Bosch GBH 36 V-LI

There’s no doubt that this is one of the best cordless SDS drills out there. Using innovative Bosch Lithium Ion technology, the GBH 36 V-LI is faster than a comparable corded drill with up to 40% higher drilling progress than 24V Cordless SDS models, yet still a handy and versatile size and weight. (Review continues below…)

The The Bosch GBH 36 V-LI cordless SDS drill in detail

Being a cordless SDS drill, the GBH V-LI is ideal for working outdoors. It adapts to chiseling mode easily and delivers 3.0 joules for both drilling and chiselling.

Note: the GBH 36 V-LI is essentially the same drill as the GBH 36 VF-LI but does not include a quick change chuck for drilling wood and metal

Drilling power

The Bosch GBH 36 V-LI provides a staggering 3.0 Joules of impact energy, matching any 36V SDS drill on the market. This means it can drill 195 holes (6 × 40mm) into concrete on one battery charge. It has a pneumatic hammer mechanism which, Bosch claims, makes it is as fast as any 2kg corded drill

• 36V cordless SDS drill

• 600W rated power input

• Maximum drilling capacity: (diameter) Concrete – 26mm, Steel – 13mm, Wood – 30mm

• No load speed 0 – 1,500 rpm

• Blows per minute: 0-4,850bpm

Anti-vibration

Vibration emission value ah – 20,0 m/s² Uncertainty K 1,5 m/s²

Drill weight and length

We’ve recently reviewed the lightweight GBH 36V-LI Compact Professional which weighs a mere 2.9kg. The GBH 36 V-LI is a heavier drill at 4.3kg. This is about average for 36V corded SDS drills which means that it’s light enough to work with for sustained periods. The length of the drill is 367 mm again fairly similar to the 36V Makita and DeWalt. However if weight is a primary consideration e.g. if you do lots of overhead drilling the Compact 36V Bosch might be the one for you.

Battery type and performance

The GBH 36 V-LI drill uses the latest Bosch Li-Ion Compact batteries. This includes their patented Unique Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) which protects the battery against overloading, overheating and complete discharge. In their marketing, Bosch claim that their Li-Ion batteries will provide 400% increased lifetime and unbeatable battery running time. Bosch Hyper Charge ensures the batteries are charged to 75% after just half of the charge time. There’s also no memory effect: the battery can be charged regardless of the charging state at any time, without damaging the cells

Safety clutch

The clutch on this cordless SDS drill forces the chuck to slip if the torque goes beyond a stipulated point, causing the drill to cease rotating.

Chuck type

SDS Plus

Number of drilling modes

Three: rotation only, hammering with rotation, or hammering only (with chiseling function)

Other features worth mentioning

Remember all Bosch SDS drills come with a 3 year warranty if you register them within 4 weeks at www.boschpowertools.co.uk.

• Fuel gauge – for charge control

• Large rubberised grip area – for improved handling

Includes: (note this varies according to each retailer – see websites for details)

• Quick Charger AL 3640 CV

• 2 x 2.6 Ah Li-Ion batteries

• Auxiliary handle

• Depth stop 210mm.

• Carrying case