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- Great power for its size
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Compact and lightweight (1.6 pounds)
- Good runtime
- 30-minute charger
- Screwdriver only -- no drilling
- Can get hot
- Expensive for a cordless screwdriver
Reviews say the 10.8-volt lithium-ion Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver clearly leads the pack of "mini drivers," outperforming other small drivers and cordless screwdrivers. Its lithium-ion batteries fit up into the handle so it's very compact; reviews say its 1.6-pound weight makes it a delight to use for most assembly and fastening tasks. It's designed to handle 85 percent of the driving tasks for which people usually use a much heavier cordless drill. Bosch also makes a budget cordless screwdriver, the 3.6-volt Skil iXO2 (*est. $50), but reviews say that if you can afford it, the Pocket Driver is more versatile because of its greater power.
The Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver has attracted so much interest that we found tests of it in four different comparison reviews, as well as many more single-product reviews. Objective tests at Wood Magazine, GetWoodworking.com and Fine Woodworking compare the Bosch Pocket Driver with other cordless screwdrivers and "mini drivers," with Wood Magazine's review the most recent. The single-product report at Consumer Reports is succinct and based on experience testing small cordless drivers, but the review by Tom Hintz at NewWoodworker.com has the best illustrations and details. At the time of our report, the Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver is recommended in more reviews than any other cordless drill or driver.
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Our Sources
1. Wood MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Three different editors at Wood Magazine test lithium-powered palm-size cordless drivers by driving 2-inch drywall screws into a pine 2x4 without pilot holes. The 10.8-volt Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver easily outperforms the two 3.6-volt models by Skil and Black & Decker.
Review: Wise Buys: Our Editors Test Palm Drivers, Editors of Wood Magazine, May 2007
This article compares eight cordless screwdrivers, testing them by driving 2-inch #10 screws into soft wood without pilot holes. The Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver (called the Bosch GSR in the UK) shares top ranking as the best screwdriver with the Metabo Powermaxx.
Review: Cordless Screwdrivers Reviewed, Editors of Practical Woodworking, Feb. 9, 2007
3. Fine WoodworkingDetails/Subscribe
This review compares two cordless screwdrivers, the 10.8-volt lithium-ion Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver and the 9.6-volt NiCad Ridgid R81030, based on objective tests. The Ridgid is the favorite for big construction jobs because of its superior power and ability to work in tight spaces, but the Bosch Pocket Driver is so much lighter that editors give it top rating for workshop use.
Review: Cordless Screwdrivers Do One Thing Very Well, Asa Christiana and John White, July 2006
4. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The Bosch PS20-2 isn't tested in the most recent roundup review at Consumer Reports (that's available only by subscription), but editors do give it a single-product review here, complete with a video showing the Pocket Driver in action.
Review: First Looks: Bosch Pocket Driver PS20-2, Editors of Consumer Reports, July 2006
This review says the Bosch Pocket Driver PS20-2 "sets the standard for mini drivers." The review praises the fit and controls, and says it "packs surprising and lasting power for such a compact tool. Great all-around tool for your pouch."
Review: Industry News: Lithium-Ion Hands On, Rick Schwolsky and Michael Springer, Jan. 17, 2007
6. American Woodworker
This article on lithium-ion tools recommends the Bosch Pocket Driver, mentioning testing but without documenting the procedures. However, the publication itself has earned a lot of credibility for past comparison tests of power tools.
Review: Lithium-Ion for the Woodworker, Bill Szydlo, July 2007
This reviewer notes that the Pocket Driver weighs just 1.8 pounds, yet is designed to handle 80 percent of the tasks for which people usually use a much heavier drill. It's also small enough to be carried in the pocket of a tool belt.
Review: Hands-On: The Bosch Litheon Pocket Driver, Chuck Cage and Contributors, July 13, 2006
Woodworker Tom Hintz publishes detailed, well-illustrated single-product reviews of the tools he tests in his own workshop. This is the best-illustrated review we found of the Bosch Pocket Driver.
Review: Bosch PS20 Pocket Driver: A great idea -- and size -- for the shop, Tom Hintz
This hands-on review praises the Bosch Pocket Driver for its ergonomics and size, noting that most cordless drills are overkill and cumbersome for many tasks, but the Pocket Driver is just right. He also likes the 30-minute charger.
Review: Hands on with the Bosch Pocket Driver, Brian Marks, Aug. 3, 2006
10. Amazon.com
At the time of our report, 160 owners give the Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver near-perfect ratings in their reviews of it at Amazon.com. The LED light gets mixed reviews here, with some owners complaining that it's obstructed by the bit. Others note that this driver doesn't work well in freezing weather.
Review: Bosch PS20-2 10.8-volt Lithium-Ion, Contributors to Amazon.com
11. Northerntool.com
At the time of our report, all 28 owners reviewing the Bosch Pocket Driver at this retail site say they'd recommend it to a friend. Write-ups note both pros and cons.
Review: Bosch Litheon Pocket Driver -- 10.8 Volt, Model# PS20-2, Contributors to NorthernTool.com
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