Product · Bosch Professional
Bosch GSB 12V-35: compact 12 V combi with two 3 Ah packs
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The GSB 12V-35 is for people who prize a small, light drill above all else: renters, flat owners, electricians and kitchen fitters working inside cabinets. It is a brushless 12 V combi drill, and Bosch claims the highest impact rate in its 12 V category, allowing hammer drilling up to 10 mm in masonry. That is enough for most wall plugs, which is unusual for a drill this compact.
- Voltage
- 12 V
- Max torque
- 35 Nm
- Weight
- 810 g
- Batteries in box
- 2 x 3.0 Ah
In its favour
- At 810 g it is light, and Bosch states it can hammer drill up to 10 mm in masonry.
- Brushless motor with a top speed of 1,750 rpm is listed.
- Two 3.0 Ah batteries, rapid charger, belt clip and L-BOXX case are all included.
Good to know
- The 10 mm chuck and 35 Nm torque limit larger bits and long screws.
- 12 V packs do not fit Bosch 18 V tools, so think about future purchases.
Our take
Listed performance
Bosch quotes 35 Nm maximum torque and 1,750 rpm. Drilling capacities are 15 mm in wood and 10 mm in metal, with 10 mm in masonry using the hammer function. The chuck size is given as 10 mm, smaller than the 13 mm chucks on 18 V tools, so larger shank bits will not fit.
For context, 35 Nm will drive most 5 mm and many 6 mm screws into timber. It struggles with long coach screws and big hole saws, which need the extra torque of an 18 V tool.
Kit contents
Amazon lists two GBA 12V 3.0 Ah batteries, a GAL 12V-40 quick charger, an L-BOXX 102 with two half inlays for the tool, charger and accessories, a belt clip and a bit holder. Two 3 Ah packs are a good size for 12 V, so you can keep one on charge while working with the other.
Compared with similar home drills
The Metabo PowerMaxx SB 12 BL is the closest rival, another brushless 12 V hammer drill around 1.1 kg. The Bosch GSB 18V-45 is the 18 V step up, with a 13 mm chuck and 45 Nm at 920 g, and its batteries fit the far wider 18 V range. If you think you will want a saw or SDS later, the 18 V model is the more future proof starting point.
Bosch 12 V packs do not fit their 18 V tools, so this is a choice to make with your later purchases in mind.
Limitations
The listing does not give the number of gears, and the 10 mm chuck rules out larger bits. Anyone building garden structures or drilling a lot of concrete should look elsewhere.
Verdict
Buy the GSB 12V-35 if you want the smallest practical combi drill for home fixing and fitting work and value the L-BOXX storage. If you need a 13 mm chuck or plan to grow into 18 V tools, the Bosch GSB 18V-45 is a better start, and the Metabo PowerMaxx SB 12 BL is the main 12 V alternative.
Compared with alternatives in: Best combi drills for home DIY
Amazon listing title: Bosch Professional 12V System Cordless Combi GSB 12V-35 (incl.2X GBA 3.0Ah Battery, GAL 12V-40 Charger, 1x Belt Clip, 1x Bit Holder, 2X 1/2 Inlay, L-BOXX 102)