Bosch PS31-2A 12-V Drill/Driver Kit
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Editor’s Conclusion
The Bosch PS31-2A promises greater power in a smaller package that weighs 1.8 pounds without battery, is 22% more compact, has 25% more max torque, and is 15% faster.
With two speeds and a maximum torque of 265-inches-per-pounds, this tool measures 7" in length and weighs 2.14-pounds, making it light and easy to maneuver. Its lightness makes it useful for overhead drilling and driving when installing ceiling fans, drywall, or drapery roads. While it is a DIY homeowner-favorite, it can do the job for electricians, plumbers, or contractors too.
The PS31-02 was released in 2012. More recent releases of the Bosch PS32-02 (2014) and, more recently, the GSR12V-300B22 (2019) offer reduced size, a brushless motor, increased torque, and higher speeds. The PS32-02 is hard to find at a reasonable price in the US, but the GSR12V-300B22 about $140 - $150 is an alternative worth considering as the older PS3102A is around $130.
With two speeds and a maximum torque of 265-inches-per-pounds, this tool measures 7" in length and weighs 2.14-pounds, making it light and easy to maneuver. Its lightness makes it useful for overhead drilling and driving when installing ceiling fans, drywall, or drapery roads. While it is a DIY homeowner-favorite, it can do the job for electricians, plumbers, or contractors too.
The PS31-02 was released in 2012. More recent releases of the Bosch PS32-02 (2014) and, more recently, the GSR12V-300B22 (2019) offer reduced size, a brushless motor, increased torque, and higher speeds. The PS32-02 is hard to find at a reasonable price in the US, but the GSR12V-300B22 about $140 - $150 is an alternative worth considering as the older PS3102A is around $130.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Premium Performance-to-Size Ratio makes this tool a great solution for those who do a great deal of over the head drilling or driving, such as electricians, plumbers, or contractors
Versatile use for materials such as drywall, wood, and even metal
Two speeds (0-350 RPM and 0-1,300 RPM) and 20+1 clutch settings so users can make precise torque adjustments for accurate screw driving and drilling
Comes with two 12.0Ah Lithium-Ion batteries to provide increased runtime
Soft grip handle and Electronic Cell Protection for longer life
Integrated LED lights for improved visibility, allowing you to work anywhere, anytime, even in dark corners and low-light areas
Cons
Battery hard to remove
No locking/ratcheting chuck so bits come loose
Light only works when operating the drill
Bosch 12-V Drill/Driver Kit
KEY FEATURES:
Power
Offering 265 in.-lbs of torque is nothing to sneeze at. The power is significant enough for hand drilling and screw insertion tasks around the home, even when the drill is held overhead to insert a ceiling electrical box or repair rafters.
Speed
The drill promise two speeds of 0-350 RPM and 0-1,300 RPM and 20+1 clutch settings so users can make precise torque adjustments for accurate screw driving and drilling. The speed increases by pressing the trigger.
Performance
Even customers used to bigger, more powerful drills are impressed with how this drill performs on the job. One aspect that irritates some buyers is that the bits slip out of place as the chuck lacks a ratcheting feature.
Length of Charge
The PS31-2A has Electronic Cell Protection to increase runtime and tool life. As battery-life indicator (or fuel gauge as they call it is conveniently located on the side of the tool for easy battery management and shows the battery power left.
The batteries used in this drill are round disk-like batteries rather than the flatter ones used in other brands. They can be hard to get out to replace.
Handling and Ease of Use
With a plastic chuck and many internal plastic parts, the PS31-2A is light and easy to use. Its short body allows it to get close to the worksite even when the area is small. The drill shaft has a rubber grip for a comfortable feel.
A work light positioned on the shaft is handy for seeing where the hole or screw is desired. Unfortunately, the light only works when the drill is in motion, so the light is not useful in inspecting the area.
Extras
Backed by Bosch's ProVantage warranty, the Bosch 12-volt max drill/driver offers tool replacement during the first year and repair in the second and third years. The tool will be under warranty for three years and the batteries for two years. Users report that the company usually honors the warranty. Certain inherent problems, such as the tendency for the bit to wobble in the chuck, tend to repeat themselves in replacement or repaired units.
COMPARISON TO OTHER PRODUCTS
The Bosch PS31-2A is a winner for those who want a lightweight yet powerful drill. Though successive Bosch products have come on the market, this model remains popular and earns 96% 4- and 5- star reviews on Amazon. The drill gets exceptionally high marks for weight, ergonomics, and battery life. You might also want to read about the Bosch PS32-02 12V Brushless Cordless Drill Driver, as it may suit your needs better.
Verdict
Though this compact PS31-2A drill is a customer favorite that will do the job for a DIYer and even some professionals, the GSR12V-300B22 with its brushless motor is available for $10 or 20 more. Considering that brushless motors are cooler and more long-lasting, serious buyers might opt for this upgraded model.
- Size: 7" long
- Weight: 1.8 pounds without battery, 2.14 pounds including battery
- 265 in. Ibs. of torque
- Max speed 1,300 RPM
- LED work light
- Kit contains one drill/driver, two 2.0Ahbatteries, a charger, and a carrying case
- 3-year warranty
Power
Offering 265 in.-lbs of torque is nothing to sneeze at. The power is significant enough for hand drilling and screw insertion tasks around the home, even when the drill is held overhead to insert a ceiling electrical box or repair rafters.
Speed
The drill promise two speeds of 0-350 RPM and 0-1,300 RPM and 20+1 clutch settings so users can make precise torque adjustments for accurate screw driving and drilling. The speed increases by pressing the trigger.
Performance
Even customers used to bigger, more powerful drills are impressed with how this drill performs on the job. One aspect that irritates some buyers is that the bits slip out of place as the chuck lacks a ratcheting feature.
Length of Charge
The PS31-2A has Electronic Cell Protection to increase runtime and tool life. As battery-life indicator (or fuel gauge as they call it is conveniently located on the side of the tool for easy battery management and shows the battery power left.
The batteries used in this drill are round disk-like batteries rather than the flatter ones used in other brands. They can be hard to get out to replace.
Handling and Ease of Use
With a plastic chuck and many internal plastic parts, the PS31-2A is light and easy to use. Its short body allows it to get close to the worksite even when the area is small. The drill shaft has a rubber grip for a comfortable feel.
A work light positioned on the shaft is handy for seeing where the hole or screw is desired. Unfortunately, the light only works when the drill is in motion, so the light is not useful in inspecting the area.
Extras
Backed by Bosch's ProVantage warranty, the Bosch 12-volt max drill/driver offers tool replacement during the first year and repair in the second and third years. The tool will be under warranty for three years and the batteries for two years. Users report that the company usually honors the warranty. Certain inherent problems, such as the tendency for the bit to wobble in the chuck, tend to repeat themselves in replacement or repaired units.
COMPARISON TO OTHER PRODUCTS
The Bosch PS31-2A is a winner for those who want a lightweight yet powerful drill. Though successive Bosch products have come on the market, this model remains popular and earns 96% 4- and 5- star reviews on Amazon. The drill gets exceptionally high marks for weight, ergonomics, and battery life. You might also want to read about the Bosch PS32-02 12V Brushless Cordless Drill Driver, as it may suit your needs better.
Verdict
Though this compact PS31-2A drill is a customer favorite that will do the job for a DIYer and even some professionals, the GSR12V-300B22 with its brushless motor is available for $10 or 20 more. Considering that brushless motors are cooler and more long-lasting, serious buyers might opt for this upgraded model.
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