Bosch combi means end of the corded drill?

The corded drill may be on its way out if the new cordless 36v Bosch combi is as good as carpenter and joiner Martin Saunders claims it is.

The corded drill may be on its way out if the new cordless 36v Bosch combi is as good as carpenter and joiner Martin Saunders claims it is.

Martin was set a challenge by Bosch to test the new cordless GSB 36V-Li which, powered by lithium ion, is no ordinary combi drill.

Lithium ion technology allows more power from the same weight of battery, or the same power from a lighter battery and, coupled with a significant reduction in charge time, offers tradesmen like Martin more convenient tools at the same power as corded versions.

The first step of the challenge was for Martin to put away all of his other cordless tools to gauge just how useful it would be.

He then set about screwdriving and, hole cutting - pretty much everything that is involved in shop- and kitchen-fitting and general renovation work.

"I was amazed by how versatile it was".

"I used the GSB on all sorts of applications, including cutting through a thermalite block using a four-inch diamond core cutter for a tumble drier vent at home".

"That is the sort of job where even a corded combi-drill might have struggled".

""I can see this being a perfect all-round tool for general maintenance, plumbing, electrical and air conditioning installation.

You almost forget that it is cordless because it is so powerful.

It's definitely an added benefit.

I easily managed on one charge of the battery for most of the test, but when I did eventually need to re-charge it didn't take long at all, there seemed to be almost twice the life of an ordinary battery".

""The only problem I can see with the GSB 36V-Li is that users won't be able understand what an impressive combi-drill it is until they've actually used it".

"But once they've tried it, I'm sure their corded drills will be resigned to the tool shed".

The GSB 36V-Li is launched in addition to the GBH 36V-Li rotary hammer from Bosch, two new products that utilise lithium ion technology to power robust and innovative cordless tools for the professional tradesman.

The 36v cordless products are available from all Bosch stockists and users can benefit from a three-year warranty when they register online at www.boschpowertools.co.uk.

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