Bosch Brushless Geek Impact Driver Review GDX18V-1860CN

Bosch Freak makes another upgrade with the GDX18V-1860CN

The original Bosch Freak (IDH182) has been around for a while, with a brushless upgrade a few years ago. Yet another upgrade, we wanted to see just how much of a performance boost the latest Bosch brushless Freak impact driver (GDX18V-1860CN) got.

advantage

• Torque greater than GDX18V-1800CN
• comfortable handle
• Ready if you want to add a Bosch Connected Module
• Socket Type Hybrid Hex/Quad Driver
• no price increase

shortcoming

• Hybrid Drive Makes Tool Longer

Bosch Brushless Freak Performance

Theoretically, the Bosch GDX18V-1860CN differs from the 1800CN by only two measurements. Torque is up from 1800 in-lbs to 1860 in-lbs, and shock rate is down from 4200 IPM to 4100 IPM. The three speeds still top out at 1100, 2300 and 3400 RPM.

We ran several tests to see the actual difference. First, our 1/4" x 8" GRK Fastener RSS Screw Test in Stacked OSBs. Here are the results using a 4.0Ah Core 18V battery:

While the top no-load speed didn't change, the extra torque made driving these tough screws an average of over 2 seconds faster. We also tested with the 8.0Ah battery and the results were very close to the numbers for the 4.0Ah pack.

The second test is to see what kind of breakaway torque each impact driver has. The 1800CN is capable of loosening 3000 in-lbs (250 ft-lbs). The updated GDX18V-1860CN took off at 3240 in-lbs (270 ft-lbs), confirming that it is stronger.

Bosch Brushless Freak Design Explained

connection ready

One cool feature of the Bosch Brushless Freak is its connection-ready status. If you want to have some control over the settings, see diagnostics and see some traces, you can add a Bosch Connected module and turn it into a smart tool.

If you don't want it, you don't have to pay for modules that don't interest you. You can always add it later if you decide you need it later. Either way, I like that Bosch offers it as-is.

Physically, the only change is that the model door has been moved to the right of the handle.

hybrid square drive

The defining feature of both Freak models is the combination of 1/4" hex drive and 1/2" square drive. This is a Bosch exclusive and requires no socket adapter. It also eliminates the cost of damaging the adapter when it absorbs too much torque.

The lingering question is how much torque Bosch's hybrid square drive can handle. Most impact drivers don't need more than 1600 in-lbs of torque, but provide more torque for the impact driver/impact wrench we generally want these tools to be. It wasn't always practical to get through a bunch of shear socket adapters in our impact driver tests.

Single LED light

Bosch has a trio of 3-LED lights around the original Freak's chuck, which is a style we like. The GSX18V-1860CN (and 1800CN) has an LED under the handle. It's certainly not a deal breaker, though.

Additional features

• Brushless Motor
• Electronic battery and motor protection

Bosch brushless freak quick comparison

The brushless Bosch Freak retails for $159—the same price as the previous model. However, we found it for $129 at Lowe's, so be sure to check it out first. Bosch backs this tool with a 1-year warranty, which you can extend to 3 years by signing up for free with Bosch ProVantage.

the bottom line

The Bosch Brushless Connected-Ready Freak Impact Driver packs more power into its hybrid driver, making it a better all-around tool for screwdriver and socket jobs than the original Freak. While this is a step forward, the price hasn't changed, making it easy to choose between the 1800 and 1860.

Bosch Brushless Connected-Ready Freak Impact Driver Specifications

• Model: Bosch GDX18V-1860CN
• Power supply: Bosch 18V battery (including Core18)
• No-load speed: 0–1100/0–2300/0–3400 RPM
• Impact rate: 4100 IPM
• Torque: 1860 in-lbs
• Weight: 2.7 lbs bare, 3.8 lbs with Core18V 4.0 Ah battery
• Height: 8.2 inches
• Length: 5.8 inches
• Warranty: ProVantage 3 years
• Price: $159