Unleashing the Bulldog: A 2.5-Year Adventure with the Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme (Review)
In the summer of 2013, I made a fateful purchase on Amazon – the Bosch 11255VSR BULLDOG Xtreme 1-Inch SDS-plus D-Handle Rotary Hammer. Little did I know, this powerhouse of a tool would become my trusty sidekick in the world of concrete conquests.
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Pros:
- Durability Over Time: The Bulldog Xtreme has demonstrated exceptional durability, standing tall after 2.5 years of relentless use and abuse.
- Versatility in Applications: From chiseling through floor tiles and thinset to breaking down concrete slabs and drilling into reinforced concrete foundation walls, the Bulldog Xtreme proves its versatility.
- Concrete Drilling Prowess: The SDS-Plus bits effortlessly drill vertical holes into existing reinforced concrete foundation walls, showcasing the Bulldog's concrete drilling capabilities.
- Dust Resistance: The Bulldog handles concrete dust with ease. A quick blast from an air compressor keeps it in top form, even after being covered in fine powder.
- Practical Toolbox Design: The tool's preference for a mobile toolbox over its shipped case showcases practicality. The metal bracket on the handle allows easy hanging on horizontal pipes or scaffold members.
- Stable Settings: The forward-reverse slide switch and drill-combo-hammer dial stay in place, even after 100+ hours of use, providing stability in settings.
- Effective Reverse Setting: The reverse setting proves to be a game-changer, disengaging torque when the bit gets stuck, allowing for smooth progress.
- Variable Speed Control: The large red trigger button acts as a maestro, offering precise control over variable speed rotation, a crucial feature when starting off a drill bit.
- Efficient Bit Changes: The SDS-Plus format and quick-change chuck ensure efficient bit changes with a strong commitment to keeping the bit securely in place.
- Ergonomic D-Handle: The D-Handle design, often overlooked, provides comfort and optimal control, even in overhead or downward drilling applications.
- Maneuverability: Despite its weight and size, the Bulldog proves to be surprisingly agile, excelling in tight spaces and complex drilling tasks.
- Successor to Corded Hammer Drill: As a replacement for a regular corded hammer drill, the Bulldog stands out with its ease of use, reduced vibrations, and minimal noise.
- Technical Marvel: Under the Bulldog's hood lies a 7.5 amp motor producing 1,300 RPM and 5,800 BPM, ensuring it powers through the toughest applications.
Cons:
- Flimsy Depth Gauge: The depth gauge is noted to be a minor drawback, described as flimsy and too short for some users' needs.
- Limited Depth Gauge Length: The depth gauge's length may be insufficient for certain applications, particularly when drilling deeper holes.
- Depth Gauge Bending: The depth gauge is susceptible to bending, requiring occasional unbending, which some users find bothersome.
- Specific Drill Bit Requirement: The Bulldog's commitment to SDS-Plus bits may limit the options for users with different preferences or existing drill bit collections.
BOSCH 11255VSR Details Power Source Corded Electric Amperage 8 Amps Maximum Rotational Speed 1300 RPM Customer Rating 4.8
The Ultimate Test: 600 Sqft of Floor Tile and Thinset
Fast forward 2.5 years, and the Bulldog Xtreme has not only weathered the test of time but has stood tall against the relentless abuse I've thrown its way. From effortlessly chiseling through floor tiles and thinset to breaking down concrete slabs, this Bulldog is no ordinary pup.
Concrete Symphony: Drilling into the Heart of Foundation Walls
This Bulldog has a musical side, too – the rhythmic beat of its SDS-Plus bits drilling dozens of vertical holes into existing reinforced concrete foundation walls. The versatility is impressive, with 6 different SDS-Plus concrete drilling bits and 3 chisel bits in its arsenal.
The Concrete Dust Tango: A Dance of Durability
Concrete dust is the enemy of many tools, but not our Bulldog. Covered in the fine powder after drilling, a quick blast from an air compressor is all it takes to keep this beast in top form. Stored in the scorching South Texas garage or truck toolbox, it's endured the summer heat and humidity without breaking a sweat.
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Mobile Toolbox Chronicles: A Case of Practicality
The Bulldog comes with a sturdy case, but my mobile toolbox is its preferred abode. The case, though praised for its durability, takes up a tad too much space for my liking. However, the metal bracket on the handle brings a touch of genius – a quick pull, and the Bulldog hangs proudly on any horizontal pipe or scaffold member.
Forward, Reverse, and a Slide Switch Opera
Settings in power tools can be fickle, but not for the Bulldog. The forward-reverse slide switch and the drill-combo-hammer dial stay put, even after 100+ hours of relentless use. No vibrations can shake the Bulldog's resolve – a stark contrast to some lesser rotary hammers I've had the misfortune of meeting.
Unstoppable Reverse: Defeating Concrete Obstacles
Concrete, with its rebar and stone aggregate challenges, is no match for the Bulldog. The reverse setting is a game-changer, disengaging torque when the bit gets stuck. A simple switch, and it's ready to dance through concrete once more, proving that sometimes, going backward is progress.
The Red Trigger Symphony: A Maestro in Variable Speed
The large red trigger button is not just for show. It's a maestro, conducting the variable speed rotation with finesse. From zero to full speed, the Bulldog allows precision, especially when starting off a drill bit. A trigger worthy of applause, unlike the pull on some handguns – a sentiment only tool enthusiasts might appreciate.
SDS-Plus Magic: Bit Changing Ballet
The Bulldog's SDS-Plus format and quick-change chuck are a dynamic duo. Bit changes are a ballet of efficiency – once locked in, the bit stays put. No accidental dislodging here, unless, of course, the bit wasn't properly inserted. The Bulldog believes in commitment.
The D-Handle Chronicles: Ergonomics in Action
The D-Handle, often overlooked, is a silent hero. Never removed, always in action, providing comfort and optimal control. Despite its heft and bulk, the Bulldog's D-Handle design proves its mettle, especially in overhead or downward drilling applications.
The Depth Gauge Dilemma: A Minor Quibble
Every hero has a weakness, and for the Bulldog, it's the depth gauge. A bit flimsy and too short for some, it bends with ease. Unbending it might be a minor hassle, but it's a small price to pay for the overall prowess of this concrete conqueror.
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Concrete Butter: The Bulldog's Finest Hour
Concrete, as tough as it is, succumbs to the Bulldog's might. Whether drilling 46 1/2” holes for a boat shed or penetrating an eight-inch poured concrete walk-out basement wall, the Bulldog goes through it like a hot knife through butter. Anchors installed, holes drilled – all in a mere two hours.
From Struggle to Elation: Bulldog vs. Regular Hammer Drill
A testament to the Bulldog's supremacy is its showdown with a regular chucked hammer drill. Drilling through a walk-out basement wall proved to be a tedious task until the Bulldog entered the scene. A minute per hole, and the job was done. The SDS bit had turned a potentially arduous task into a breeze.
Maneuverability Marvel: Bulldog in Tight Spaces
Yes, it's weighty and sizable, but the Bulldog is surprisingly agile. Angling into the corners of a basement, cutting through 2 x 4 studs, and drilling underneath – it's a maneuverability marvel. For a single job, its size becomes an asset rather than a liability.
The Corded Hammer Drill's Worthy Successor
As a replacement for a regular corded hammer drill, the Bulldog stands tall. Its ease of use, reduced vibrations, and minimal noise make it a joy to work with. From drilling countless holes to chipping concrete around pipes, the Bulldog hasn't just replaced a tool; it's become an indispensable companion.
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The Technical Marvel: Under the Bulldog's Hood
Let's take a peek at what makes the Bulldog tick. With a 7.5 amp motor producing 1,300 RPM and 5,800 BPM, it powers through the toughest applications. The multi-function selector offers three modes of operation, and the SDS-plus bit system ensures tool-free bit changes with automatic locking.
Epilogue: A Toolbox Legend
In my toolbox, the Bosch 11255VSR BULLDOG Xtreme isn't just a tool; it's a legend. It has proven to be one of the best quality, most powerful, and most durable power tools in my possession. As it prepares to pound 5/8" and 3/4" by 8-foot-long ground rods into rocky soil, there's no hesitation.
The Bulldog will do the job and do it with gusto. In the world of concrete drilling, the Bosch Bulldog Xtreme reigns supreme. Don't settle for less; unleash the Bulldog for a drilling experience like no other.
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