Masonry & Concrete Tool Reviews & Buying Guides

Concrete guys have their own way of doing things. This modernized art form is impressive to behold. Watch a mason do his work, and you’ll see something that comes from an age long passed. The two are very similar and yet so very different. Our concrete tool reviews and articles attempt to help these craftsmen identify the tools that help make their work easier. Our concrete tool reviews also bring to light which new products will work well to help tradesmen in these fields adhere to the latest standards. From DeWalt dust systems and shrouds to the Bosch RH1255VC SDS-Max rotary hammer, concrete tools are getting better. Concrete Tool Reviews and Accessories These tools are also getting safer to use. With new OSHA dust mitigation rules taking effect, the use of dust shrouds and HEPA vacuums is mandatory. Having tools that perform well with these accessories makes all the difference. Our concrete tool reviews take this into account, even as they test the latest and greatest tools for performance and durability.

Bosch 17618 hammer drill

Bosch 18V Brute Tough Hammer Drill 15618 Preview

The new 18V Bosch 15618 features a new Two Speed Gearbox with a high torque mode that produces over 600 in.-lbs. of torque. Bosch has also added a High Strength Metal Collar that Enhances durability and protects the tool when dropped on the chuck. The 15618 has a newly designed powertrain for longer life and durability. With a new 25 position chuck, variable speed trigger, external brush access, Durasheild Housing, and BLUECORE battery technology.

Bosch 17614-01 hammer drill

Bosch 14.4V Brute Tough 1/2″ Hammer Drill 15614 Preview

The new 14.4V Bosch 15614 Brute Tough 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill features a new Two Speed Gearbox with a high torque mode that produces over 550-Inch-lbs. of torque. Bosch has also added a High Strength Metal Collar that Enhances durability.The 15614 has a newly designed powertrain for longer life. With a new 25 position chuck, variable speed trigger, external brush access, Durashield Housing and Bluecore battery technology.

Bosch 17618 hammer drill

Bosch 18V Litheon Brute Tough Hammer Drill 17618-01

The New Bosch 18V Litheon 17618-01 features a High torque mode produces over 650 in.-lbs and High speed mode. Also, Durashield Housing & unibody powertrain provide optimum reinforcement to withstand real world conditions and Bosch Litheon Batteries are designed for maximum cyclelife, minimum self-discharge and no memory effect. In addition, it features 1/2″ Metal Chuck for increased durability and High Strength Metal Collar enhances tool durability and protection when dropped on the chuck. The newly Designed Powertrain and Gears increases tool life and durability, and with LED Light for dark or enclosed areas. For extended comfort and control, Ergonomic two-tone soft grip will handle that, and 25 Position Clutch plus Variable speed trigger for complete control.

Bosch 17614-01 hammer drill

Bosch 14.4V Litheon Brute Tough Hammer Drill 17614-01

The new Bosch 14.4V Litheon 17614-01 features a Durashield Housing and unibody powertrain provide optimum reinforcement, Bosch Litheon Batteries – Designed for maximum cyclelife, minimum self-discharge and not memory effect, a High Strength Metal Collar which enhances tool durability and protection, a Newly Designed Powertrain and Gears increases tool life and durability, Ergonomic two-tone soft grip handle, a 25 Position Clutch, and a variable speed trigger for complete control.

Skil 6716 Impact Hammer Drill Preview

Skil Impact Drill 6716 Preview

The Skil 6716 16mm Impact Drill is new and joins the 6002 and 6006 in the company’s lineup of products designed to provide more efficient and powerful drilling into masonry and metals such as steel plate. This new hammer drill extendings the company’s existing range of 10mm and 13mm impact drills. Positioned at the top of Skil’s lineup, the 6716 hammer drill has a powerful and reliable 710 W motor with an all-metal bearing system. It offers the highest rotation speed (up to 3200 rpm) and impact rate (51,200 bpm) in its class for efficient metal and masonry drilling.

Milwaukee 2602-22 M18 Cordless 1/2" Hammer Drill Announced

Milwaukee 2602-22 M18 Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Drill Preview

Milwaukee expands its LITHIUM-ION system with the new 2602-22 M18 Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Drill / Driver. Featuring a compact and ergonomic design, the new addition to the M18 system claims to be up to 20% faster in concrete than the competition. Milwaukee says that the 2602-20 is the only hammer drill / driver in its class with an all metal gear case, which will provide maximum durability for heavy duty applications.

DeWalt Solid Rock Carbide SDS Plus Drill Bits

DeWalt Rock Carbide SDS Plus Bits

DeWalt announced the launch of its Solid Rock Carbide SDS Plus drill bits. The new bits are designed for mechanical contractors, electricians and general contractors for drilling holes in hard concrete, reinforced concrete, block and pan decking. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the bits have an innovative bonding system that is used to affix the Solid Rock Carbide tip to the flute providing extreme durability and longer bit life in the toughest applications.

Bosch Blue Granite Drill Bits drilling

Bosch Blue Granite Drill Bits Review

Blue Granite – now that’s a name that instills confidence. Bosch was going for the manly persona when it came up with that one (but what else should we expect from a German company?). Carbide hammer drill bits are for made for one thing: fast impact drilling in concrete, stone, or masonry. Low voltage, high temperature brazing prevents carbide cutting edge from breaking out even when heat builds up during deep drilling. Various usable lengths up to 10″.