SDS Hammer Drills, SDS Plus Drills, and Concrete Drill Bits What You Need to Know
When you're drilling into concrete, block, brick, or masonry, not just any drill will do. You need the right combination of tool, bit, and shank type to get clean holes, fast progress, and a longer tool life. For most pros, that means choosing an SDS hammer drill or rotary hammer and pairing it with SDS drill bits specifically engineered for hard materials.
At Champion Chisel Works, we manufacture demolition steel and bits that work hand-in-hand with SDS and rotary hammer systems. Whether you’re installing anchors in concrete, doing mechanical rough-ins, or performing demolition with chisel attachments, knowing how to choose the right tool and accessory is essential.
Here’s a practical breakdown to help you match your drill, your bits, and your job.
What Is an SDS Hammer Drill?
SDS stands for Slotted Drive System (sometimes Slotted Drive Shaft), and it’s a specific shank type used in rotary hammer drills. SDS hammer drills are designed for heavy-duty drilling in hard materials like:
- Poured concrete
- Cinder block
- Brick walls
- Stone
- Rebar-embedded slab
Unlike standard hammer drills, SDS hammer drills don’t just spin, they also deliver powerful piston-driven hammer blows that make short work of concrete.
These tools are known for:
- Fast drilling speeds in tough materials
- Long tool and bit life
- Secure locking mechanism (bits won’t slip under load)
- Versatility for both drilling and light chiseling
SDS Plus vs SDS Max: What’s the Difference?
There are two common SDS formats: SDS Plus and SDS Max. Choosing the right one depends on your hammer and the job requirements.
SDS Plus
- Shank diameter: ~10mm
- For light to medium-duty use
- Compatible with smaller rotary hammers
- Ideal for anchor holes, setting conduit, tile removal, and overhead work
SDS Max
- Shank diameter: ~18mm
- For heavy-duty use and larger holes
- Compatible with full-size rotary hammers and demolition hammers
- Ideal for foundation drilling, deep core work, and concrete demolition
Champion Chisel Works offers both SDS Plus and SDS Max bits and chisels built for concrete contractors, flooring teams, and utility pros.
Rotary Hammer vs SDS Hammer Drill
Here’s where it gets a little tricky because all SDS drills are technically rotary hammers, but not all rotary hammers use SDS bits.
Rotary hammers come in two major categories:
- Standard rotary hammers with keyed or hex chuck systems
- SDS rotary hammers that accept SDS Plus or SDS Max bits
Why go SDS? Because SDS bits lock in with a secure slotted drive that won’t slip, twist, or wiggle under heavy loads. It’s a must-have if you're drilling dozens—or hundreds—of holes into concrete in a day.
Choosing the Right SDS Drill Bit
At Champion Chisel Works, we don’t just sell chisels. We know concrete. So here’s how to pick the right bit for your SDS system:
SDS Plus Drill Bits
Perfect for light-duty concrete jobs:
- Anchor installation
- Electrical boxes
- Tapcons and masonry screws
- Light tile removal (with flat chisels)
Look for 2-cutter or 4-cutter carbide tips and spiral flutes for fast dust removal.
SDS Max Drill Bits
Built for bulk material removal and deeper drilling:
- Structural anchor holes
- Large diameter pipe penetrations
- Foundation bolt installation
- Concrete demolition (with chisel or scraper bits)
Champion Chisel manufactures SDS Max chisels, bent chisels, wide scrapers, and moil points for breaking up concrete, adhesive, and grout.
Concrete Drill Bits That Actually Last
If you’re tired of bits that burn up, seize in the hole, or round off the tips after a few uses, it’s probably time to upgrade.
Champion Chisel’s SDS Max and SDS Plus steel is heat-treated and built in the USA, designed to last longer and perform better in tough concrete.
Here’s why pros choose our demolition-grade bits and chisels:
- Precision fit shanks for zero slip and maximum impact transfer
- Carbide-tipped cutting heads that hold up against rebar and aggregate
- High-flute designs to evacuate dust quickly and reduce binding
- Made in America with domestic steel and heat treatment
- Built for brands like Bosch, Hilti, Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita
We serve everyone from flooring pros doing tile tear-outs to bridge maintenance crews drilling through road deck concrete. If it’s hard, thick, or stuck to the slab—our tools are made to cut through it.
Common Use Cases for SDS Systems
Not sure which tools or bits you need? Consider these real-world examples:
- HVAC installer running refrigerant lines through concrete walls? Go SDS Plus with a 5/8" or 3/4" bit.
- Electrician mounting boxes in CMU? Use SDS Plus for 3/8" to 1/2" holes.
- Bridge crew breaking out spalling concrete? SDS Max scraper and chisel attachments.
- Plumber core drilling for 2" pipe? SDS Max rotary with deep-flute bits or step cutters.
Where to Buy SDS Max and SDS Plus Tools
At Champion Chisel Works, we offer a wide range of SDS Max chisels, SDS Plus accessories, demolition steel, floor scrapers, and specialty tools compatible with all leading rotary hammers.
Need help figuring out if your hammer takes SDS Max or SDS Plus? Call us at 800-239-1434. We’ll walk you through it—no guesswork, no wasted money.
Final Thoughts
If you’re drilling concrete and not using SDS tools, you’re making life harder than it needs to be. SDS hammer drills and concrete drill bits are purpose-built to do the job faster, cleaner, and with less effort.
When paired with the right demolition steel from Champion Chisel Works, your SDS system becomes a true jobsite workhorse.
Don’t settle for cheap bits that fail halfway through a project. Champion’s USA-made tooling is built for serious work, and we back it up with real-world knowledge and phone support you won’t find on a big-box website.
View our inventory or call 800-239-1434 to get the right SDS Max or SDS Plus accessories shipped fast to your jobsite.