What Makes an SDS Drill Bit Special?

Normally, the interesting part of a drill bit is the tip, since it reveals the intended application and quality of the tool. And with SDS drill bits, the tip is certainly important as well. But what really makes this tool special is the shank, which sets it apart from conventional drill bits and also gives it its name. After all, the shank is not only responsible for securely holding the tool, but is also a crucial factor in power transmission. And in both of these areas, the SDS drill bit impresses with innovative solutions.

Hammer drill bits with an SDS shank are designed for demanding drilling work in concrete or masonry, where hammer drills and rotary hammers take an aggressive approach to breaking up hard stone. Today we will take a look at how their design allows them to handle this task, which SDS drill bits are available, and of course we will also show you where to find concrete drill bits and other SDS products in the BAER online shop.

Who invented it? The idea behind the SDS drill bit dates back to the 1970s

Today, the SDS drill bit is used worldwide, but the invention originally came from Germany. More specifically, from Bosch. In 1975, the company set out to revolutionize tool holder systems for rotary and demolition hammers with a low-wear quick-change mechanism that required no additional tools and used a standardized 10 mm shank diameter.

Originally, the letters SDS stood for the German phrase “Steck, Dreh, Sitzt” – a handy mnemonic describing how the new system worked. Soon afterward, however, the system became internationally successful, and a name that also worked outside German-speaking countries was needed. To preserve the acronym, the term “Special Direct System” was created and is still used today.

How the special SDS shank works

In this system, tool locking and torque transmission function independently from one another. The SDS holder contains two balls that lock into recesses on the SDS shank. Torque, on the other hand, is transferred via the two grooves that engage with guide rails in the tool holder.

Changing the drill bit is quick and requires no additional tools. In addition, the drill bit sits loosely enough within the mechanism to allow a small amount of movement. SDS drill bits therefore enable loss-free impact energy transfer with high break resistance.

To use SDS drill bits, however, you also need a machine with a compatible tool holder – that is the downside. Before purchasing these tools, you should therefore make sure that your rotary hammer or hammer drill is actually compatible.

SDS-max or SDS-plus drill bits – These variants are available

Over time, Bosch developed additional versions of its system for different applications. These are the SDS variants you should know:

SDS-plus

This is the original version and remains the most common today. If you simply read “SDS” or “SDS drill bit”, this is usually the system being referred to. SDS-plus is ideal for standard drilling in concrete and stone. The shank diameter is 10 mm. SDS Plus hammer drill bits are available in diameters from 4 mm to 30 mm.

SDS-max

SDS-max is designed for heavy demolition hammers with an 18 mm shank. This is a further development of the original system for rotary hammers and demolition hammers in the 5 kg class and above. Drill bits are available in sizes from 12 mm to 45 mm.

SDS-quick

For smaller drills and rotary hammers, Bosch developed this version with a 6.8 mm shank diameter. This allows even cordless machines to benefit from the innovative quick-change system.

SDS-top

These products with a 14 mm diameter for machines in the 2 kg to 5 kg class never became widely established. The product line has since been discontinued.

Systems from other manufacturers

Today, Bosch is no longer the only company offering the SDS system. Many major manufacturers now include these concrete drill bits in their product ranges. When selecting a tool, however, make absolutely sure that it is truly compatible with your machine. A quick tip: our SDS-plus hammer drill bit set is guaranteed to fit any hammer drill or rotary hammer with an SDS-plus holder.

We’ve got you covered! SDS drill bits in the BAER online shop

So now we return to the tip after all. Because when drilling under demanding conditions, the tip naturally plays a crucial role – otherwise even the most sophisticated shank system is of little use. And our SDS-plus hammer drill bits certainly have nothing to hide.

Four cutting edges ensure smooth running performance and continuous drilling progress, allowing for perfect and precise drilling results. The tip is made from tungsten carbide cobalt. This material not only handles extremely hard materials such as granite, natural stone, reinforced concrete, and masonry with ease, but also offers exceptional resistance to high temperatures. Our SDS-plus hammer drill bits are available in a 7-piece set covering sizes from 5 mm to 12 mm. They are delivered in a sturdy storage box – practical for storage and transport.

By the way: if you would like to use your rotary hammer more flexibly, you can use the SDS-plus adapter from our range to connect a drill chuck for standard cylindrical-shank drill bits.

SDS-plus drill bits, many other drill bits, and a comprehensive range of taps for every size and thread type are waiting for you in the BAER online shop. Do you have a question or need professional purchasing advice? Our customer service team will be happy to assist you.