The Bottom Line
The aptly-named Bosch PS21-2A Pocket Driver is a two-speed driver powered by a 12-volt Lithium-Ion battery pack. Although this driver weighs a mere 1.8 pounds, it is powerful enough to drive three-inch deck screws with ease.
Unlike most larger cordless drills that employ a chuck to hold the bit, the Bosch PS21-2A uses a 1/4-inch hex-shank locking sleeve much like those commonly used in impact drivers. Drill bits and driver bits with 1/4-inch hex-shanks are commonly available at any home center.
While the Bosch PS21-2A isn't a workhorse, it's size is ideal for carrying in a tool pouch or for working overhead.
Unlike most larger cordless drills that employ a chuck to hold the bit, the Bosch PS21-2A uses a 1/4-inch hex-shank locking sleeve much like those commonly used in impact drivers. Drill bits and driver bits with 1/4-inch hex-shanks are commonly available at any home center.
While the Bosch PS21-2A isn't a workhorse, it's size is ideal for carrying in a tool pouch or for working overhead.
Pros
- Very lightweight, at only 1.8 pounds
- Locking 1/4-inch hex-shank sleeve holds bits securely
- Includes two batteries and charger in a soft-side carrying case
- Covered by Bosch's one-year manufacturer's warranty
Cons
- Feels a bit top-heavy when in use
Description
- Features include an adjustable clutch, rubberized grip and built-in work light
- Two-speeds with a variable speed trigger (0-350 RPM on low and 0-1300 RPM on high)
- BAT412 charger will charge the 12-volt batteries in 30-minutes
Guide Review - Bosch PS21-2A Pocket Driver Review
Lithium-Ion battery operated tools have come a long way in a short time. Improvements in power and decreasing size of these batteries have allowed tool engineers to make more powerful tools in much smaller packages.
The Bosch PS21-2A is a good example. This driver, that will easily fit in one's pocket or into a tool belt, carries more drilling or driving power than the extremely popular 12-volt NiCad cordless drills we all used ten years ago. The major difference is that this driver weighs less than half of what those drills used to weigh.
One really notices the difference when working overhead. For people who need a lightweight driver for fitting into tight spots, or for when they only have one free hand, the PS21-2A is ideal.
The only real drawback that I see to this unit (other than the fact that you don't have enough power to use spade bits over 3/4" in diameter) is that the small size tends to make the drill feel top-heavy. Most cordless drills have a large battery pack on the bottom that will also act as a bit of a counter-balance to the drill motor on top, making the entire unit feel balanced. With the small battery in the handle of the PS21-2A, there isn't any ballast on the bottom, making the unit feel top-heavy.
It doesn't seem like a huge drawback to me - just one that will take a little getting used to, particularly when compared to the advantages of having such a small driver with as much power as it does carry.
The Bosch PS21-2A is a good example. This driver, that will easily fit in one's pocket or into a tool belt, carries more drilling or driving power than the extremely popular 12-volt NiCad cordless drills we all used ten years ago. The major difference is that this driver weighs less than half of what those drills used to weigh.
One really notices the difference when working overhead. For people who need a lightweight driver for fitting into tight spots, or for when they only have one free hand, the PS21-2A is ideal.
The only real drawback that I see to this unit (other than the fact that you don't have enough power to use spade bits over 3/4" in diameter) is that the small size tends to make the drill feel top-heavy. Most cordless drills have a large battery pack on the bottom that will also act as a bit of a counter-balance to the drill motor on top, making the entire unit feel balanced. With the small battery in the handle of the PS21-2A, there isn't any ballast on the bottom, making the unit feel top-heavy.
It doesn't seem like a huge drawback to me - just one that will take a little getting used to, particularly when compared to the advantages of having such a small driver with as much power as it does carry.
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
