SDS Plus Drill Bits

About SDS Plus Drill Bits

SDS Plus drill bits are specialised masonry drilling accessories designed for use with SDS Plus rotary hammer drills. The SDS (Special Direct System) Plus shank features grooves that lock securely into compatible drill chucks, providing superior power transfer and allowing bits to move slightly during the hammering action. This design makes them significantly more effective than standard masonry bits when drilling through concrete, brick, stone, and other hard materials commonly encountered on construction sites and renovation projects.

The range available from Tooled-Up.com includes individual drill bits in various diameters and lengths, as well as convenient sets for tradespeople who need multiple sizes readily available. Common diameters range from 5mm up to 32mm, with working lengths from compact 110mm bits for shallow fixing holes through to extra-long 1000mm bits for drilling through thick walls or creating ventilation runs. Many bits feature carbide tips for enhanced durability and efficient drilling through reinforced concrete.

Leading manufacturers including Bosch Professional, DeWalt, Makita, and Faithfull produce SDS Plus drill bits to meet the demanding requirements of professional users. Premium ranges such as the Bosch 5X and Expert 7X series incorporate advanced geometry and hardened materials for extended lifespan and faster drilling speeds, whilst budget-conscious options from brands like Draper and Blue Spot provide excellent value for occasional users and DIY enthusiasts.

Jargon Buster

• SDS Plus Shank: A standardised fitting system with two open grooves and two closed grooves that measure 10mm in diameter. The shank slots into compatible hammer drills and allows the bit to reciprocate during the hammering action whilst transmitting rotational force.
• Carbide Tip: The hardened cutting edge made from tungsten carbide, an extremely hard material capable of pulverising concrete and masonry. The tip geometry and quality significantly affects drilling speed and bit longevity.
• Working Length: The usable drilling depth measured from the tip to where the flutes end, excluding the shank section. This determines the maximum hole depth achievable in a single pass without extensions.
• Overall Length: The total measurement from drill tip to the end of the shank, important for ensuring adequate clearance when drilling in confined spaces or near obstructions.
• Flute Design: The spiral grooves running along the bit body that evacuate dust and debris from the hole during drilling. Efficient flute geometry prevents binding and overheating, particularly in deep holes.
• Sandblasted Finish: A surface treatment that improves heat dissipation and reduces friction between the bit and hole walls, extending tool life and maintaining drilling efficiency.

Who Uses SDS Plus Drill Bits?

• Construction Workers: For drilling fixing holes in concrete floors, walls, and ceilings during new builds and structural modifications
• Electricians: Creating cable runs through masonry walls, installing back boxes, and mounting electrical enclosures and containment systems
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Drilling holes for pipe penetrations through walls, installing radiator brackets, and fixing bathroom fittings to solid walls
• Carpenters and Shopfitters: Securing timber frames, battens, and fixtures to masonry substrates using mechanical anchors
• Roofers: Installing roof ventilation systems, satellite dishes, and securing fascia brackets to brickwork and concrete
• Groundworkers and Landscapers: Drilling into concrete foundations, paving slabs, and retaining walls for fixing posts and drainage
• Window and Door Fitters: Creating fixing points in reveals and lintels when installing frames in masonry openings
• Maintenance Engineers: Facility managers and building maintenance personnel drilling holes for shelving, signage, and equipment mounting
• DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners undertaking renovation projects requiring secure fixings into brick, concrete block, or stone walls

How to Choose the Right SDS Plus Drill Bits

Diameter Requirements: Select bit diameters based on the fixings you're installing. Common sizes include 6mm and 8mm for standard wall plugs, 10mm and 12mm for medium-duty anchors, and larger diameters up to 32mm for chemical anchors and heavy-duty applications. Multi-piece sets from Tooled-Up provide convenient coverage of frequently-used sizes.

Working Length: Consider the wall thickness you'll encounter regularly. Standard 110mm-160mm working lengths suit most internal partition and cavity wall applications, whilst 210mm-450mm bits handle solid external walls. Extra-long 600mm-1000mm bits are essential for drilling through thick stone walls in period properties or creating ventilation runs through multiple wall leaves.

Quality and Durability: Professional tradespeople drilling concrete daily benefit from premium bits like the Bosch Expert 7X series, which offer significantly extended lifespan through advanced carbide grades and optimised flute geometry. For occasional use, mid-range options from Faithfull or Draper provide excellent value without compromising performance.

Sets versus Individual Bits: Starter sets containing 3-10 commonly-used sizes offer better value for those building their toolkit, whilst individual bits allow professionals to replace specific worn sizes or add specialist diameters to their collection.

Application-Specific Features: For drilling reinforced concrete, look for bits with four-cutter head geometry that can handle rebar contact. Dust extraction compatibility is valuable for drilling overhead or in occupied buildings, helping meet HSE requirements for silica dust control.

Compatibility: Ensure the bits match your drill's chuck system – SDS Plus is the most common format for compact to medium hammer drills, whilst larger breakers use SDS Max. Check your drill's maximum bit capacity, as some compact models cannot accommodate bits beyond 18mm diameter.

Popular Accessories

• SDS Plus Chisels: Point, flat, and bolster chisels for chasing walls, removing tiles, and breaking up concrete using your SDS hammer drill
• Drill Bit Extensions: Extend working length for drilling through exceptionally thick walls or accessing recessed areas
• Depth Stops: Adjustable guides that ensure consistent hole depth when installing fixings at specific depths
• Dust Extraction Attachments: HSE-compliant vacuum shrouds that capture harmful silica dust at source during drilling operations
• Replacement Chucks: Spare SDS Plus tool holders for hammer drills experiencing wear or retention issues
• Drill Bit Storage Cases: Tough cases and rolls that protect bits from damage and keep sizes organised on site
• Safety Glasses and Dust Masks: Essential PPE for protecting eyes and respiratory system from flying debris and silica dust
• Masonry Fixings: Wall plugs, frame fixings, and chemical anchors designed for use with drilled holes in concrete and masonry
• Lubricants and Coolants: Specialist products that reduce heat build-up during extended drilling in very hard materials

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses or goggles when drilling masonry to protect against flying debris. Dust masks or respirators rated FFP3 are essential for controlling exposure to harmful silica dust, particularly when drilling concrete or engineered stone. Heavy-duty work gloves protect hands from sharp edges and vibration, whilst ear defenders are advisable during prolonged drilling sessions.

Hidden Services: Before drilling, use a cable and pipe detector to locate electrical cables, water pipes, and gas lines concealed within walls. Striking live cables with a drill bit can cause serious injury or death, whilst puncturing water or gas pipes creates significant hazards and costly damage.

Tool Maintenance: Inspect SDS Plus drill bits before use for worn carbide tips, bent shanks, or damaged flutes. Damaged bits can break during use, creating projectile hazards. Keep bits clean and apply light lubrication to shanks to ensure proper retention in the drill chuck.

Vibration Exposure: Extended use of SDS hammer drills contributes to Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Follow HSE guidance on exposure limits, take regular breaks, and maintain equipment properly to minimise vibration transmission. Keep hands warm as cold reduces blood circulation and increases susceptibility to vibration injury.

Secure Workpieces: Ensure materials are firmly secured before drilling. Bits can snag unexpectedly when breaking through or hitting reinforcement, potentially causing the workpiece or drill to rotate violently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between SDS Plus and SDS Max drill bits?

SDS Plus bits have a 10mm shank diameter and are designed for compact to medium rotary hammer drills typically used by electricians, plumbers, and general builders. SDS Max features an 18mm shank for heavy-duty breakers and large hammer drills used in demolition and major construction. The two systems are not interchangeable – check your drill's chuck type before purchasing bits.

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

No. SDS Plus bits require a dedicated SDS Plus rotary hammer drill with a matching chuck system. Standard keyless chucks found on cordless drills cannot grip SDS shanks, and regular drills lack the hammering action essential for efficient masonry drilling. For occasional masonry drilling with standard drills, use conventional round-shank masonry bits instead.

Why do my drill bits keep wearing out quickly?

Premature wear typically results from excessive pressure (let the drill's hammering action do the work), drilling reinforced concrete where the carbide tip strikes rebar, inadequate cooling during extended drilling, or using economy bits for heavy professional use. Premium ranges like Bosch 5X or DeWalt Extreme offer significantly longer lifespan for demanding applications. Ensure you're using the correct drilling mode and withdraw the bit periodically to clear dust from deep holes.

How deep can I drill with SDS Plus drill bits?

The maximum depth depends on the bit's working length, which ranges from 110mm for standard bits up to 1000mm for extra-long specialist bits. For holes deeper than your longest bit, use SDS Plus extensions or drill from both sides of the wall where access permits. Remember that the working length excludes the shank, so check specifications carefully when drilling to specific depths.

Do I need different bits for brick versus concrete?

Quality SDS Plus drill bits work effectively in both materials. However, brick is softer and less abrasive than concrete, so economy bits perform adequately in brick whilst struggling with concrete. High-density concrete, especially with aggregate or reinforcement, demands premium bits with superior carbide quality and four-cutter head designs. Lightweight blocks drill easily with any reasonable quality bit.