Choosing the right drill bit can make the difference between a clean, accurate hole and a frustrating job. The two types most commonly compared are SDS drill bits and standard drill bits. While they may look similar at first glance, they are designed for different tools and materials.
What is an SDS drill bit?
SDS bits have a specially grooved shank that locks into an SDS drill or rotary hammer. This gives the bit a secure fit and allows the tool to deliver powerful hammer action without the bit slipping in the chuck.
SDS Plus bits are mainly used for drilling into masonry, brick, block and concrete. They are the better choice when you need to drill anchor holes for fixings, install wall plugs or work through hard building materials.
Bosch offers a wide range of SDS Plus sizes for everyday masonry work. For example, the Bosch SDS Plus 10mm Drill Bit is suited to common fixing and anchor-hole jobs where a standard bit would struggle.
Heller is another strong option for masonry drilling. The Heller SDS Plus 5.5mm Drill Bit is useful when you need a smaller diameter for lighter fixing work. For larger, heavier-duty applications using an SDS Max machine, the Heller SDS Max 2 Cutter 32 x 370mm is designed for a different SDS shank system, so always check that your drill accepts SDS Max bits before ordering.
What is a standard drill bit?
Standard drill bits normally have a round shank and fit into a conventional drill chuck. HSS twist bits are commonly used for metal, timber and many general-purpose drilling jobs, depending on the bit specification and the material.
A standard bit is the right choice when you are using a regular cordless drill or combi drill without an SDS chuck. The Bosch HSS Twist Drill Bit POINTTEQ 19-Piece Set gives you a range of sizes for everyday drilling work.
SDS vs standard drill bits: the main differences
| Feature | SDS drill bit | Standard drill bit |
|---|---|---|
| Best used with | SDS drill or rotary hammer | Standard drill or combi drill |
| Typical materials | Concrete, brick, block and masonry | Metal, timber and general-purpose applications |
| Shank design | Grooved SDS shank | Round shank |
| Hammer action | Designed for hammer drilling | Not intended for heavy rotary hammer work |
| Main advantage | Fast, secure masonry drilling | Versatile everyday drilling |
Bosch or Heller: which SDS bit should you choose?
Both Bosch and Heller offer SDS drill bits for masonry applications. The most important things to check are the shank system your drill accepts, the diameter and length you need, and whether the bit is intended for the material you are drilling.
SDS Plus is common for general-purpose masonry drilling, while SDS Max is used with larger compatible machines and heavier-duty bits. SDS Plus and SDS Max bits are not interchangeable, so check your drill before choosing a bit.
Which drill bit should you choose?
Choose an SDS bit if you are drilling into concrete, brick or block with an SDS drill, especially when you need hammer action. Choose a standard bit if you are using a conventional drill or drilling materials such as metal or wood.
Always check the bit specification before starting, use the correct speed and pressure for the material, and wear suitable eye protection. Using the wrong bit can damage the bit, the drill or the surface you are working on.
Shop the products mentioned
- Bosch SDS Plus Drill Bit 10mm
- Heller SDS Plus Drill Bit 5.5mm
- Heller SDS Max 2 Cutter 32 x 370mm
- Bosch HSS Twist Drill Bit POINTTEQ Set, 19 Pieces
Not sure which bit is right for your job? Contact the Ace Fixings team and we’ll help you choose.