Bosch 0603174000 Review

Whether you are mounting shelves on a brick wall, running cable through timber studs, or assembling a steel workbench, a reliable drill is the foundation of every DIY project. But not all drilling tasks are the same — soft pine is forgiving, while reinforced concrete and structural steel demand real power and the right impact mechanism. A corded impact drill bridges the gap between a lightweight cordless screwdriver and a full-sized rotary hammer, giving you the punch needed for masonry while staying nimble enough for precision work in wood and metal. The key things to look for are motor wattage — more watts mean less bogging down under load — plus a robust metal chuck that grips bits securely and a variable speed trigger that lets you start holes cleanly without wandering. Add a depth stop for repeatable drilling and a comfortable auxiliary handle for control, and you have a tool that earns its place in any workshop, garage, or van. When the job calls for drilling into tough materials without the weight and cost of a dedicated SDS hammer, a high-quality impact drill is the sensible choice.

Bosch has been at the forefront of power tool engineering for over a century, and their green DIY and garden range consistently balances professional-grade performance with accessible pricing. The AdvancedImpact 900 sits in the sweet spot of their corded drill line-up: enough power to tackle demanding masonry work, yet light and compact enough for overhead drilling and one-handed operation when needed. Before choosing any impact drill, consider the materials you will be working with most often — if your projects involve mostly wood and metal, a standard drill driver may suffice, but the moment you need to go into brick, block, or concrete, the hammer function becomes essential. Also think about where you will be working: a corded drill never runs out of battery mid-job, but you do need access to a power outlet.

In this review we put the Bosch AdvancedImpact 900 through its paces across a range of common DIY tasks. We look at how it performs drilling into dense concrete blocks, mild steel plate, and hardwood, as well as its handling characteristics, build quality, and what you get in the box. We also compare it to similarly priced alternatives and assess whether the Bosch name translates into a real-world advantage on the workbench.

The Bosch AdvancedImpact 900 — model 0603174000 — is a corded impact drill built around a 900-watt motor that delivers up to 2,850 RPM and a substantial 73 Nm of torque. For context, that is more than enough to drive a 40 mm spade bit through timber, punch a 13 mm hole through steel plate, or hammer a 18 mm masonry bit into concrete block. The two-speed gearbox lets you choose between high speed for clean drilling in wood and metal or low speed with higher torque for screwdriving and heavy boring. Operating on a standard 230 V mains supply and drawing 4.2 amps, it plugs into any domestic or workshop outlet without needing a 16 A industrial socket.

Bosch has packed thoughtful design features into a relatively compact body — the drill measures just 32.7 cm from tip to tail, making it manoeuvrable in tight spaces like inside kitchen cabinets or between joists. The self-tightening chuck accepts bits up to 40 mm in diameter and locks them firmly without needing a chuck key — a genuine time-saver when switching between pilot drills, hole saws, and screwdriver bits. The variable speed trigger with electronic regulation gives you precise control: start a hole slowly to prevent bit wander on smooth surfaces, then squeeze harder once the bit has bitten. The auxiliary handle can be positioned 360 degrees around the collar, giving you a secure two-handed grip regardless of the drilling angle.

At 2.6 kg, the AdvancedImpact 900 is light enough for extended overhead use without causing arm fatigue — a real consideration if you are installing ceiling fixtures or running cable trays. The green Bosch body has a rubberised grip zone that stays comfortable even during long sessions, and the balance point sits naturally just behind the chuck, so the drill does not feel nose-heavy. Switching between drilling and impact mode requires only a twist of the collar, and the detents are positive enough that you will not accidentally slip out of hammer mode mid-hole. The lock-on button for continuous operation is useful for repetitive tasks like drilling a series of anchor holes along a wall.

The drill comes in a sturdy carry case that holds the tool, the auxiliary handle, a depth stop rod for setting consistent hole depths, and still has room for a small selection of bits and wall plugs. The depth stop is particularly useful when drilling into walls where you need to avoid going too deep — set it once and every hole matches exactly. Bosch has also included their electronic speed regulation, which maintains a consistent RPM even as the load changes, so you get predictable results whether drilling through soft brick or hitting a hard aggregate in the concrete. The metal gear housing at the front adds durability where it counts most.

The AdvancedImpact 900 holds a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars rating from over 1,000 Amazon customers and ranks as the #25 bestseller in the Impact Drivers category — a testament to its popularity among DIYers and semi-professional users alike. Bosch provides a 2-year manufacturer's warranty, extendable to 3 years with free online registration, which is above average for tools in this price bracket. Spare parts availability is guaranteed for at least 1 year under EU regulations. At €101.29, it sits firmly in the mid-range, offering a compelling mix of power, build quality, and brand heritage that cheaper no-name drills simply cannot match.

A versatile corded impact drill for serious DIYers and home renovators who need dependable power for masonry, wood, and metal drilling without battery anxiety.