Bosch vs Dewalt – Hammer Drill and Impact Driver and Table Saw Comparison

bosch vs dewalt

Unless you’re in the business full-time, it is a challenge to keep up with power tool manufacturers: with brand names constantly selling out, changing specs and technology. While Bosch and DeWalt both make great, reliable power tools; it is often hard to pick between the two. It goes without saying that price is probably going to be your first and biggest consideration.

While you want the best tools in the market, it is obvious that not everyone can afford it. Getting the best product in your price range is the goal — and both Bosch and DeWalt are comparable when it comes to down to it. Product for product, they have similar prices too! We know how frustrating it can be trying to decide on a brand, and we are here to settle the Bosch vs DeWalt debate once and for all.

DeWalt vs Bosch 2018

Both DeWalt and Bosch offer a range of different plans and warranties, depending on specific products. The warranty period for Bosch ranges from a 3-year warranty for power tools, and a 2-year premium service for batteries and chargers.

DeWalt offers a lifetime warranty for both hand and mechanic tools, and a 3-year warranty for most tools purchased recently. Both companies refund and rectify tools that failed due manufacturing defects free of cost.

While both Bosch and DeWalt are priced similarly, both companies built their tool empires on brilliant engineering, quality craftsmanship and focused marketing strategies.

DeWalt and Bosch History

Now before we get down to the details and really find out which brand is better — it is important to know where they come from. DeWalt’s journey started 93 years ago, with the company gaining immense popularity around the World War II, when a lot of tools had to be manufactured. Their first line of power tools hit the market in 1992, has over 250 hand tools and 900 accessories today.

Bosch’s humble beginnings began around 131 years ago, but more specifically; their power tools division started in 2003. Most of their products are manufactured in Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan and China. Some of their newer technologies are also being made in Switzerland and Germany.

In reality, both companies belong to massive multibillion dollar international corporations, so don’t feel like you’re going to be investing in something “homegrown” if you go with DeWalt, or the other way round.

Quality and warranty Comparison

Both companies have a reputation that precede them and have been trusted by both professionals and DIY’s over the years. To compare DeWalt and Bosch, DeWalt has a 3-year warranty, along with a 90-day money back guarantee. Though this is a tempting offer, majority of clients have complained that the DeWalt power tools seem to have an average lifespan of just 10 years. It is noteworthy to mention that DeWalt has a great support team that solves your problems. Additionally, servicing tools annually is also a necessity to extend lifespan.

Bosch’s standard warranty extends for a period of one year from the date of purchase. While this is a short time to consider a tool replacement, the lifespan of a Bosch is significantly higher. Based on a large number of customer reviews collected from Amazon, it seems like Bosch’s tool cases are not as strong as they ideally should be. Our takeaway? Handle with care!

Battery compatibility and life Comparison

It is no secret that manufacturers inspire brand loyalty by selling machines with included batteries. This way, you can use the same batteries on all other tools in the same platform.

DeWalt majorly works with li-on batteries, which can be left plugged at all times. Dewalt cordless chargers are designed to automatically stop charging once it has reached the desired percentage. Bosch, on the other hand, has 18V batteries. In comparison, DeWalt comes with M20 batteries that are very compact.

They come with 2 batteries instead of just 1, which is also very useful. It’s important to understand that the better and more effortlessly a tool performs, the less strain the battery is going to take. While both batteries have their own positives, it is hard is clear that DeWalt wins this round, with extra batteries, more compact, and the li-on feature.

It’s worth mentioning, that recycling of tools at the end of their life is free of charge for domestic users, as long as they are Bosch. These are covered by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment regulations.

Know more about cordless tool battery compatibility

Reliability Comparison

Buying a power tool is a real investment, and one that should last you a long period of time. It is handy to pick a brand that comes with a history of consumer satisfaction and interaction; and both the companies satisfy this condition.

However, Bosch has some consumers complaining about the quality of their tool boxes, while DeWalt tools seem to mysteriously stop working after a few years. Is it the battery? Is it personal usage? We don’t have the answers, but these do however, seem to be exceptions as majority of the customers are satisfied. DeWalt’s warranties and packages are also a highlight that must be mentioned.

Safety Comparison

In terms of ergonomics and safety, both Bosch and DeWalt have taken steps to ensure their tools are both, easy to use and safe. They are created in a way to take the load off the body and on to the machine instead. DeWalt’s LED lights and Bosch’s Active Response Technology are only two small examples.

The Active Response Technology is what happens when the drill gets stuck while being used, and stops automatically. The rubberised grip by Bosch and their structure also helps ease the strain from the hand, and transfers majority of it to the tool. This makes a good investment for professional daily use power tools for over a few hours a day.

Bosch Professional vs DeWalt

Both tools use brushless motors, which have added performance and durability as compared to brushed motors. As brushless motors don’t have the friction or voltage drop problems that standard motors face, it increases the life of your tool. While the cost for brushless motors is significantly higher (roughly 30%), DeWalt’s range is easier on the pocket when compared to Bosch.

It makes sense to pick up a Bosch tool if you have existing tools from their kit (all the extra batteries come handy) or if you’re buying Bosch on a seasonal discount. It is also worth mentioning, that you can download the Toolbox App by Bosch and get the job done with a range of smart functions, and look at all the products online too!

bosch vs dewalt

Bosch 18v drill vs dewalt 20v drill

Cordless kits are always a good purchase if you’re a beginner who is building their collection. This is because, if you’re using cordless, you’re much better off having the same battery and charger for all your tools, rather than multiple sets of batteries for different tools. If you’re willing to make an investment, we recommend the Bosch 18-volt DD 181-02 drill kit, which comes with a charger and 2 lithium batteries. With 160$, you’ll be set with the most premium arsenal of cordless tools.

Bosch DD181-02 18 Volt Drill Driver Kit

Bosch DD181-02 18 Volt Drill Driver Kit

If you compare DeWalt vs Bosch and are not ready to drop the big bucks, DeWalt DCD771C2 is a good alternative, which comes with the same accessories. While it is no secret that the 20 volt batteries might take slightly longer to charge, but you get a good tradeoff — 2 extra volts of power.

Dewalt DCD771C2 20V Drill Driver Kit

Dewalt DCD771C2 20V Drill Driver Kit

It is worth noting, that studies highlight that the difference in voltage is not very significant, and does not translate to a huge change.

Weight and bulkiness has a huge significance depending on how much you can use, and what you get out of your tools. This is probably where the Bosch kit will come handy as it is lighter, because when you’re a professional working 9+ hours a day, you’re going to want to use a tool that allows your body the least amount of stress and pressure.

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Bosch vs dewalt hammer drill

DEWALT DCH133B 20V Rotary Hammer Drill

DEWALT DCH133B 20V Rotary Hammer Drill

If you compare DeWalt and Bosch Hammer Drills, they are about the same price retail. While the DeWalt is significantly bigger while compared to the compact Bosch; they both also weigh around 6.5 pounds along with the battery. The Bosch drill comes with a comfortable rubberised handle; whereas there is no rubber on the DeWalt hammer’s handle. This being said, DeWalt does have depth gauge in both imperial and metric measurements, which is very useful. Both of them have brushless motors of similar sizes. The main difference here, is that the grid is under the drill in the Bosch product, and behind the motor in the DeWalt variant.

Bosch RHH181-01 18 Volt SDS plus Rotary Hammer

Bosch RHH181-01 18 Volt SDS plus Rotary Hammer

It is important to note that Bosch’s hammer drill comes with something they refer as “Active Response Technology.” This means that if the drill gets stuck or bound while in use, it will stop automatically. This could be very important for preventing injuries for someone who uses the tool on a regular basis.

Both tools are quite heavy, though the Bosch felt better in hand. Typically we prefer a little bit of bulk, as that often signifies quality, but the DeWalt one felt tiresome to hold — we couldn’t imagine using it for a long seven-hour day,

Bosch vs dewalt impact driver

While the technical specifications of both the items are nearly identical, both similarly priced as well. The Bosch variant is $20 more expensive than DeWalt. It features a 1/4 her and 1/2 inch drive, which eliminates the need for customers to own an impact driver, impact wrench a socket adapter. The built in hammer and anvil system ensures maximum impact endurance and is a good option for professionals.

Bosch IDH182B Impact Driver

Bosch IDH182B Impact Driver

The DeWalt variant, on the other hand is quite compact, compared to Bosch, making it easy to handle in tight, compact spaces. Where DeWalt stands out, is the 3 LED lights with a 20 second delay post trigger release. This makes it very easy to work in areas with dim lights. The LED lights is another feature that is not standard through the industry, so this is something you should most definitely keep an eye out for. LED bulbs are visibly brighter and also last much longer when compared to ordinary bulbs.

DEWALT DCF887B 20V 3 Speed Impact Driver

DEWALT DCF887B 20V 3 Speed Impact Driver

The battery and charger for both — the DeWalt and the Bosch variants are sold separately.

Performance wise, the difference between the two is close to nothing, though a little birdie tells us that that Bosch batteries last longer than it’s competitor’s.

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Best Cordless Impact Wrench For Automotive

Bosch vs dewalt table saw

This is where both kits really hit the ball out of the park. If we compare the DeWalt vs Bosch, both the Bosch Portable Jobsite Saw GTS1031 and the DeWalt variant DWE7480 are 10 inches. This means they are compact, but fit quite a punch. While the Bosch product is slightly heavier compared to the DeWalt variant, it even has its advantages.

Bosch GTS1031 10 Inch Table Saw

Bosch GTS1031 10 Inch Table Saw

The all-steel saw is known for its durability and comes with the innovative Smart Guard System, which is a modular blade guard that you can attach and detach by yourself. It rives the knife and provides more control over the material while cutting. The tool-free dust chute clear-out feature on the back of the saw is exceptionally handy for easy maintenance.

DEWALT DWE7480 10-Inch Table Saw

DEWALT DWE7480 10-Inch Table Saw

A closer look at the DeWalt variant shows us that most users love how light this is compare to it’s competitors, and older kits. Weighing merely 48 pounds, the durable 15amp, 4800 rpm motor quickly rips through the hardwood with ease. This variant also has a 2 inch vacuum hook-up that minimises the clean-up necessary.

Both these tools are competing neck-and-neck, they perform well and manage to get the job done. They are affordable as well. However, while DeWalt is lighter and more portable; it does not have Bosch’s Smart Guard System. For someone who uses these tools on a regular basis, the DeWalt will most definitely be more suitable.

Conclusion

Sometimes, all we need is a versatile and powerful tool that has the ability to cut through dry ice and solid gold. Other times, we are stuck with a dilemma, as we now have two companies that are both undeniably great investments. It is important to understand that there is much more to power tools than the brand itself. While the Bosch vs DeWalt argument is more than a little bit confusing, it all boils down to the consumers personal needs.

The Bosch has a lot of supporting features, including recycling facilities and friendly apps, but DeWalt tools are more advanced. Additionally, while the DeWalt drill kit comes with 2 extra volts, the Bosch hammer comes with an “Active Response Technology.” It’s ultimately about a tradeoff, and a decision can be reached keeping in mind the tools you already own.

If you’ve started with a Bosch tool, it makes sense buy Bosch and use same the batteries and chargers for all your tools. However, it is also important to note that DeWalt does not have a wide range of tools available in their 20 volt collection for now.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. May the best tool win!

I am Caio Resende, Welcome to Power Tool Lab! It is a blog dedicated to all polular power tool and accessories including new, best for sale, expert reviews and guides. Whether you are a DIYer, Hobbyist, or professional contractors such as electricians and plumbers, I will provide you all the latest news and professional reviews for all your favorite tools and Brands. Our mission provides great perspective from many different end users.

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