Bosch Uneo

Rancid

I'm about to replace an ancient Black and Decker drill with something cordless and came across this Bosch Uneo:
http://www.bosch-do-it.co.uk/diy/newsandextras/news/the-uneo-from-bosch-three-tools-in-one-24072.shtml

Now, it makes sense to me to have a combined drill and screwdriver, but I really need some info and opinions on this.

Would I do better to buy individual tools, or what are the draw-backs to this combined one?
I'd be using it for small jobs around the house and garden, and would like the screwdriver to be capable of doing up to 3 or 4inch screws. (I borrowed a battery screwdriver recently and it just couldn't handle the 4inch ones.)

Any recommendations would be most appreciated.

gsxr1

any cordless drill screws. Some have hammer action.

you are getting sucked in by cleaver advertising.

18v Dewalt cordless is a top tool with 3 speeds and hammer. the XRP range is for heavy duty trade use.

Rancid

gsxr1 wrote: »

any cordless drill screws. Some have hammer action.

you are getting sucked in by cleaver advertising.

18v Dewalt cordless is a top tool with 3 speeds and hammer. the XRP range is for heavy duty trade use.

Yep, the advertising is aimed at the clueless!

Ok, I don't need the hammer action, I think.
I'll take a look at the Dewalt drills and the Bosch and see what I think.
Thanks!

Bluefoam

gsxr1 wrote: »

18v Dewalt cordless is a top tool with 3 speeds and hammer. the XRP range is for heavy duty trade use.

Black & Decker are made by the same company and use the same motors & batteries etc... as DeWalt. Chippies I worked with told me to get B&D cos it was hundreds cheaper for the same basic product - they also said that they wouldn't be seen with B&D due to snob value...

Bluefoam

Dewalt & Makita would be premium brands

gsxr1

Bluefoam wrote: »

Black & Decker are made by the same company and use the same motors & batteries etc... as DeWalt. Chippies I worked with told me to get B&D cos it was hundreds cheaper for the same basic product - they also said that they wouldn't be seen with B&D due to snob value...

Black and decker bought over Dewalt . There are a few common parts in the brands . but the designs are completely different . Dewalt tool are the high end of th B&D company. Like green bosch and blue bosch

The dewalt tools share the same battery cells. When you take the battery apart this can be seen.

have a look at this B&D. It is a nice looking bit of kit.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Decker-CD18CA-Drill-Driver/dp/B00032II40

harly1516

I use screw guns and cordless drills every day I have 2 makita 12 volt 1 makita 14 volt 2 dewalt 12 volt 1 hatachi 12 volt and 1 18 volt god knows what, I also have 1 24 volt bosh and 1 24 volt dwalt, there all used every day, droped, kicked and have everything from cement, plaster, blocks and wood droped on them.
The makita are the cheapest by far and the quickist to charge I have them about 3 years with no problems they will drive any screws with ease with good quality bits, the dewalt would cost more, the batteries burn out all the time, and its cheaper to buy a new gun then batteries, very soft, the hatachi would be on par with the makita just a little more expensive and as for the cheap 18 volt well some time we need a hammer or blunt instrument.
As for the drills there both very good but the bosh is the only one charges in 7 minutes flat its unbielivable and again its cheaper then the dewalt, in my opinion the dewalt is over priced batteries are useless but if you like yellow go for it.

jack of all

Good post by Harly; I have been using Makita, Bosch and Dewalt tools over the last 10 years, I like Bosch- great quality, good design and robust. I like Makita tools too, they do good offers from time to time (you should be able to get a good 12v drill/ driver with two batteries and charger for under €150). I have one Dewalt combi drill/ driver that's given me fantastic service over 10 years and still going strong, but would I replace it with Dewalt? No, it was damned expensive at the time and the brand is still overpriced IMHO. I think a lot of the DIY (I include Bosch green merchandise here) "multi tools", "new designs" etc are gimicky and really only aimed at the huge "weekend user" market. I'd rather spend a few euro more on a proven, quality tool that you'll have for years. I see tools as an investment anyway, no one ever lamented spending money on quality whereas a cheapie, throwaway tool (that's not up to the task) is always a disappointment.

Ubbquittious

I have an Uneo and the odd time when I pick it up the light will flash but it won't turn. If I try it a few more times it usually works grand. Anyone experienced the same?