Bosch 12V Flexiclick 5-in-1 Drill Driver System GSR12V-300FCB22 Review

Performance Comparison

Drilling

Our first and most critical evaluation criterion for rating each drill is the drilling metric, contributing to 35 percent of each drill's overall score. This metric is divided into three real-world test scenarios. The first test in our drilling metric measures how fast each drill could bore a 5-inch hole in a 1 ¾ inch wooden door using a hole saw. The second test recorded the drilling speed for a 1-inch hole in a 2x12 using a spade bit. Lastly, we conducted tests involving the drilling of a 16-gauge steel sheet using both ¼" and ½" spiral drill bits.

The BOSCH 12V Flexiclick 5-In-1 Drill offered its worst performances compared to other 12 volt 5-in-1 models in these tests, requiring an unimpressive 95 seconds to bore a 5 inch hole in a door, struggling in a high speed setting from the get go using a one inch spade bit, and posting some of the longer times to drill ¼ inch and ½ inch holes in steel. While this model satisfactorily completed each task, we expected more, and were surprised that it was easily outshone by a significantly cheaper model.

Driving

Our second major metric, also worth 35 percent of each model's overall score, focuses on evaluating their driving capabilities. In this test, we used each drill driver to drive five-inch lag bolts through an untreated 2x4 stacked on top of an untreated 4x4. The BOSCH 12V Flexiclick 5-In-1 performed in the middle of the 12v 5-in-1 models we tested, tapping out with one and one eighth inches of exposed bolt shank and threads, a quarter of an inch longer than the best performing model.

Furthermore, our team used the drills to fasten 3-inch number 9 Torx T25 flat head deck screws into the same material, and assess their capability to drive screws flush with the wood's surface. The BOSCH 12V Flexiclick 5-in-1 offered reasonable performance from a 12 volt, but never succeeded in driving and setting screws perfectly flush with the wood surface.

Battery Life

Our battery life metric, accounting for 20 percent to the overall score of each drill, focuses on battery endurance. In order to test the life of each battery, the drills each drove 16 Torx T25 flat head 9x3 deck screws into stacked 2x12 lumber, and drilled three 1-inch holes using a spade bit. We repeated this test as rounds, until the battery was exhausted. The 2 amp hour battery of the BOSCH 12V Flexiclick 5-In-1 Drill lasted nearly 4 complete rounds, rivaling the performance of the top 12 volt 5-in-1. However, the charging time for the battery is over an hour, 10 minutes longer than the top model. Fortunately, Bosch includes two batteries in this kit, unlike the top performing DeWalt, meaning you are unlikely to experience interruptions completing projects.

Convenience

Our final test metric evaluated the 'convenience' aspect of each model, comprising 10 percent of each drill's final score. Changing angle heads, the availability of tool belt clips and bit holders, the presence of work lights, the user-friendliness of chucks, settings, and triggers, as well as the compactness and the ease of changing the battery all factored into our convenience metric. The he BOSCH 12V Flexiclick 5-In-1 Drill proved to be a convenient model, including a nice bit holder and four bits. We generally like this model, but would have liked for the keyless chuck to offer the tactile ratcheting clicks like many other models incorporate, as it is easier to ensure a secure bit with the more audible and haptic sensation.

Should You Buy the BOSCH 12V Flexiclick 5-In-1 Drill?

The BOSCH 12V Flexiclick 5-In-1 Drill is a somewhat expensive 12 volt tool, that to our test team's surprise, failed to perform as well as more affordable models. With better options in the compact 12 volt and convenience focused 5-in-1 space, and better performing models of bigger sizes and voltages, we can't recommend the BOSCH 12V Flexiclick.

What Other Drill Should You Consider?

The BOSCH 12V Flexiclick 5-In-1 Drill is a fairly average 12 volt drill driver. So if you are looking for the top-performing 5-in-1 12-volt drill, the Dewalt Xtreme 12V 5-In-1 is our top recommendation. For more power and performance overall, consider the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2 Drill Driver. It offers the best overall performance among all of the models we have tested, although you'll trade off the compactness present only in 12 volt 5-in-1 models. If you're looking for a more budget friendly model, the Craftsman V20 1/2-In. Drill/Driver provides good performance at a more affordable price. However, for the tightest of budgets, the Black+Decker 20V Max Drill/Driver is a good option, providing the DIYer or hobbyist, with enough bang for the buck to handle most DIY tasks.