Tool Review: Bosch GDX180 Impact Wrench & Impact Driver

Most non-tool people don't realise that being "handy" has a lot to do with how well-equipped you are. Put another way: Tools maketh the handyman.

I was recently reminded of this when installing a bathroom cabinet / basin. The job required four large wall plugs screwed into ceramic tiles. The problem was that my old cordless drill couldn't fit inside the cabinet, and every other solution I tried damaged the screw heads.

The more I tried to solve the problem, the more damage I did. I decided to give up before things got worse and asked to borrow my father-in-law's compact Bosch Impact Driver. He's a building contractor and swears by his Bosch GDX180.

I got home late that Sunday evening and thought: "I'll try just one screw as a test and do the rest tomorrow when I can make more noise".

"Brrrrp"

Well, that was easy. Okay, just one more…

“Brrrp, brrrp, brrrp"

Job done!

What I couldn't accomplish the day before took less than 20 seconds on a Sunday evening.

And that, right there, is why I love power tools, because when you have the right tool for the job, it's like waving a magic wand at a problem. 

Except, in the case of Bosch's GDX180, you get two magic wands for the price of one!

Impact Driver & Impact Wrench Combination

While most impact drivers can be used for wrench work to some degree, you risk damaging the tool's 1/4" hex drive when doing heavy-duty bolting.

Which is why the GDX180 is such a great tool, because it boasts two drives:

• A standard ½" square drive for heavy-duty wrench work, and…
• An internal ¼" hex for drilling and driving.

Meaning the GDX180 doubles as an impact wrench and as an impact driver!

As it stands, I've yet to see another power tool with this feature, despite it making so much sense. It also means you don't have to buy an adaptor to convert your hex drive into a square drive – or vice versa.

The Freak

This ability to switch applications – and be two tools in one – has earned the GDX180 the affectionate title: "The Freak".

The only downside to this dual versatility is that you're essentially applying wrench-driving force (180 Nm) to all impact-driving applications.

Plus, because the tool doesn’t feature adjustable impact-speed settings, you need to be conscious of the material you're working with, as well as the limits of the fastener you're driving.

Put another way: If you don't back off when necessary you'll quickly drive the screw too deep, or shear off the head.

Bosch GDX200A with Bluetooth & Speed Control

That said, if you're looking for even more versatility, you can also opt for Bosch's flagship model, the GDX200. This tool features a brushless motor, 200 Nm, a super-compact design, variable speed / impact control, and a BlueTooth module that provides feedback on the tool's service information via your mobile device.

If funds aren't a problem, the GDX200 is definitely the better option.

Nonetheless, both machines offer excellent value for money, making them hard to beat in the impact power-tool segment. 

Click here for more information on the GDX180 or here for a price on the GDX200.