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Bosch Launched a New Modular FlexiClick Cordless Drill

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A new Bosch 18V cordless FlexiClick 5-in-1 drill kit quietly appeared at online retailers this month, model GSR18V-800FCB24.

The new Bosch FlexiClick cordless drill appears to be an upgrade to an existing model, GSR18V-535FCB15.

Looking at the specs, there’s not much of a difference except for the new kit costing $80-$140 more, depending on the retailer.

Bosch GSR18V-800FCB24 18V Cordless FlexiClick Drill

Looking for clues, we can see that the new Bosch FlexiClick has a KickBack Control feature, that reduces the risk of sudden rotational torque in a bind-up scenario.

However, the older model has a similar feature, but it just wasn’t advertised on the handle grip.

Bosch says:

The efficient, brushless motor delivers an impressive 565 In.-Lbs. of max torque for heightened performance.

This is the same max torque as for the older model.

Bosch 18V Cordless FlexiClick Drill Comparison 2024
Bosch FlexiClick Cordless Drills: older version (left) and 2024 release (right)

The new FlexiClick drill has a slightly updated housing and styling.

Bosch GSR18V-800FCB24 18V Cordless FlexiClick Drill Kit

As with the other 12V Max and 18V cordless drills across the Bosch FlexiClick line, the new model also has a modular chuck attachment interface for tackling drilling and driving work in tight spaces and around obstacles.

It comes with 3 attachments – a drill chuck, right angle drill chuck, and offset driving head. There’s a 1/4″ hex bit chuck built into the tool.

o255939v947_CordlessDrillDriverGSR18V800FC4AhWalkaround

Bosch describes the 18V FlexiClick as a 5-in-1 tool, but I’m having difficult seeing where the number comes from. There’s the built-in locking bit holder, drill chuck, right angle drill chuck, and offset driving head. That’s just 4, right?

It has a typical drill clutch, but also what’s described as a switchable precision clutch that, when activated, stops the tool when clutch slippage is detected.

Retailers’ product pages elaborate:

The switchable precision clutch feature ensures greater control by stopping the override once a set torque level is reached.

Does that mean the drill has an electronic clutch, rather than mechanical, and that an additional setting can stop things… further?

  • Modular chuck system
  • 0-630/0-2100 RPM max speed
  • 565 in-lbs max torque
  • 5.4″ head length

The kit comes with 2x Core18V 4Ah “advanced power” batteries, a charger, the 3 head attachments, and a tool bag.

Price: $399 for the kit

Discussion

When looking at new tools and related tech, I tend to ask myself a big question:

Why should I care?

I’m a tool user and here’s a brand new Bosch 18V cordless FlexiClick drill/driver with brushless motor. Why should I care?

Well, it has…

565 in-lbs max torque – just like the old model.

Anti-kickback tech – just like the old model.

3 head attachments – just like the old model.

Oh – it’s slightly faster than its predecessor, with 0-630/0-2100 RPM compared to 0-600/0-1900 RPM for the older model.

Is that worth increasing the price from ~$260 at Amazon for the older model 2-battery kit to $399 for the new one?

The older model is advertised as having a precision clutch. This new one has a “switchable precision clutch.” I don’t understand the point of that when there’s a clutch dial at the head of the tool.

From what I can see, that’s the only real difference here.

Switchable precision clutch – when switched on, stops the tool when clutch slippage is detected.

Isn’t that how all mechanical and electronic cordless drill clutches work? When a torque clutch activates, it decouples power transmission, whether mechanically or electronically. So again, what’s the point in an added “switchable precision clutch” on top of that?

Why should I care?

If power transmission is disconnected, does the tool need to be stopped also? Clutches will usually remain engaged until the user lifts their finger from the trigger switch.

Are marginal no-load increases in speed and this switchable precision clutch feature meaningful upgrades that justify the bump-up in price?

I started off excited about this new 18V brushless FlexiClick, but that changed very quickly after I went searching for details and insights and came up near-empty.

Am I missing something here? Or is the new FlexiClick drill as ho-hum of a development and upgrade as it seems?

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