BOSCH RHS181 Compact Rotary Hammer Instruction Manual

: June 17, 2024
: Bosch

Table of Contents

General Power Tool Safety Warnings
Safety Rules for Cordless Hammer Drills
Additional Safety Warnings
Symbols
- no
Functional Description and Specifications
Assembly
Operating Instructions
Maintenance
Accessories
LIMITED WARRANTY OF BOSCH PORTABLE AND BENCHTOP POWER TOOLS
Customer Support
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

BOSCH RHS181 Compact Rotary Hammer

BOSCH RHS181 Compact Rotary Hammer

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

Work area safety

Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical safety

Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of an GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and / or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust- related hazards.

Power tool use and care

Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

Battery tool use and care

Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery, avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.

Service

Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Safety Rules for Cordless Hammer Drills

Wear ear protectors when impact drilling.
Exposure to noise can cause hearing loss.
Use auxiliary handle(s) if supplied with the tool. Loss of control can cause personal injury.
Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, when performing an operation where the cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring. Cutting accessory contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.
Do not drill, fasten or break into existing walls or other blind areas where electrical wiring may exist. If this situation is unavoidable, disconnect all fuses or circuit breakers feeding this worksite.
Wear ear protectors when using the tool for extended periods. Prolonged exposure to high intensity noise can cause hearing loss.
Always wear safety goggles or eye protection when using this tool. Use a dust mask or respirator for applications which generate dust.
Use thick cushioned gloves and limit the exposure time by taking frequent rest periods. Vibration caused by hammer-drill action may be harmful to your hands and arms.
Secure the material being drilled. Never hold it in your hand or across legs. Unstable support can cause the drill bit to bind causing loss of control and injury.
Disconnect battery pack from tool before making any assembly, adjustments or changing accessories. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
Position yourself to avoid being caught between the tool or side handle and walls or posts. Should the bit become bound or jammed in the work, the reaction torque of the tool could crush your hand or leg.
If the bit becomes bound in the workpiece, release the trigger immediately, reverse the direction of rotation and slowly squeeze the trigger to back out the bit. Be ready for a strong reaction torque. The drill body will tend to twist in the opposite direction as the drill bit is rotating.
Do not grasp the tool or place your hands too close to the spinning chuck or drill bit. Your hand may be lacerated.
When installing a drill bit, insert the shank of the bit well within the jaws of the chuck. If the bit is not inserted deep enough, the grip of the jaws over the bit is reduced and the loss of control is increased.
Do not use dull or damaged bits and accessories. Dull or damaged bits have a greater tendency to bind in the workpiece.
When removing the bit from the tool avoid contact with skin and use proper protective gloves when grasping the bit or accessory. Accessories may be hot after prolonged use.
Check to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from the drill before switching the tool “ON”. Keys or wrenches can fly away at high velocity striking you or a bystander.
Do not run the tool while carrying it at your side. A spinning drill bit could become entangled with clothing and injury may result.

Additional Safety Warnings

GFCI and personal protection devices like electrician’s rubber gloves and footwear will further enhance your personal safety.
Do not use AC only rated tools with a DC power supply. While the tool may appear to work, the electrical components of the AC rated tool are likely to fail and create a hazard to the operator.
Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery hands cannot safely control the power tool.
Develop a periodic maintenance schedule for your tool. When cleaning a tool be careful not to disassemble any portion of the tool since internal wires may be misplaced or pinched or safety guard return springs may be improperly mounted. Certain cleaning agents such as gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, ammonia, etc. may damage plastic parts.
Ensure the switch is in the off position before inserting battery pack. Inserting the battery pack into power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.

Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

Lead from lead-based paints,
Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
Arsenic and chromium from chemicallytreated lumber.

Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

Symbols

IMPORTANT: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer

Symbol

|

Name

|

Designation/Explanation

---|---|---

V

| Volts| Voltage (potential)

A

| Amperes| Current

Hz

| Hertz| Frequency (cycles per second)

W

| Watt| Power

kg

| Kilograms| Weight

min

| Minutes| Time

s

| Seconds| Time
| Diameter| Size of drill bits, grinding wheels, etc.

no

| No load speed| Rotational speed, at no load

n

| Rated speed| Maximum attainable speed

…/min

| Revolutions or reciprocation per minute| Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc. per minute

o

| Off position| Zero speed, zero torque…

1, 2, 3, …..
I, II, III,

IMPORTANT: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.

| This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories.
---|---
| This symbol designates that this component is recognized by Underwriters Laboratories.
| This symbol designates that this tool is listed by Underwriters Laboratories, to United States and Canadian Standards.
| This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association.
| This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Canadian Standards Association, to United States and Canadian Standards.
| This symbol designates that this tool is listed by the Intertek Testing Services, to United States and Canadian Standards.
| This symbol designates that this tool complies to NOM Mexican Standards.

Functional Description and Specifications

Disconnect battery pack from tool or place the switch in the locked or off position before making any assembly, adjustments or changing accessories. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

Cordless Hammer Drill

Functional Description and Specifications

Model Number	RHS181	Maximum Capacities:
Voltage rating	18 V	Material
Shank style	SDS-plus®	Concrete
Steel	3/8″
Wood	5/8″

Battery Packs/Chargers
Please refer to the Charger Manual included with your tool.
NOTE: For tool specifications refer to the nameplate on your tool.

Assembly

Disconnect battery pack from tool or place the switch in the locked or off position before making any assembly, adjustments or changing accessories. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.

INSTALLING SDS-plus® ACCESSORIES

Clean the insert shank end of the accessory to remove any debris, then lightly grease with a light oil or lubricant.
Insert accessory into the chuck through the dust shield, while twisting and pushing inward until it locks automatically into place. Pull outward on the accessory to be certain it is locked into the chuck (Fig. 2).
Assembly

REMOVING SDS-plus® ACCESSORIES

Accessories may be hot after use. Avoid contact with skin and use proper protective gloves or cloth to remove.

To remove an accessory, pull locking sleeve backward and pull bit forward. All accessories should be wiped clean after removing (Fig. 3).
Assembly

Operating Instructions

VARIABLE SPEED CONTROLLED TRIGGER SWITCH

Your tool is equipped with a variable speed trigger switch. The tool can be turned “ON” or “OFF” by squeezing or releasing the trigger.
The speed can be adjusted from the minimum to maximum nameplate RPM by the pressure you apply to the trigger. Apply more pressure to increase the speed and release pressure to decrease speed Fig. 1).

FORWARD/REVERSING LEVER & TRIGGER LOCK
Your tool is equipped with a forward/ reversing lever and trigger lock located above the trigger (Fig. 4). This lever was designed for changing rotation of the chuck, and for locking the trigger in an “OFF” position to help prevent accidental starts and accidental battery discharge.
Operating Instructions

For forward rotation, (with chuck pointed away from you) move the lever to the far left. For reverse rotation move the lever to the far right.
To activate trigger lock move lever to the center off position.

Do not change direction of rotation until the tool comes to a complete stop. Shifting during rotation of the chuck can cause damage to the tool.

DRILL/HAMMER DRILL SELECTION DIAL

The selector dial allows the tool to be set for various drilling/hammer drilling applications.
Rotate the selecto r dial right o r left depending on the below applications (Fig. 1).

Do not operate the selection dial until the tool come to a complete stop. Shifting during rotation of the chuck can cause damage to the tool.

Do not use demolition or chipping bits such as bull points, chisels, spades, gouges, etc.

Drill only action: For drilling in woods, metals, plastics or other non concrete materials.
Drill with hammer action: For drilling in concrete, asphalt, tile or other similar hard materials.

SLIP CLUTCH
The tool has a internal pre-set slip clutch. The output spindle will stop rotating if the accessory binds and overloads the tool.

BRAKE
When the trigger is released it activates the electrical brake to stop the chuck quickly. This is especially useful in the repetitive driving and removal of screws.

INSERTING AND RELEASING BATTERy PACK

Set Forward/Reversing lever to the center (off position). Slide charged battery pack into the housing until the battery pack locks into position (Fig. 5).
Your tool is equipped with a secondary locking latch to prevent the battery pack from completely falling out of the handle, should it become loose due to vibration.

To remove the battery pack, press the battery pack release button and slide the battery pack forward.
Press the battery pack release button again and slide the battery pack completely out of tool housing (Fig. 5).
Inserting And Releasing Battery Pack

TOOL TIPS

Following a few simple tips will reduce wear on the tool and the chance of injury to the operator.

NOTE: The high efficiency available from the rotary hammers can only be obtained if sharp and undamaged accessories are used. The “cost” to maintain sharp and undamaged accessories is more than offset by the “time saved” in operating the tool with sharp accessories.
All hammers require a short period of time to warm up. Depending on the room temperature, this time may vary from approximately 15 seconds (90˚F) to 2 minutes (32˚F).
A new hammer requires a break-in period before full performance is realized. This period may require up to 5 hours of operation.
You will extend the life of your bits and do neater work if you always put the bit in contact with the workpiece BEFORE pulling the trigger.
During operation, hold the drill firmly and exert moderate, steady pressure. Too much pressure at low speed will stall the hammer.
Too little pressure will keep the bit from cutting and cause excess friction by sliding over the surface. This can be damaging to the drill and bit.

Carbide tipped bits: Used for drilling stone, concrete, cement, brick, cinder block and other unusually hard non-metals.
Shanks of all drill bits should be wiped clean prior to using and immediately after removing.

Recall these instructions for safe operation:

All work must be supported or secured before drilling and steady, even pressure applied in line with the drill bit.
As the drill bit cuts through the opposite side, reduce the pressure and continue running the drill as the bit is withdrawn.
Some materials require slow drilling speeds; whereas, others require higher speed to produce the best results. Materials such as glass, porcelain, ceramics, tiles, plastics, etc., should be drilled at low speeds with specially designed drill bits and lubricants.

DRILLING WOOD OR PLASTIC
(Drill only mode)

If backing block is not used, ease up on the pressure just before the bit breaks through the wood to avoid splintering. Complete the hole from the opposite side immediately after the point breaks through. If bit binds, reverse the drilling operation to help remove the bit from the work.

DRILLING METAL
(Drill only mode)

There are two rules for drilling hard materials. First, the harder the material, the greater the pres sure you need to apply to the tool.
Second, the harder the material, the slower the speed. Here are a couple of tips for drilling in metal. Make a center punch in the material for easier starting. Lubri cate the tip of the bit occasionally with cutting oil except when drilling soft metals such as alu minum, cop per or cast iron. If the hole to be drilled is fairly large, drill a smaller hole first, then enlarge to the required size, it’s often faster in the long run. Main tain enough pressure to assure that the bit does not just spin in the hole. This will dull the bit and greatly shorten its life.

DRILLING MASONRy

Use carbide-tipped masonry bit for cinder block, mortar, common brick, soft stone and other materials. The amount of pressure to be used is dependent upon the type of material being drilled. Soft materials require less pressure while the hard materials need more pressure to prevent the drill bit from spinning.

Maintenance

Service

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. Preventive maintenance performed by un au thorized personnel may result in misplacing of internal wires and components which could cause serious hazard. We recom – mend that all tool service be performed by a Bosch Factory Service Center or Authorized Bosch Service Station. SERVICE MEN:
Disconnect tool and/or charger from power source before servicing.

BATTERIES
Be alert for battery packs that are nearing their end of life. If you notice decreased tool performance or significantly shorter running time between charges then it is time to replace the battery pack. Failure to do so can cause the tool to operate improperly or damage the charger.

TOOL LUBRICATION
Your Bosch tool has been properly lubricated and is ready for use.

D.C. MOTORS
The motor in your tool has been engineered for many hours of dependable service. To maintain peak efficiency of the motor, we recommend it be examined every six months. Only a genuine Bosch replacement motor specially designed for your tool should be used.

Cleaning

To avoid accidents, always disconnect the tool and/or charger from the power supply before cleaning. The tool may be cleaned most effectively with com pressed dry air.
Always wear safety goggles when cleaning tools with compressed air.

Ventilation openings and switch levers must be kept clean and free of foreign matter. Do not attempt to clean by inserting pointed objects through opening.

Certain cleaning agents and solvents damage plastic parts. Some of these are: gasoline, car bon tetrachloride, chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia and household detergents that contain ammonia.

Accessories

Carrying Case
( = standard equipment)
(** = optional accessories)

LIMITED WARRANTY OF BOSCH PORTABLE AND BENCHTOP POWER TOOLS

Robert Bosch Tool Corporation (“Seller”) warrants to the original purchaser only, that all BOSCH portable and benchtop power tools will be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase. SELLER’S SOLE OBLIGATION AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY under this Limited Warranty and, to the extent permitted by law, any warranty or condition implied by law, shall be the repair or replacement of parts, without charge, which are defective in material or workmanship and which have not been misused, carelessly handled, or misrepaired by persons other than Seller or Authorized Service Station. To make a claim under this Limited Warranty, you must return the complete portable or benchtop power tool product, transportation prepaid, to any BOSCH Factory Service Center or Authorized Service Station. For Authorized BOSCH Power Tool Service Stations, please refer to your phone directory.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO ACCESSORY ITEMS SUCH AS CIRCULAR SAW BLADES, DRILL BITS, ROUTER BITS, JIGSAW BLADES, SANDING BELTS, GRINDING WHEELS AND OTHER RELATED ITEMS.

ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO ONE YEAR FROM DATE OF PURCHASE. SOME STATES IN THE U.S., SOME CANADIAN PRO V INCES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY.
FOR LOSS OF PROFITS) ARISING FROM THE SALE OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT. SOME STATES IN THE U.S. AND SOME CANADIAN PROVINCES.
DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE IN THE U.S., PROVINCE TO PROVINCE IN CANADA AND FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY TO PORTABLE AND BENCHTOP ELECTRIC TOOLS SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO. FOR WARRANTY COVERAGE WITHIN OTHER COUNTRIES, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BOSCH DEALER OR IMPORTER.