SDS Drills
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About SDS Drills
SDS drills, also known as rotary hammer drills, are specialised power tools engineered for drilling into concrete, masonry, stone and other hard materials. The SDS (Special Direct System) chuck allows drill bits to move independently whilst rotating, creating powerful hammer action with significantly greater impact energy than standard drills. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks both SDS Plus machines—the most popular choice for general construction work—and heavy-duty SDS Max models designed for demolition and large-diameter drilling applications.
Our range includes corded and cordless models from premium manufacturers including Bosch Professional, DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita. Modern 18V cordless platforms now deliver performance rivalling mains-powered machines, offering tradespeople cable-free convenience without compromising on power. Whether you need a compact cordless drill for mobile work or a heavy-duty 240v model for intensive site use, MyToolShed.co.uk has SDS drills to suit every application and budget.
Applications
SDS drills are essential tools across numerous trades and industries:
- Electricians - chasing out walls for cable runs, drilling through concrete for conduit and back boxes
- Plumbers and heating engineers - drilling holes for pipework, fixing brackets and radiators to masonry
- Builders and contractors - all aspects of construction involving concrete and masonry drilling
- Groundworkers - heavy-duty drilling and breaking of concrete on construction sites
- Kitchen and bathroom fitters - drilling fixing holes and removing tiles during renovations
- Shopfitters - installing shelving, signage and equipment to concrete and brick walls
- Maintenance engineers - facility repairs requiring concrete drilling for installations
- Landscapers and fencers - drilling into concrete posts, walls and hard ground
- DIY enthusiasts - home renovation projects including extensions and patio installations
Choosing The Right SDS Drills
SDS Type: SDS Plus drills suit most tradespeople, handling bits up to 30mm diameter with excellent chiselling capability. Only consider SDS Max for regular large-diameter drilling or heavy demolition work, as these machines are significantly heavier.
Power Source: Corded 240v models provide consistent power for intensive all-day use. Modern 18V cordless drills offer impressive performance with cable-free convenience—ideal if you already use a particular battery platform like Bosch or DeWalt.
Impact Energy: Higher joule ratings mean faster drilling. DIY users need 1.5-2J, whilst professionals should seek 2.5-4J for reliable daily performance. Check blows per minute (BPM) ratings too.
Essential Features: Anti-vibration systems protect against Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) during prolonged use. Safety clutches prevent dangerous kickback. Brushless motors deliver superior efficiency and runtime on cordless models.
Safety Information
Always wear safety goggles, hearing protection and FFP2/FFP3 rated dust masks when drilling concrete—silica dust poses serious long-term health risks. Choose machines with low vibration figures and anti-vibration systems to reduce HAVS risk. Take regular breaks and maintain a firm two-handed grip using the auxiliary handle. Check for hidden cables and pipes before drilling using a cable detector. For corded models, use RCD protection on construction sites and inspect cables regularly for damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between SDS Plus and SDS Max?
SDS Plus features 10mm shank bits suitable for holes up to 30mm diameter and light to medium chiselling. SDS Max uses 18mm shanks for holes over 30mm and serious demolition work, delivering much greater impact energy but with considerably more weight.
Can I use an SDS drill as a normal drill?
Many SDS drills accept chuck adapters allowing standard round-shank bits. Switch to rotation-only mode for drilling wood, metal and plastic. However, for extensive precision work, a conventional drill/driver is more suitable.
Are cordless SDS drills powerful enough for professional use?
Modern 18V cordless SDS Plus drills from leading manufacturers now deliver performance comparable to corded models for most applications. They're ideal for mobile work and moderate drilling volumes, though corded models still offer advantages for intensive all-day use.