SDS Plus Chisel Bits

About SDS Plus Chisel Bits

SDS Plus chisel bits are essential accessories for rotary hammers and combi drills equipped with SDS Plus chucks, designed specifically for demolition, chiselling, and chasing work. Unlike standard drill bits that rotate continuously, these chisels work in conjunction with the roto-stop function found on most SDS Plus hammer drills, allowing the bit to remain stationary while the hammer mechanism delivers powerful percussive blows. This makes them ideal for breaking up concrete, removing tiles, chasing out walls for cables and pipes, cleaning mortar from brickwork, and general demolition tasks on construction sites and renovation projects.

The range available from Tooled-Up.com includes flat chisels in various widths for general breaking and chiselling work, pointed chisels for precision demolition and starting breaks in hard materials, tile chisels for removing ceramic and stone tiles, and specialist profiles such as gouging chisels, bevel-edge wood chisels, and brick pointing chisels. Premium manufacturers like Bosch Professional, DeWalt, and Makita produce heat-treated, carbide-tipped options that deliver extended lifespan and superior performance in demanding trade environments.

Most SDS Plus chisel bits feature a standardised 10mm shank with the characteristic grooved profile that locks securely into the tool chuck, allowing quick bit changes without additional tools. Professional-grade chisels often incorporate special coatings or heat treatments to resist wear and maintain edge sharpness through extended use, whilst budget-friendly options from brands like Faithfull and Draper provide cost-effective solutions for occasional users and DIY enthusiasts tackling home improvement projects.

Jargon Buster

• SDS Plus: A standardised chuck system (Special Direct System or Slotted Drive System) featuring a 10mm shank with grooves that allow quick bit changes and efficient power transfer. The "Plus" designation distinguishes it from the larger SDS Max system used in heavy-duty breakers.
• Roto-Stop Function: A feature on SDS Plus hammer drills that locks the bit in a fixed position, preventing rotation whilst maintaining the percussive hammering action. Essential for effective chisel operation, as rotation would reduce chiselling efficiency and potentially damage the bit.
• Flat Chisel: The most common chisel profile, featuring a wide, flat cutting edge available in widths from 20mm to 80mm. Used for general breaking, channel chasing, and removing material across broad surfaces.
• Pointed Chisel: Features a concentrated point for precision work, breaking into hard materials, creating starting points for demolition, and working in tight spaces where flat chisels cannot reach effectively.
• Heat Treatment: A manufacturing process that hardens the steel through controlled heating and cooling, significantly improving durability and edge retention during heavy use on masonry and concrete.
• Carbide Tip: A cutting edge made from extremely hard tungsten carbide, offering exceptional wear resistance when working with abrasive materials like concrete, brick, and stone. Significantly outlasts standard hardened steel in demanding applications.

Who Uses SDS Plus Chisel Bits?

• Electricians and sparks - chasing out walls for cable runs and mounting boxes
• Plumbers and heating engineers - creating channels for pipework and removing tiles around bathroom installations
• Bricklayers and masons - cleaning mortar joints, removing damaged bricks, and pointing work
• General builders and contractors - demolition work, breaking up concrete, and site preparation
• Kitchen and bathroom fitters - removing old tiles, preparing surfaces, and installing services
• Plasterers and renderers - preparing surfaces and removing old plaster or render
• Shopfitters and refurbishment specialists - stripping out existing installations and preparing surfaces
• Roofers - removing old mortar from ridge tiles and chimney work
• Groundworkers - breaking up concrete slabs and paving
• DIY enthusiasts and homeowners - renovation projects, tile removal, and general home improvements

How to Choose the Right SDS Plus Chisel Bits

Chisel Profile and Width: Select the appropriate profile for your specific task. Flat chisels suit general demolition and channel chasing, with wider profiles (40-80mm) removing material quickly and narrower options (20-25mm) providing better control in confined spaces. Pointed chisels excel at precision work and breaking into hard materials, whilst specialist profiles like tile chisels and gouging chisels handle specific applications more efficiently than standard flat options.

Material Quality and Construction: Professional tradespeople working daily with these tools should invest in premium heat-treated or carbide-tipped chisels from manufacturers like Bosch Professional, DeWalt, or Makita. These deliver significantly longer service life and maintain sharper edges through extended use. Occasional users and DIYers may find standard heat-treated steel chisels from Faithfull or Draper provide adequate performance at lower cost for intermittent home improvement work.

Length Considerations: Standard chisels typically measure 250mm overall length, suitable for most applications. Stubby chisels, around 150mm long, offer improved control in tight spaces and reduce the risk of bit flex during heavy chiselling. Longer chisels provide extended reach when working in deep chases or recessed areas.

Sets Versus Individual Bits: Tooled-Up stocks both individual chisels and multi-piece sets. Sets typically include a combination of flat chisels in different widths plus a pointed chisel, offering good value for tradespeople equipping their toolkits or those starting renovation projects. However, purchasing individual chisels allows you to select specific profiles and widths tailored precisely to your requirements.

Compatibility Confirmation: Whilst SDS Plus is a standardised system, always verify your hammer drill features a roto-stop or chisel function before purchasing chisel bits. Using chisels without this feature will result in poor performance and potentially damage both the bit and workpiece. Check your tool's specifications or user manual if uncertain.

Popular Accessories

• SDS Plus Drill Bits: Complement your chisel collection with masonry drill bits for creating fixing holes and pilot holes before chiselling
• SDS Plus Rotary Hammers: The essential power tool for operating chisel bits effectively
• Dust Extraction Attachments: Reduce airborne dust during chasing and chiselling operations, improving site cleanliness and respiratory protection
• Safety Goggles and Face Shields: Essential eye protection against flying debris and masonry chips
• Work Gloves: Protect hands from sharp edges and reduce vibration transmission
• Hearing Protection: Reduce noise exposure during extended chisel operation
• Dust Masks and Respirators: Prevent inhalation of harmful masonry dust, particularly important when working with materials containing silica
• Tool Storage Cases: Organise and protect your chisel bit collection with dedicated storage solutions from DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee
• Chisel Sharpening Tools: Maintain cutting edges and extend bit lifespan through proper maintenance

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when using SDS Plus chisel bits, including safety goggles or a full face shield to protect against flying debris, hearing protection to guard against prolonged noise exposure, and suitable work gloves to reduce vibration and protect hands. A dust mask or respirator rated for fine particles is essential, particularly when working with materials that may contain crystalline silica, which poses serious respiratory health risks as recognised by HSE guidelines.

Ensure your work area is properly assessed for hidden services before chiselling into walls or floors. Use a cable and pipe detector to identify electrical cables, water pipes, and gas lines that could be struck during chiselling operations. When working overhead, secure the area below and consider additional head protection beyond standard safety goggles.

Allow chisel bits to cool naturally after extended use, as they become extremely hot through friction and can cause burns if handled immediately. Never force a blunt or damaged chisel, as this increases the risk of the bit shattering or the tool kicking back unexpectedly. Inspect chisels regularly for cracks, excessive wear, or mushrooming of the striking end, replacing damaged bits immediately to maintain safe working conditions.

Maintain a firm, controlled grip on your hammer drill during chisel operations, bracing yourself against the tool's reaction forces. Work in short bursts rather than applying continuous pressure, allowing both tool and bit to operate efficiently whilst reducing operator fatigue and maintaining better control throughout the task.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SDS Plus chisel bits in a regular drill?

No, SDS Plus chisel bits require an SDS Plus rotary hammer or combi drill equipped with an SDS Plus chuck and roto-stop function. Standard drill chucks cannot accommodate the grooved SDS shank, and regular drills lack the hammering mechanism necessary for effective chisel operation. Attempting to adapt these bits for use in conventional drills will result in poor performance and potential safety hazards.

What's the difference between SDS Plus and SDS Max chisels?

SDS Plus chisels feature a 10mm shank diameter and are designed for medium-duty rotary hammers typically used by electricians, plumbers, and general builders for everyday chiselling tasks. SDS Max chisels have an 18mm shank and are considerably larger, designed for heavy-duty demolition hammers used in intensive breaking and demolition work. The two systems are not interchangeable, so always purchase chisels matching your tool's chuck type.

How long do SDS Plus chisel bits typically last?

Lifespan varies significantly based on usage intensity, material being worked, and chisel quality. Professional-grade carbide-tipped chisels from manufacturers like Bosch Professional or DeWalt can last months or even years in daily trade use, whilst standard heat-treated steel chisels may require replacement after several major projects. Working with particularly abrasive materials like reinforced concrete accelerates wear compared to softer brick or plaster. Proper technique, avoiding excessive forcing, and allowing bits to cool between extended use sessions all contribute to maximising chisel longevity.

Do I need different chisels for different materials?

Whilst flat and pointed chisels handle most general demolition tasks across various materials, specialist profiles deliver better results for specific applications. Tile chisels feature angled cutting edges that slide beneath ceramic tiles more effectively than standard flat chisels, reducing breakage of surrounding tiles. Wood chisels incorporate bevel edges suitable for timber work, whilst brick pointing chisels have narrow profiles specifically designed for mortar joint cleaning. For occasional use, a basic set containing flat and pointed chisels covers most requirements, but tradespeople specialising in particular areas benefit from task-specific profiles.

Can chisel bits be resharpened when they become blunt?

Yes, SDS Plus chisel bits can be resharpened using a bench grinder or angle grinder fitted with an appropriate grinding disc, restoring the cutting edge and extending useful life. Maintain the original bevel angle during resharpening and avoid overheating the metal, which can affect the heat treatment and reduce hardness. Carbide-tipped chisels require diamond grinding wheels for effective resharpening. However, heavily worn or damaged chisels showing cracks, severe mushrooming, or excessive material loss should be replaced rather than resharpened, as structural integrity may be compromised, creating safety risks during use.