Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
Bosch’s introduction of their Core18V battery line opens up more power availability. Bosch has now hit the point where their cordless battery-powered rotary hammers exceed the power of their corded models. The Bosch GBH18V-28DC 1 1/8-inch rotary hammer with GDE28D dust collector provides 3.4 J of impact energy.
The Bosch GBH18V-28DC 1 1/8-inch rotary hammer is even stronger than the corded GBH 2-28. In fact, we see several differences in the specifications. The impact energy is up by 0.2 J to 3.4 J (2.5 ft-lbs). It maintains the same maximum drilling diameters in masonry, metal, and wood.
Bosch goes with the more elongated D-handle design. We actually prefer this to the open drill handle of the corded GBH 2-28 rotary hammer.
Without a battery, the Bosch GBH18V-28DC rotary hammer weighs just 0.2 pounds more than the corded model. Add an 8.0Ah Core18V battery, and you’ll contribute about a pound and a half to the 6.6-pound bare tool weight.
The Bosch cordless 1 1/8-inch rotary hammer continues to include anti-kickback features to help prevent injuries if you bind up. It’s a welcome addition, especially when you drilling into reinforced concrete.
You get three standard rotary hammer modes: rotation only, hammer only, and hammering with rotation. There’s also a chuck rotation point so you can change the angle of attack with a chisel.
What’s interesting is that Bosch goes with a two-stage dial. You have to push the top button and give it a little turn to unlock it. From there, it will snap back into the next detent it comes across. That helps prevent you from accidentally popping the dial out of the selected mode.
The Bosch GBH18V-28DC is compatible with the lightweight GDE 28 D dust extractor with filter cleaning mechanism. It uses an onboard HEPA dust collector for dustless drilling and lets you work completely untethered to cords and hoses. We like the transparent container and the ease with which the GDE 28 D attaches to the tool and doesn’t require its own battery to operate.
The GDE 28 D Professional dust extractor easily assembles with just one click. You can also empty out the dust box without removing the filter. You get a lot of flexibility since it includes two interchangeable dust eyes for drilling with bits up to 1 1/8-inch in diameter and an extension for bits up to 10.5-inches in length.
Because it includes a manual filter cleaning mechanism, it qualifies as a Table 1 compliant accessory. You can also check the Bosch silica dust site for Objective Data documents and methods to comply with concrete drilling regulations.
Adding the dust collector to the Bosch cordless 1 1/8-inch rotary hammer only adds around 1.8 pounds. That makes the whole Bosch GBH18V-28DC cordless/hoseless package settle in at around 10 pounds.
Typically, Bosch gives you some options for how you might purchase the tool. Here’s what you can expect:
The onboard dust collector should be available as a kit and definitely as a standalone SKU for later purchase.
When he's not remodeling part of his house or playing with the latest power tool, Clint enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader. He has a degree in recording engineering and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.
Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films & television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years.
Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint dealt extensively with client management as well as film & video editing, color correction, and digital video & MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified.
After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades.
Crediting his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
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