rdst_1 Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 Hi guys, So I know that most of you don't have to deal with concrete but this was the only place I could ask for recommendations. I need to drill holes in some quite tough concrete reinforced with rebar. I was in for a surprise when my hammer drill with normal masonry bits got me nowhere. So ordered a nice Bosch Rotary Hammer but now need to buy some good quality bits. I might try and get my hands on Hilti TE-CX bits which sound great but I have no idea and I would rather buy ones which come recommended from guys who have actually used them in the field. Also, if you could recommend some dry core bits which can go through rebar and can be used with a normal rotary hammer ( I know that they should only be used in the rotation only mode) instead of a coring drill it would be great. I would need to drill 3-4 inch holes in 4-5"' thick rebar concrete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboS1ice Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 Bosch bits are great, get the bits with 4 carbide cutting edges Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiltiWpg Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 I only use Hilti and spend a great deal of my time drilling concrete. Don’t waste your time with anything other than the TE-CX. The carbide tip is perfect for chewing rebar. The only thing that will ruin your bit is applying too much pressure while drilling the rebar. If the blades blue or burn, you won’t get warranty.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Jass Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 Diamond core bits would work too but get very expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dg1127 Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 Try using rebar cutters https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/rebar-cutters-22558-c/I'm drill concrete with rebar and steel embedments the best method it core drill with water but a cheap alternate would be a rebar cutter drill with standard Masonary bit until you hit the rebar then use the rebar cutter should have any issues.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jronman Posted October 22, 2017 Report Share Posted October 22, 2017 I have no idea what bits to use but I have heard good things about Hilti and Bosch concrete stuff so maybe could try one of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdst_1 Posted October 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2017 Thanks guys. Looks like I'll try and get my hands on both Hilti TE-CX and Bosch X5L as both are rated to go through rebar without having to change bits and both seem to have similar geometry with 4 cutting edges like Jimbo suggested above. Maybe I'll do a small video comparison if I can find both easily. Bosch has a much larger presence in India compared to Hilti but Hilti have a centralized system where they can let me know about what stock they have and at which store and hence might be actually easier to get my hands on the Hilti bits. I am already waiting for a reply to my mail and should know the stock and availability situation on Monday. Also have contact details of a big Bosch distributor so will get in touch with him too. I would have loved to have the ability to drive down to a local shop/HD/Lowe's and pick up what I want but we have to go the extra mile to get our hands on such less popular items.The only silver lining is that I get the best price available for that item as I usually end up buying directly from the importer/distributor like I got for my Knipex pliers and Bessey clamps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craigh9916 Posted October 24, 2017 Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 Used the Hilti for years and just recently tried the bosch and it’s not a patch on the Hilti !! The Hilti TE - CX just lasts and lasts Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdst_1 Posted November 1, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2017 Thanks guys. Like I had thought, the Bosch dealers were just not interested in procuring these unpopular expensive items whereas the Hilti store had them available in stock so it was a no-brainer that I went with Hilti TE-CX. Also ended up getting their basic Rotary Hammer as well as their plastic anchors. The ease of doing business with them and their promised service won me over. Also the available discounts due to buying directly from the company meant that the prices were very tempting and quite less than US prices despite us having 18% GST. Used the 10mm TE-CX drill bit to drill 50 holes today and encountered 12mm rebar around 10 times which the TE-CX made short work of. The wear mark is already gone. Hilti says the accuracy is only guaranteed till the wear mark is visible but I am hoping that is not true. Pics are over here - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verktools Posted November 3, 2017 Report Share Posted November 3, 2017 Hilti TE-CX are the best SDS bits i have used so far. Milwaukee Rx4 are also ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiltiWpg Posted November 4, 2017 Report Share Posted November 4, 2017 Don’t worry about the wear mark too much. The important thing is not to push into the tool too hard when you hit rebar, let the bit work through. You don’t want to warp the bit or damage it. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craigh9916 Posted November 5, 2017 Report Share Posted November 5, 2017 Don’t worry about the wear mark I’ve found they last ages past that and usually the head goes purple then the next thing the tip come away and it’s done ! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rapidtool Posted April 2, 2022 Report Share Posted April 2, 2022 If you are dealing with rebar I can recommend you to go for rebar cutter or rebar bender. They can be helpful in many places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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