Home » Product Reviews » Bosch EasyImpact 18V-40 (1×1.5Ah), Cordless 18V Drill review
The Bosch EasyImpact 18V-40 is a compact cordless combi drill aimed squarely at home DIY rather than heavy trade work. It combines drilling, screwdriving and light hammer drilling in one handy 18V package.
Bosch has a solid reputation in the DIY space, and this model fits neatly into that familiar green “home user” range: straightforward, versatile and not overcomplicated. The included 18V battery keeps things cable‑free, while the ergonomic body and LED light are designed to make awkward jobs a bit less of a faff.
With a user rating of 4.8 out of 5 from owners, it’s clearly gone down well, especially for typical tasks around the house like putting up shelves, flat‑pack assembly and the odd bit of masonry work.
The Bosch EasyImpact 18V-40 is ideal for homeowners and renters who want one reliable cordless drill to cover most DIY jobs. If your to‑do list is full of shelves, curtain rails, wall plugs and furniture builds, this will comfortably handle it.
It’s well suited to beginners and casual DIYers thanks to its simple controls, two speed settings and variable speed trigger. You don’t need to be an expert to pick it up and get stuck in, and the 13mm keyless chuck makes changing bits straightforward.
If you’re working in a typical UK home or flat, the built‑in LED work light and compact dimensions (around 21.6cm tall and under 20cm deep) make it practical in tight spaces such as understairs cupboards or lofts.
More serious hobbyists and those tackling regular renovation may still want something more powerful with a bigger battery and longer warranty, but as a go‑to household drill/driver, this Bosch hits a very comfortable sweet spot.
The 18V power and 2‑speed gearbox give a good balance between controlled screwdriving and faster drilling, so you’re not constantly fighting the tool on delicate jobs. Variable speed via the trigger adds another layer of control.
Hammer drilling capability is a big plus at this price level, letting you take on brick and masonry for wall plugs and fixings rather than being limited to wood and metal.
A 13mm (½ inch) chuck is generous for a home drill, letting you use a wider range of bits, including larger wood and masonry bits when needed. It’s keyless too, so bit changes are quick and don’t need extra tools.
The ergonomic design and slim 5.7cm body should make it comfortable to hold for longer periods, and easier to manoeuvre in awkward corners. The integrated LED light is genuinely useful when you’re working inside cupboards or in dim hallways.
Owners rate it highly overall, with a 4.8/5 score, suggesting that reliability and day‑to‑day performance are strong for the money.
The supplied battery is relatively small for an 18V tool, so while it keeps the drill light and nimble, it may not run as long as larger‑capacity packs on more demanding jobs. If you’re planning longer sessions, you may want a spare or higher‑capacity Bosch 18V battery.
A 1‑year manufacturer warranty is on the short side compared with some rivals that offer 2 or even 3 years, which may matter if you’re planning to use it heavily.
This is very much a DIY‑class drill. While the hammer action is handy, it’s not intended for prolonged drilling into very hard concrete or heavy renovation work, so tradespeople and serious renovators may outgrow it fairly quickly.
There’s no mention of extra accessories such as a case or bit set, so you may need to budget for storage and a decent selection of bits if you don’t already have them.
Day to day, the Bosch EasyImpact 18V-40 is designed to be grab‑and‑go. Being cordless, there’s no hunting for extension leads or working around cables, which makes a real difference when you’re up a stepladder or moving room to room.
The slim handle and compact body should feel well balanced with the 18V battery attached, meaning you can work overhead or at arm’s length without your wrist tiring too quickly. The variable speed trigger lets you start slowly to avoid skidding off screws or tiles, then ramp up when you’re safely in.
The LED work light automatically illuminating the work area is particularly useful when fitting hinges inside cupboards or working in poorly lit corners. It helps you place the bit accurately and see screw heads clearly, cutting down on stripped screws and mistakes.
Switching between drilling, screwdriving and hammer modes, as well as flicking between the two speed settings, is straightforward and should quickly become second nature. For the average home user, the overall experience is fuss‑free and confidence‑boosting.
With a maximum drill speed of up to 1630 RPM and an 18V battery, the EasyImpact 18V-40 offers more than enough punch for typical household jobs. The two gears let you choose between higher torque at lower speed for driving screws, and faster rotation for drilling through wood, metal or plastics.
The hammer drilling function is a key feature that sets it apart from basic drill/drivers. Engage this mode and you can tackle common masonry tasks such as putting up TV brackets, mirrors and shelves into brick or blockwork, as long as you pair it with decent masonry bits.
A 13mm chuck is generous and gives the drill good flexibility. It allows for larger‑diameter bits and a broader range of accessories than the 10mm chucks often found on entry‑level drills, so the tool can grow with your projects rather than holding you back.
Ergonomics are clearly a design focus. The compact dimensions (H21.6 x W5.7 x D19.5cm) mean it’s easier to work in tight spaces, and the shape of the handle is designed for comfort over longer sessions. The LED light adds another layer of refinement, making accurate drilling and screwdriving easier in dim spots.
While the spec sheet doesn’t list advanced smart features or heavy‑duty trade credentials, within the DIY cordless drill category it covers the essentials very convincingly: proper hammer action, dual speeds, variable control and a chuck size that won’t limit your bit choice.
At around £89, the Bosch EasyImpact 18V-40 sits in the affordable to mid‑range bracket for a branded cordless combi drill with hammer action. You’re paying for a trusted name and a well‑rounded spec, rather than a bare‑bones budget tool.
Considering you get 18V power, a 13mm keyless chuck, hammer mode and an LED light, the feature set is strong for the price. Many cheaper drills compromise on either chuck size, hammer function or overall feel.
The main trade‑offs are the relatively short 1‑year warranty and the modest battery capacity supplied, but for typical household use these are unlikely to be deal‑breakers. The excellent 4.8/5 user rating suggests buyers generally feel they’ve had good value.
Overall, it represents very solid value for anyone wanting a dependable, versatile drill/driver for home projects without jumping into professional‑grade prices.
The Bosch EasyImpact 18V-40 is a thoughtfully designed cordless combi drill that covers almost everything a typical household is likely to throw at it. It’s compact, comfortable to use and offers a reassuring blend of power, hammer action and control.
If you’re kitting out a home toolbox, upgrading from a corded drill or buying your first cordless model, it’s an easy one to recommend. The 13mm chuck, dual speeds and LED light help it feel more capable and refined than many entry‑level options.
Those carrying out heavy renovation work or daily professional use will want something more robust with a longer warranty and bigger batteries. But for everyday DIY at home, this Bosch hits a sweet spot of performance, ease of use and value, making it a smart, confidence‑inspiring choice.