class. When you add in that it’s also the lightest option, suddenly rough-ins don’t seem so rough.
You can pick up either model as a bare tool for $299 at your favorite Bosch retailer, and they’re backed by a 5-year warranty.
