DeWalt and Bosch are definitely two of the best names in the industry. Both have been around for many years and are highly trusted by DIYers, woodworkers, home-builders and other professionals.
Choosing between them can be a difficult task. Hopefully, between taking a look at the two brands’ history and comparing tool kits each currently has available, I can at least attempt to simplify your decision-making process.
Company Histories
DeWalt Company History
DeWalt has been in business for 92 years. It all got started when Raymond E. DeWalt invented the radial arm saw back in 1924 in Leola, Pennsylvania. From there, the company grew very quickly through the 1940s, due to a high demand for national defense and wartime machinery requirements during World War II. They officially became DeWalt Inc. in 1947.
DeWalt tool has definitely become a popular brand among contractors and other similar professionals. Their first line of power tools for these types of folks came on the market in 1992. In 1994, DeWalt played a big hand in creating the new “revolutionary” system of cordless power tools. In 2010, their cordless power tools with lithium-ion batteries hit the market.
Today, DeWalt has over 200 hand tools and 800 accessories available for its consumers. Their tools are made in various other countries, including China, Mexico, Thailand, Japan, and Korea. In 2013, they also launched their “Made in the USA with Global Materials” program and they now have seven manufacturing facilities here in the United States in Connecticut, Maryland, Kentucky, Indiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Bosch Company History
After being around for 130 years, it is easy to say that Bosch definitely has a deep history. Its history begins in Stuttgart, Germany, where Robert Bosch created the “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering” in 1886. Here, they entered the business world with their birth of the spark plug and better ignition systems.
As far as tools go, Bosch tool first entered this business sector in 1932 with their invention of the hammer drill. This was the first electric drill that could strike and rotate at the same time.
From then until now, Bosch has had their hands in a multitude of different areas of the business world, from the automotive industry to Telehealth. To list all of their innovations could take pages, but a few examples include a round electric fridge, the first mobile hydraulic lift, three-way catalytic converters, electronic antilock braking systems for vehicles, hybrid vehicle technology and eBike drives.
Today, the Bosch group includes four business sectors: mobility solutions, industrial technology, consumer goods (which includes power tools), and energy and building technology. Specifically, Bosch power tools division was started in 2003. Most of their products are made in Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, and China but there are still some products manufactured in Europe; specifically Germany and Switzerland.
See more on Bosch’s history here.
Bosch & DeWalt Parent Companies
Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH
Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH is the parent company of Bosch. They own a wide variety of brands:
- Bosch Tools
- AutoCrew
- Bosch Car Service
- ITK Engineering
- Robinair
- HC Cargo
- Zexel
- ETAS
- Dremel
- Siemens (under licence)
- Neff GmbH
- Gaggenau Hausgeräte
- Energy and building technology
- Dynacord
- Electro-Voice
- Telex
- Worcester Bosch
- Junkers
Stanley Black & Decker (SBD)
Stanley Black & Decker, also known as SBD, is the parent company of DeWalt. They own a variety of brands:
- DeWalt
- Black + Decker
- Craftsman
- Stanley
- Lenox
- Irwin
Product Line Depths
Both Ryobi and DeWalt sell a wide variety of products. Below, you’ll find what each brand’s product line consists of.
Bosch Product Lines
Bosch sells power tools, home appliances, garden tools, measuring tools, cleaning tools, heating and cooling, and smart home tools.
Here are some of the specific types of products you can purchase from Bosch:
- Washers
- Dryers
- Vacuums
- Fridges
- Freezers
- Circular Saws
- Band Saws
- Hammer Drills
- Impact Drivers
- Jigsaws
- Dust Collection
- Planers
- Lights
- Oscillating Multi-Tools
- Reciprocating Saws
- Sanders
DeWalt Product Lines
DeWalt sells power tools, outdoor power equipment, lighting, generators, storage, hand tools, batteries, and accessories.
Here are some of the specific types of products you can purchase from DeWalt:
- Drill Drivers
- Hammer Drills
- Jump Starters
- Cable Cutters
- Compressors
- Blowers
- Dust Extractors
- Angle Grinders
- Polishers
- Impact Drivers
- Oscillating Multi-Tools
- Finish Nailers
- Staplers
- Air Hammers
- Air Sanders
- Combo Kits
- Rotary Hammers
- Jointers
- Planers
- Routers
- Orbital Sanders
- Track Saws
- Table Saws
- Miter Saws
- Circular Saws
- Screwguns
Brand Reputation and Cost of Tools
Bosch Reputation and Tool Affordability
Bosch has a long history of high-quality products. This can be seen throughout all of their technological advances. Not just the power tools. In recent years, Bosch is a global engineering company. They’re established in over sixty countries. They’ve moved away from power tools, power tools are still available for purchase, but they’ve shifted their focus. Their focus is on technological services like surveillance and automotive.
The prices between these two brands do vary. Bosch has overall cheaper power tools than Dewalt. Bosch is often the go-to for those looking for a budget-friendly has a drill/driver and impact driver. This is because they offer a versatile setup. Their highest-quality products often include a laser level.
DeWalt Reputation and Tool Affordability
The number one thing that can be said about DeWalt products across the board is that they are likely some of the best out there. The general consensus about DeWalt power tools is that they’re fairly high end, maybe not the very best in the world, but certainly up there with the best of them. What most people say, what we agree with, is that DeWalt produces power tools and all sorts of products that are ideal for professional and heavy-duty use.
In general, these are the kinds of power tools that a tradesman would use on a daily basis for big jobs, and not have to worry about them breaking down. Indeed, DeWalt power tools are well known for being durable and long-lasting, often using top of the line materials and components in the construction of their power tools and other products.
Now, this is not to say that non-professional people, such as hobbyists, DIYers, and people looking to do home repairs cannot use them. They are of course more than good enough for occasional and lightweight use.
That being said, DeWalt power tools are not exactly cheap, which is why hobbyists and people who just need them for occasional use may not buy them. The flipside of that is that you do get what you pay for with DeWalt, and here you do get a whole lot of quality. Overall, DeWalt power tools are recognized for their durability, longevity, comfort, functionality, and ability to deal with big jobs.
Bosch vs DeWalt Combo Kits
The DeWalt kit includes a hammer drill, reciprocating saw, an impact driver, a flashlight, a circular saw, two 20 volt batteries, one 12-20 volt battery charger, and a carrying case.
The Bosch kit includes a hammer drill, a reciprocating saw, a circular saw, a flashlight, two 18 volt batteries, one charger and a carrying case.
The first and most obvious benefit of the DeWalt tool kit is that each power tool uses a battery with a maximum of 20 volts. This, of course, equals more power.
The second most obvious benefit is that this kit includes a fifth tool, an impact drill.
Beyond that, the pros and cons of each kit become slightly more nuanced.
The batteries in each charge quickly and are long-lasting. The DeWalt 20 volt batteries may take slightly longer to charge, but again, you get the trade-off of two extra volts of power.
As far as both the reciprocating and circular saws go, Bosch seems to have the upper-hand.
Both saws have slightly better design and innovation. While both DeWalt and Bosch’s reciprocating saws include a variable speed trigger, Bosch’s also includes two speed ranges. This can help consumers to better match their job at hand.
Bosch’s circular saw has a 50 degree bevel, while DeWalt’s can only be put in one position. This, of course, makes Bosch’s a little more versatile. The blade included with DeWalt’s circular saw is also not the best quality.
Bosch’s hammer drill includes something they refer to as “active response technology.” What this means is if the drill gets hung up or bound while in use, it will automatically stop. For someone using this tool on a regular basis, this could be really important for preventing injury. In my opinion, this makes Bosch’s hammer drill also slightly better than its DeWalt counterpart.
Finally, we come to what I believe to be the least important tool included in both kits: the flashlight. DeWalt takes the cake on this one. The flashlight included in its kit has an LED bulb, while Bosch’s only includes a regular bulb. LED bulbs are noticeably brighter and also tend to be longer-lasting.
Warranty Comparisons
Bosch Warranty
Bosch has a one-year limited warranty for all of its power tools. It also has electrical, safety, and performance checks if you opt to get the service protection plan. The customer is responsible for shipping the defected product both to and from the service center.
DeWalt Warranty
DeWalt does a pretty good job on the warranties for their power tools and other products. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of their tools. It also offers three-, seven-, or lifetime limited warranties depending on the specific tool you purchase.
The Conclusion
Wow, that sure was a lot of little details. After all that, choosing between Bosch and DeWalt tools can seem more than a little bit confusing. Ultimately, though, it comes down to each individual’s personal preferences and needs.
For me, when it comes to these two tool kits specifically, I would probably go with the DeWalt kit for the impact drill alone. The inclusion of this extremely useful tool is worth the extra money and what seems to be slightly worse quality in the other tools. The extra two volts of battery power also make me lean towards this kit.
For others, this decision can easily be muddied with what tools you may already have.
Maybe you have already started a collection of Bosch 18 volt tools that can be used with the batteries and charger included with this kit. It is also important to note that DeWalt does not have a wide range of different tools in their 20 volt collection currently available. I could go on and on…
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The best thing I can say is, whatever choice you make, good luck and may the best tools be with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bosch and DeWalt the same company?
No, Bosch and DeWalt are not the same company. In fact, they have different parent companies.
Is Bosch good quality?
Bosch is one of the more reliable brands, and the company has a pretty easy warranty. Arguably, customer service and reliability are the most important criteria for products. So Bosch is a brand to consider in regard to those things.
Are Bosch tools worth buying?
Some Bosch tool tests have found that their tools underperform when compared to other top tool brands. Bosch will also never compare, performance-wise, to DeWalt. However, Bosch offers a good value for its tools.
Are Bosch tools as good as DeWalt tools?
For the most part, Bosch has lower quality tools when compared to DeWalt tools. DeWalt tools are designed for professionals, while Bosch tools are designed more for homeowners and DIYers.
Is Bosch better than Dewalt for cordless hand tools?
There isn’t a direct answer to this question. Dewalt tools are good quality and perform well. Bosch tools are cheaper but can get the job done. However, one is technically better performance-wise. DeWalt. But Bosch may be better for you if you’re just performing tasks around the house. DeWalt makes excellent tools for heavy-duty projects and jobs, but if you don’t need that, why pay the extra money?
Do DeWalt batteries fit Bosch?
Although DeWalt and Bosch are in the same market space, they each have their own accessories, including batteries, to fit their tools. This is how companies ensure customer loyalty.
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