Where Bosch 5X fits
Bosch PRO SDS plus-5X is a four-cutter rotary-hammer bit for drilling reinforced concrete. It also covers concrete and solid masonry. Its natural application is a series of fixing or anchor holes where the bit must start on position, keep moving through hard aggregate and cope with occasional contact with embedded steel.
Start with the substrate, rebar exposure and required hole diameter and depth. Then check the SDS-Plus rotary hammer’s recommended concrete drilling range and impact energy. A long bit with the correct shank still needs a machine suited to that diameter and drilling depth. If the hole meets structural rebar, follow the project’s approved drilling detail before cutting the bar.
Four cutters, a centring point and four flutes
The raised centre point helps locate the hole before the outer edges are fully engaged. Four cutting edges break material around the bore. At an off-centre rebar strike, the cross geometry gives the head more points of support through a rotation, reducing the tendency of a single edge to catch. That is the design rationale behind Bosch’s rebar-contact positioning.
The four spiral flutes carry crushed concrete and dust back out of the hole. The transition from the head to the flute entries matters, especially in a deep blind hole where packed fines can slow drilling. Clear the bore according to the anchor manufacturer’s installation procedure before setting the anchor.
Bosch SDS plus-5 vs 5X vs 7X
Bosch’s accessories catalogue distinguishes the standard 5 two-cutter, the 5X tungsten-carbide four-cutter and the 7X one-piece full-carbide four-cutter. Bosch also specifies a dedicated welding process for the 7X head-to-body connection. Head construction is the first thing to check when comparing the two four-cutters.
| Bosch series | Head design | Typical selection |
|---|---|---|
| SDS plus-5 | Two cutting edges | Routine holes in plain concrete and masonry |
| PRO SDS plus-5X | Embedded tungsten-carbide cross with four cutting edges | Anchor and fixing holes in hard or reinforced concrete |
| EXPERT SDS plus-7X | One-piece full-carbide head with four cutting edges | Repeated heavy-duty drilling in reinforced concrete |
The Bosch UK page cites an up-to-1.5× life figure for 5X against Bosch SDS plus-1. That figure belongs to Bosch’s stated comparison. For a stocking decision, compare acceptable holes per bit and time per hole at the same diameter, depth and impact setting.
X5L and regional 5X part numbers
Bosch’s older Thai catalogue lists SDS PLUS-7 (X5L), and its Peruvian catalogue identifies X5L as the former name of SDS plus-7. Bosch Taiwan lists X5L and PRO SDS plus-5X side by side as separate products. Read the full series name when ordering from older catalogues or packaging. Bosch Thailand catalogue · Bosch Peru catalogue · Bosch Taiwan leaflet
Bosch catalogues use SDS plus-5X and PRO SDS plus-5X for the same series. For a single bit in Ø6 × 100 × 160 mm, Bosch UK lists 2608833778, while Bosch Taiwan and India list 2608706876. Confirm the local part number, dimensions and pack quantity when ordering. Bosch UK · Bosch Taiwan · Bosch India
X5L and Bulldog Xtreme in North America
The same Bosch part number appears under both names in North America. Little Hardware lists HCFC2014 as SDS-plus X5L in the product title and describes it as Bulldog Xtreme on the same page. Bosch US lists HCFC2014 under Bulldog Xtreme with the same 3/16″ × 10″ × 12″ diameter, working length and overall length. Little Hardware listing · Bosch US specifications
The original X5L brochure describes a solid tungsten-carbide four-cutter head, a conical centring tip, a wear mark and diffusion bonding to the steel body. Bosch also specifies diffusion bonding in its 2017 US Bulldog Xtreme release, which describes the updated flute layout with four flutes near the head feeding into two larger ones. The matching part number and joining method support a shared design lineage, with revisions within the North American range. Bosch X5L brochure · Bosch US 2017 release
The older SDS plus-7 (X5L) designation belongs to the X5L generation. Bosch’s timeline dates the first X5L full-carbide head to 2008 and marks SDS plus-7X separately in 2017. For orders across these ranges, verify the exact part number, the three dimensions and the head design for that variant. Bosch carbide technology timeline
Bosch 5X sizes and part numbers
Read a Bosch size as diameter × working length × overall length. For the Ø15 × 100 × 160 mm example, 100 mm is the working length and 160 mm is the end-to-end length. Select working length against the required drilling depth, including the clearance specified for the anchor.
Selected examples from the Bosch UK variant list. It includes special long and large sizes alongside common anchor sizes. Confirm local availability and pack quantity by part number.
| Diameter (mm) | Working length (mm) | Overall length (mm) | Bosch part no. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 50 | 100 | 2 608 707 226 |
| 6.5 | 50 | 110 | 2 608 833 781 |
| 8 | 100 | 160 | 2 608 833 789 |
| 10 | 150 | 210 | 2 608 833 799 |
| 12 | 200 | 260 | 2 608 833 809 |
| 15 | 100 | 160 | 2 608 833 822 |
| 26 | 400 | 450 | 2 608 836 652 |
| 32 | 400 | 450 | 2 608 707 245 |
| 18 | 950 | 1000 | 2 608 707 253 |
Specify a four-cutter SDS-Plus bit for OEM supply
For a private-label four-cutter range, we manufacture the ZHPLUS-5X for hard concrete and reinforced-concrete fixing holes. It uses a YG8C carbide cross tip and continuous mesh-belt brazing under a controlled atmosphere. For repeated heavy-duty work in reinforced concrete, our one-piece full-carbide-head range is a separate option.
Send the target substrate, diameter × working length × overall length, and expected quantity per size. We can confirm the head construction, packaging and samples. On the sample run, compare drilling time, hole diameter over wear, edge chipping and cuttings evacuation using the same hammer and concrete.
Bosch sources
- Bosch Professional 5X product data
- Bosch Accessories 2026, SDS-Plus head comparison and range
- Bosch EXPERT SDS plus-7X construction
Frequently asked questions
What is a Bosch 5X drill bit?
The PRO SDS plus-5X is an SDS-Plus rotary-hammer bit with four tungsten-carbide cutting edges and four spiral flutes for concrete and reinforced concrete.
Can Bosch 5X handle contact with rebar?
Bosch designed 5X to reduce snagging at incidental rebar strikes. Follow the approved hole location and drilling detail when structural reinforcement is encountered.
What is the difference between Bosch 5X and 7X?
Both have four cutting edges. Bosch lists a tungsten-carbide four-cutter for 5X and specifies a welded, one-piece full-carbide head for EXPERT 7X.
What does 6.5 × 50 × 110 mm mean?
It means 6.5 mm diameter, 50 mm working length and 110 mm overall length. Bosch lists this single-bit 5X as part 2 608 833 781.
Which chuck fits the Bosch 5X?
Use an SDS-Plus rotary-hammer holder. Match the drilling diameter and depth to the hammer’s recommended range.
