June 23, 2009

Bosch SPS10-2 4-Volt Pocket Screwdriver - Review

Bosch has been one of the leaders in the 12-volt li-ion market and it seems that now they're branching off into the even smaller 4-volt category. We have no idea if they're going to get into tools other than their Pocket Screwdriver, and for the purpose of this review, we don't really care. We're here to review the SPS10-2 and that's what we're going to do.

As you would expect, the tool is pretty tiny with just the basic features. There's a forward/reverse switch, a little LED, and the 1/4" hex magnetized chuck. The tool has the slightly rubberized grip as well as that durable Bosch feel, so it looks like it has the ability to take a nosedive off an 8' step ladder and still be working.

Unlike most other 4-volt screwdrivers we've seen, Bosch has made the batteries removable, so it operates just like a full-sized drill. This translates into no lost time while the battery charges, making it suitable for tradesmen. Bosch's 4-volt battery looks like a shrunken version of their 12-vol and it actually uses the same charger, so if you've already bought a tool or two of their 12-volt line, the 4-volt screwdriver should fit nicely into your repertoire. Two smart moves by Bosch.

But how about power? How far are 4-volts going to get you? Honestly, a lot farther than we thought. This little screwdriver has some stones to it. While it struggled, it was able to sink a 2" drywall screw into a 2x4. It's not what the tool is meant for, but it's nice to know that you can hang a piece of sheetrock in a pinch.

But in a day to day sense, this is a finisher's tool, a touch-up tool. Not something you're going to be using for construction, but something for the final stages, when you're polishing the stone and making everything just right.

So it's the perfect tool for the cabinet guy or the carpenter trapped in the punch list phase of construction when it seems like all you do for days on end is go around, tighten hinges, adjust outlet covers, and straighten cabinet doors. And with the Bosch 4-volt, it really doesn't matter how cramped the space is, the tool is so little, it'll likely fit.

All in all, this is another nice tool by Bosch and when you think about it, the $60 that it's being sold for is a pretty nice value. Skil's ixo2 is currently going for a hair over $50 and that's with the on-board battery which means that when the battery's charging, you're waiting. Like we said earlier, with the Bosch, you can still work while you charge. This means nothing to someone who is looking for something to toss in their kitchen drawer, but to someone who needs efficiency in the work day, it means a lot.

The 4-volt screwdriver comes with two batteries, a charger, and the nice canvas carrying case similar to the that the Bosch 12-volt driver comes in. As mentioned, it costs about $60.

At Amazon.com

Read More in: All Reviews | Cordless | Lithium-Ion | Power Tools

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Posted by Doug Mahoney at June 23, 2009 5:18 AM

Recent Comments

I just ordered the PS10. I have 2 PS20's for out in the field. Lots of power. I have an A/V store and we do a lot of installs and the PS20 is great for everything except attaching the TV mount to the wall. Need my 1/2" drive Ridgid (which I am also very happy with)but it's very bulky and heavy. I also do a lot of TV repairs in my store and the new flat panel TV's have a dozen or more screws just to get the back cover off. That's where this PS10 tool is worth it's weight in gold. I just returned a 4 volt driver to Costco yesterday. Remember, "You always get what you pay for".

Posted by: Frank at February 5, 2010 9:56 AM

The big question. Does it work in the cold? I already got burnt with a Bosch PS20 that wouldn't work in even moderate cold temperatures. Does this one?

Posted by: Eric at July 6, 2009 1:18 AM

these are great for light assembly and tight places. Basically it's an updated ,modified, compact version of those stickdrivers, more power, better battery.

Posted by: Kevin at June 24, 2009 8:38 PM

Nope, what you're saying makes sense. And it's honestly what I thought before I first got my hands on the Dremel Driver a while back. Now that tool (a 7.2-volt) sits in my kitchen drawer and gets used all the time. Also, from what I understand, the Skil ixo series is wildly popular. Bosch's version is similar, but the dueling batteries, brings that same vibe to tradesman.

But, if you like using a screwdriver and that physical connection to the workpiece is important to you, then no one is going to convince you that this is better.

Posted by: Tool Snob at June 23, 2009 7:36 PM

I'm sure its nice and that Bosch has executed well but I don't really see the appeal of these mini screwdrivers. Its designed for little fiddly screws but its bigger than a normal manual screwdriver (even a ratcheting screwdriver), you gotta fuss with batteries and you don't have feel that you'd have with a manual screwdriver.

Seems like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

What say you? Am I just being retro and grouchy? How are people using these things and finding them useful?

Posted by: DP at June 23, 2009 12:45 PM