Milwaukee Drill Bits: Compatibility Guide & Recommended Products
Milwaukee is known for professional-grade cordless tools and SHOCKWAVE impact-rated bits. Their rotary hammer range covers SDS-Plus and SDS-Max systems, with excellent bit compatibility across both platforms.
Milwaukee Chuck Systems
SDS-Plus (10mm Shank) — M18 FH, M18 CHX Series
Milwaukee’s cordless SDS-Plus range. Reliable, powerful for percussion drilling. Compatible with all standard SDS-Plus bits.
SDS-Max (18mm Shank) — MX FUEL Breaker Series
Milwaukee’s MX FUEL platform (49V) features cordless SDS-Max breaker hammers. Professional-grade, expensive, but industry-leading.
Standard Three-Jaw Chuck — M18 Compact Drills
Milwaukee’s compact 18V drills use 13mm keyless chucks. Round shank bits only.
Milwaukee Model Compatibility Matrix
| Model | Category | Chuck Type | Compatible Bits | Max Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M18 FH | Rotary Hammer (Cordless 18V) | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus only | 26mm |
| M18 CHX | Rotary Hammer (Cordless 18V) | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus only | 32mm |
| MX FUEL Breaker | Breaker Hammer (Cordless 49V) | SDS-Max | SDS-Max only | 52mm |
| M18 Compact | Drill Driver (Cordless 18V) | Standard chuck (13mm keyless) | Round shanks only | 13mm |
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE SDS-Plus Bits
SHOCKWAVE Impact-Rated Bits
Milwaukee’s SHOCKWAVE series is optimised for impact tools. These bits are tough, designed for percussion drills. Excellent value and reliability.
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE SDS-Plus Bits
Available in 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 32mm sizes. Impact-rated for M18 CHX and other SDS-Plus drills. £6–12 per bit.
Standard Milwaukee SDS-Plus Bits
Milwaukee SDS-Plus Masonry Bits
Comprehensive range. Professional-grade quality. £8–15 per bit.
Compatible Third-Party SDS-Plus Bits for Milwaukee Tools
Bosch SDS-Plus Bits
Standard design, universal compatibility. £5–12 per bit.
Makita SDS-Plus Bits
Professional quality, reliable. £6–15 per bit.
DeWalt SDS-Plus Bits
Heavy-duty option. Fully compatible. £8–15 per bit.
Milwaukee SDS-Max Bits (MX FUEL)
MX FUEL Breaker Compatibility
Milwaukee’s 49V MX FUEL cordless breaker hammer uses SDS-Max. Bits are expensive but essential for this professional tool.
Milwaukee SDS-Max Bits
20, 25, 32, 40, 52mm. Professional-grade. £20–35 per bit.
Hilti SDS-Max Bits
Alternative, fully compatible. Industrial standard. £20–35 per bit.
Milwaukee Battery System (M18 & MX FUEL)
M18 System: 18V li-ion batteries. Mature ecosystem, wide tool range, affordable. Good entry point for cordless SDS-Plus.
MX FUEL System: 49V li-ion batteries. Premium, expensive, but delivers superior power and run time. Professional investment.
Batteries are NOT cross-compatible between M18 and MX FUEL—plan accordingly.
Recommended Milwaukee Bit Kits
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE SDS-Plus Multi-Pack
Best value for M18 FH/CHX users. Multiple sizes. £20–35.
Bosch SDS-Plus Comprehensive Set
Budget alternative with more variety. £20–28.
Next Steps
For detailed information on SDS-Plus performance and alternatives, see our SDS-Plus vs SDS-Max guide. For standard chuck drills, check our material guide.