Bosch Rotary Hammer Suggestions

[billford]

Hello,

I am looking for a sds drill mainly for tile removal, concrete drilling for home use. Narrowed it down to 2 Bosch units in this link: Bosch

Not too concerned about the cost, as I just want quality and to buy it once.

If anyone has used both, what would you recommend if you had to buy another.

The 2 have dimension and rpm differences. Is there any advantages/disadvantages on the dimensions?

Thanks

 

[mike93lx]

I have done a lot of work including tile removal, with the longer bodied model. It's worked great for that as well as drilling a decent nunber of holes for me, including eleven 5/8" @ 4" deep for one project.

More compact would be nice, but I don't find myself using it in tight spaces, so it's been fine.

If it died, I'd likely buy another Bosch

 

[LXCam]

Only one style was in that link so I don’t know what you other choice was. But if the majority of work you plan on using one for is tile demo, I prefer the D handle style over the straight bodies every time. It’s much easier to manipulate the tip angle.

 

[mike93lx]

Only one style was in that link so I don’t know what you other choice was. But if the majority of work you plan on using one for is tile demo, I prefer the D handle style over the straight bodies every time. It’s much easier to manipulate the tip angle.

If you swipe left, the other appears

 

[RTM]

I’ve got an old 11203? And some friends have compared, and said the vertical motors (vC in your comparison) seem like they hit harder . Some say make sure they have hammer only capability for most versatility.

 

[HenryAZ]

I have an older model of the D-handle type, 11255VSR. I like the D-handle especially for drilling down, as it puts more of the body weight in line with the bit.

 

[Bockscar]

I say try and put your hands on each one to get a feel....they will both do what you want them to do....I have used both and the larger sds max and I own the smaller bulldog when it comes to hammer drills Bosch is pretty good....like I said both would be great for home use....just a matter of how it feels in your hands.

 

[e36jon]

I've had the 328VC for nine years and it continues to impress. This is my first hammer-drill so nothing for me to compare it to. That said it churns through concrete like butter.

Bits matter a lot, at least for drilling, so if you have a bunch of holes to do I would suggest treating yourself to the good stuff. I had a bunch of 18" deep by 1" diameter holes for seismic work and the hollow-core Bosh bit allowed the drill to do the work without a problem.

I would also recommend one of these for dust collection. It makes a big difference for the drilling efficiency and kept the surrounding area, including my lungs, relatively clean.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Like a few others have said, I’m partial to the vertical motor style models myself. You seem to get more impact with each blow. But that might just be perception.

 

[Git]

I bought the previous model to the RH328VC in 2004 - the 11236VS. (Amazon is great for looking things up)

To this day it still works great and if I ever needed to replace it, I would buy the RH328VC

 

[f121]

buying again, I would buy the one that fits whatever 18v batteries you own already, and then go to harbour freight and buy the cheapest one they do for chiselling and tile removal.

I have my corded sds to my dad because I only ever use my makita 18v one. The lightweight and ease of use of cordless makes me reach for it everytime.

 

[garfieldzzz]

I own the eu version of the 328 with the vertical motor.
The vertical unit has less rpm but is nice and handy. On paper the units are pretty much the same. I guess the 328 got more torque, as its rated for bigger core bits.
Also the 328 is the more solid one and it has anti vibration handles which comes in handy if you drill a lot of holes. The punch is the same on paper.

I personally like it and I used it quite a lot up to 1“ solid drills in concrete with their x7 bits also no worries through rebar.. and with 3-1/4 diamond crown core bits.

I guess the 328 is made in Germany, the other one made in Malaysia.

 

[billford]

Thanks, I read through all the replies.

I went with bosch because the shop were I work has a bosch recip saw thats at least 5 years old, been abused by at least 15 workers who don't care about shop tools. But this saw keeps going with no problems.

I went to the store and held both rotary hammers. Both felt good, but I felt more comfortable with the RH328VC, it costs more but wasn't too concerned about that. The tag says its made in Germany. Box is a little cheap, but usuable.

I tried drilling my first test 1/4" hole through a 3 inch brick, it went through in just a few seconds. I'm impressed. Its easier to drill though brick than wood or metal!

The tool came with a small tube of grease, it says to put some on the splines of the drill bit. I'm a little concerned the grease may attract and trap dust, what do you guys think? Do you use any grease?

​

 

[garfieldzzz]

Gratulations, good choice.

Do use the grease otherwise u wear out the bits an the collet prematurely. The collet usually seals well, just make sure u wipe down the exes grease from the dust seal from time to time.
Obviously if you toss the bits in a pice of dust, it sticks well but its also easy whiped off an regreased. No issues yet with dust in the collets with my several sds hammers

 

[tarbellb]

German made Bosch SDS is as good as it gets

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Yes, put a dab on grease on the end of the bit before inserting it into the chuck. I wipe my bits off when I'm done using them. I also wipe off the dust seal on the chuck before I put the tool away in it's case.

I have the 11236VS that Git posted. Mines more than 20 years old. It's driller countless holes, taken down two chimneys, and helped break up a concrete root cellar. It stills works like a champ.