Bosch Portable Soft-Grip Cordless Drill

Last updated: October 5, 2022


Bosch Portable Soft-Grip Cordless Drill

We looked at the top Cordless Drills and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Cordless Drill you should buy.

Product Details

In our analysis of 62 expert reviews, the Bosch Portable Soft-Grip Cordless Drill placed 10th when we looked at the top 13 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

The Bosch DDB181 is the industry’s most compact and lightest weight 18-Volt basic-duty 1/2-Inch drill/driver. With its compact and lightweight design, professionals can drill or drive fasteners overhead or in tight spaces fatigue free. More compact than many competitive 12-Volt tools, the DDB181 is ideal for electricians, plumbers and HVAC tradesman looking for a solution that not only fits in their pouch, but can handle most everyday tasks with 18-Volt battery power. The DDB181 works at two speeds– 400 RPM and 1,300 RPM (no load) –and provides 350 inch/pounds of torque, which is enough to drive most common fasteners and drill bits.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Nice and lightweight without sacrificing power.
The Bosch DDB181 drill delivers up to 350 inches per pound of optimized torque. This tool can handle drilling in plastic, wood, and metal at a decent speed. Its maximum capacity in metal is 3/8-inches and 1-inch in wood. Also, it has LED lamps which makes drilling in hard-to-reach spaces much more comfortable.
The device is capable of producing impressive power and speed. It is on record for generating up to 350 inch-lbs or torque and being able to reach speeds of up to 1,300 rpm. Additionally, the LED light that was built into the device allows you to work in dark spaces or late into the night if your work schedule requires it.
Offering top-grade performance in a handy, lightweight package, Bosch has a maximum speed of 1,300 rpm for fast drilling. This tool measures 7.1 inches in length, making it a good fit for tight spaces. The ergonomic soft-grip handle allows for easy and comfortable use.
The powerful transmission delivers an efficient drilling power and spins the chuck up to 1,300 RPM.
Equipped with Bosch DDB181-102 1/2-Inch Drill/Driver, its working is unmatchable. Also, the motor is coupled with 2-speed settings which render this drill excellent for light and heavy-duty applications. It boasts a torque delivery of 350 inches per pound and 1300rpm for fast fastening and drilling respectively.
It comes with two work speed options including 400 RPM and 1300 RPM, and it offers 350-inch per pound of torque for driving most drill bits and fasteners efficiently. This tool also features 21 settings, which is more than enough for drilling and driving applications. What’s more, the electronic cell protection added boosts the life span of the 18-volt batteries included in the package.
This is probably the most compact drill out there which makes sure the easy handling of the driver. This driver is very light in weight and will increase the working capacity of the user. The torque provided by the machine is just more than any other drill. The LED light is also attached with this to provide the illumination and there are 2-speed variations as well in this.
The Bosch DDB 181 provides excellent value for money. This top quality cordless drill is priced lower than most of its competitors, making it one of the best buys at the moment. The Bosch is also one of the most compact 18 volt drills, allowing you to work for longer with less fatigue. Two 18 Volt Lithium-Ion batteries are included in the kit. A favorite with many DIYers.

What reviewers didn't like

Somewhat down on maximum power from the top contenders.
The clutch is made of plastic, which isn’t smart. Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks. The charging time is a bit slow
Just 18-volt power capacity, not intended for heavy-duty use
Has a soft casing
Our only gripe is the minor wobble on the chuck, which impacts the drill bit whenever we drill a hole. We also observe an increase in the vibration coming from the wobble when we use this tool on harder surfaces (wood).
View our Cordless Drill buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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