Bosch SDS-plus Bulldog Rotary Hammer Drill Bit Sets

First impressions and setup

I reached for Bosch’s Bulldog SDS‑plus bits the last time I had to pin a treated sill to a stubborn slab. I paired them with a mid‑size SDS‑plus rotary hammer, popped in a 3/16" bit, and went to work. The shank seats positively with no play, and the bit spins true—always a good sign before you start hammering into concrete. These are standard two‑cutter, carbide‑tipped masonry bits built for SDS‑plus hammers, not for drill/drivers or hammer drills with a three‑jaw chuck. If your tool has an SDS‑plus chuck, you’re set.

The lineup is straightforward. The 7‑piece HCK001 set covers 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", and 1/2" diameters with short (about 4" total) and medium (about 6" total) lengths. The 5‑piece HCK005 pares that down to four common diameters. The HCST006 is a 6‑piece set with 6" total length and a useful 5/32" option for smaller anchors. Between those three, most general concrete and masonry tasks are covered.

Performance in concrete and masonry

In 3,500‑psi slab and old block, the Bulldog bits bite quickly. With the hammer in rotary‑hammer mode and light, steady pressure, I was getting clean 1‑1/2" to 2" deep holes for Tapcon‑type fasteners in a few seconds per hole. The two‑cutter tip tracks straight if you don’t rush it. I like to start each hole with the tool’s speed dialed down for the first second to keep the bit from skating on slick concrete, then ramp up to full speed once it’s seated; that worked well here.

Dust evacuation is solid for the shorter lengths. The flute geometry clears fines efficiently in shallow to moderate depths. For deeper holes—say, a 4" embed or through drilling—backing the bit out a couple of times to clear dust keeps the pace up and reduces heat. In brick and CMU, the bits run fast, but you’ll feel voids and mortar joints shift resistance. The carbide takes that in stride with no chipping in my testing.

Where aggregates get nasty—river rock in old pours—the bits still maintain progress, but you’ll hear and feel them chatter as the tip rides over harder stone. That’s normal. Pause, clear the dust, and let the hammer do the work; leaning on the tool doesn’t speed anything up and only increases wear.

Hole quality and accuracy

For anchors, hole quality matters more than surface finish. The Bulldog bits produce round, on‑size holes that hold drop‑ins and screw anchors reliably when you follow the manufacturer’s diameter/depth spec. I measured common sizes with pin gauges after drilling and found the 3/16" and 1/4" holes consistent and within a couple of thousandths of the marked size in poured concrete. Break‑out on the exit side of through‑holes is typical of two‑cutter designs—nothing dramatic, but if the exit matters, back the material or step up to a premium four‑cutter bit for a cleaner exit.

Wobble is minimal. I checked runout at the shank and 2" out from the tip in the chuck; both were on par with other mainstream SDS‑plus bits and better than budget no‑name sets.

Durability and wear

Carbide durability is respectable. After several dozen anchor holes across cured slab and some drilled brick, the cutting edges showed normal polish and minor rounding but no chipping. The flutes didn’t clog or blue, and the shanks stayed tight with no mushrooming at the grooves.

That said, there’s a ceiling. If you routinely hit rebar or spend your days drilling deep anchors in high‑psi concrete, you’ll wear through two‑cutter tips quicker than you would with premium, multi‑cutter designs. I put a 3/8" Bulldog bit into lightly reinforced slab and nicked mesh; the tip survived, but cutting slowed noticeably afterward. These aren’t designed for drilling through steel; use a rebar scanner or adjust your hole positions when possible.

For general contracting, remodeling, deck ledgers, sill plates, and light mechanical work, the lifespan is perfectly acceptable. The value is in the pace of work and predictable performance, not in surviving a month of steel hits on a commercial site.

Set composition and sizing strategy

Bosch made sensible choices in the set compositions:

• HCK001 (7‑piece): Best general kit. You get 3/16" and 1/4" for common screw anchors, 5/16" and 3/8" for sleeves and shields, and a 1/2" for larger mechanical anchors or clearance holes, with both shorter and longer lengths. If you want one case that covers the majority of tasks, this is it.

• HCK005 (5‑piece): A leaner version that still covers the essentials. Good for a service bag when space is tight.

• HCST006 (6‑piece, all 6" total length): The inclusion of a 5/32" is handy for 3/16" screw anchors. If your work skews toward Tapcons and you often need a bit of extra reach, this set makes sense.

One note on depth: the listed “working lengths” of roughly 2" or 4" are the practical depth you can drill before the flutes taper to the shank. If you need deeper embedment, grab the longer bits or step drill—start with a smaller diameter and open up the hole with the final size. It runs cooler and keeps the tips sharper longer.

Compatibility and handling

These are true SDS‑plus shanks. They lock into any SDS‑plus rotary hammer cleanly and resist pull‑out under vibration. They are not compatible with standard three‑jaw chucks or SDS‑Max hammers without adapters, and even then, adapters defeat the point. If you’re unsure: SDS‑plus hammers are the common homeowner/pro‑grade tools in the 7/8"–1" class; SDS‑Max is the larger heavy‑duty system.

Heat buildup was modest in use. If you notice the bit squealing or powder turning dark, you’re pushing too hard or not clearing dust often enough. Back off, blow out the hole or use a vacuum attachment, and resume with lighter pressure.

Practical tips for better results

• Let the hammer do the work. Apply only enough pressure to keep the bit engaged; excessive force slows progress and dulls the carbide.

• Start straight at low speed for a second to seat the tip, then go full power.

• Clear dust periodically, especially past 2" depth. A quick in‑and‑out motion or a dust extractor speeds drilling and extends bit life.

• Mind your anchor specs. A 1/4" screw anchor typically calls for a 3/16" pilot; a 3/16" screw anchor often wants 5/32". Choose the set that includes those sizes if that’s your workflow.

• Avoid steel. If you hit rebar, stop and reposition unless you have a rebar‑rated bit.

• Mark your depth with tape or use the hammer’s stop rod; over‑drilling increases breakout and anchor spin risk.

Value

Price‑to‑performance is where the Bulldog bits make sense. They’re faster and more durable than bargain masonry bits and cost less than premium multi‑cutter options. For crews and DIYers who need reliable, predictable results in concrete and masonry without paying a premium for rebar‑chewing longevity, they land in a sweet spot. If your work involves constant anchor setting in dense concrete, premium four‑cutter heads will last longer and drill cleaner exits—but you’ll pay for that.

The bottom line

Bosch’s Bulldog SDS‑plus bits are dependable everyday performers. They seat securely, drill quickly across common diameters, and produce anchor‑worthy holes with minimal fuss. The set options cover what most jobs demand, from Tapcon pilots to half‑inch anchors, and the longer pieces handle deeper fixtures without resorting to specialty bits.

I recommend these bits for general concrete and masonry work with an SDS‑plus rotary hammer. They’re a smart buy for remodelers, general contractors, facilities techs, and serious DIYers who want solid speed and accuracy at a fair price. If your day‑to‑day includes frequent rebar encounters or you need the cleanest possible exits in through‑holes, step up to a premium multi‑cutter line—otherwise, the Bulldog sets will keep you drilling and on schedule.