Bosch SDS-plus Bulldog Rotary Hammer Bits

First impressions and setup

I picked up the Bosch SDS-plus bits as a compact, no-nonsense starter set for masonry work. The HCST006 assortment is straightforward: six SDS-plus shank bits in the most common diameters with a 4-inch working length (6 inches overall). I’ve run them in a few different SDS-plus rotary hammers—Bosch, Milwaukee, and Makita—and the shank fit has been consistently snug with no excessive play or rattle. That matters more than it sounds; a good fit translates to less runout and smoother drilling in brittle materials like brick and block.

Right out of the box, the bits feel like what they are: general-purpose, jobsite-ready cutters for anchors, fixtures, and light-to-moderate daily use. There’s nothing flashy here—just a practical selection aimed at the holes most of us actually drill.

In the concrete: performance

I’ve used this set on poured concrete, older cured slabs with harder aggregate, standard CMU, and clay brick. Paired with a mid-tier SDS-plus rotary hammer on rotary-hammer mode, the bits dig in quickly and stay on line without wandering. With brick and block, they punch clean holes with minimal blowout. In 3,000–4,000 psi concrete, the drilling speed is predictably slower but still respectable for a two-cutter style bit. You won’t confuse them with premium four-cutter bits in speed over heavy aggregate, but I never felt held back on typical anchor depths.

Dust ejection through the flutes is adequate. In block, chips clear easily. In concrete, especially at depth, I found it helpful to pulse the bit out every inch or so to keep the hole clean—basic practice that also reduces heat and wear. With a dust extraction shroud attached to the hammer, cleanup was minimal and hole quality improved slightly.

Hole accuracy and anchor fit

For anchors, accuracy matters more than raw speed. The diameters in this set cover the staples: 5/32, 3/16, 1/4, and 3/8 inch. That lets me handle Tapcon pilot holes, sleeve anchors, and smaller wedge anchors without hunting for specialty sizes. Using a gauge, the holes stayed within expected tolerances, and anchor engagement felt consistent. In brick, especially older softer brick, it’s easy to “oval” a hole if the bit snatches; these stayed true provided I let the hammer do the work and didn’t lean on it.

I also drilled a number of overhead holes for drop-in anchors. The 4-inch working length is just enough to keep chips clearing while working above shoulder height, and the shorter length helps with control and alignment.

Bit selection and sizes

Six bits across four diameters is the right call for a compact kit. The set includes multiples of commonly used sizes, which is smart—those are the ones that wear fastest and the ones you’re most likely to break when you hit an unforgiving patch of aggregate. The range covers most of my day-to-day: pilot holes for masonry screws (5/32 and 3/16), brackets and fixtures (1/4), and light mechanical fasteners (3/8). If you routinely install larger wedge anchors or drill deep chemical anchor holes, you’ll want to add longer and larger bits to your kit.

Durability over time

Lifespan is always the question with masonry bits. After a few weeks and dozens of holes, edge wear on my most-used sizes is modest. The carbide tips still start clean and don’t skate on glazed brick faces. In hard aggregate concrete, I can feel the edges slowing a bit sooner than a premium multi-cutter bit would, but that’s expected in this price class. Importantly, I haven’t chipped a tip yet—though I’m careful about technique and avoid forcing the bit.

A couple of caveats worth mentioning:

• These are drilling bits, not chisels. If you have demolition in mind—like lifting tile or trimming a slab lip—grab dedicated SDS-plus chisels. Switching the hammer to chisel mode with drilling bits is a fast track to broken tips.
• If you hit rebar, stop. These aren’t designed to cut steel. Back out, relocate, or use a rebar-cutting accessory. Forcing through rebar is a sure way to damage the bit and your hole tolerance.

Treat them right—steady pressure, periodic chip clearing, and the correct hammer mode—and they hold up well.

Compatibility and ergonomics

SDS-plus is the point: these bits drop into nearly any consumer and pro-grade rotary hammer on the market. The shank machining on my set is precise, with positive lock-in and easy release. I didn’t notice unusual vibration or feedback beyond what’s normal for hammer drilling. Even with a compact 1-inch class hammer, the bits tracked straight without flex or chatter.

Since all bits share the same 6-inch overall length, switching sizes doesn’t require changing depth stops on the tool for standard 1-1/2 to 2-inch embedments—a small but appreciated convenience when you’re moving quickly.

Limitations

• Depth and reach: With a 4-inch working length, you’re capped on deeper embeds, through-holes in thicker CMU, or drilling through doubled materials (brick veneer plus structural block). If you do much of that, you’ll need a longer set.
• Speed in very hard concrete: In high-psi, hard aggregate slab, these cut slower than premium four-cutter designs. They get the job done, but if your schedule is tight or you drill hundreds of holes a week in structural concrete, step up to a higher-tier bit for speed and longevity.
• Specialized sizes: The included diameters hit the standards, but if you rely on oddball sizes (metric anchors, certain drop-ins), plan to supplement.

Tips for best results

• Let the tool work. Excessive force dulls edges and widens holes.
• Pulse to clear chips. Withdraw the bit every inch or so in concrete to keep temps down and flutes clear.
• Use dust extraction. It improves hole quality and anchor performance.
• Mark embedment on the bit. A wrap of tape at your target depth prevents over-drilling.
• Avoid rebar. If you catch steel, stop and reassess.

Value

As a compact, everyday set, these bits offer strong value. You’re getting the core sizes most trades and DIYers need, in duplicates where it counts, without paying for lengths or diameters you’ll rarely touch. There are faster, longer-lasting options out there—at a higher price. For the balance of cost, performance, and practical selection, this set hits a sweet spot.

Who it’s for

• Electricians, HVAC techs, and general remodelers who frequently set light-to-medium anchors in brick, block, and standard concrete.
• DIYers stepping into SDS-plus for the first time and needing a reliable starter assortment without buying a drawer full of bits.
• Pros who keep premium bits for heavy concrete but want a supplemental set for day-to-day fixtures and fasteners.

Bottom line and recommendation

I recommend the Bosch SDS-plus bits in this set for anyone who needs a dependable, compact assortment for routine masonry drilling. They start clean, track straight, and hold their edge well across brick, block, and typical slab concrete. The 4-inch working length covers the majority of anchor work, and the selection of diameters makes sense for real jobs. They’re not the fastest option in hard structural concrete and they’re not a substitute for chisels or rebar cutters, but within their lane they’re reliable and cost-effective. If you need a go-to set for anchors and fixtures with SDS-plus, this kit earns a spot in the drill case.