Bosch 1/2 in x 8 in x 17 in SDS-max Speed Clean dust extraction bit

Why this bit matters

Concrete drilling has two persistent pain points: dust and consistency. If you’re installing adhesive anchors, you also carry the extra burden of cleaning holes without contaminating the bond. The Bosch Speed Clean bit tackles all three by pulling dust out through the bit as you drill. In my work—everything from facilities upgrades to indoor retrofit anchoring—this single change has made anchor prep faster, cleaner, and more predictable.

This version is the 1/2-inch diameter, with an 8-inch working length and 17 inches overall. It’s an SDS‑max bit, so it’s built for larger rotary hammers. The hollow core channels dust from the cutting edges straight into a connected vacuum through a replaceable rubber adapter near the shank. The cutting head uses embedded solid carbide in a four‑cutter geometry, brazed to a one‑piece steel body.

Setup and compatibility

Getting the Speed Clean bit up and running was straightforward:

• The SDS‑max shank locked into my rotary hammer with the usual positive engagement.
• The included rubber adapter slipped over the bit shank and connected to a standard vacuum hose. On my dust extractor (HEPA, auto-clean) it was a snug friction fit. With a shop vac, I used a step-down cuff to get a good seal.

Two notes from setup:
1) You want a vacuum with strong, sustained airflow and a clean filter. While Bosch doesn’t publish a hard CFM requirement for this bit, a true dust extractor with HEPA filtration provides the most reliable capture.
2) The rubber adapter is a wear item. It’s inexpensive, but if you’re doing a production run, keep a spare on hand.

Compatibility-wise, this bit is targeted at adhesive anchoring and plays nicely with common formulations. I used it with Simpson Strong‑Tie AT‑XP and later tested holes with Set‑XP. The bore quality and cleanliness were consistent with the spec requirements, and I didn’t need the old drill–blow–brush–blow sequence.

On‑site performance

I ran a series of 1/2-inch holes 4 to 5 inches deep into cured, 3,500–4,000 PSI concrete, testing both wall and overhead drilling. With the vacuum on, dust is captured at the cutting edges and drawn through the milled center channel. The effect is immediate: the hole stays clean as depth increases, and there’s only a faint ring of fines at the surface.

Speed was noticeably better than my comparable solid four‑cutter bit. Timed holes averaged roughly a quarter faster in medium-hard concrete, which aligns with the claimed 25% increase. The real time savings, however, show up in anchor prep. Eliminating blow‑brush‑blow easily cut my installation time in half for adhesive anchors, especially when working at height where managing brushes and compressed air is cumbersome.

The bit feels stable in concrete. The four‑cutter head centers well and makes a round, true hole that’s ready for adhesive. There’s less chatter when it encounters large aggregate compared with some two‑cutter designs. In overhead drilling, the vacuum assist doesn’t “hold” the bit to the surface, but it does reduce the tendency of fines to fall back into the kerf, which helps feed rates stay consistent. Feed pressure can remain moderate; let the hammer do the work and the extraction will keep pace.

After several dozen holes, the cutting edges on my bit still looked sharp, with minimal spalling at the tips. I did not hit rebar during these tests; as with any carbide bit, a rebar encounter is the enemy of longevity. If you anticipate steel, scan ahead or be prepared with a rebar cutter.

Dust control and OSHA considerations

Silica control is where the Speed Clean bit earns its keep. With a suitable vacuum system, I saw about a 90% reduction in airborne dust with little to no cleanup afterward. The hollow design helps meet OSHA Table 1 requirements for adhesive anchoring when used with an appropriate dust-collection system. The key is using a vacuum with HEPA filtration and enough airflow to keep the channel clear. Keep filters clean and bags replaced; airflow drop is the enemy of extraction.

A few practical notes:
- Start the vacuum before the bit touches concrete and let it run a second or two after you break contact to clear the channel.
- In damp or green concrete, dust will tend toward slurry. Extraction still works, but the channel can get tacky; cycle the bit out a few times to keep the passage open.
- Even with excellent capture, wear eye and respiratory protection. “Dustless” is the goal, not a guarantee.

Build quality and durability

Bosch’s one‑piece steel body with embedded solid carbide tips feels purpose‑built for production. The four‑cutter head spreads impact load and helps maintain a round bore, which matters for consistent adhesive bond. The 17-inch overall length provides reach and visibility around fixtures while leaving 8 inches of working length—ample for most 1/2‑inch adhesive anchors.

Balance is good. I didn’t notice excessive vibration beyond normal hammer action, and runout was minimal. The milled dust channel is sufficiently wide that small bits of aggregate don’t clog it easily. If fines begin to accumulate, a quick withdrawal and re‑engagement clears them.

The replaceable rubber adapter is smart, as it takes the brunt of flex and abrasion around the shank. Expect it to be a consumable over the life of the bit.

Where it falls short

• SDS‑max only: If your fleet is mostly SDS‑plus, you’re out of luck with this size. There are hollow SDS‑plus options in the market, but this specific 1/2‑inch model is SDS‑max.
• Upfront cost: It’s pricier than a conventional bit. If you rarely do adhesive anchors or seldom drill indoors, the ROI is slower to justify.
• Moisture sensitivity: In very wet holes or green concrete, slurry can reduce extraction efficiency and slow drilling. It still works, but you’ll spend more time managing the channel.
• Hose interface: The included adapter works, but depending on your vac, you might need a cuff or tape to get a perfect seal. Once set up, it stays put, but the first connection can be fiddly.
• Not a rebar cutter: The four‑cutter geometry handles aggregate nicely, but it’s not designed for frequent steel hits.

Best practices

• Mark depth and use a stop collar; extraction works best when you aren’t overdrilling.
• Let the hammer and cutters work; excessive feed pressure can reduce chip evacuation.
• Pulse the bit halfway and near full depth to ensure the channel clears.
• Avoid drilling into standing water; pre‑vacuum the surface or blow off puddles first.
• Inspect the carbide edges and the rubber adapter at the start of each day.
• Pair it with an OSHA‑compliant HEPA dust extractor and keep filters clean.

Who it’s for

• Anchor installers and concrete contractors who routinely set adhesive anchors and need Table 1 compliance without babysitting a blow‑brush‑blow workflow.
• Facility maintenance teams and remodelers working in occupied spaces where dust control and cleanup time matter.
• Crews already invested in SDS‑max rotary hammers who want faster, cleaner 1/2‑inch holes with consistent geometry.

DIY users with an occasional need to drill indoors can still benefit, but the value is highest for anyone installing anchors regularly.

Recommendation

I recommend the Bosch Speed Clean bit for anyone doing adhesive anchoring in concrete with an SDS‑max hammer. It drills faster than conventional bits, produces round, consistent bores, and—most importantly—captures the vast majority of silica dust at the source. In my use, it turned a multi‑step hole cleaning routine into a single drilling operation while maintaining bond-ready cleanliness. Factor in fewer cleanup stops and the ability to work more comfortably indoors, and the time savings add up quickly.

It’s not the cheapest bit you’ll buy, and it demands a capable vacuum to perform at its best. But for pros and serious users who value speed, compliance, and a tidy jobsite, the Speed Clean bit earns its spot in the kit.