So what about the specs? Well, this new tool isn’t the replacement to the Bosch RHH180 Rotary Hammer, it’s merely a new take on compactness while providing very similar performance. The RHH180, for example, uses a brushless motor and delivers a bit more speed and power. This more compact RHS181K tool recommends a maximum 1/2″ bit in concrete and 3/8″ in steel, whereas the RHH180 will do up to 3/4″ and 1/2″ respectively. Of course, the new compact tool is very nearly half the cost. At just around $270, it’s a bargain – and it’s so small that its going to appeal to a lot of tradesmen wanting a smaller, lower cost solution for rotary hammer drill applications. And let’s face it, once you’ve used a real rotary hammer drill, dropping back and punting with a hammer drill/driver isn’t going to do your muscles any favors.
Bosch RHS181K 18V Compact Rotary Hammer Features
The Bosch RHS181K 18V Compact Rotary Hammer looks to be hitting a niche that is just right for a lot of electricians, maintenance workers, plumbers and commercial contractors… did we mention electricians? Yeah, they’re going to love this thing.
The Bosch RHS181K 18V Compact Rotary Hammer has a lot going for it. As we mentioned, the power-to-weight ratio is excellent, and the price can’t be beat. This is one of the first truly compact rotary hammer-drills we’ve seen on the market to-date, though there’s a lot of competition rising out of the 18V cordless segment. The RHS181K uses a variable speed trigger, so you can regulate speed to achieve better precision. Also, the tool lets you flip a dial to alternate between between two modes: drilling with hammer action and drilling only. There is no chipping mode (hammer-only) which makes sense to us for this level of tool. As with all new 18V Bosch tools, the RHS181K comes uses the company’s Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) which protects the tool from overload and delivers the proper amount of power to the tool under load. The Bosch RHS181K 18V Compact Rotary Hammer kit comes with a single high capacity (HC) 3.0Ah Fat Pack Battery which , according to Bosch, will allow you to drill a gazillion (OK, really it’s just 100) 1/4″x 2″ holes on a single charge. The kit also comes with a soft case for storing and transporting the tool as well as Bosch’s 30 minute quick charger.
