Bosch 11255VSR vs DeWalt DCH273B Rotary Hammer
Updated · Price Drop Radar
Bottom line
These are two different kinds of SDS-plus rotary hammer: a corded Bosch and a cordless DeWalt. By the ratings, the Bosch hits harder: 2.0 ft-lbs of impact energy, about 2.7 joules, against the DeWalt's 2.1 joules, and it never needs a battery. The DeWalt is cordless, and Bob Vila's tester said it powered through its masonry tests, bored a smooth hole in concrete and worked as a chipper on grout. We found no accessible independent test of the Bosch, so its numbers come from Bosch's listing. Pick the Bosch for repeated concrete work from an outlet. Pick the DeWalt for work away from power and if you own DeWalt 20V batteries.
Bosch Bulldog Xtreme 11255VSR
DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCH273B
Side by side
| Spec | Bosch Bulldog Xtreme 11255VSR | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCH273B |
|---|---|---|
| Power source [2][3] | Corded, 8.0 amp motor | Cordless, 20V MAX; tool only |
| Impact energy [2][3] | 2.0 ft-lbs (about 2.7 joules) | 2.1 joules (about 1.5 ft-lbs) |
| No-load speed [2][3] | Up to 1,300 RPM, up to 5,800 BPM | Up to 1,100 RPM |
| Bit system and capacity [1][2][3] | SDS-plus; up to 1 in in concrete, 2-5/8 in with a core bit | SDS-plus, 1 in |
| Modes [1][2] | Rotary hammer, rotation only, hammer only | Dial for drilling, hammer drilling and chipping |
| Weight [2][4] | 6.7 lb | 5.4 lb bare |
| Handle [1][2] | D-handle with an auxiliary handle | Pistol-style L-shape; Bob Vila liked the grip |
| Chisel positions [2] | Vario-Lock, 36 positions | Not stated in the sources we read |
| Dust control [2][3][4] | Works with Bosch PRO+GUARD dust hoods | Works with DeWalt's on-board dust extractor, per retailers |
| Independent test found [1] | None accessible | Bob Vila tested the DeWalt SDS Plus rotary hammer |
Bosch Bulldog Xtreme 11255VSR
- More impact energy than the DeWalt by the ratings
- No battery to charge
- Three modes, a clutch and a rotating brush plate for equal forward and reverse power
- Corded
- We found no accessible independent test
- Heavier at 6.7 lb
DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCH273B
- Cordless, so no outlet or extension cord
- Bob Vila: bored concrete with ease and chipped grout off brick
- Lighter at 5.4 lb bare
- Tool-only, so you need a 20V battery and charger
- Bob Vila found it large for delicate drilling
- Less impact energy than the Bosch by the ratings
Which one is right for you
| If you are | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Drill lots of concrete from an outlet | Bosch Bulldog Xtreme 11255VSR | More impact energy, no battery |
| Work away from power | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCH273B | Cordless |
| Already own DeWalt 20V batteries | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCH273B | Your batteries fit |
| Overhead work | Bosch Bulldog Xtreme 11255VSR | D-handle for overhead and downward drilling |
| Want the lighter tool | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCH273B | 5.4 lb bare |
What to look for
Cord or battery
Why it matters: A cordless hammer goes anywhere. A corded one runs as long as you have an outlet.
How to check: Think about where you drill: a shop or open sites.
Watch out: The Bosch needs an outlet. The DeWalt needs a 20V battery, which isn't included.
Impact energy
Why it matters: More impact energy drills concrete faster.
How to check: Compare ft-lbs and joules on the same scale.
Watch out: 2.0 ft-lbs is about 2.7 joules. DeWalt rates 2.1 joules.
Weight and handle
Why it matters: You will hold it overhead and on ladders.
How to check: Try a D-handle against an L-shaped grip.
Watch out: Bosch's D-handle suits overhead and downward work, per Toolnut. Bob Vila liked the DeWalt's pistol grip.
Modes
Why it matters: Chipping and drilling use different modes.
How to check: Check for a hammer-only mode.
Watch out: Both can drill and chip. Bob Vila used the DeWalt as a chipper on grout.
Dust
Why it matters: Drilling concrete makes silica dust, so you need collection.
How to check: Check which dust hoods fit.
Watch out: Bosch lists PRO+GUARD hoods. Retailers list DeWalt's on-board extractor, with conflicting model numbers.
Traps and timing
- The DeWalt listing is tool only. A battery and charger are extra.
- Impact energy is quoted in ft-lbs for the Bosch and joules for the DeWalt. They are different units; 2.0 ft-lbs is about 2.7 joules.
- Retailers disagree on which dust extractor fits the DeWalt (D25303DH or DWH303DH). Check DeWalt's compatibility list.
- The Toolnut DeWalt page we read is a starter-kit listing with a battery. The 2.1 joules figure matches the tool-only listings.
- We could not reach Pro Tool Reviews, which has reviewed the Bosch. Check it before you buy.
Before you check out
- Decide between a cord and a battery.
- Check the battery platform you own.
- Compare weight and handle style.
- Plan dust collection.
- Check the live Amazon price.
How we put this together
We don't test rotary hammers in a lab. We compared the makers' published specs, the Amazon listings and independent reviews, all listed under Sources, and where they disagree we say so. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed by our system throughout the day.
Price Drop Radar earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. That never decides which product we recommend.
Quick answers
Which rotary hammer hits harder?
By the ratings, the Bosch: 2.0 ft-lbs (about 2.7 joules) vs 2.1 joules for the DeWalt.
Which is cordless?
The DeWalt DCH273B, a 20V MAX tool-only hammer. The Bosch 11255VSR is corded.
What did Bob Vila find about the DeWalt?
It bored through concrete with relative ease, left a smooth hole and chipped grout off brick, though it was large for delicate drilling.
Do they need SDS bits?
Yes. Both are SDS-plus tools, so you need SDS-plus bits.
Which is lighter?
The DeWalt at 5.4 lb bare. The Bosch is 6.7 lb.