Best Rotary Hammer Core Bits

Updated November 2020

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more

Bottom Line

Pros

Cons

Best of the Best

Bosch

4-Inch x 17-Inch x 22-Inch SDS Max Rotary Hammer Core Bit

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Bottom Line

This core bit features an integral shank for better power transmission. It also, however, tends to throw a bit of dust and debris.

Pros

Carbide-tipped rotary hammer. Wave design transmits energy faster. Integral shank provides better power transmissions and lets smaller hammers make larger holes. Dust and debris filter out the bottom, away from hands.

Cons

Generates a bit of debris, so be sure to have a water supply nearby.

Best Bang for the Buck

Bosch

3-1/4 In. x 12 In. SDS-max Rotary Hammer Core Bit

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Bottom Line

With efficient asymmetrical teeth, this rotary hammer core bit easily cuts through materials as tough as brick, stucco, and concrete block.

Pros

Carbide-tipped centering bit. Asymmetrical teeth will cut faster and last longer. All-in-one core transmits power directly to the end of the bit. Drill through concrete effortlessly. Cuts smoothly and quickly. Choice of size.

Cons

May take a while to drill through, but it makes very precise cuts.

Bosch

T3915SC 2-9/16-Inch Sds-Plus Speedcore Thin-Wall Rotary Hammer Core Bit

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Bottom Line

Intended for drilling with smaller hammer drills, this bit really delivers when it comes to core removal.

Pros

Tungsten carbide teeth. Integrated pilot bit and mandrel. Ejector hole. Works with Bosch Speedcore SDS-pls pilot bits and extensions. Quality construction. Quick and easy to use.

Cons

Can be challenging to remove from the center drill bit assembly.

Hitachi

724926 SDS Max 2-5/8-Inch x 11-3/8-Inch One Piece Hollow Core Bit

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Bottom Line

This hollow-core bit was specifically designed for durability and reduced friction. It really shines when it's used on reinforced concrete.

Pros

Hollow core bit is suited for modern rotary hammers. Roof-shaped guide teeth improve tool alignment and stability. Flat hammer teeth are efficient in base. Long lasting. Choice of sizes.

Cons

You stick the drill bit in place rather than screwing in securely, so it can drop out inconveniently.

Bosch

HC8021 2-5/8 In. x 12 In. Spline Rotary Hammer Core Bit with Wave Design

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Bottom Line

If your rotary hammer needs a spline bit to fit its drive, consider this bit with a newer, more energy-efficient wave design.

Pros

Wave design effectively transfers energy to bit. Integral shank for better transmission. 1-piece design to maximize durability and working life. Intended for drilling masonry and concrete. Works either wet or dry.

Cons

Designed only for use with spline drives. Cannot use with standard 3-jaw chuck drives.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

62 Models Considered

26 Hours Researched

2 Experts Interviewed

60 Consumers Consulted

Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Rotary hammers are indispensable tools for making holes in tough materials. Unlike regular drills, rotary hammers use a rotating bit that hammers in and out of concrete using a piston. This allows the tool to make a much larger hole more quickly. Because of the greater stresses involved, a good core bit is required to keep the tool working. The design and durability of the bit are important. A carbide-tipped core bit, for example, will stand up to the abuse concrete can dish out. Pay attention to the design of the shank to make sure it is compatible with your rotary hammer chuck.

Other Products We Considered

The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.

BOSCH

5-Inch x 17-Inch x 22-Inch Rotary Hammer Core Bit

BOSCH

2-5/8-Inch x 12-Inch Max Core Cutter

BOSCH

2-1/4--inch x 22-inch Rotary Hammer Core Bit

BOSCH

4-3/8-Inch Thin-Wall Rotary Hammer Core Bit

BOSCH

2-5/8-Inch x 22-Inch Max Rotary Hammer Core Bit

BOSCH

SDS Max Rotary Hammer Core Bit