Rotary hammer guide
Bosch GBH2-28L SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Max 1-1/8 in. Rotary Hammer
Corded users drilling holes up to 1-1/8 in. who want bind-up shut-off and a carrying case
The GBH2-28L is Bosch's 8.5 amp corded 1-1/8 in. SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Max rotary hammer with a carrying case. Bosch lists 2.4 ft.-lbs., 0 to 1,230 rpm and KickBack Control.
Listing checked . Confirm the model, included parts and availability before ordering.
Published specifications
- 8.5 amp, 120V corded
- 2.4 ft.-lbs. impact energy (about 3.3 J, our conversion)
- 0-1,230 rpm; 5,460 or 5,100 BPM (page)
- Bits to 1-1/8 in.; core bits 2-5/8 in.
- Case, auxiliary handle, depth gauge
- 1-year limited warranty, per Bosch
Fit and limits
Strengths
- KickBack Control stops rotation on bind-up
- Vario-Lock sets the chisel angle
- Carrying case included
Caveats
- Corded only
- Bosch's page gives two BPM figures
- Up to 5 hours of break-in, per the manual
What the kit includes
Bosch's includes list names the GBH2-28L, an auxiliary handle, a depth gauge and a carrying case, and the manual lists the same three items as standard equipment. The Amazon listing's model field reads GBH2-28L.
It is a 120V corded hammer rated at 8.5 amps, so there is no battery to buy. Bosch's technical data lists 6.9 lb and a length of 17.4 in.
Speed and blows: two page figures
Bosch's technical data lists 0 to 1,230 rpm and 0 to 5,460 BPM, while the description on the same page says 0 to 5,100 BPM. The manual's specifications list capacities only and refer you to the tool's nameplate for tool specifications.
Bosch lists 2.4 ft.-lbs. of impact energy (EPTA), about 3.3 J by our conversion. The variable speed trigger runs from minimum to maximum nameplate speed, and the reversing lever works from either side; the tool will not run in the middle position.
Capacities and modes
The manual rates it for carbide-tipped bits up to 1-1/8 in. and thin-wall core bits up to 2-5/8 in., matching Bosch's page. A selector sets drilling only, hammer drilling or chiseling, per Bosch's page.
Vario-Lock lets you set a chisel at any of 36 positions in 10 degree steps, per the manual, and chisels and bull points need the hammer-only mode.
KickBack Control and clutch
Bosch says KickBack Control uses a sensor to stop the tool's rotation when a bit binds. The manual adds that it can act only when the tool runs at maximum operating speed and can rotate freely around the bit, and you restart by releasing and pressing the switch again.
A preset slip clutch also slips when a bit binds or the tool is overloaded, and the manual warns of a torque reaction just before it slips. Bosch lists counter-balanced Vibration Control and a HammerHook for hanging the tool.
Break-in and warranty
The manual says every hammer needs a short warm-up, from about 15 seconds at 90 degrees F to 2 minutes at 32 degrees F, and a new hammer needs a break-in period of up to 5 hours before it reaches full performance.
Bosch's warranty page gives its corded portable power tools a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase, and the manual prints the same term.
Common questions
Is the Bosch GBH2-28L corded?
Yes. Bosch rates it at 8.5 amps on 120V.
What size holes can the GBH2-28L drill?
Up to 1-1/8 in. with carbide-tipped bits and 2-5/8 in. with thin-wall core bits, per the manual.
What does KickBack Control do?
Bosch says a sensor stops the tool's rotation when a bit binds; the manual says it can act only at maximum operating speed.
Check the current listing
Main caveat to weigh before ordering: Corded only.
Primary sources
- GBH2-28L SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Max 1-1/8 In. Rotary Hammer | Bosch Tools
- Bosch GBH2-28L Operating/Safety Instructions (linked from the Bosch product page)
- Product Warranty | Bosch Tools
Primary sources checked .
Compare with
Side-by-side pages, this model next to: Makita HR2641 1 in. SDS-PLUS AVT Rotary Hammer (D-Handle), DEWALT DCH293B 20V MAX XR Brushless 1-1/8 in. SDS PLUS L-Shape Rotary Hammer (Tool Only), DEWALT DCH133B 20V MAX Brushless 1 in. SDS PLUS D-Handle Rotary Hammer (Tool Only).