I like to tinker with stuff and don’t mind getting my hands dirty doing minor repairs, assembling knock-down furniture, or just tightening screws, so when the Bosch GO review unit arrived at the office, I was game for it.
DESIGN: 4/5
The Bosch GO comes in a neat blue plastic case with the Bosch logo boldly embossed on the lid, signaling that this isn’t a tool you will be taking for granted. Inside, the cordless screwdriver is ensconced in a black tray precisely molded to its shape. Beside it is another small case for the accompanying bit set. Lift up the tray and you’ll find the micro-USB charging cable and documentation.
The Bosch GO itself is compact, only slightly bigger than an electric toothbrush, but definitely heftier at 310 grams, likely due to the combination of metal, plastic and rubber components, as well as its battery.
HARDWARE: 4.5/5
At the heart of the Bosch GO is a powerful 360 rpm motor that delivers up to a maximum torque of 5 Nm. To choose the precise torque for a particular task, a manual clutch on the bit holder lets you choose from five torque settings plus the maximum performance mode.
On the rubber-insulated handle is the Start button that you press when you want to manually control the screwdriver. Just below that is a toggle switch for Forward/Manual/Reverse modes when you’re using the automatic start/stop function. There is also an LED battery indicator. It takes about an hour and a half to fully charge the 1.5 Ah lithium-ion battery.
I love the accompanying 32-piece bit set which includes flat, Phillips, square, torx, and hex bits of various sizes. There’s also an extender in case you need some additional inches to get to those hard-to-reach screw joints.
USER EXPERIENCE: 4/5
After having tested the Bosch GO, I can safely say that if there was one power tool I absolutely must have, this is it. It’s perfect for those weekend DIY projects like tightening drawer handles, assembling knock-down furniture, etc.
Depending on the nature of the task (and just going by the size of the screw), you can manually turn the manual clutch to choose the appropriate gear setting. Put in the appropriate bit on the bit holder, push the toggle switch forward, press down on the screw, and the Bosch GO automatically turns on. To pull out a screw, you push the switch to reverse, press down, and it goes into action. It senses when the bit head and screw are misaligned, stopping automatically. Similarly, as soon as you release pressure on the tool, an electronic brake stops it instantly, for user safety.
For more delicate tasks requiring precise control, you set the toggle to the center for Manual mode and press the start button to use the screwdriver.
Its size and heft make it fit nicely in the hand, while its ergonomic design and rubber insulation offer a good grip from various positions.
VALUE: 4/5
The Bosch GO is being offered at an introductory price of PHP 1,800 at the official Bosch Store on Lazada, which also lists the regular price at PHP 3,200. If you catch the introductory offer, then you’re in luck as this is definitely one power tool you will appreciate having in your tool box. If you’re too late for the deal, I think shelling out the full price is still worth it, considering the convenience and efficiency the Bosch GO offers.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Voltage: 3.6 V
- Torque: 5 Nm (hard joint), 2.5 Nm (soft joint)
- Speed: 360 rpm
- Tool holder: ¼” inter HEX
- Maximum screw diamter: 5 mm
- Features: electronic brake, smart stop, push start & press button
- Mechanical clutch settings: 5 + maximum performance mode
- Battery: 1.5 Ah lithium-ion
- Charging time: 1.5 hr
- Charging port: micro-USB
- Dimensions (H x W): 190 mm x 40 mm
- Weight: 310 g
What’s Hot:
- The entire kit comes in a handy plastic case
- Comes with 32 bits in various shapes and sizes
What’s Not:
- None that I can think of
BOTTOMLINE:
For weekend DIYers, this is a must-have addition to your toolbox.
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE February 2020 Issue.
Reviewed by Maribelle M. Alba