Intro
When a simple screwdriver is not enough and a heavy-duty SDS drill feels like overkill, you need a tool that sits confidently in the middle ground. Driving long screws into hardwood, boring clean holes through metal, and even tackling occasional masonry work all demand a drill that combines genuine power with the convenience of cordless freedom. A quality 18-volt combi drill with a hammer function gives you exactly that: the muscle to handle tough materials and the finesse to drive screws without stripping them, all in one tool that you can grab off the shelf and use anywhere. For homeowners renovating room by room, DIY enthusiasts building garden structures, and anyone who wants a single drill that covers drilling, screwdriving, and light hammer drilling, a well-specced 18-volt cordless combi drill with two batteries and a carry case is the foundation of a capable home toolbox — and it pays for itself the first time you avoid calling in a tradesperson for a job you can now do yourself.
Generalities
Bosch's green range is aimed squarely at home and garden users who want the engineering quality of Bosch without the professional price tag. The UniversalImpact 18V-60 is the most powerful drill in the green Universal line, delivering a substantial 60 Newton-metres of torque from an 18-volt battery platform. It is a true combi drill with a hammer function for masonry, a 13-millimetre metal keyless chuck, and a brushless motor for long-term durability. This kit bundles two 2.0 Ah batteries, a fast charger, and a carry case — the complete package for anyone starting out or upgrading from an older, weaker drill.
In this review, we put the UniversalImpact 18V-60 through its paces across wood, metal, and masonry. We assess battery runtime, ergonomics, hammer drilling effectiveness, and whether the included accessories represent good value. With 788 customer reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars and a bestseller rank of number 28 in Drill Drivers, there is plenty of user feedback to draw on as well.
Description
The Bosch UniversalImpact 18V-60 is built around a brushless motor that produces a maximum torque of 60 Newton-metres — a figure that puts it near the top of the DIY-class cordless drill category. The two-speed gearbox offers a low range of 0 to 500 RPM for controlled screwdriving and high-torque applications, and a high range of 500 to 1,900 RPM for fast drilling. A 13-millimetre all-metal keyless chuck provides secure bit retention and the durability to handle the high torque output without slipping. The hammer function, engaged with a simple collar switch, adds a percussive action for drilling into brick, block, and light concrete — something that standard drill-drivers without a hammer mode cannot do. Drilling capacity is rated at 35 millimetres in wood, 13 millimetres in metal, and adequate for masonry bits up to around 10 to 12 millimetres in brickwork.
Design-wise, the UniversalImpact 18V-60 follows Bosch's recognisable green and black colour scheme with red accents. The body measures 16.5 × 5.6 × 23.2 centimetres and weighs 1.3 kilograms with the battery fitted — substantial enough to feel solid and well-balanced in the hand without being overly heavy. The soft-grip handle is contoured for a natural grip and helps absorb some of the vibration during hammer drilling. An integrated LED work light sits just above the trigger, casting a bright beam onto the work surface — useful when drilling in dimly lit cupboards, lofts, or under staircases. The forward and reverse switch is positioned for one-handed thumb operation, and the 20-stage torque adjustment ring clicks positively into each setting so you can dial in the right clutch force without looking.
In everyday use, the 60 Nm of torque makes a real difference. Driving 100-millimetre structural screws into fence posts and joists is well within this drill's comfort zone, and the two-speed gearbox means you can start slow for control and then shift up for speed once the screw bites. The hammer function, while not as powerful as a dedicated SDS drill, handles 6-millimetre and 8-millimetre masonry holes in brick and thermalite block without complaint — perfectly adequate for putting up shelves, wall-mounted TV brackets, and outdoor light fittings. The 20-stage clutch prevents over-driving, which is especially valuable when working with softer materials like chipboard furniture panels or plasterboard fixings. Battery life from the 2.0 Ah packs is respectable: expect around 40 to 60 screws into timber per charge, or enough masonry holes for a full afternoon of shelf-hanging, depending on material hardness and drill bit quality.
The kit includes two 2.0 Ah 18-volt lithium-ion batteries and an AL 18V-20 charger. The dual-battery setup means you can keep working while the spent battery recharges, and the charger brings a flat battery back to full in approximately 60 minutes — fast enough that you rarely find yourself waiting. The batteries are part of Bosch's 18V Power for All Alliance, which means they are compatible with tools from multiple brands in the alliance, not just Bosch. This is a significant advantage if you own or plan to buy other cordless tools like garden equipment, sanders, or jigsaws that share the same battery platform. The carry case is functional moulded plastic with space for the drill, both batteries, the charger, and a selection of bits and accessories.
At 16.5 × 5.6 × 23.2 centimetres and 1.3 kilograms with battery, the UniversalImpact 18V-60 is compact for an 18-volt combi drill but not quite as small as dedicated 12-volt models. It is manufactured by Bosch and backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty, with spare parts availability guaranteed for 5 years — reassuring for a tool you expect to own for a long time. Social proof is excellent: 788 Amazon customer reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars, and a bestseller rank of number 28 in Drill Drivers. At a price of €140 for the full kit, it represents strong value against comparable branded combi drills that often cost €180 to €220 for similar specifications.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Impressive 60 Nm of torque from an 18-volt DIY-class drill — drives heavy structural screws into hardwood and fence posts without hesitation, a level of power typically found in more expensive models.
- Hammer function adds genuine masonry drilling capability — handles 6 mm and 8 mm holes in brick and block for shelf brackets, TV mounts, and outdoor lights without needing a separate SDS drill.
- Two 2.0 Ah batteries plus a fast charger eliminate downtime — one charges in roughly 60 minutes while the other keeps you working, so you never grind to a halt mid-project.
- Batteries are part of the Power for All Alliance, sharing compatibility with tools from Bosch and partner brands — one battery platform for drills, sanders, jigsaws, and even garden equipment like hedge trimmers.
- 13 mm all-metal keyless chuck provides secure grip on larger drill bits and resists slipping even under maximum torque — a meaningful upgrade over plastic-bodied chucks found on budget drills.
- Excellent user reviews — 788 ratings at 4.7 out of 5 stars and a bestseller rank of number 28 in Drill Drivers mean you are buying a proven performer with a strong track record, not taking a chance.
- 2-year warranty with 5-year spare parts availability guarantees long-term support — Bosch commits to keeping this tool repairable for half a decade, which adds real peace of mind.
Cons
- At 1.3 kilograms with battery fitted, it is noticeably heavier than 12-volt alternatives — extended overhead work like drilling ceiling holes for smoke alarms can tire the arm more quickly than a lightweight compact drill would.
- The hammer function is adequate for light masonry but not a substitute for a dedicated SDS drill — attempting holes beyond 10 mm in dense concrete or engineering brick will be slow and labour-intensive.
- The 2.0 Ah batteries, while practical, are on the smaller capacity side — heavy users drilling dozens of masonry holes or driving hundreds of screws in a single session may want to budget for a higher-capacity 4.0 Ah or 5.0 Ah battery.
- This is the green Bosch DIY range, not the blue Professional line — build quality and component longevity are good for home use but may not match the durability expected by tradespeople using the tool daily on site.
- No drill bits or screwdriver bits are included in the kit — the case has space for them, but you will need to buy a separate bit set to start working, which adds to the initial cost.
Use cases
The Bosch UniversalImpact 18V-60 is the ideal all-rounder for DIY homeowners who want a single drill that handles wood, metal, and light masonry — powerful enough for serious projects yet accessible enough for everyday household tasks.
Home Renovation Projects
Whether you are fitting a new kitchen, boarding a loft, or building stud walls, the 60 Nm torque drives long screws into structural timber without stalling. The hammer function lets you fix battens to brick walls with one tool, avoiding the frustration of switching between a drill-driver and a separate SDS drill mid-task.
Garden and Outdoor Construction
Building a deck, erecting a fence, or assembling a shed requires serious screwdriving power — and the UniversalImpact delivers. The high torque handles coach screws and large wood screws into pressure-treated timber, and the cordless design means you can work at the far end of the garden without running extension leads.
Wall Mounting and Fixings
Putting up shelves, curtain rails, TV brackets, and heavy mirrors usually means drilling into masonry. The hammer mode makes short work of brick and block walls, while the 20-stage clutch ensures you do not over-tighten screws and crack plastic wall plugs or plasterboard fixings.
Furniture Assembly and Cabinetry
Flat-pack furniture assembly is faster and more consistent with a good drill-driver. The adjustable torque clutch prevents cam bolts from stripping chipboard panels, and the two-speed gearbox gives you both controlled screwdriving and quick bit changes. The LED light is a genuine help when working inside deep wardrobe carcasses.
General Household Maintenance
For the never-ending list of household fixes — tightening loose door hinges, fitting child safety gates, repairing garden trellis, or installing smoke alarms — this drill lives up to its Universal name. Having two batteries always ready means you can grab it off the shelf, do the job, and put it back without worrying about charge levels for the next unexpected task.