BoschCordless Screwdriver IXO (5th generation, 3.6 V, in case)

This is my second Bosch IXO cordless screwdriver, bought at a very reasonable price during deals of the day on a whim. My previous generation IXO has been going solidly for almost a decade without any issues at all. As with most electronic items with non-replaceable internal batteries, it has been holding a little bit less charge than when it was new as expected, but still lasts long enough and with enough power to be useful so I wasn't necessarily looking to replace it as such.This new version has all the functionality of the previous version with a few improvements as you would expect.First of all and for me personally as someone with fairly large hands, I found the revised placement of the direction switch a much better location to mount it. With the previous one the switch was just above the trigger and on a few occasions I found when I applied pressure in certain angles my fingers/thumb would inadvertently knock the switch out of position. On the new one it is a bigger switch and is located on the top of the tool behind the charging light making it much more user friendly and ergonomic.Another revised feature is the new micro USB charging port located at the base of the hand grip, it achieves a more positive connection than the old charging cradle which would sometimes slip off its small charging spring clips, also being micro USB it's much easier to find a cable to charge it since it's a very common charging method and easily replaced if damaged/lost.One feature that has gone slightly backwards in terms of functionality is the LED on the front of the tool. When used with the packaged rubber surround it is perfectly usable, even having 2 different settings if you rotate the cover 180° switching it between a spotlight to more of an area floodlight. It only becomes an issue if you attach any of the accessories to the front, I regularly use the offset adapter and the variable torque setting adapter, both of which completely obscure the light, not a deal breaker by any means but could of been avoided as it was on the older model being mounted slightly below the edge of the adapter.Apart from this small gripe and to be honest it's a very small one, I've found the tool to be extremely useful just as it's older sibling has been and I'm sure will continue to be while the new one is on charge, always handy to have backup!

I should have bought one of these years ago. It's a compact and robust little gadget which packs a punch for it's size. I use it a few times per week and not only does it wind screws in tight and solid, it does it fast and saves time. If you're assembling flat packs, then it also saves you from blisters or repetitive strain injuries associated with conventional hand tools!The worklight on the front shines the light exactly where you need it, and you have the option of switching the lens for either a spot or flood light pattern. Having installed an intruder alarm control panel in a dark cupboard corner recently, this little light helped far more than a standard torch alone.The tool comes with a selection of different driver bits, and is presented in a stylish, smooth white case with the IXO logo embossed on it. While the case itself is well made and rugged, the design is really at odds with your typical power tool cases. I can see it being broken after a week of being bumped around inside a contractor's van. That said, its small, space-saving design should allow you to tuck it away from the risk of breakage.Lastly, the battery seems to last quite a long time, although it's tricky to say exactly how long because it depends on various factors. I use it primarily for hobbies and small projects, and i've only charged it once in the month i've had it. The good news is that a full charge only takes around 3 hours!All in all, i'm very happy with this item. It's Bosch, so you know you're buying top quality. This is one my best purchases of 2019 so far.

The IXO is a lovely little screwdriver for DIY and home maintenance. Bosch clearly put a lot of thought into the design: it's very well-balanced and easy to get into tight spaces, and the trigger-linked LED light is brilliant for working in the evening or in darker spots. It's robustly built but easy to hold in the hand, with no harsh surfaces or sharply angled edges. The micro-USB connector means that even if you lose or damage the original adapter, most people will have at least one viable replacement cable lying around capable of charging the unit, but the battery is very long-lived anyway. After a short charge, the IXO got me through an 8-hour DIY marathon without giving up.I found the included selection of bits in the basic model to be more than sufficient for my needs, but it's great that niche bits are available separately as a relatively affordable kit if you need to expand later. It's also handy that Bosch include a carrying case, but don't expect it to survive a construction site - it's just a painted metal shell that's ideal for shelving everything neatly in a cupboard or shed.In conclusion, I'm impressed, and I hope to get many years of service out of my IXO. If you're looking for a basic, well-designed cordless screwdriver from a known brand, Bosch's offering is a great contender.