Bosch IXO VII: Compact Electric Screwdriver
Seventh Generation of the Iconic IXO screwdriver
At the time of the writing, the Bosch IXO screwdriver is around 20 years old, although it has been revised several times since its initial release. The latest incarnation is the IXO VII, the seventh model in the series, and it retains the same compact, cordless form factor which will be familiar to anyone who has used an IXO screwdriver in the past- but what changes have Bosch introduced to this new version, and how does it compare to the previous models? In this blog post we’ll go over some of the key features of these handy power tools, and how the IXO VII stacks up against the competition.
IXO Overview
The IXO is a compact and affordable electric screwdriver designed for the domestic market, and has long established itself as a go-to power tool for jobs such as building flat pack furniture. An ergonomic and time-saving upgrade to the ubiquitous allen key, the integrated battery pack means you can quickly and efficiently drive home screw after screw, getting larger and more complex constructions finished in no time and without getting tired hands or blisters in the process. But Bosch also released several attachments for the IXO over the years which enabled it to be used for more than just driving screws, and these include spice mills, corkscrews, barbecue fans, shrub shears and fabric shears – on top of that there are also adaptors available for using the IXO with drill bits, turning it into a tiny cordless drill, or for driving screws in especially awkward locations. Add an integrated LED worklight which also enables it to be used as a small torch and you can see why the IXO has become a popular addition to kitchen drawers as well as DIY tool boxes.
What’s New in the IXO VII?
Anyone familiar with the previous IXO may remember that it had an unusually minimalist design and came in a few different colour options, but this time around Bosch have reverted back to their classic forest green colour palette, and an overall look and feel that is much more reminiscent of IXOs from the past.
But while the housing may be a step backwards, the internals certainly aren’t as Bosch have fitted this new model with a more powerful motor as well as a larger 2.0ah battery. Compared with the 1.5ah battery in the IXO VI this enables it to keep going for longer so you can get more work done on a single charge, and it will deliver higher levels of torque for more powerful tightening and loosening of screws as well as a higher rotation speed for faster job completion. It also now features a complete 360 degree light ring with two main LED worklights – one below the bit holder and one above it. This helps to provide better illumination of the target area as it stops the bit holder and any installed accessory from blocking out the light or casting shadows when viewed from certain angles.
Additional features of the IXO VII include an LED battery fuel gauge on the tool for checking the remaining battery charge, a USB charging port and an comfortable ergonomic grip with an easily accessible switch for swapping between forward and reverse modes. One notable omission compared with previous models is the variable speed control as the IXO VII is single speed only – it seems a slightly odd decision to dispense with this, but maybe Bosch thought it wasn’t necessary this time round.
What’s In the Box?
Currently this new IXO is available in two main kits – the IXO VII Basic, which includes a bit set, bit holder and USB charging cable, and the IXO VII Set, which comes with two additional adaptors for driving screws in awkward spaces – an off-centre adaptor, and a right angle adaptor.
The supplied bit set comes with more or less everything you’ll need for typical jobs around the home and includes what Bosch call two “IKEA bits” – the standard hex sizes required to assemble most of the flatpack kits from the Swedish furniture giant. Since the IXO uses regular 1/4″ shank screwdriver bits you’re also able to use it with any other standard screwdriver bit on the market which means they can be easily added to or replaced as required. To help prevent you from losing them in the first place, both of the IXO starter sets come with a handy storage case for keeping everything neatly packed together in between uses.
IXO Accessories In Full
The current range of IXO accessories consists of: a Right Angle Screwdriving Adaptor, Barbecue Blower Attachment, Drilling Adaptor, Offset Screwdriving Adaptor, Spice Mill Attachment, Torque Setting Attachment, Universal Cutting Attachment and a Corkscrew Attachment. These are all pre-existing products and the accessory mounting system is the same as on previous generations, meaning if you already own IXO attachments from an earlier model they should work with the IXO VII too.
Available Now!
A perfect gift idea for treating a loved one this Christmas, as well as a handy and versatile addition to the tool box if you feel like treating yourself, the IXO VII is available at Tooled-Up now! We also keep the complete range of IXO accessories in stock as well as a huge range of screwdriver bits for tackling just about any screwdriving job you come up against. Check out the links below for more information.
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