Bosch SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Carbide Rotary Hammer Drill Bit

Why I reached for this bit

I keep a handful of SDS-plus bits on the truck for quick anchor work, and lately I’ve been using Bosch’s Bulldog Xtreme bit in the 5/32-inch size (model HCFC2000). It’s a short, no-nonsense masonry bit with a carbide tip and SDS-plus shank, spec’d at 4 inches overall with 2 inches of working length. On paper, that puts it squarely in the “Tapcon and light-duty anchor” category. In practice, it’s turned into my go-to for fast, repeatable holes in cured slab, block, and brick when I don’t need extra depth.

Build and design

The Bulldog Xtreme bit feels purpose-built for SDS-plus rotary hammers. The shank engages positively with the chuck—zero wobble or play—and ejects cleanly when you pull the collar. The flutes are sharp and polished enough to clear dust efficiently without packing up. Up front, the carbide is robust for a small diameter, and the tip geometry centers well and resists skating, even on smooth block faces and glazed brick.

On this size, the working length is just 2 inches. That’s perfect for 3/16-inch screw anchors, plastic expansion anchors, and short sleeve anchors, but it’s not a general-purpose depth bit. If you routinely drill beyond 1-3/4 inches of embedment, choose a longer Bulldog Xtreme in the same family; Bosch offers multiple diameters and lengths in this line.

Performance in concrete

I tested the bit across three common scenarios:

• Anchoring a threshold to a 30-year-old interior slab
• Mounting strut to a garage wall with a skim coat over block
• Drilling pilot holes for masonry screws in brick veneer

In a Bosch SDS-plus rotary hammer (rotary hammer mode, not just rotary), the bit chewed through cured concrete quickly and predictably. For 5/32-inch holes roughly 1-1/2 inches deep, I averaged around 8–12 seconds per hole in medium aggregate slab. The bit tracked straight, didn’t walk, and produced holes that fit 3/16-inch masonry screws snugly. I checked a few holes with calipers and the diameter was consistent along the depth, which matters for screw engagement and pullout.

I also deliberately hit small aggregate to see how the tip handled the occasional pebble. The bit didn’t chip or chatter; it just slowed a touch and got through. With small diameters like 5/32, you’re not going to plow through rebar—nor should you try—but for the usual mix of paste and stone you encounter in residential slabs, the Bulldog Xtreme held up well.

Dust extraction is always a variable with shallow holes. The twin flutes do their job, so as long as I pulsed the hammer once or twice mid-hole and vacuumed after drilling, I got clean, debris-free holes that seated anchors without issue.

Brick and block

On block, the bit is almost effortless. The tip bites immediately and the flutes keep the web sections from clogging. On solid brick, the tip kept centered when starting on mortar joints or brick face, and I had no spalling at the exit on 3/4-inch material when I eased up the pressure near breakthrough. If you’re drilling through both veneer and sheathing, remember this is a masonry bit—don’t keep hammering through the wood. Swap modes (or bits) once you clear the masonry.

Using it without a rotary hammer

For curiosity’s sake, I tried two off-label scenarios so I could speak to them:

• Rotary-only mode in the SDS-plus hammer: It still drilled, just slower. Expect more dust packing and heat in hard concrete.
• Standard three-jaw drill with an SDS-plus adapter: It works in a pinch, but it’s not ideal. The bit’s shank isn’t designed for 3-jaw clamping, and you lose the percussive action that makes these bits shine. If this is your main use case, buy a straight-shank masonry bit instead.

Bottom line: this bit is designed for an SDS-plus rotary hammer. That’s where it will feel fast, safe, and precise.

Durability and wear

Small-diameter masonry bits can be disposable if the carbide is thin or poorly brazed. After a couple dozen holes in cured slab and a few in brick, the Bulldog Xtreme’s cutting edges still felt crisp. I saw no chipping at the tip, and the holes remained on size. Heat was manageable; the flutes shed dust well enough that I didn’t have to baby it. If you routinely hit very hard aggregate or grind through mortar with sand heavy enough to eat bits for breakfast, you’ll shorten any bit’s life, but in normal residential and light commercial use, this one holds up.

I also like that even after heat cycles, the shank slides and locks as smoothly as day one—no galling or mushrooming, which you’ll sometimes see with cheaper SDS-plus bits.

Hole quality and accuracy

For anchoring, hole quality matters more than raw speed. The Bulldog Xtreme excels here. The tip picks up a pilot mark easily, track is straight, and the hole stays true. Screws bite consistently, and plastic anchors don’t spin because the sidewalls aren’t bell-mouthed. If your anchors are slipping, check your depth and dust removal before blaming the bit; in my testing, it cut to spec and held tolerance.

Sizes and options

The specific model I used is a 5/32-inch single pack with 4 inches total length and 2 inches working length. That’s a sweet spot for light anchors. If you need longer embedment or a different diameter, Bosch offers the Bulldog Xtreme line in multiple sizes and lengths, and you can buy single bits or multi-packs depending on how often you drill. Keep an eye on working length when you’re picking—overall length can be misleading.

Downsides

• Working length: At 2 inches, this size is intentionally short. That’s great for speed and stability but limiting for deeper anchors or through-holes.
• SDS-plus requirement: It’s a feature, not a flaw, but you do need an SDS-plus rotary hammer to get full performance. A standard drill won’t do it justice.
• Packaging: The bit arrived in a simple sleeve. Mine stayed put, but I’d prefer a sturdier tube for small, sharp bits—less chance of the tip getting dinged in transit or toolbox shuffling.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they are worth noting so you buy the right variant and use it with the right tool.

Tips for best results

• Use a true rotary hammer in hammer mode; don’t force the feed rate—let the hammer do the work.
• Clear dust mid-hole with a quick peck and vacuum; cleaner holes mean better anchor performance.
• Mark depth on the bit with tape if your hammer doesn’t have a depth stop.
• Avoid rebar; small bits won’t survive it. If you suspect steel, scan first.
• Match bit diameter to your specific anchor manufacturer’s spec.

Value

For a single SDS-plus masonry bit, the Bulldog Xtreme hits a good balance of speed, accuracy, and longevity. You can absolutely buy cheaper bits, but you’ll often pay in crooked holes, premature dulling, or broken tips. If you drill masonry regularly—even just a few holes a week—the time saved and the consistent anchor performance make the cost easy to justify.

Recommendation

I recommend the Bulldog Xtreme bit for anyone running an SDS-plus rotary hammer who needs reliable, on-size holes in concrete, block, or brick—especially for light anchors like 3/16-inch masonry screws and plastic plugs. It’s fast, tracks straight, and holds up better than budget options. Just choose the right working length for your job, use it in a proper rotary hammer, and you’ll get clean, consistent results. If your work demands deep hole drilling or you only have a standard drill, look for the longer variants or a straight-shank masonry bit instead.