Just bought a 12 volt Bosch impact driver. Love the small size. Started a Trex decking project and the battery would not hold a charge for more then 10-15 minutes. The charger takes well over an hour to recharge the batteries.Thought that I had not juiced the battery enough so I let it charge all night. Next day same problem. Charge only screwed in 56 screws.
Not sure if the batteries are good. Seems like they should hold a charge longer. Trex is a tough test but I specifically bought this driver for deck projects.
Should I buy two additional batteries and another charger or switch brands and get a 14.4 Makita, or look at the Panasonic?
Replies
It sounds like something is wrong with the batteries or the charger (I assume you tried both batteries). I have the 12V Makita and it drives and drives.
If you like the Bosch stay with it but exchange the batteries and/or charger. You shouldn't have to *buy* new ones if you just bought the tool new.
Billy
I meant four batteries and two chargers. To keep up with 15 minutes of use.
Wood is Good
Adam Greisz<!----><!---->
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I agree that something is wrong. I just used my hitachi 12v impact to do a deck and it ran and ran and ran. No problem and it was HD's Veranda decking which should be similar to the Trex. I did pre-drill with a small bit to reduce the "mushroom" effect and I used the screws for this kind of decking. The Hitachi recharges in about 45 minutes consistenly. I never ran out of batteries even before I started pre-drilling. Call Bosch!!!!
john
Gotta be something wrong with it. My 12v Hitachi was able to put in 200, 9" long wall panel screws into my timber frame before needing another battery. The 18v DeWalt drill died first.
I'd return it and look at the Panasonic. I really like my Hitachi - maybe that's an option?
gotta be something wrong with the tool / battery / charger.. exchange the whole works for another or a Panasonic...
Like the rest, something isn't right.
However, if you can get it to work I'd recommend buying the Bosch compact 12v drill, you'll get two batteries, a charger, AND a drill for about the same price as two indivdual batteries and a charger.
Now there's some good advice.
I like the way you think dude!
Like I said... It ain't no problem I have.
pure logic.
Just wanted to mention that Mark Strickland (Heavy Duty Tools) just contacted me and offered another battery. Found me from this post. New email address due to Re-registration.
At this point after five charges I am able to drive about 90 (2 1/2" screws) through Trex. The Bosch instructions mentioned that it would take a few charges before the batteries held a full charge. My question is how many charges?
Appreciate the good customer service.
Wood is Good
Adam Greisz
Mark has now sent me a third battery.
Wood is Good
Adam Greisz
I told you guys they were great folks!