SDS drill bits are specialized, heavy-duty masonry bits used in rotary hammers to drill into concrete, brick, and stone. Their unique grooved shank locks into the drill chuck, allowing the bit to slide back and forth for powerful percussive impact without relying on a traditional friction chuck.

In addition to the standard drill bits, there is a wide range of specialty bits are available made for a specific task, or to fit a particular type of chuck. These are made specifically to fit an SDS chuck mechanism, and won’t work with any other. The end that fits into the chuck has a fluted appearance; the drilling part of the shaft is normal.