Product · Bosch Professional
Bosch GDR 18V-215: 215 Nm with auto modes, L-BOXX
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Bosch's GDR 18V-215 is a cordless impact driver for joiners, fitters, decking installers and keen DIYers who drive a lot of screws and want help getting them right. It is sold bare in an L-BOXX 136 with a belt clip. What sets it apart in our impact driver guide is the pair of Auto Driving Modes, one that shuts the tool down automatically and one that slows it, to give a cleaner finish.
- Max torque
- 215 Nm
- Max speed
- 3,300 rpm
- Length
- Not stated
- In the box
- Driver, belt clip, L-BOXX (no battery)
In its favour
- 215 Nm and 3,300 rpm handle long screws and hardwood, according to Bosch.
- Two Auto Driving Modes with automatic shut down and slow down help avoid over driven screws.
- Fits the Bosch 18 V system and AMPShare batteries.
Good to know
- No battery or charger is included in this listing.
- The listing does not give the head length, so check fit in tight spaces.
Our take
Torque and speed
Bosch quotes 215 Nm and 3,300 rpm, which it says makes the driver fast and efficient with long screws and hardwood. That is only a touch below the Milwaukee M18FID2 at 226 Nm, so the GDR 18V-215 sits firmly in the high power class. The spec table lists two speeds.
Bosch also describes a cordless compact design for tight spaces, but the listing does not give the head length, so it is hard to compare with the 116 mm Milwaukee.
How the auto modes help
Automatic Shut Down stops the driver once a screw seats, which helps when driving self tapping screws into thin metal and avoids stripping the thread. Automatic Slow Down reduces speed as the screw head approaches the surface, so it ends flush rather than sinking deep. For finish work, decking with visible heads and cabinet fixing, that can save marked or split boards.
Most high torque drivers rely only on trigger control. Having modes that do the work for you makes this driver easier to use for less experienced hands.
Batteries and kit
There is no battery or charger in the box. Bosch says the driver is compatible with the Bosch Professional 18 V system. Owners of Bosch packs can start straight away, while newcomers should consider a kit like the Bosch GSB 18V-110 C and GDR 18V-210 C set, which includes two 5 Ah packs and a combi drill.
Other drivers to consider
The Milwaukee M18FID2 comes with two 5 Ah packs and offers slightly more torque, but no auto modes are mentioned. The DeWalt DCF870N and HiKOKI WHP18DA are quieter drivers for indoor use with much lower torque. The DeWalt DCK276P2 twin pack includes an impact driver alongside a combi drill.
Verdict
Choose the GDR 18V-215 if you own Bosch 18 V batteries and want high torque with auto modes that make neat, consistent screw driving easier. If you need batteries in the box, the Milwaukee M18FID2 kit is the straighter route, and quiet indoor work suits the DeWalt DCF870N.
Compared with alternatives in: Best impact driver kits and bare tools
Amazon listing title: Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Impact Driver GDR 18V-215 (incl. L-BOXX)