Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
We love the Bosch GSR12V-140FC FlexiClick for its versatility. Of all the 12V drills we tested in our recent Best Drill Shootout, the FlexiClick might have the best all-around utility with its multiple head attachments and compact size that can get you into tight spaces and around corners. It's big on torque and light in your hand, but the price might be a consideration you'll need to make.
When it comes to 12V drills, Pros know the benefits. They’re lightweight, compact, and a heck of a lot easier to use than their heavy-duty 18V counterparts. Because of that, many of us reach for a 12V model every chance we get. But now Bosch is making a move to give their 12V drill even more versatility with the new Bosch Flexiclick 5-in-1 12V Drill. This tool truly excels at cabinetry, casework, and all other tight-spot drilling and driving.
Check out the full results of our Best 12V Cordless Drills head-to-head review!
The basic design concept is that you have interchangeable chucks and it’s hard to ignore the similarities to Festool’s PDC-18/4 Quadrive with a similar concept. Festool has a few more bells and whistles – and a much higher price point to go along with them. So we’ll leave the direct comparisons alone for now and focus on what the Bosch FlexClick offers.
The four chucks that come with the set have a simple twist-lock design that makes them very easy to put on or take off but still lock securely in place. These chucks mark the chief reason Bosch calls this tool the Flexiclick. Currently, Bosch provides a total of 4 chucks in addition to the integrated 1/4-inch magnetic hex socket.
In its most compact form, the Bosch Flexiclick has a magnetic 1/4″ hex drive and measures just 5-1/5″ long. That presents the most compact way to use the tool.
As a standard 3/8″ keyless chuck, the only thing unique here is the ability to remove it from the drill. Use this with any standard round bits, but stick to the other chucks for hex bits. The keyless chuck fits on the base tool or the right angle chuck.
The locking bit holder acts just like a 1/4″ quick release collet on any impact driver. It adds an extra measure of security over the magnetic bit holders in the system. You can attach it to the base tool or the right angle chuck.
The Bosch Flexiclick 12v Drill’s right angle chuck is the one I’m most excited about. On its own, it works as a 1/4″ magnetic chuck but can attach the locking bit holder, keyless chuck, or offset angle chuck to give you more versatility. What’s particularly helpful is that is can lock into 16 different angle positions around the drill to get in a variety of awkward spots.
The offset angle chuck comes into play when you need to fasten or drill close to another surface. Normally, you start to cam out the bit trying to get a standard drill and bit in there, but this chuck allows to get ~1/4″ away from material already set perpendicular to your workpiece. It locks into the base tool or the right angle chuck, has a locking 1/4″ hex drive, and rotates to any angle before you lock it in place.
Obviously, the interchangeable chuck feature is the highlight of the drill, but it’s no slouch over the rest of the tool. You get a 2-speed motor to work with. It’s not brushless, but it will give you up to 265 in. lbs. of torque.
Like you expect from any Pro-level drill, there’s a chuck you can use to dial in a driving depth or flip it all the way over to lock it in drilling mode for the most torque.
An LED light below the chuck is pretty effective at lighting up your work. It’s not as effective as the ones that surround the chuck, but it does a good job.
The Bosch Flexiclick presents an LED battery level indicator on the left side of the tool as you hold it. It lights up as soon as you pull the trigger, so it’s easy to see the remaining battery charge. That’s handy since there’s no indicator provided on Bosch 12V battery packs.
By necessity, Bosch’s handle ergonomics are driven by the stick pack design of their batteries. Even though this makes the handle thicker, they do a good job with what they have to work with and the handle fits in my hand well.
The balance is almost a non-issue with a tool this light. However, you’ll notice a shift forward depending on which chuck you’re using.
High performance always takes a backseat when you move to compact 12V tools and the Bosch Flexiclick is no exception. You’ll get just 265 in. lbs. of torque and 1,300 RPM out of it. Compare that to 18V drill that can push up to 1200 in. lbs. of torque and 2100 RPM and you realize quickly that it’s not a fair fight. But when it comes to 12V drills, you’re looking at maxing out around 1700 RPM and 400 in. lbs. of torque.
We did a variety of drilling and fastening. While there are clearly other 12V drills that outperform it in speed and power, it’s still a very effective tool.
Consider how the versatility of the Bosch Flexiclick is designed to create an advantage. It’s not for those heavy-duty applications, it’s for precision applications where getting it done right the first time matters. We’re talking woodworking, not masonry. And it’s solid in those places.
Before we draw out some final thoughts, let’s consider the price. The Bosch Flexiclick runs $199 at full retail price with two 2.0 AH batteries, charger, and a couple of bits. That makes it pretty much the most expensive 12V drill among the major power tool brands. And considering it doesn’t have a brushless motor, that’s significant. However, we have to consider its versatility. In the end, that should be the deciding factor as to whether you go for this or another 12V model.
The function of the Flexiclick and it’s mid-range performance in the 12V class make it a really attractive option for woodworkers and cabinetmakers. Remodelers, electricians, HVAC, and DIYers will want to consider it as well.
As long as you understand the performance expectations, the only real complaint I can lobby at this stage is that the tool doesn’t stand up on its own except in its basic tool and locking bit holder forms. The other three chucks weight it forward and it falls. It’s definitely not a deal-breaker, but that along with the lack of a belt hook is something you’ll want to know going in.
Overall, I really like the design and the versatility. With Christmas on the horizon, it makes a nice gift set for the tool enthusiast on your shopping list. Spoiler alert – you’ll find it on our Christmas gift guide this year!
On the clock, Kenny dives deep to discover the practical limits and comparative differences for all kinds of tools. Off the clock, his faith and love for his family are his top priorities, and you'll typically find him in the kitchen, on his bike (he's an Ironman), or taking folks out for a day of fishing on Tampa Bay.
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The good thing is that there is a new 12v flexi click coming. More torque, brushless and belt hook. In Germany it gets released next month. Nice reviews as alway protool team. Thanks guys
One issue I have with this is rotating the torque collar can unlock the quick lock collar if you’re not careful, allowing the attachment to drop off the tool. This can obviously be a danger up a ladder.
No belt hook? I hate to be petty, but that’s a deal killer for me. As for not brushless; I think I’ll wait.
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros