Drilling concrete quickly and efficiently depends more on bit quality than on drill power. A good carbide-tipped SDS bit will cut at double the speed of a cheap option, produce less heat, and outlast budget alternatives by 5:1 or more. We’ve tested the leading brands to show you which bits are worth the money.
This guide covers SDS-Plus bits (6mm shank, for most DIY and trade 18–24V cordless SDS drills) and SDS-Max bits (large-diameter work on mains power or industrial kit). If you’re not sure which shank type your drill uses, check the manual or look at the bit socket — SDS-Plus is smaller and lighter.
Quick Picks — Best SDS Bits for Concrete
| Use Case | Brand & Model | Why Pick It | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Bosch SDS-Plus-5X | 4-cutter design, excellent centering, fastest drilling, longest life | £2.50–£4.50 per bit |
| Best Budget | Erbauer SDS-Plus (Screwfix) | Surprisingly good value, 2-cutter, works well for occasional use | £1.20–£2.00 per bit |
| Best for Hard Concrete | Milwaukee MX4 SDS-Plus | Aggressive cutting, very fast in high-strength concrete | £3.00–£5.00 per bit |
| Best Value Set | Makita Nemesis 5-piece | 5 common sizes (6, 8, 10, 12, 14mm), reliable mid-range quality | £18–£25 per set |
What Makes a Good Concrete Drill Bit
Not all SDS bits are created equal. The best bits for concrete share three key features:
Cutter Design — 2-Cutter vs 4-Cutter
Budget bits typically have 2 cutting edges (flutes). They work, but they’re slower and produce more heat. Premium bits have 4 cutting edges, which distribute the cutting load more evenly and drill nearly twice as fast. The Bosch SDS-Plus-5X and Milwaukee MX4 both use 4-cutter geometry — that’s why they outpace budget options so dramatically.
Flute Design for Dust Clearance
Concrete drilling creates a lot of dust. Bits with poorly designed flutes jam up, overheat, and snap. Premium bits have spiral flutes that evacuate dust efficiently, keeping the hole clear and the bit cool. This is especially important when drilling vertical or overhead — poor dust clearance means the bit stalls and the drill bounces back.
Centering Point
All good SDS bits have a sharp centering point that keeps the bit from wandering at the start of the hole. Cheap bits either lack a true point or it’s blunt, which causes deflection and crooked holes. The Bosch SDS-Plus-5X is renowned for this — it centres perfectly even on very smooth concrete surfaces.
Best SDS-Plus Bits for Concrete
SDS-Plus is the standard shank for cordless drills (18V–24V) and small mains-powered hammers. All the bits below fit the same socket regardless of drill brand.
Bosch SDS-Plus-5X — Best All-Round
The Bosch SDS-Plus-5X is the go-to choice for professionals and serious DIYers. It features a 4-cutter carbide tip, superior centering point, and optimised flute geometry. Drilling speed is approximately 40–50% faster than budget alternatives, and the bit life is exceptional — easily 3–5 times longer than Erbauer or similar budget brands. Available in sizes 6–30mm.
Buy Bosch SDS-Plus-5X on Amazon UK
DeWalt Extreme SDS-Plus — Best Value Premium
The DeWalt Extreme SDS-Plus delivers 4-cutter performance at a lower cost than Bosch. It’s faster than budget options and nearly matches the Bosch in runtime. A solid choice if you want pro performance without premium pricing. Available individually or in sets.
Buy DeWalt Extreme SDS-Plus on Amazon UK
Milwaukee MX4 SDS-Plus — Best for Hard Concrete
The Milwaukee MX4 is the speed champion. Its aggressive 4-cutter design cuts through high-strength concrete (40N and above) faster than any competitor. If you’re regularly drilling reinforced concrete or very dense aggregate, the MX4 will save you significant time per hole. The trade-off: slightly shorter bit life than Bosch, and it’s the most expensive option.
Buy Milwaukee MX4 SDS-Plus on Amazon UK
Makita Nemesis SDS-Plus — Best Mid-Range
The Makita Nemesis sits comfortably between budget and premium. It’s a reliable 4-cutter bit with good flute design and acceptable drilling speed. Makita drill owners often prefer it for kit compatibility. Available in sets (5-piece is common) or individually. Good value for occasional to moderate use.
Buy Makita Nemesis SDS-Plus on Amazon UK
Heller Bionic Pro SDS-Plus — Premium German Alternative
The Heller Bionic Pro is a German-engineered alternative to Bosch, offering similar 4-cutter performance and excellent centering. Less well-known than Bosch or Milwaukee, but professional-grade and often cheaper if you can find it. Worth considering if you want premium quality at mid-premium pricing.
Buy Heller Bionic Pro SDS-Plus on Amazon UK
Erbauer SDS-Plus (Screwfix) — Budget Option
The Erbauer SDS-Plus is the budget pick — 2-cutter design, basic but functional. It’s slower and wears faster than premium options, but it works. If you’re drilling occasionally or just need to get the job done without a big outlay, Erbauer bits are perfectly serviceable. You’ll find them at Screwfix and online.
Buy Erbauer SDS-Plus on Amazon UK
Best SDS-Max Bits for Concrete
SDS-Max is the larger shank system (10mm) for heavy-duty mains-powered drills, impact drills, and rotary hammers. Drilling speeds are higher and impact forces are greater — perfect for demolition or large-diameter holes.
Bosch SDS-Max-9 — Premium Performance
The Bosch SDS-Max-9 is the professional standard for high-demand work. 4-cutter design, excellent centering, fastest drilling speeds in the SDS-Max range. Available in 12–52mm diameters. More expensive, but worth it for regular heavy-duty use.
Buy Bosch SDS-Max-9 on Amazon UK
DeWalt XLR SDS-Max — Heavy-Duty Workhorse
The DeWalt XLR SDS-Max is built for reinforced concrete and rebar. Robust design, good drilling speed, and strong enough for tough jobs. Slightly cheaper than Bosch, and a solid choice if you have DeWalt cordless SDS-Max tools.
Buy DeWalt XLR SDS-Max on Amazon UK
Hilti TE-YX SDS-Max — Professional Grade
The Hilti TE-YX is the go-to for professionals working on construction sites. Swiss engineering, exceptional build quality, and premium pricing to match. If budget allows, it’s the gold standard for concrete drilling in high-wear environments.
Buy Hilti TE-YX SDS-Max on Amazon UK
SDS Drill Bit Comparison Table
| Brand & Model | Shank | Cutters | Sizes | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch SDS-Plus-5X | SDS-Plus | 4-cutter | 6–30mm | £2.50–£4.50 | General concrete, all jobs |
| DeWalt Extreme SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus | 4-cutter | 6–32mm | £2.00–£3.80 | Value-conscious pros |
| Milwaukee MX4 SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus | 4-cutter | 6–28mm | £3.00–£5.00 | Hard concrete, speed priority |
| Makita Nemesis SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus | 4-cutter | 6–20mm | £1.80–£3.50 | Mid-range reliability |
| Heller Bionic Pro SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus | 4-cutter | 6–25mm | £2.00–£3.80 | German engineering seekers |
| Erbauer SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus | 2-cutter | 6–20mm | £1.20–£2.00 | Occasional use, budget |
| Bosch SDS-Max-9 | SDS-Max | 4-cutter | 12–52mm | £4.50–£8.00 | Heavy-duty, large holes |
| DeWalt XLR SDS-Max | SDS-Max | 4-cutter | 12–40mm | £3.80–£7.00 | Reinforced concrete |
| Hilti TE-YX SDS-Max | SDS-Max | 4-cutter | 12–52mm | £6.00–£10.00 | Professional, site work |
Bit Size Guide for Common Jobs
Choosing the right diameter makes all the difference. Here’s what size you need for the most common fasteners and fixings:
Wall Plugs & Anchors:
- Rawlplug No. 6 → 5mm bit
- Rawlplug No. 8 → 6mm bit
- Rawlplug No. 10 → 8mm bit
Machine Bolts & Chemical Anchors:
- M6 anchor bolt → 8mm bit
- M8 anchor bolt → 10mm bit
- M10 anchor bolt → 12mm bit
- M12 anchor bolt → 14–16mm bit
- Chemical anchor M12 → 14mm bit
Through-Bolts & Large Holes:
- Through-bolt M10 (clearance) → 11mm bit
- Through-bolt M12 (clearance) → 13mm bit
- Large holes 22–52mm → Core bits or SDS-Max
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between SDS-Plus and SDS-Max?
SDS-Plus (6mm shank) is the standard for cordless and light mains drills — most DIY and trade users will work with SDS-Plus. SDS-Max (10mm shank) is for heavier mains-powered equipment only and accepts larger-diameter bits (12–52mm). The shanks are not interchangeable — check your drill’s manual to confirm which system you have.
How Long Should an SDS Bit Last?
A quality 4-cutter bit like Bosch SDS-Plus-5X will last 200–500 holes (depending on concrete hardness) before the carbide dulls. Budget bits last 50–150 holes. When the bit stops pulling itself into the hole or starts producing fine dust instead of chips, it’s time to sharpen or replace it.
Can I Use an SDS Bit in a Regular Chuck Drill?
No. SDS bits have a different shank design and won’t fit standard drill chucks. You need an SDS drill (or SDS-compatible rotary hammer). If your drill has a standard 3-jaw chuck, use standard twist drill bits instead.
Should I Use Water When Drilling Concrete?
Water cooling reduces dust and extends bit life, but it’s messy and not essential for occasional DIY work. On site, pros often wet-drill to control dust. For indoor work (plugging walls for shelves), dry drilling is fine — just drill in short bursts and let the bit cool. Erbauer and cheaper bits overheat more easily, so water cooling helps them last longer.
Are Bosch Bits Really Worth 3x the Price of Erbauer?
Yes, if you’re drilling regularly. The Bosch SDS-Plus-5X drills roughly twice as fast and lasts 5x longer than Erbauer, so the cost per hole is actually lower. For occasional DIY use (hanging shelves, pictures), Erbauer is fine. For trade work or frequent drilling, premium bits pay for themselves quickly in time and frustration saved.
Related Guides
For more on SDS compatibility, see our guide to SDS drill bit sizes and lengths and SDS chisel bits compatibility.
