Bosch UniversalImpact 730 electric hammer drill (730 W) with carrying case

What it is and the jobs it suits

The Bosch UniversalImpact 730 is a corded electric hammer drill aimed at “proper DIY” drilling—things like masonry where plain drilling just doesn’t cut it. On paper, Bosch positions it as a versatile, straightforward tool for bigger projects, with speed control and an autolock keyless chuck to make bit changes less of a faff.

If you’re the sort of person who regularly tackles home improvements—shelving, basic framing tasks, fixing to brick/stone, or drilling through different materials as you move between rooms—this hammer drill fits that mixed workflow. It’s not marketed as a heavy-duty site machine, but it also doesn’t read like a toy: 730 W is there to give you real drilling grunt.

Where it stands out in everyday use

The most practical strengths are the control and the workflow.

Speed preselection is the big day-to-day helper. Instead of just choosing a “one speed fits all” approach, the drill lets you precisely control drilling speed adjusted to the material. That matters when you’re switching between masonry, wood, and steel—especially if you’ve ever had a bit grab in wood or feel like you’re forcing it.

The keyless chuck with autolock is another welcome detail. Quick and easy drill bit changes are exactly what you want when you’re halfway through a job and need to swap from a pilot hole to a masonry bit, then back again.

And it comes with the essentials you’d expect for starting quickly: an auxiliary handle and a depth gauge, plus a carrying case. The case won’t make the drill stronger, but it does keep bits and accessories from disappearing, which is surprisingly important if you’re not running a dedicated workshop.

Limits worth knowing before you buy

This is where you should be a bit cautious: your results will still depend heavily on using the right bit and technique for masonry versus wood or steel. The stated drilling capacities (masonry up to Ø 14 mm, wood up to Ø 30 mm) suggest it can handle common household sizes, but it may not be the right choice if your projects routinely need much larger diameters or frequent long sessions in dense brickwork.

Also, because it’s a corded tool, think about your working setup. If you often tackle areas with limited access to sockets or you hate trailing cables, you’ll want to factor in extension lead use and safe cable management.

Quick overview of the spec that matters

Here are the technical details that most affect day-to-day drilling decisions: - Name: UniversalImpact 730 - Type: Electric hammer drill - Size: 730 W - Material capability (as stated): Masonry up to Ø 14 mm, wood up to Ø 30 mm - Speed control: Speed preselection - Chuck: Keyless drill chuck with autolock

Who it’s for (and who should look elsewhere)

It makes sense if you want one corded hammer drill that can cover the typical spread of tasks around the home—masonry drilling for fixtures, plus wood and steel work when your project changes direction.

It may not suit you if you’re mainly drilling small holes occasionally and prefer lighter, simpler tools, or if you regularly need very large diameter holes in heavy masonry where a more specialist, higher-end build would be better suited. In other words: it’s a solid general hammer drill for versatility, but if you’re trying to “push it hard” day after day, you might find it falls more into mid-range practical use than into constant pro-level endurance.

It’s also a good moment to consider what you’ll actually be drilling. If most of your jobs are wood/steel and you rarely touch masonry, a non-hammer drill would often feel more efficient. If masonry is genuinely part of the plan, this is the right kind of capability.

Getting the most from it (practical tips)

A simple way to get better results is to match the speed to the material, rather than just starting at full power. For example, when drilling into masonry for a plug, set a controlled speed first, use the auxiliary handle for steadiness, and keep the drill aligned. Then when you switch to wood, reduce speed as needed to avoid unnecessary friction and to keep the hole cleaner.

The depth gauge is especially useful when you’re mounting fixtures at consistent depth. It’s the kind of small accessory that saves time—no repeated measuring, no “almost there” guessing.

Mini FAQ

What’s included in the box?

The scope of supply includes the UniversalImpact 730, an auxiliary handle, a depth gauge, and a carrying case.

Can it drill masonry and what size?

Bosch states it can drill masonry up to Ø 14 mm, and wood up to Ø 30 mm (with precision drilling across masonry, wood and steel).

Is the chuck quick to use?

Yes—there’s a keyless drill chuck with autolock, designed for quick and easy bit changes.

Do I get speed control?

Speed preselection is included, so you can precisely control drill speed adjusted to the material.

Is it worth it?

Is it worth it?

Buy the Bosch UniversalImpact 730 if you want a corded, versatile hammer drill for mixed jobs around the home—masonry drilling, plus wood and steel—where speed preselection and a keyless autolock chuck make day-to-day use more convenient. The depth gauge and auxiliary handle add up to a more “ready to work” kit than a bare-bones drill.

Skip it if your work is mostly occasional light drilling, or if you need consistently large-diameter masonry holes or a setup that avoids cables and extended sessions. In those cases, it may feel more like a versatile DIY hammer drill than the tool you’d choose for demanding, repetitive site-style workloads.