Rotary hammer recommendations

[bscman]

Vacation plans for the next 5 days cancelled as the mountain passes are shut down for conditions so....

Starting demo on ~800sq ft of ceramic tile in the house. Looks like the rotary hammer with a spade bit is the way to go.
Probably go corded for the money and how often I'll use it afterward.

The first three are all rated right at 2.1ft/lbs force. No rating on the Bauer.
Also, these four are available locally TOMORROW.

1. Makita corded 8amp 1" sds plus 1,100rpm plus a bonus 4.5" angle grinder for $219
HR2641X1

2. Bosch bulldog Xtreme 8amp 1" sds 1300rpm corded $199
11255VSR

3. MILWAUKEE 8amp 1" sds corded 1500rpm $199
5262-21

4. Bauer 10amp 1-1/8" diameter sds
$99

Leaning Makita as I have several sanders and grinders I've regularly abused...

Thoughts? Thx.

 

[ItsNemo]

Can you find an SDS Max? The plus size tend to be on the small side for chiselling duties. I have a Dewalt SDS+ and do have a small chisel bit for it, but it's definitely not what I'd want to use on a large area of tile.

 

[Dagny]

Do you know where they are made?

 

[RTM]

If by spade, you mean the shovel bit, it may not be a good choice, as those are not as hardened as the chisels. I have an older Bosch, and it says don’t use the spade for solid materials.

I have a 3” chisel shaped tile bit, with a very sharp edge, probably better for linoleum type vs ceramic tile.

 

[American Locomotive]

The Bulldog is basically an industry standard right behind Hilti. I know the Makita rotary hammers also rank up there in terms of industrial/commercial use. But if they're all the same impact energy, there probably won't be much difference between them.

I'd choose the one that's your favorite color. The Bosch is also the only one that isn't made in China - something to consider if that matters to you.

 

[signcrafter]

First, what is under the tile? Cement slab, cement board, plywood? Adhered with thinset or mastic? This info is needed to give an answer. I have removed thousands of sg ft of tile in all situations but each requires different tools.

 

[bscman]

First, what is under the tile? Cement slab, cement board, plywood? Adhered with thinset or mastic?

id put money on plywood and thinset.
It's all flooring, kitchen and entryway plus two upstairs bathrooms.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have a Bulldog, and it is fantastic. Mine predates the Extreme, which is probably even better. The only reason I don't use it every time I need a hammer is because I broke down and bought a Milwaukee 1-1/8 cordless, but head to head, the Bosch wins. Go with the Bosch, other than Hilti, the Bosch is the standard.

 

[kngelv]

Get this. A tiny bit larger than what you have listed. I have one and it's perfect for the job you are doing. It should be a stock item. Made in Germany and has a 8 foot cord. I have one and it's awesome.

James

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-Bulldog-Xtreme-Max-SDS-Plus-8-5-amp-Keyless-Rotary-Hammer/1000163219

 

[dnschmidt]

Recip saws: Milwaukee
Routers: Bosch, Elu (DeWalt in America) or Makita (Decades ago the go to was Porter-Cable but we all know how that went.)
Drills: Milwaukee or DeWalt
SDS Hammers: Bosch

THIS IS THE WAY GOD INTENDED IT TO BE!

 

[acer66]

Another vote for Bosch.

 

[txvwnut]

I have an older Bosch SDS Max that I use for any construction based projects, tile removal, brick and concrete destruction. I can't say how that Bulldog will do for demo work but I think it might struggle a bit due its size and weight.

 

[bb29510]

the bulldog is best hammer every made

 

[housewolf]

Over the years my crews have drilled many, many thousands of overhead anchor bolts. We‘ve used alll the brands. Bosch seemed to be the best value. Hilti, at least at one time, was a better drill but not so much better as to justify the cost.

 

[Firebrick43]

I have a Bosch bulldog, a BIG Bosch that’s SD plus and have used a fair amount of Hilton at work

I don’t think you can go wrong with a bulldog.


The big one **** for 90 percent of the work. Too slow and too much impact force for drilling sub 3/4” holes.

It’s rare for me to break out the big hammer. Would I for you job probably but the small one would do a decent job as well, just a little slower and much more useful for other jobs in the future.

 

[Toomanytools?]

I have a Bosch Bulldog, have had it for some 20+ years, I'm a General Contractor so it gets used. I would buy another if needed.

 

[bscman]

Get this. A tiny bit larger than what you have listed. I have one and it's perfect for the job you are doing. It should be a stock item. Made in Germany and has a 8 foot cord. I have one and it's awesome.

James

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-Bulldog-Xtreme-Max-SDS-Plus-8-5-amp-Keyless-Rotary-Hammer/1000163219

Thx!
This didnt originally show up in my search, but lowes shows it in stock locally. Only $40 more for ~15% more grunt.

 

[Bockscar]

Thx!
This didnt originally show up in my search, but lowes shows it in stock locally. Only $40 more for ~15% more grunt.

Harbor freight has the same type for 75 dollars right now.....depending on how much work you are going to do....a one time job with possibly an occasional need I think ot would be a good option....when my dad was building a work shop he got the Chicago brand....the didn't have the Bauer at the time....I ran the hell out of it and several people have borrowed it since.....not saying its the best but functional for a good price

 

[bb29510]

we have the harbor freight one, we bought for one job, that was 12 years ago, this one wont die, I dont reccomend harbor freight electrical tools, but this was a good one

 

[BombShelter]

I'd move up to the $249 Bosch RH328VC, if you have a local Menards, they stock them along with the flat spade bits. I use these Made in Germany Wonders all the time for similar jobs and many more.

 

[bb29510]

I got a millawkee in my truck but some of the other trucks has bulldogs and one has a hilti. If mine ever dies, Im getting a bulldog

 

[BFHtime]

Makita

 

[DrinkMan]

I have an old (approx 10 yrs) Bosch. Torn up 4 bathrooms worth of tile (some on thinset, some on cement board). I've lended out to trusted relatives and it is still going strong. Did what I wanted it to do. Perfect for a DIYer. (not sure about daily professional use).

 

[bscman]

Thanks everyone.

I went with the Bosch 8.5amp 1-1/8 bulldog Xtreme Max gbh2-28L

Two bathrooms already torn up, along with the *smacks forehead* particle board tile underlayment.
Tile came up quite easily, you can see the 12x12's clearly had maybe 50% adhesion. Particles board with ring nails came out quickly (in pieces) thanks to the Bosch.

Going back together with backer board.

 

[RTM]

Particle board? Nice twist on “how can I best foul up this job”.

My upstairs tile is laid over linoleum or 2-1/4” oak flooring, with again, poor resulting adhesion. I could probably take up 1/3 with just my hands, the next 1/3 I may need to walk on once I take out the first bits. The last may need the rotohammer.