Last week, I received an email from Bosch PR, teasing me about a new Bosch announcement that I should check back Tuesday morning for. Can they tell me more? No, I was advised to “stay tuned…”
The big announcement was about a giveaway they’re running on social media.
And… Bosch renamed their 18V hybrid brushless impact driver and wrench. It’s now to be called The Freak.
I’m not kidding, and this is is a permanent name change.
The Bosch IDH182 first debuted 4-1/2 years ago, and was recently joined by a more affordably priced brushed motor version.
It has a 1/4″ hex bit holder, and a 1/2″ square drive anvil. It’s a 2-in-1 impact tool that you can use as an impact driver and an impact wrench. The brushless version has 3 speed and torque settings.
The beauty of the tool is that you have an impact driver and an impact wrench in a single tool. It costs less than two pro-grade tools, and it works without needing any bit-to-socket or socket-to-bit adapters.
In the new marketing imagery, the Freak driver is shown in use with a spade bit, screwdriver bit, and socket.
Indeed, Bosch Daredevil spade bits are said to be Impact Tough.
I get it – Bosch wants to draw some fresh attention to their 2-in-1 impact tool, and their CORE18V 6.3Ah battery pack. (As a reminder, new 4.0Ah and 8.0Ah CORE18V battery packs are on the way.)
I guess the name change gives their massive giveaway a little more sparkle?
Personally, I think that The Chimera or The Hydra would have been a little more suitable. Then, Bosch could have talked about its beastly power, or monstrous performance.
Instead, we have the Bosch FREAK. And social media posts that start with:
HOLY FREAK ‘N’ $#%^ we’re giving away a lot of CORE18V!
On one hand, I would have went with a different approach, or rather a different name for the tool. On the other hand, it’s going to get younger pros and DIYers talking and taking a closer look at the Freak.
What was wrong with “The Hybrid?”
You know, the name is really bugging me. How do I talk about it? I tested The Freak a few years ago, and it seemed like a decent performer. Or The Freak is a decent 2-in-1 tool when you don’t know if you’ll need an impact driver or impact wrench and don’t want to be burdened with lots of adapters.
The Freak! The Freak?
Bosch Professional Power Tools presents: The Freak.
This just seems wrong to me. I can’t keep a straight face! Great tool, though, that Bosch Freak impact driver.
That big announcement, by the way? They’re giving away 2000 prize bundles which include THE FREAK tool, Core18V 6.3Ah battery pack, and charger. You have to take a “30 seconds or less” video to enter.
Here’s the video announcement, by the Bosch Tools North America CEO:
#FreakNContest | Giving Away 2,000 CORE18V – Enter Now!
Half wrench. Half driver. All impact. Announcing THE FREAK! And to kick things off, we're giving away 2,000 Freak'n' CORE18V's. To enter, share a video explaining why you need a new cordless platform in 30 seconds or less using #FreakNContest or upload here: http://bit.ly/2Bx1FcfNOTE: Deadline September 14th 2018, open to U.S. Residents 18+. Don’t get disqualified – read the rules in the link above.
Posted by Bosch Professional Power Tools and Accessories on Tuesday, August 21, 2018
My favorite part:
“I know these [competitors’ impact drivers] aren’t going to cut it.” And then he dumps them into the trash bin.
I don’t know why, but that the trash bin is labeled “trash” makes it even funnier.
The humor of the promo video makes me feel better about the name. Maybe.
“Hey, pass me the impact. No, not that one, the Freak!” I really can’t see the name catching on.
