Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 12-Volt Max Chameleon Drill/Driver
Overview
- Two-speed brushed motor creates 265 in.-lbs. of torque
- Two 12V Max Lithium-ion batteries
- with charger
- Four attachments, including right-angle and offset
- One-click locking mechanism for quick attachment changes
Bosch recently introduced a 12-volt little sibling to its “Chameleon” line of cordless drill/drivers. I spent some time lounging with this lizard to see what it could change. Read on to find out.
The tool’s body is compact but not flimsy, weighing in at 1.4 lbs. without the battery. The 12-volt lithium-ion battery slides inside the tool’s stout handle. This makes the handle bigger than expected for a driver of this size but not uncomfortably so. The payoff of the internal battery is improved balance over drills with large batteries slung off the end of the handle.
That battery powers a brushed two-speed motor that provides 265 in.-lbs. of torque. With those stats, this tool is suitable for most common drilling and driving applications. In testing, the battery charged quickly and lasted for several hours of regular drilling and driving. The tool’s body also features an easy-to-read battery status indicator and an LED work light that stays lit 10 seconds after releasing the trigger. The drill comes in a softside zippered case (not shown) that houses the drill body, two batteries, and a charger.
The real game-changer is the included set of attachments that connect to the business end of the tool. Use the built-in magnetic 1/4" bit holder (not shown) for driving with a hex bit, or add one of the four task-oriented attachments to expand the tool’s capabilities. For instance, when drilling and counterboring, you can swap in the locking bit holder for high-torque driving. The offset attachment lets you work outside the tool’s axis. And the right-angle attachment, that also includes a built-in bit holder, functions with all the other attachments, letting you drill or drive in tight spaces.
Each attachment locks onto the tool’s body—or the right-angle attachment—with a twist of a locking ring. That ring visually indicates when it’s locked, although its placement adjacent to the clutch ring led to unlocking an attachment once or twice when adjusting the torque.
The right-angle and offset attachments are adjustable to 16 different angles at 22.5° increments, though the method of doing so isn’t readily apparent, even from the integral diagram. The trick is to pull the locked attachment away from the tool’s body, and then rotate it to your desired position. Get through the learning curve, and you’ll quickly be adjusting the attachments to suit your exact purposes.
So, what does this quick-change artist actually change? It turns out, a lot. Like it’s namesake, it adapts to the situation at hand. The Chameleon’s ability to drill and drive in tight spaces without sacrificing power make this one versatile package. It won’t replace your more powerful drills and drivers, but its convenience and utility will change the way you work.
—Tester, Derek Richmond
