Thread: Bosch PSR 300 Li 10.8V Cordless Drill/Driver

g'day!

Couple of quick questions since I've not looked at that particular drill/driver before.

- What's it cost?
- What's the charge time?

If all you want it to do is drill some pilot holes and do some occasional screwing, it'll do the job. Will it be limiting in the future? Probably.

If I was going to get a jack of all trades budget cordless drill/driver, I'd go for at least 12v, but prefer 14.4V with two speeds and a normal keyless chuck. Slower speed for screwing, faster (approx 1200rpm) for drilling. You should be able to get something like that for $100-$150 or so. I've never really looked at that range before so don't jave too much specific advice. I assume the green bosch, ryobi, GMC would all have budget models under that price range. They may all not be lithium ion's though.

Here's two at under $150
http://www.justtools.com.au/prod3451.htm
http://www.justtools.com.au/prod5591.htm

And this one is 14.4V but costs a little more...
http://www.justtools.com.au/prod5202.htm


I'd go the makita's before the green bosch, but that's just personal preference.

Cheers

Ended up with a Ryobi 14.4V Drill Driver with adjustable speed and Torque settings (plus extra batter) for $99.

The best I could get on the Bosch was $99 as well. Would have liked to go for the Makita (at a different shop) but the only one I could find locally was $250 on special (so I suspect it was in a different range).

$99 was ok. Equivelant in the Bosch was $229. At least at this price if my interest wanes or I simply don't have the time etc I won't be too worried about the expense .

Cheers

Sounds like a good move. That one will be a little more flexible for your needs. And since it's only $99, if in 12 months you decide you need one with different features, you've not wasted too much $ and it can still be a back up.

Cheers

Originally Posted by Starmage

Hi All
I'm a bit new to woodwork not having done much with timber since highschool woodworking classes.

I've done a bit of research and am looking at outfitting myself with the bare minimum of tools to get started and see how I go from there. So to get started in the power tool department I'm looking at a Drill, Circular Saw and possibly an orbital sander.

Money and interest are an issue and I need to weigh this up against cost and quality.

I've bought Bosch before and have been very happy (I have their cordless 2.5V cordless drill/screwdriver) so the drill mentioned in the title drew my attention as an entry level drill.

However, I'm a bit concerned about whether it will be able to handle what I'm going to chuck at it and whether in future if I get more ambitious if it won't fulfill my needs? (ie I don't want to have to replace it at a later date with a more powerful/expensive drill).

Basically I'm just looking at drilling timber (screw holes) and the occasional screwing in/out of screws.

Is this drill going to be sufficient?

I used a Bosch and was happy with it, until the batteries died. Them I discovered the cheapest way to get new batteries was to buy a new drill.

Since I was up for a new drill, I paid a little more and got a Makita that has an impact function, handy for the occasions I want to drill holes in masonry walls and don't want to get out the Bosch hammer drill.

It's two-speed, has numerous setting for driving screws. Thus far, I'm happy with it, but I've not needed to buy batteries yet.

I've not yet purchased any LI-ion powered tools.

Originally Posted by chocwheaton

Sounds like a good move. That one will be a little more flexible for your needs. And since it's only $99, if in 12 months you decide you need one with different features, you've not wasted too much $ and it can still be a back up.

Cheers

Unless he is like me and even though the ryobi I have is a POS (wobbling chuck, not enough torque despite being 14.4v etc) I can't bring myself to upgrade to a better tool. Instead keep borrowing my dad's mak..

When it comes to tools everyone should have, for example a drill or impact driver, I will never skimp again into the budget bin. Something midrange next time. $200-$250 is about right what a decent drill will cost.

Generally I'd agree with you there.

But seeing as I'm not really sure where i'm going from here going up to a mid range drill comes in a little expensive.

As far as I can tell this one doesn't seem too shabby (no wobbles as yet).

If I do eventually start doing more with woodwork then a better drill can be considered. But I can't justify $260+ for something I don't know how much I will use......

I personally think that Bosch Li-ion drills are great value. We now have 2 at work- the 14.4v green available from Bunnings for $239 with 2 batteries or I think $149? with one battery. We use them regularly every day and they seem to last forever before needing charging!
If you are a handyman and use one occasionally, then the Li-ion is perfect because it keeps its charge for months so you can grab it to do a job without having to wait for it to charge first. Also the batteries are much smaller and lighter than normal batteries so you wont get a sore arm after 5 mins.