Bosch Professional 0601217100 Review

Whether you are putting up shelves, assembling flat-pack furniture, or tackling a full home renovation, having the right drill makes all the difference. A basic rotary drill handles wood and plastic without trouble, but the moment you need to bore into brick, concrete, or stone, you quickly discover its limits. That is where a hammer drill comes in — it combines rotational force with a rapid hammering action that pulverises masonry as it spins, letting you punch through hard surfaces that would stall an ordinary drill in seconds. Beyond raw power, a good all-rounder also needs precision: a variable speed trigger for delicate starts, a depth stop for repeatable holes, and a chuck that grips bits securely without needing a separate key. Whether you are a seasoned tradesperson or a weekend DIYer upgrading from a basic screwdriver, the right impact drill saves time, reduces fatigue, and delivers cleaner results. This review takes a close look at one of the most popular corded hammer drills around — a tool promising professional-grade performance in a compact, easy-to-handle package.

When shopping for a hammer drill, the first decision is corded versus cordless. Cordless models offer unmatched freedom of movement — ideal for working on a ladder or in a garden shed with no power outlet nearby — but they are limited by battery runtime and can lose torque as the charge drains. Corded drills like those in the Bosch Professional range deliver consistent, uninterrupted power and generally offer higher wattage for the same price. The trade-off is that you need access to a mains socket and may need an extension lead for larger sites. Beyond the power source, look at the chuck type (keyless automatic chucks save time), the drilling capacity in masonry, wood, and metal, and the overall weight — a drill you will be holding at chest height for extended periods needs to balance power with manageability.

This review examines the Bosch Professional GSB 13 RE, a 600-watt corded impact drill that has earned a strong reputation among both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. We will cover its core specifications, design and build quality, everyday usability, included accessories, and how it stacks up against competing models in its price bracket. By the end, you will have a clear picture of whether this drill deserves a spot in your toolbox.

At the heart of the Bosch Professional GSB 13 RE is a 600-watt motor that spins the chuck at up to 2,800 revolutions per minute, delivering a maximum torque of 1.8 newton metres. The hammer function — essential for masonry work — adds a percussive action that lets the drill bite into concrete and brick, achieving a drilling diameter of up to 15 millimetres in masonry and 25 millimetres in wood. Metal drilling capacity sits at a respectable 10 millimetres. The two-speed gearbox gives you a lower range for high-torque screwdriving and a higher range for fast drilling, with an electronic speed preselection wheel that lets you dial in the exact revolutions per minute before you even pull the trigger.

Design-wise, the GSB 13 RE stands out for its remarkably compact size — Bosch claims it is no larger than a work glove, and at roughly 266 millimetres long it is easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces like inside kitchen cabinets or between ceiling joists. The body is housed in a robust metal gear casing that dissipates heat and withstands jobsite knocks, while the blue and black Bosch Professional colour scheme is instantly recognisable. A soft-grip ergonomic handle absorbs vibration and provides a secure hold even with sweaty or gloved hands. The 13 millimetre automatic chuck is a standout feature — it is a two-ring keyless system made of sturdy metal that locks bits firmly in place with a quick twist, eliminating the faff of hunting for a lost chuck key.

In everyday use, the drill feels balanced in the hand thanks to its 1.6 kilogram weight — light enough for overhead drilling without arm fatigue setting in too quickly. The variable-speed trigger gives you precise control for starting holes cleanly without the bit skating across the surface, and the forward/reverse switch is conveniently positioned for thumb operation. An adjustable auxiliary handle provides extra leverage when drilling into tough masonry, and the depth stop rod — with a maximum setting of 210 millimetres — ensures consistent hole depths across multiple fixings, which is invaluable when installing rows of wall plugs or shelf brackets.

Bosch includes a few thoughtful extras in the box. Alongside the drill itself, you get the 13 millimetre automatic chuck, the additional handle with depth stop, and a sturdy cardboard storage box that keeps everything organised. The electronic control system provides a soft-start function that reduces the initial torque jolt when you pull the trigger, and the speed preselection wheel lets you match the tool's pace to the material — slower for driving screws into hardwood, faster for boring through softwood or plasterboard. The right/left rotation switch makes backing out stuck bits or removing screws just as effortless as driving them in.

Measuring approximately 266 × 69 × 180 millimetres and weighing 1.6 kilograms, the GSB 13 RE is one of the more compact corded hammer drills in its class. It runs on a standard 230-volt mains supply and is backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Social proof is strong: the drill holds a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating from over 8,500 customer reviews on Amazon France, and it ranks as a bestseller at #15 in the Impact Drivers category and #15,738 across all DIY and Tools. That level of user satisfaction, sustained across thousands of purchases, speaks volumes about the GSB 13 RE's reliability and value.

The Bosch GSB 13 RE is a versatile corded hammer drill that suits DIY homeowners, renovation enthusiasts, and budget-conscious tradespeople who need reliable mains-powered drilling across wood, metal, and masonry without the limitations of battery runtime.