Just scored a killer deal on a rotary hammer drill - too good to be true?
1/17/2026 7:04:40 PM
#1
WrenchWendy18
Member
Posts: 0
Hey all, was at my local Harbor Freight today and they had the Bauer 1-1/8" SDS Max Rotary Hammer on clearance for $89.99. Normally retails for like $299! It's the corded version, comes with case, chisel, and two bits. I've been needing one for some concrete anchor work on the job site. Anyone have experience with this model? Seems like a steal but worried it might be junk. Thoughts?
1/17/2026 8:36:40 PM
#2
GarageGreg66
Member
Posts: 0
Wendy, at that price you can't go wrong even if it only lasts a season. I've burned through a couple of those budget rotary hammers doing steel demo work - they're not Hilti quality but they get the job done. Just keep an eye on the brushes and don't push it too hard. For $90? I'd buy two and keep one as a backup. My sparky buddy swears by his for conduit holes.
1/17/2026 9:52:40 PM
#3
DemoDave52
Member
Posts: 0
Nice find! I used that exact model last summer installing some limestone retaining walls - had to drill about 200 holes for rebar pins. Held up surprisingly well, though the vibration is pretty rough after a few hours. The chuck started getting sloppy around hole #150 but for occasional use it's solid. At that price I might grab another for the crew truck. Which Harbor Freight location?
1/17/2026 8:43:40 PM
#4
WrenchWendy18
Member
Posts: 0
Thanks guys! It was the Toledo store on Reynolds. They had 3 left when I grabbed mine around noon. Greg - good call on the brushes, I'll order some spares. Dave - yeah I figured it wouldn't be a daily driver but for the occasional concrete patch or anchor it should do. Gonna go back tomorrow and see if they still have any - might grab one for my nephew who's getting into construction.
1/18/2026 3:04:40 AM
#5
GarageGreg66
Member
Posts: 0
Pro tip: run it at about 80% power max and let it cool between long sessions. These budget tools don't have the same thermal protection as the big boys. And for god's sake wear ear pro - sounds like a garbage disposal full of rocks. But hey, for less than a C-note? That's lunch money for a functional tool.
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