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. 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.

Makita LXFD01CW 18V Compact Li-Ion Driver-Drill Kit Preview

Makita LXFD01CW 18V Compact Li-Ion Driver-Drill Kit

Makita released the new 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill (model LXFD01CW). The new LXFD01CW is the latest release in Makita’s 18V Compact Lithium-Ion platform and delivers more power with less weight and improved ergonomics for a range of drilling, driving and fastening tasks. In addition to a general weight reduction, the Makita LXFD01CW has one of the fastest charge-times on the market at just 15 minutes. If this bears out to be true, that is pretty fast.

Porter-Cable PCL120DDC-2 12V Compact Lithium Drill/Driver First Look

Porter-Cable PCL120DDC-2 12V Compact Lithium Drill/Driver First Look

The 12 Volt MAX Compact Lithium 3/8″ Drill/Driver (PCL120DDC-2) features a single sleeve check with spindle lock, variable speed trigger, two-speed gearbox, and a reported 1,200 rotations per minute. Add to that an included belt clip that can be relocated on either side of the tool, a magnetic bit holder, an LED worklight, and two included batteries, a 30-minute charger, and a soft-sided case and the $90 price tag looks pretty reasonable. Pair it with the forthcoming Impact Driver (PCL120IDC-2) for a considerable savings.

Bosch PS41-2A 12V Lithium-Ion Impact Driver Review

Bosch PS41-2A 12V Impact Driver Review

The first generation of Bosch’s 12V line of tools was impressive, but the fact that just about three years later they released a third generation impact driver means that they are coming after the market with a vengeance. The case in point would be the brand new PS41-2A Impact Driver. For this review I was able to solicit the second-gen PS40-2A from a friend and therefore face off the newer model against its predecessor. The results definitely proved that the new impact driver didn’t just get smaller, it got more powerful – as the revised specs indicate.

Bosch 11335K Jack Breaker Hammer

Bosch 11335K Jack Breaker Hammer

Bosch 11335K 35-Pound 1-1/8-Inch Jack Hammer Kit features an impact force of 34 ft.-lbs and powerful 1750 W motor. This tool also includes an exclusive active vibration control shock absorbing top handle reduces vibration by up to 40%, an in-line Design with multiple grip positions for maximum performance in angled, horizontal, and vertical applications. Also, it offers large main handle that increased control and handling, well positioned lock on switch, a 360° Articulating Auxiliary Handle that provides a wide range of movement along with operator comfort, Carrying Case with Wheels for convenient storage and easy transportation, 2 Way Tool Retainer that accepts standard 1-1/8″ (28mm) hex, air tool steel with retaining collar or Bosch internal locking combo stee, plus all Metal Housing for jobsite durability.

Bosch T1757 Premium Hammer Hauler

Bosch T1757 Premium Hammer Hauler

The new bosch T1757 premium hammer hauler is designed for easy transportation, user convenience, and system compatibility. The quick-release strap is fast, easy to adjust, and holds the tool securely to the hauler without loosening. The hauler’s grommets securely hold the hammer steel in place during transportation. The 3.8-Inch foam tires are shock absorbing for rough and rocky terrain. They will not puncture even in the roughest of conditions.

Bosch 11264EVS rotary hammer

Bosch 11264EVS 1-5/8″ SDS-Max Rotary Hammer Preview

Bosch 11264VS offers unmatched Power to Weight Ratio(13 Amps, 8.1 ft-lbs Impact energy & 14.3 lbs), the best performing rotary hammer in its class! The tool features an active Vibration Control, One-Hand SDS-max that makes changing bits easier than ever before while maximizing jobsite productivity, and Constant Response Circuitry maintains speed under load and overload protection while Turbo Power delivers 20% more power in hammer only mode, also vario-lock positioning that rotates and locks chisel into 12 different positions, an Auto-Max variable speed Dial, a Service Minder light that indicates when preventative maintenance is required, and Patented cord turret that reduces cord wear.

Bosch 1" SDS-plus BULLDOG Xtreme Rotary Hammer 11255VSR Preview

Bosch 11255VSR SDS-plus BULLDOG Xtreme Rotary Hammer

Bosch bills this as the fastest, longest lasting breed of rotary hammer. The totally redesigned BULLDOG Xtreme outlasts the competition in both speed and performance. A side-mounted multi-function selector allows 3 modes of operation: rotary hammer, hammer-only and rotation-only mode. Vario-Lock Positioning rotates and locks the chisel into 36 different positions to optimize your working angle. The patented rotating brush plate provides equal power in both forward and reverse, so you get as much torque and speed coming out as you do going in. There are also some nice minor touches, like how the cord turret has a 35-degree pivot for added flexibility and longer cord life.

Bosch 13624-2G hammer drill

Bosch 24V Brute Tough 1/2″ Cordless Hammer Drill 13624-2G

Bosch 24V 13624-2G features a Steel-reinforced collar that enhances durability and protects tool. Bosch Unibody powertrain maintains alignment between clutch, gearbox and. Also, DuraShield housing, and this model has the Highest Torque available (Powers through the toughest applications with 600 in.-lbs. of torque). In addition, it offers Two-speed gearbox which optimized for two modes of operation( High torque mode produces 600 inch/lbs. of torque and high speed mode generates 0-1,500 RPM/18,000 BPM). Externally changeable brushes that can be replaced in as little as 2 minutes, and with Ratcheting, single-sleeve 1/2″ chuck with carbide teeth(for one handed bit changes). And lastly, it features Built-in overload protection that extend motor life under the toughest applications.