Bosch Impact Tough Drill Drive Custom Case System Set

First impressions

I tossed the Bosch Impact Tough set into my bag for a week of mixed work—some cabinet hardware, a small deck repair, and a handful of drywall anchors. It’s a compact, no-nonsense kit that aims to cover the most common driving and drilling tasks without sprawl. Right away, the case stands out: compact footprint, positive latch, and rubberized corners that shrug off dings when it gets knocked off a bench. Inside, everything has a proper place. Bits snap in firmly, there’s minimal rattle, and I don’t spend time hunting for a stray Torx.

What’s in the box

The assortment is focused where it should be. You get a core spread of Phillips, square (Robertson), and Torx insert bits; a handful of 2-inch power bits for better reach and sight lines; a standard 1/4-inch bit holder; and a set of black oxide drill bits sized for pilot holes and general-purpose drilling. The two versions of the kit differ meaningfully:

• The 20-piece set has the essentials: P1–P3 Phillips, R1–R3 square, key Torx sizes (T20/25/30), a P2/R2 combo bit, four 2-inch power bits (P2, R2, T20, T25), and three black oxide drills (1/8, 3/16, 1/4).
• The 40-piece set expands coverage with extras where you’ll actually need them—more P2 and R2 (the bits you’ll inevitably wear first), more Torx (adds T5 and T40, plus more T25/T30), more 2-inch power bits including a P3 and T30, and a fuller black oxide spread down to 1/16 and 3/32.

That last point matters: the smaller drill sizes in the 40-piece set make a difference for delicate pilot holes and small hardware. If you work with cabinetry or light fixtures, that’s a notable upgrade over the 20-piece version.

Case and organization

The case is genuinely useful—not just an afterthought. It opens flat, the bit rails hold securely without requiring a pry bar to remove anything, and the layout groups bits by type so you can grab what you need intuitively. The rubberized corner guards kept the case intact after a waist-high drop on concrete; nothing popped loose inside. It fits well in a tool bag and stacks neatly with other compact kits.

One ask: a small index card or molded labels for common pilot hole sizes versus screw gauges would be a nice touch for newer users. As-is, the organization is clean, but you’ll rely on experience to choose the right drill size quickly.

Driving performance

These bits are made for impact drivers and behave that way. The fitment is tight in the screw head, and the tips have held their edges after several hours of driving. I ran the P2 and R2 through framing screws and deck screws in SPF and PT lumber, as well as the T25/T30 on structural screws. The 2-inch power bits make a small but real difference when reaching into a pocket or across a bracket—less chuck bulk in the way, and better visibility.

Cam-out is minimal when you keep steady pressure. The R2 bits in particular are confidence-inspiring for deck work; square drive has less tendency to climb out, and these engage cleanly. I also appreciate the included P2/R2 combo bit—it’s not a replacement for the dedicated tips, but when you’re swapping between fasteners on the fly, it saves a change-out and gets the job done.

The bit holder holds bits firmly and keeps wobble under control. I prefer using the 2-inch power bits directly whenever possible, but the holder plus insert bits is a useful fallback when you need more variety at the ready.

Drilling performance

Black oxide drill bits are the sensible, general-purpose choice for wood, plastics, and mild steel. They’re not premium metal cutters, and they don’t pretend to be. In wood, they track straight and clear chips reliably. I used the 1/8-inch for cabinet hardware pilot holes and the 3/16-inch for plastic anchors in drywall; both performed as expected, with clean entry and minimal tear-out.

Where you’ll hit the limits is in tougher materials. If you’re drilling stainless or a lot of metal, you’ll want cobalt or titanium-coated bits for life and speed. In hardwoods, the smallest sizes can dull faster if you’re aggressive. For general carpentry, repairs, and light metal, the included set is fine—just keep expectations in check for specialty materials.

The biggest functional difference between the two pack sizes shows up here: the 40-piece version’s 1/16 and 3/32 bits are invaluable for small pilot holes and hinge screws. The 20-piece set jumps straight to 1/8, which can be a hair large for delicate work.

Durability and wear

I ran the common sizes hard—P2, R2, T25, T30—and they’ve held up well so far. The tips still bite, and I haven’t rounded any heads. The coatings aren’t flashy, but the heat treatment feels right: tough enough for an impact driver without becoming brittle. On the drill side, after a couple dozen holes in pine, MDF, and a few in thin mild steel, the black oxide edges are still clean.

It’s also worth calling out duplicates in the 40-piece kit. Doubling up on P2, R2, and T25 is the right call—those are the sizes most folks burn through first, and it stretches the life of the kit before you need to restock.

Where it fits

This set hits the sweet spot for everyday users, DIYers, and pros who want a reliable “essentials” kit to live in an impact driver case or tool bag. The breadth of Phillips, square, and Torx covers most carpentry and remodeling scenarios, and the power bits plus the holder give you options for reach and fast swaps.

If your work leans into electrical panels, cabinetry, and fixtures, the 40-piece version’s expanded drill bit range and extra Torx sizes are worth it. If you’re mainly assembling furniture, hanging shelves, and doing light repairs, the 20-piece set is sufficient and stays compact.

What could be better

• The 20-piece set lacks smaller drill sizes (1/16, 3/32). For precision or delicate hardware, that’s limiting.
• No hex (allen) or nut driver bits. If you regularly work with hex-head fasteners or need to drive hex nuts, you’ll need another kit.
• The drill bits are black oxide only. That’s appropriate for the price and target, but heavy metal work calls for a dedicated metal set.
• A labeled index inside the case would speed up choosing pilot hole sizes for common screws.

None of these are deal-breakers; they’re just worth knowing so you can pair this set with the right companions.

Choosing between the two sizes

• Choose the 20-piece if you want a compact, everyday set that lives with your impact driver and handles general driving plus basic drilling. It’s the “grab and go” option.
• Choose the 40-piece if you want to reduce trips back to the toolbox. The extra duplicates of common bits, extended Torx range (including T5 and T40), more 2-inch power bits, and the full spread of small drill sizes make it better for varied work or any job where small pilot holes and a broader bit selection matter.

Final thoughts and recommendation

After a week of real use, the Bosch Impact Tough set earned a spot in my everyday carry. The bit fitment is solid, the assortment is practical rather than padded, and the case is durable with thoughtful touches that survive jobsite abuse. The driving bits stand up to impact use without chewing through screw heads, and the black oxide drills cover the pilot holes and light-duty tasks most people face.

I recommend this set. For most users, it delivers the right mix of bits in a compact, well-organized case, and the two size options let you choose how much coverage you want. Go 20-piece for a streamlined kit, or pick the 40-piece if you value duplicates of high-use bits and smaller drill sizes for precision work. Pair it with a dedicated metal or masonry drill set if you frequently work in those materials, and you’ll be well covered.