Bosch Impact Tough Drill Drive Custom Case System Set

Why I reached for this kit

I tossed this Bosch kit into my drill/driver bag for a month and made it my default for everyday tasks: assembling shop cabinets, hanging hardware, driving deck screws, and punching a few holes in wood and sheet metal. By the end of that stretch, I had a clear sense of where it shines, what it’s missing, and which version of the set makes the most sense for different users.

What’s in the set

Bosch sells this as a 20-piece (DDMS20) or 40-piece (DDMS40) configuration. Both center on impact-rated driver bits, a standard bitholder, and a small selection of black oxide drill bits.

• DDMS20 highlights

  • Insert bits: Phillips (P1, P2, P2 reduced, P3), Robertson/square (R1, R2, R3), Torx (T20, T25, T30), and a combo P2/R2
  • 2" power bits: P2, R2, T20, T25
  • Black oxide drill bits: 1/8", 3/16", 1/4"
  • Standard bitholder

• DDMS40 highlights

  • More coverage across Phillips, Robertson, and Torx, including small T5 and larger T40
  • 2" power bits expand to include P3, R3, T30
  • Black oxide drill bits step down to 1/16" and 3/32", and fill gaps up to 1/4" (1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 1/4)
  • Standard bitholder

Between the two, the 20-piece set works as a compact grab-and-go for basic carpentry, cabinetry, and general household work. The 40-piece version is more of a small-shop starter that covers finer holes and more fastener types.

Case and organization

The case is compact, sturdy, and notably more impact-friendly than typical budget assortments. The drop bumpers on the corners do a good job shrugging off the inevitable tailgate and concrete encounters. The latch snaps closed positively, and the internal bit rails hold pieces securely—bits don’t migrate or flip out even when the case takes a tumble. It’s tidy, easy to pack, and it doesn’t pop open in a bag. That’s exactly what I want from a daily driver kit.

“Custom case” here means the layout is thoughtfully arranged and space-efficient, not that you’re endlessly reconfiguring the internals. I can move a rail or two to suit my most-used bits, but it’s not a Legos-level reorg. The essentials are right up front: the 2" power bits are easy to grab, and the drill bits are parked where they don’t clatter loose.

Driving performance

Bosch’s “Impact Tough” bits are the reason to consider this kit. On the job, they seat cleanly, resist cam-out well, and don’t mushroom or twist prematurely. Over the test period, I drove hundreds of screws—mostly #8 and #10 wood screws, construction screws, and cabinet screws—using the P2, R2, and T25 bits. Wear showed up as expected polishing on the flanks, but edge definition stayed crisp. The P2 reduced bit is a smart inclusion; it fits tighter-clearance heads used on some hardware and thinner gauge screws.

The 2" power bits are a sweet spot for visibility and control. They’re long enough to clear a chuck nose and get past a hinge or corner, but short enough to feel precise. Combined with the standard bitholder, you get the flexibility to swap down to insert bits without changing your tool setup.

Robertson (square) coverage is solid, which matters if you’re in regions where square-drive screws are common for decking and cabinetry. Torx coverage on the 20-piece set is the T20/T25/T30 trio most woodworkers and deck builders encounter day-to-day. The 40-piece adds T40 and a very small T5—handy for an oddball small fastener, though it’s an outlier in a general-purpose kit.

The included bitholder is basic and dependable. The magnet is strong enough to hold fasteners reliably and it’s not a locking-sleeve style, so one-handed bit changes are fast. If you prefer a locking holder for ladder work, you’ll want to bring your own, but for bench and site tasks this one does the job.

Drilling performance

Black oxide drill bits are the right call for a compact mixed kit. They’re not premium cobalt or titanium nitrided, but they spin true, cut cleanly in softwoods and most hardwoods, and handle occasional mild steel without drama when paired with a drill/driver at the correct speed. I didn’t use them in an impact driver—nor would I recommend it—since consistent, controlled RPMs from a drill/driver extend their life.

• Wood: The 1/8" and 3/16" bits in the 20-piece set tracked straight and cleared chips well in pine and birch ply. In oak, they required a bit more feed patience but produced clean holes.
• Metal: In 16-gauge mild steel, a drop of oil and moderate speed kept the 1/8" and 3/16" bits cutting without blueing. For frequent metal work, you’ll outgrow black oxide, but for occasional holes they’re perfectly serviceable.
• Pilot hole coverage: The 40-piece set is the winner here. Having 1/16" and 3/32" is a big deal for smaller pilot holes in trim, hinges, and hardware.

If drilling is a big part of your workflow, you’ll eventually want a dedicated set of higher-spec bits. For mixed fastener work with occasional drilling, the included selection is appropriate and behaves as expected.

Durability and wear

Over a month of regular use, the driver bits show normal finish wear and minor polishing, but the tips kept their form and bite. No torsional fractures, no tip rounding under high torque on construction screws, and no wobble developed in the 2" power bits. The bits don’t seem brittle—the “give” you feel under an impact driver is controlled. That’s exactly what I look for in impact-rated bits: a balance of hardness and toughness.

The case has real-world resilience. Mine slipped off a sawhorse twice and off a tailgate once; the bumpers absorbed the hits, the latch stayed closed, and the rails kept everything in place. That may sound like a small thing, but not spending five minutes picking bits out of gravel is a big quality-of-life win.

What I wish it had

• More nut-driver coverage: None are included. If you regularly run hex-head screws or small bolts, you’ll want to add a magnetized nut-driver set.
• Longer reach options: The 2" power bits are great, but an included 3" P2/T25 would cover more awkward spots without resorting to extensions.
• Locking bitholder: The standard holder is fine for most tasks, but a locking version would be a nice upgrade for overhead or ladder work.
• Metal-focused drill bits: Black oxide is general-purpose. If you’re doing much metal fabrication, cobalt or TiN-coated hex-shank bits are a better long-term choice.

None of these are dealbreakers for a compact, general-purpose kit, but they’re worth noting depending on your work.

DDMS20 vs. DDMS40: Which to choose

• Choose DDMS20 if you want a compact, core set that covers the most common wood and hardware fasteners with a few basic drill sizes. It’s the “always in the bag” option and takes up minimal space.
• Choose DDMS40 if you need fuller coverage. The added small drill bits (1/16", 3/32", 5/32") and expanded bit count make it better for cabinetry, finish work, and shops that touch more fastener styles. The extra Torx sizes and more duplicates of high-use bits reduce mid-job trips to the store.

In my shop, the 40-piece made more sense because I value the smaller pilot sizes and the extra T and R coverage. For a homeowner kit or a secondary jobsite kit, the 20-piece is a smart, compact fit.

Who it’s for

• General carpentry, cabinetry, maintenance techs, and DIYers who need reliable impact-rated bits and a few sensible drill sizes in a compact package.
• Pros who want a dependable backup or an organized “house” kit to keep in a service vehicle.
• Anyone who prioritizes a durable case that won’t scatter bits after a fall.

Who should look elsewhere:
- Metal fabricators or mechanics needing nut drivers and cobalt bits.
- Electricians who prefer longer reach bits or specialty head types (e.g., square recess sizes beyond R3, security Torx).
- Users who want a locking bitholder out of the box.

Recommendation

I recommend this Bosch kit. The driver bits hold up to impact use with clean fit and low cam-out, the selection is smart for real-world tasks, and the case is compact, durable, and well organized—with drop bumpers that actually make a difference. Choose the 20-piece if you need a streamlined set for common jobs; step up to the 40-piece if you want fuller pilot-hole coverage and a broader mix of Torx/Robertson options. You’ll still want to supplement with nut drivers and, for heavy metal work, dedicated cobalt bits, but as an everyday drill/drive companion, this set earns a spot in the bag.