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What to consider when choosing an SDS drill bit and types

There are several things to consider when starting a new job or drilling work. Choosing the right SDS drill bit is essential to ensuring the job is done efficiently, correctly, and cost-effectively.

Material you’ll be working on

Brick and blockwork – Less dense, suitable for two-cutter SDS Plus bits.

Concrete (non-reinforced) – Make sure you use carbide-tipped bits for consistent drilling.

Reinforced concrete (with rebar) – Best handled with cross-head or four-cutter tips that reduce snagging and deliver smoother drilling through steel reinforcement.

Natural stone – Abrasive and inconsistent; requires durable carbide tips and steady operation to avoid tip damage.

Tip design of the drill bit

Two-cutter tips – Faster drilling in softer masonry and for less precise drilling.

Cross-head (four-cutter) tips – Used to cut through reinforced concrete without getting jammed against rebar, allowing for more consistent drilling.

Bit length and diameter

Diameter should match the required fixing size or anchor size. Using an undersized or oversized bit can lead to mismatched fixing sizes and compromise the integrity of the job.

Length should be chosen based on hole depth. Long bits are suitable for deep holes but may flex under heavy loads; for shallow drilling, shorter bits provide greater control and precision.

Drill compatibility

Ensure the bit shank corresponds to the drill chuck type (SDS Plus or SDS Max). Mismatched systems are not interchangeable without adaptors, and these do not offer the best performance.

SDS drill adapters can only be used on SDS max drills, allowing for the use of SDS plus bits. Adapters cannot be used on SDS plus drills to allow for SDS max bits.

When it comes to choosing the right bit for the job, compromise can lead to unfixable errors, poor job satisfaction, and generally make the job harder than it needs to be.

Types of SDS drill bits

SDS drill bits aren’t one-size-fits-all, and the right choice depends on both the material and the job. The three main types of SDS drill bits are:

SDS Plus bits

This is the most common type and has a 10mm shank.
Designed for general masonry work, such as drilling into brick, blockwork, or light concrete.

Versatile and widely compatible with most SDS drills.

Ideal for tradespeople who need reliable performance on everyday jobs.

SDS Max bits
A larger, heavier-duty option with an 18mm shank.
Built for high-impact drilling through dense concrete, stone, or reinforced substrates.

Transfers more energy from the drill and are often used in major construction work or demolition projects.

Chiselling bits
Instead of a cutting tip, these feature a variety of different ends; flat, pointed, spade-shaped, bent (cranked shaft), u-type, comb, and tile.
Used for breaking, cutting, and removal tasks, such as tile stripping, channel cutting, or breaking up old masonry.

Available in different widths and lengths depending on the finish required.

Available for both SDS Plus and SDS Max drills.

Specialist Tip Designs

SDS drill bits also come in a variety of tip designs. The cutting tip is where the real performance difference lies. Depending on the material and the job, you’ll find several specialist options:

Cross-head (four-cutter) tips – Provide multiple cutting edges for smoother drilling, especially when hitting steel reinforcement (rebar) within concrete. They help prevent the bit from snagging and extend overall lifespan.

Two-cutter tips – More common in lighter-duty SDS Plus bits. Ideal for brick and blockwork where rebar isn’t a concern, offering speed and efficiency without the extra cost.

3-cutter chisels – Designed for more heavy-duty drilling, such as concrete, stone, and masonry where there might also be rebar.

Pointed chisels – For breaking through masonry.

Flat chisels – Best for stripping tiles, or breaking sections of concrete with a clean edge.

Spade chisels – Designed for wider demolition tasks, such as breaking up floors or removing large surface areas of dense material.

U-type chisels – For carving or shaping curved channels, as opposed to straight cuts.

Comb chisels – For surface preparation – such as roughing up concrete or stone surfaces, removing plaster or adhesive – before applying new layers like render or plaster.

Bent (cranked shaft) chisels – Feature a bent end that provides better leverage and access when working on surfaces in awkward spaces.

Tile chisels – For lifting floor or wall tiles, and removing old adhesive and grout.

By choosing the right tip design for the material and job, you can drill faster, reduce wear on the bit, and avoid accidentally damaging parts of the material you’re working on.

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