Customer Reviews
Indispensable tool for masonry work 
2008-05-07
In the past I've used 1/2" hammerdrills and spline-drive rotary hammers, and this one fits perfectly in between. It blows holes into even solid slabs with ease, and user fatigue is minimal. It's considerably faster than a hammerdrill, and much lighter and quieter than a spline-drive.
Overall, it's definitely a great investment and time saver if you've got to install lots of anchors or do light-to-moderate chipping. The chiseling function has a rather short stroke, but it makes it very easy to control the area of material being removed, which is really nice for doing more precise work. The volume level isn't too bad, but earplugs are definitely needed.
It's another great Bosch product, this one has done a fair amount of work for me in the past month and is a pleasure to use. The only problem I've run into so far is most of my local hardware stores don't carry SDS Plus bits, I have to get them from the big-box stores (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.)
Excellent Rotary Hammer 2007-11-05
I bought the Bosch 11255VSR in order to demo 6" thick concrete on top of my chimney. I drilled about 50 holes all the way through with a 3/8 inch SDS bit in about 10 minutes. My small Makita hammer drill could barely dent this concrete. I have 3 of the SDS chisel bits for this drill and I used them in hammer mode to knock that concrete out completely. Not sure how I could accomplish this job otherwise. Anything bigger would not be safe up there and anything smaller couldn't make a dent. Defintiley a keeper. I notice that some people have commented on similar Bosch models that the depth gauge is plastic. This one comes with an aluminum depth gauge which seems plenty strong, although I don't need it for my current project.
Excellent Rotary Hammer Drill 2007-08-12
The Bosch 11255VSR is an excellent rotary hammer drill. It has a switch that allows it to operate in rotary only, rotary & hammer or hammer only modes. Some models and smaller versions only offer rotary hammer only. This dial makes this hammer drill valuable in household projects because you can easily drill into concrete or masonry but also use in hammer mode only with a chisel to tear out tile, chisel concrete or in hard rocky soil areas help dig a hole to plant a tree.
Like a knife through butter 2007-07-02
I had to drill sixty 3/4" diameter 2" deep holes in my concrete pool deck for anchors for a pool cover. I used this drill and a bosch SDS masonry bit. It drilled each hole in about 15 seconds. I could not believe how fast it was able to do it. This is a great product. Worth every penny. I haven't used it for chipping yet, but I don't doubt it will work fine for that, too.
Bosch did it Again 2006-06-28
i am in the remodeling business an i do alot of baths an nine out of ten jobs i have to move the drain lines from one end of the room to the other, an before, i always had to cut a line with a masonary blade in my skill saw then go rent a jack hammer to finish the job, as most already know this is a very messy job, but since i bought this tool it's all i need. i just drill an outline with a 1/2 inch drill bit then switch to a chipping bit an in a few minutes the job is done with very little mess an no heavy jack hammer to lugg around.i very highly recomend this tool, infact the first chance i get i will buy another just for back-up in-case i need the same tool on two defferent jobs..
drilling granite 2008-07-10
This drill, equipped with a DeWalt bit, drills into granite in a manner that is hard to believe for such a light and easy to use tool. The granite here on Cape Ann has been sent all over the world, and it is hard! Ordinary concrete is much less of a challenge. Highest recommendation.
Lots of Holes Without Beating You Up 2008-06-19
We found we had termites and the applicator told me I could save $$ by drilling 1/2" holes at 12" intervals in the concrete of the porches, patio and sidewalks that surround my house instead of paying him to do it. The cost of the drill and three bits was a little less than half of what I am saving, and I'll end up with a good hammer drill when I am done.
I've drilled holes in 299 locations so far and have a few more to drill once I move a couple of heavy items. The concrete has been 5-8" in depth on average and a few holes didn't break through even when the 12" long bit was completely buried in the concrete.
The drill makes holes quickly and smoothly. It doesn't beat you up, and the drilling speed is about the same (quick) whether you use very light pressure or really put your weight on it, so take it easy and let the drill do all the work. I did quench the bit in water between holes since I was using the drill continuously for a couple of hours at a time. I never felt the drill was getting too hot, but the bit sure sizzled when it got into the water.
The first 1/2"X12" bit lasted for a little over 160 holes, and I expect to finish the job while still on the second bit. I'm looking forward to getting a couple of chisel bits and using them to break out a bathroom floor I need to get to and have been putting off.
Great tool; I'm glad I had an excuse to buy it.
Don Wendorf 2008-05-31
Very nice piece of equipment. Holding up real well. Drilled 36,3/4" holes, 6" deep in concrete over about 4 hours and never missed a beat! Should be a very long term tool in my toolbox. HIGH RECOMMENDATIONS!!
Excellent 2008-05-19
The Bosch 1" SDS is a excellent tool. I would advise anyone looking for a tool of this type to try it, you will be pleased!
Travis Tikka
Kila, Montana
Excellent - Features That Work. 2008-05-12
There are several reasons why this drill is better than other hammer drills I have (Craftsman and DeWalt). The way Bosch designed this drill let a lone the power it has, makes it stand alone. I'm not going to dwell on the power ( even though I was able to completely chip away a shower mortar bed in less than 10 minutes), what made the difference is the design. First let me say that quick change SDS chuck and bits make this worth while. If you have done a lot of drilling you know how frustrating it is when you have to continually stop and re-tighten bits that have come loose from binding in the concrete. SDS eliminates this, along with the ease of the quick bit change also prevents the need to keep looking for a chuck key. Not once did I have the bit loose up.
Bosch also made it easy with how they implemented the auxiliary handle and depth guide. Other manufactures make you completely remove parts in order to change the handle position or change the depth guide. Another excellent feature is the Vario-Lock which will allow you to change the orientation of the chipping bit without having to hold the drill or yourself in awkward situations that might even be dangerous.
The clutching mechanism actually works very well. The times when I did bind the bit (which was rare with the drill power) I had little torque transfer before the clutch caught. Which is comforting from a safety aspect.
For the power, the drill is comfortable with a decent length cord. I haven't been using this drill long, so I can't speak to the reliability. Regardless the design and power has me sold and I've been using DeWalt for years.
Also one thing that is a pet peeve of mine (although minor) is the way manufacturers position the outlet of the power cord. Most make the power cord come out directly behind it, making it difficult to put in the case and in some cases having to severely bend the cable which can cause damage over time - this Bosch drill doesn't have this problem.
Keep in mind this drill only works with SDS bits, although Bosch sells a separate chuck that will allow for normal bits.
