Bosch SDS-plus Bulldog Rotary Hammer Bit Set (5 pc)

Why I reached for this set

I had a week of anchor installs lined up—brick veneer, CMU block, and a couple dozen holes in cured slab—and I wanted a compact assortment that would cover the common sizes without rummaging through a coffee can of singles. The Bulldog bit set fit the bill: SDS-plus shanks, five bits, and diameters that map to the anchors I use most (3/16, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch). It’s a simple kit, but the selection and lengths looked practical on paper. After running the set across several materials with a mid-sized SDS-plus rotary hammer, I came away impressed by the balance of speed, hole quality, and control.

Setup and compatibility

These are SDS-plus bits, so they snap into any SDS-plus rotary hammer with the familiar two-groove shank. Engagement was positive—no wiggle or rattle in the chuck—and bit changes were fast even with dusty gloves. If you’re coming from standard straight-shank masonry bits in a 3-jaw chuck, the difference in transmission is night and day. You get efficient hammer energy transfer and far less tendency for the bit to slip or walk.

A quick note on lengths and sizes in the kit:
- 3/16" x 6" (4" working)
- 1/4" x 4" (2" working)
- 1/4" x 6" (4" working)
- 3/8" x 6" (4" working)
- 1/2" x 6" (4" working)

The inclusion of both short and longer 1/4-inch bits is smart. The short one squeezes into tighter spots and keeps flex down, while the longer one covers deeper embedments and fixtures without reaching for a specialty bit.

Drilling performance in brick, block, and concrete

In brick and clay pavers, the Bulldog set runs fast and clean. The 3/16 and 1/4-inch bits bite immediately with minimal wandering, even when I started holes freehand without a starter punch. Dust ejection was steady, and I didn’t find myself “peck drilling” to clear flutes unless I was in a very soft mortar bed that wanted to cake.

In CMU block, the 3/8 and 1/2-inch sizes kept pace nicely. The hammer action felt efficient—chip load stayed consistent, and the bit didn’t bog when transitioning from face shell to hollow web. I ran a dozen holes back-to-back for sleeve anchors and only paused to vacuum out debris.

Poured concrete is always a better test. Drilling into a 4-inch slab with mixed aggregate, the set maintained good progress at moderate pressure. I kept the tool in rotary hammer mode and let the hammer do the work; the bits rewarded a steady feed with predictable progress. When I hit denser aggregate, feed slowed a touch but remained controlled. I didn’t encounter rebar on this run, and for good reason—these are for masonry and concrete, not for cutting steel. If you suspect rebar, scan or be prepared to relocate your hole; hitting steel will blunt any masonry bit quickly.

Hole quality and tolerances

For anchor work, what matters is not just speed but consistency. The Bulldog bits produced round, true holes that matched anchor expectations without drama. Tap-style screw anchors seated snugly in the 3/16 and 1/4-inch holes with no “oversize wobble,” and sleeve anchors set crisp in the 3/8 and 1/2-inch holes. Breakout around the entry edge was minimal in brick and almost nonexistent in slab when I kept the hammer perpendicular. If you’re installing fixtures where aesthetics matter, a light countersink pass (or a cleaner block) will hide the slight spall you’ll sometimes see at the entry when drilling fast.

Heat, wear, and longevity

I ran each bit through multiple sets of holes spread across a few days. At the end of the job, the cutting edges still felt keen and the flutes didn’t show polishing or galling. The bits ran cooler than a couple of budget SDS-plus sets I keep for rough work—no blueing or melted debris on the tips. That said, longevity is always tied to technique. Keep feed pressure moderate, let the bit clear dust, and avoid side-loading in misaligned holes. Do that, and this set looks poised to last through several projects.

Control and ergonomics

These bits track well. On slick glazed brick faces, I expected some skate, but with light pressure and a square stance, the bit settled quickly. If you struggle with wandering on hard surfaces, a small dimple with a center punch or a quick countersink with a tile bit will lock things in. Once engaged, the bits stay true. The short 1/4-inch bit in particular is a gem for tight work; reduced length equals less flex, which equals straighter holes in tricky positions.

Flute design clears dust effectively without packing the hole, and I didn’t experience chatter except when I rushed and overfed in crumbly mortar. In those situations, backing off and letting the hammer action do its job restored smooth cutting.

What’s in (and not in) the selection

The sizes align with common anchors and fixtures:
- 3/16" for light Tapcon-style screws and small clips
- 1/4" for medium screw anchors, strap clamps, and light fixtures
- 3/8" for sleeve anchors and medium-duty brackets
- 1/2" for heavier sleeves, wedge anchors, and through-bolts in block

If your work regularly calls for 5/16" or deeper embeds past 4 inches working length, you’ll want to supplement this set with singles. The included longest working length is 4 inches, which covers most standard embed depths, but won’t reach through thick walls, ledger installs over foam, or double-stacked materials without stepping up to extended bits.

Best practices for results

A few habits that helped me get the most from the Bulldog set:
- Use a depth stop or collar to avoid bottoming out and packing the bit tip with dust.
- Pulse the hole once or twice during deeper drilling to let the flutes evacuate debris.
- Keep the bit square to the surface; don’t “lever” the hole larger—choose the correct diameter.
- If you suspect rebar, scan or reposition; these are not designed to cut steel.
- In brittle brick faces, start with low feed pressure to minimize spall, then bring up to full feed.

Durability considerations

The shanks and flutes held up well to repeated chucking and dust exposure. SDS-plus interface wear is often where cheaper bits start to loosen; that didn’t show up here. I wiped the shanks and gave them a light blast of air before re-inserting between holes, which helps preserve both the chuck and the bit.

As always, the worst enemy of bit life is overheating. When drilling deep in poured concrete, a quick retract to clear dust every inch or so keeps temperatures down and speeds overall progress.

Limitations and what I’d change

• No 5/16" bit. It’s a common anchor size, and I missed it once during this run.
• Working lengths top out at 4 inches. Fine for most anchors, but not for thick assemblies.
• There’s no case included in my sample. A basic sleeve or labeled clip would make organization easier on site.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth noting if your anchor schedule leans outside the included sizes or depths.

Value

The real value here is getting a compact set that covers the majority of everyday masonry tasks with predictable performance. Compared with bargain-bin SDS-plus assortments, I drilled faster and with fewer stops to clear dust. Compared with premium multi-cutter specialty bits, these are more affordable and arguably the more practical choice for general work, especially if you’re not constantly drilling through hard aggregate all day.

Recommendation

I recommend the Bulldog bit set for anyone running an SDS-plus rotary hammer who needs a dependable, no-nonsense selection for masonry and concrete. It’s a workmanlike kit that drills quickly, tracks straight, and holds its edge through typical anchor runs. The size mix fits common fasteners, and the inclusion of both short and long 1/4-inch bits is a thoughtful touch for real-world installs.

If you need extended reach or niche diameters like 5/16", plan to add a couple of singles. Otherwise, this set is an easy grab-and-go that will cover most of your brick, block, and slab drilling with fewer hiccups and cleaner results than budget alternatives. For general construction, electrical, plumbing, and light structural anchoring, it’s a solid, reliable choice.