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.

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.

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.

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″.

DeWalt DC927KL 18V Hammer Drill Preview

DeWalt DC927KL 18V Hammer Drill Preview

DeWalt showed us a product that has been on the market for a while, but which is still pretty impressive in its own right. The DC927KL is a 1/2″ hammerdrill/drill/driver that is built for high power, high speed use. The high efficiency motor delivers 425 unit watts at max power to ensure that all drilling and fastening applications are met with plenty of power and speed.

DeWalt Heavy-Duty XRP hammerdrill

DeWalt Heavy-Duty XRP 1/2″ 18V Hammerdrill Kit Review DW988KA

The do-it-all portable drill that helped to define a market segment! For those big holes saws and auger bits… no problem! For drilling 3/4″ holes in concrete block… no problem! For driving in 1/4″ lag bolts… no problem! For taking the lug nuts off your 18-wheeler… OK, well it can’t do everything. The DeWalt DW988KA Heavy-Duty XRP 1/2″ 18V Hammerdrill / Drill / Driver is the tool for nearly any job. This drill comes with a high-torque motor, three-speed manual transmission, hammer drill setting, and a nifty removable side handle that can be added to the front and rotated 360 degrees to ensure you always have a comfortable grip and maintain control.