By Mark Clement
If I had to write this review in one word or less it would be: Wow!
Bosch's new Lithium Ion (LI) powered Bulldog 1-inch rotary/chipping hammer is killer. I used it to drill and chip in concrete and masonry, and it exceeded my expectations across the board.
Power and Speed. Test Number One was power. I chucked up a 3/4- inch diameter, 8-inch long bit and went at it drilling holes in 100-year-old concrete densely packed with big aggregate. That poor old concrete didn't have a chance. The Bulldog buried the bit every time and worked every bit as hard as a corded tool.
Next, I used it in newer concrete with a 1/2-inch bit, and it actually drilled the hole faster than the tool's corded counterpart. Add to that I didn't have to roll out a cord or find a power source, and the speed increase becomes exponentially greater. Finally, zipping 3/8-inch holes for Tapcon screws in a cellar floor was a breeze.
In all three applications, the tool was comfortable (that's a relative term for rotary hammers) to use. Vibration was minimal and noise was very much a dull roar.
Comfort and design. The Bulldog's design, despite its rough-stuff name, is tuned in and refined. Balance is terrific. Even with a 36-volt battery (it weighs the same as a 18 volt NiCad battery), the tool was easy to handle and position anywhere on the work. And it was easy to maneuver in different kinds of work: chipping overhead to break the webs on terra cotta block for a building penetration: drilling straight in front sinking holes for lag shields; or for straight-down work like chewing up some over-poured post footings on a fence project or cleaning up the edges of both concrete and masonry walls and drilling for Tapcons.
Switches, adjustments and bits. The variable speed trigger was both comfortable to pull and easy to use. I liked being able to pull it partially and "soft-start" on certain work. It was great for cleaning up those footings where I had get the bit to seat on a small surface area. I also liked it for punching a dryer vent hole from atop a ladder in a stucco-on-block house. The forward/reverse switch is a cinch to operate. Next, the battery exchange is flawless. The slide on pack engages and disengages smoothly and cleanly with a one-button release tab. Nice design.
The Bulldog has three functions: impact only, rotate only, impact with rotation. The adjustment dial to switch modes was easy to reach and turn, even with gloves on. It also has a nice side-handle. While I wish it rotated a little easier around the tool, it holds solid and has a nice adjustable depth stop. If you don't like or use the handle, it's removable. And, while I usually remove side handles, I kept this one on because it was ideal for controlling the tool when the concrete finally and suddenly gave way under a chipping bit. The bit holder (chuck) engaged bits easily.
Chargers and batteries. The new charger design that ships with the Litheon Bulldog is a nice, low profile design. It takes up only a small amount of room in the box and on site where the other chargers usually form a small city. The battery pack slides securely on the back. The charger has a nice handle for carrying it and the battery back to the truck or gang box. I also like that the charger only has two lights on it. Either the battery is ready for action or I'm ready for coffee. Simple is better. The tool, however, ships with two batteries, so I really have no excuse for the coffee break.
I also liked the batteries themselves. They pack 36 volts of LI power and it shows. I could work for long stretches in high-drain applications, which meant I could do more work and less battery recharging. The fuel gauge on the battery is very handy and lets you know if you should top the battery off in the charger before you go to work or if you're good to go. And the batteries lived up to their promise of big power. I really had a hard time telling the difference between this and a corded tool, other than it was easier to use.
Bosch 11536VSR Litheon 36 Volt 1-inch SDS-plus Bulldog Rotary Hammer, $699
Mark Clement is a remodeler and author of The Carpenter's Notebook and The Kid's Carpenter's Workbook, Fun Family Projects! Find out more at www.TheCarpentersNotebook.com.
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