Bosch just today announced a new Impactor for the 18V Litheon line which has 3 settings for a much wider range of applications in driving and drilling applications. I personally haven’t had a chance to test one of these units yet but obviously this would be a welcome improvement on an already great tool. In the meantime checkout the official Bosch Press Release below. Pre-order the 26618-01 on Ohio Power Tool for $398.
Mount Prospect, Ill., – The fastest growing segment within the professional cordless power tool category is impact drivers. Yet some users have been hesitant to adopt the tools because they still needed a second tool for drilling. Bosch Power Tools & Accessories is removing that barrier this week by introducing the 26618-01 18V Impact Drill/Driver. By combining typical drilling and driving capabilities with the added power of impact fastening, Bosch’s multi-function tool offers pro users the power and versatility to tackle any number of common jobsite applications.
Bosch’s 26618-01 offers an ideal combination of torque, speed and control, all within a single tool. The result is incredible versatility. A two speed motor (0-750 / 2,800 RPM) offers users the choice between high speed for small diameter drilling and high torque/low speed for drilling with spade bits or precision driving applications. When it’s time to tackle large diameter driving and fastening applications, users can effortlessly switch to impact mode and let the tool’s best-in-class 1,500 inch pounds of torque (3X more than a standard drill/driver) do all the work. Even with all that power, the tool’s compact 7” length enables users to accomplish tough tasks in tight spaces. Powered by Bosch’s proven 18V Litheon battery platform, the 26618-01 offers best-in-class performance in almost every meaningful measure. Bosch’s powerhouse delivers 40 percent faster screw driving, 20 percent faster drilling, two times more holes drilled per charge and 50 percent more screws driven per charge. This high level of performance is thanks to side-by-side battery and tool engineering that yields highly efficient power output in every application. The 26618-01 is compatible with Bosch’s 18V Litheon SlimPack batteries, a feature unique to Bosch’s tool that offers even greater user flexibility on the jobsite. The 26618-01 is also built to withstand the rigors of heavy duty usage. Bosch’s Electronic Motor Protection (EMP) , for example, protects the motor from damage due to stalling and Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) protects the batteries from overloading, overheating and deep discharging. The result is the best runtime and longest battery life in the cordless tool category, even in demanding applications.
In terms of user comfort, Bosch’s soft grip surfaces reduce user fatigue and slippage, while the spring-loaded impact mechanism reduces the torque reaction and minimizes screw cam-out. Bosch’s patent-pending white light LEDs offer phenomenal visibility in dark or tight spaces. A sturdy metal belt hook, which can be mounted on either side of the tool, frees up hands to move materials into place.
