DeWalt’s rotary hammer range spans cordless 18V XR models, cordless 54V FLEXVOLT machines, and corded options — all using industry-standard SDS-Plus or SDS-Max shank systems. The DCH273N and DCH133N cordless models are particularly popular in the UK, and the corded D25333K remains a favourite for professional builders. Understanding which SDS system your DeWalt uses will let you choose from any manufacturer’s bit range, not just DeWalt-branded accessories. This guide covers every current DeWalt SDS rotary hammer model and explains bit compatibility across the range.
DeWalt does not use proprietary shank systems — all bits marked as SDS-Plus or SDS-Max will fit your DeWalt rotary hammer, just as they would fit Makita, Bosch, or any other brand. Once you’ve identified whether your model uses SDS-Plus or SDS-Max, you can source bits from any supplier.
Which SDS System Does DeWalt Use?
SDS-Plus — the standard system used in DeWalt’s 18V XR and corded entry-to-mid-range models. SDS-Plus bits have a 10mm shank and are available from 4mm to 32mm diameter. All DeWalt’s consumer and prosumer rotary hammers use SDS-Plus.
SDS-Max — used only in DeWalt’s professional heavy-duty models rated 1300W and above, and in the 54V FLEXVOLT cordless range. SDS-Max bits have a 20mm shank and are engineered for demolition, breaker work, and sustained high-power applications. Only the DCH614N (54V FLEXVOLT) and corded D25614K and D25773K models use SDS-Max.
If you own a DeWalt cordless rotary hammer on the 18V XR platform, you almost certainly have SDS-Plus. If you own the high-voltage 54V FLEXVOLT model (DCH614N), you have SDS-Max. All DeWalt SDS bits are fully compatible with standard SDS-Plus or SDS-Max bits from any manufacturer.
DeWalt SDS Rotary Hammer Model Compatibility Table
| Model Number | SDS System | Power / Voltage | Max Bit Diameter | Chuck Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D25133K | SDS-Plus | 800W corded | 26mm | Standard SDS-Plus | 2.4kg |
| D25144K | SDS-Plus | 900W corded | 28mm | Standard SDS-Plus | 2.9kg |
| D25333K | SDS-Plus | 950W corded | 32mm | Quick-change SDS-Plus | 3.2kg |
| DCH133N (18V XR) | SDS-Plus | 18V Li-Ion brushless | 24mm | Standard SDS-Plus | 2.1kg |
| DCH133M2 (18V XR kit) | SDS-Plus | 18V Li-Ion brushless + 2x 4.0Ah batteries | 24mm | Standard SDS-Plus | 2.1kg |
| DCH273N (18V XR) | SDS-Plus | 18V Li-Ion brushless | 26mm | Standard SDS-Plus | 2.3kg |
| DCH273M2 (18V XR kit) | SDS-Plus | 18V Li-Ion brushless + 2x 4.0Ah batteries | 26mm | Standard SDS-Plus | 2.3kg |
| DCH614N (54V FLEXVOLT) | SDS-Max | 54V Li-Ion dual battery | 40mm | Standard SDS-Max | 5.0kg |
| D25614K | SDS-Max | 1350W corded | 40mm | Standard SDS-Max | 6.2kg |
| D25773K | SDS-Max | 1700W corded | 52mm | Standard SDS-Max | 8.0kg |
DeWalt SDS-Plus Compatible Bits
Any SDS-Plus bit will fit your DeWalt SDS-Plus rotary hammer — from Makita, Bosch, Hilti, or any other manufacturer. There is no proprietary restriction. Bits range from 4mm to 32mm, though your practical maximum depends on your tool’s power rating and what the manual specifies.
For the popular DCH273N (18V XR), a basic kit covering 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm is ideal for most work. This covers general masonry drilling, concrete anchors, and light chiselling. Larger bits (20mm, 24mm, 26mm) are for specialist applications and significantly reduce cordless runtime.
The corded D25333K, rated for up to 32mm bits, is more versatile for larger holes. If you regularly drill holes larger than 20mm, the corded model with its continuous power is far superior to cordless — battery runtime drops dramatically with large bits.
DeWalt SDS-Max Compatible Bits
DeWalt’s SDS-Max models are specialist machines: the 54V cordless DCH614N and the corded D25614K and D25773K. Only SDS-Max bits fit these tools. Any SDS-Max bit from any manufacturer will work — Bosch, Makita, Hilti, Alpen, all use the same 20mm shank standard.
If you own the DCH614N 54V FLEXVOLT, you have the most powerful cordless rotary hammer on the market. It will drive large SDS-Max bits that would struggle with lower-voltage models. SDS-Max bits are more expensive than SDS-Plus, but they’re engineered for the higher torque and power these tools deliver.
DeWalt Recommended Drill Bits — Extreme & XLR Series
DeWalt’s own branded bit ranges are excellent and widely available in the UK:
DeWalt Extreme — the SDS-Plus range, featuring a 4-cutter head design for general masonry and concrete work. Good quality at a mid-range price point. Widely available on Amazon and at trade suppliers.
Buy DeWalt Extreme SDS-Plus bits on Amazon
DeWalt XLR — the premium SDS-Max range, specifically engineered for the D25614K and D25773K corded models. XLR bits feature enhanced carbide tips and aggressive flute design for longer life in heavy demolition work.
For cordless 18V XR work, DeWalt also produces standard SDS-Plus kits that are optimised for runtime and battery drain profiles. These are excellent value for cordless users.
Third-Party Compatible Bits
You can absolutely use third-party SDS-Plus and SDS-Max bits in your DeWalt. Many excellent manufacturers produce bits that meet the standard specification:
Bosch — German-made SDS-Plus-5X and SDS-Plus-7X bits. Often cheaper than DeWalt-branded options and excellent quality.
Heller — German brand, trusted across UK trades. Known for durability and precision, particularly in larger diameters.
Alpen — Swiss manufacturer. Produces premium SDS-Max bits; excellent choice if you own the 54V DCH614N or D25773K.
Irwin — American brand, widely available. Good general-purpose SDS-Plus bits at competitive prices.
Erbauer — B&Q’s house brand. Budget-friendly for DIY, not recommended for heavy professional use.
For the 18V XR cordless models, we recommend Bosch SDS-Plus-5X or Heller bits as excellent value. For the 54V FLEXVOLT or corded models doing heavy work, invest in Alpen SDS-Max bits for maximum durability.
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Makita or Bosch bits in my DeWalt DCH273N?
Yes, completely. Any SDS-Plus bit works in any SDS-Plus tool. Your DCH273N will drive Makita Nemesis bits, Bosch SDS-Plus-5X, Heller, or any other brand-name SDS-Plus bit. DeWalt does not use a proprietary shank system.
Is the DeWalt D25333K corded better than the DCH273N cordless?
For occasional work, the DCH273N cordless is more convenient. For high-volume drilling, large holes (20mm+), or sustained use, the corded D25333K is superior — it has no battery limitations and can handle larger bits. Many users own both.
What’s the difference between DeWalt Extreme and Bosch SDS-Plus-5X bits?
Both are solid mid-range options with similar 4-cutter head designs and carbide tips. Extreme is optimised for DeWalt tools, SDS-Plus-5X for Bosch. In practice, performance is nearly identical. Bosch bits are often slightly cheaper — buy whichever is in stock and cheaper at your supplier.
Can I use SDS-Max bits in my 18V XR cordless DeWalt?
No. SDS-Max bits (20mm shank) do not fit SDS-Plus chucks (10mm). Your DCH273N and DCH133N use SDS-Plus only. SDS-Max is available on the 54V DCH614N FLEXVOLT cordless and the D25614K/D25773K corded models only.
Which bit set should I buy for the DCH273N?
Start with a mixed SDS-Plus set covering 4mm to 16mm in 2mm increments. This handles 95% of everyday work. For larger holes, add 20mm and 24mm bits individually as jobs require them. Avoid full large-diameter sets for cordless use — bits over 20mm drain batteries too quickly to be practical.
SDS-Plus Drill Bit Sets — Where to Buy
DeWalt SDS drill bit sets on Amazon
For more on DeWalt cordless tools and battery compatibility, visit our DeWalt 20V MAX battery compatibility guide. For broader SDS information, see our complete SDS drill bit compatibility guide.
