Bosch just announced a new compact and lightweight 18V rotary hammer (RHS181) that is said to be the most powerful compact SDS-Plus model on the market. Whether or not this is true and stays true for long is at the back of my mind – I just can’t get over the diminutive size of the tool!
The new rotary hammer was also designed with improved ergonomics and handling in mind. It features a variable speed trigger, 2 drilling modes: hammer-on and hammer-off, increased power, extended tool lifetime, amplified stall torque, and an LED work light.
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Runtime is rated at 100+ 1/4″ x 1-1/2″ holes per battery charger. No-load speed is 0-1050 RPM and 0-4950 BPM. With battery the rotary hammer is 10.9″ long and weighs 4.6 lbs.
The kit (RHS181-01) includes a charger and single 18V fat-pack lithium ion HC battery with integrated fuel gauge, and is priced at $285. A bare-tool version will also be available.
And should a rotary hammer prove to be too much for your needs, don’t forget that Bosch’s PS130 12V hammer drill will soon be released as well.
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A bare tool version, model RHS181B, is also available.
Recoil Rob says
Stuey,
Any idea of the maximum bit size this will work with?
thanks, Rob
Stuart says
Not exactly, but press materials say that the rotary hammer delivers optimal performance when drilling the most common diameters, including 3/16″, 1/4″, and 3/8″ holes. You can probably push it harder if need be.
fred says
We have a Makita 18V LXT cordless SDS-Plus rotohammer – which is rated for 7/8 inch or 15/16 depending on who you believe. We’ve found that it can handle that size in concrete and probably gets you 10 or so holes on one charge – slowing considerably after that point – so I’m guessing that Bosch’s claim for 100 holes per charge might be for 1/4 inch holes In hard stone we’ve found it to be a different story – and you’re probably better off breaking out a corded tool
mastabac says
I have tested intensly the Bosch Uneo, which is the smaller cousin of this one.
It was making 10mm holes in concrete (about 15) with one charge.
Also, tested Bosch Uneo in stone, with 8mm drills. Indeed, it’s a bit different.
Managed to do just 8 holes, even if the charge was not really full.
To compare these 2 now, I guess the blue version compared to the green version is just about the quality of the motor, and maybe the new generation of batteries (Coolpack technology), so it should be better. Didn’t test yet, since after 5 years I just changed the motor for my Bosch Uneo… and still working fine 🙂