Bosch Professional GBH 2-21 Rotary Hammer 720W SDS-plus

The Bosch Professional GBH 2-21 delivers 720 watts of power and 2.0 joules of impact energy – enough for drilling holes in concrete up to 21 millimetres. This is a compact entry-level machine for anyone who wants professional hammer performance without the weight of a heavy beast. At 2.3kg and with a 2.5-metre cable, it's manoeuvrable on site. Three modes – hammer, drill and chisel – are on board, but the chisel itself isn't included. The motor runs on mains power at 230V and uses carbon brushes – so no brushless drive here.

The GBH 2-21 switches between three settings: hammer, drill and chisel. That sounds like a jack of all trades, but the reality is a bit more specific. In hammer mode, the machine delivers an impact force of 1.7 newton metres – according to the specs – and a no-load speed of 1300rpm. That's enough for holes in concrete up to 20mm, though Bosch itself quotes 21mm as the maximum. For larger diameters or drilling through reinforced concrete, you'll need a heavier machine. The chisel function works, but without a chisel included – you buy that separately. This is a machine for jobs where you drill a few holes or chisel a small channel, not for demolition work.

Real-world specs

• 720 watts of power – a motor that does its job without unnecessary weight. The machine weighs 2.3kg.
• Impact energy 2.0 joules – enough for concrete up to 21mm. The spec also mentions 1.7Nm as impact force; that's the effective value.
• SDS-plus chuck – standard for hammer drills. Bits change quickly, without tools.
• No-load speed 1300rpm – no variable speed. You get one fixed setting.
• Noise level 93dB – hearing protection isn't optional. This is not a quiet machine.

The GBH 2-21 comes with a carry and storage case, a machine cloth, a depth stop and an auxiliary handle. The case is sturdy but not waterproof – fine for storage in the workshop or in the car. The auxiliary handle is rubberised and offers a firm grip. The depth stop is a simple metal rod you set on the drill – works well for repeat drilling. What's missing: a dust extraction system. The machine is compatible with the GDE 16 Plus, GDE 68 and GDE 162 dust extraction attachments, but you buy those separately. A drill or chisel set isn't included either. No surprises – this is a bare machine for anyone who already has tools.

In practice, the GBH 2-21 feels solid but not overly powerful. The 2.3kg weight is manageable for overhead work, but after an hour of drilling in concrete, you feel it. The motor isn't brushless – that means a bit more maintenance over time, but for occasional use it's not an issue. The speed is fixed, so you can't start slowly for precise positioning. That's a drawback for precision work. The SDS-plus chuck works quickly and reliably, without needing a key. The machine is also suitable for drilling in wood or metal – up to 20mm – but a standard drill is often more convenient for that. This is a machine for concrete, stone and masonry. That's where its strength lies.

The included depth stop sets to the desired drilling depth – a simple but effective system. The auxiliary handle can be locked in multiple positions, which helps with different working postures. The machine cloth is a nice addition: you wipe the machine clean after use and protect the case from dust. The noise level of 93dB is substantial – wear earplugs or headphones. The machine has no kickback control or safety slip clutch, so if it jams, the drill keeps turning. That demands a firm grip and two hands on the tool.

The Bosch Professional GBH 2-21 is an entry-level model that does its job without fuss. 720 watts, 2.0 joules of impact energy, SDS-plus – the basics are solid. The case and accessories are complete, but for dust extraction or variable speed, you'll need to look elsewhere. This is a machine for drilling a few holes in concrete, not for daily heavy use.