Bosch Cordless Screwdriver IXO (6th Generation, green, variable SPEED CONTROL, rechargeable with micro USB-cable, in storage case), Ixo Basic, 6th Gen

Product Information

Registered office: Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing, Company number: LP003328; There's not a great deal of outwardly noticeable 'design' going on here. Bosch IXO 6 looks like a child's drawing of a gun and comes in any colour you like, so long as it's green. Gain full control over all DIY screw driving tasks with infinitely variable speed control to perfectly match the pace of each and every job.

The maximum speed of the motor isn’t the fastest in its class at just 215 rpm with no bit installed. It doesn’t hamper the overall ability of the electric screwdriver as the torque remains a constant (the maximum 4.5 Nm of torque will be enough for almost any domestic screwing). It just means your finger has to pull the trigger for a few seconds longer than you’d ideally want, at least that ergonomic design will ensure that your hand remains comfortable.But perhaps the biggest annoyance (and one common to all of a similar design) is the fact the bit is centred on a relatively “bulky” body, making reaching into corners and recesses impossible in some cases. Bosch does have an easy-reach adapter which provides an offset, but it is not cheap compared to the cost of the tool. Similarly, there are also other accessories including a torque limiter which might be nice but are also quite expensive. Skil's screwdriver is another great option, reasonably priced and with a bunch of smart design decisions that mean you won't feel like you're cutting too many corners by saving some money.

Heading towards the tail-end of the year, sometimes I can’t help but spoil myself with a few presents (to myself, of course). Because of the volume of online shopping clogging up courier services around the place, I started early but didn’t have the chance to do some testing and write-ups until just now. If you're currently reading this while wearing a tool belt, knee pads, safety glasses and a mask, you are probably thinking, 'This seems totally underpowered for my requirements,' and you are probably correct.

Variable speed control– The infinitely variable speed gives you full control when screwdriving. The IXO maintains sufficient power even at lower speeds. Perhaps my biggest annoyance with all cordless screwdrivers of a similar design is simply how close the “head” of the unit is to the bit which, because the bit is centred, means that screwdriving close to a corner (or in recesses) becomes impossible. There is an offset “easy-reach” accessory for this, but the cost is significant compared to the cost of the unit. It would be nice if the design would have a “thinner” section near the head or an offset by default which would make it more applicable to precision screwdriver applications (e.g. repairing electronics) without needing extensions or accessories.