If you’ve bought an SDS Plus rotary hammer, one of the first things you’ll wonder is: can I use any SDS Plus bit, or am I locked into one brand?
The good news is that SDS bits are genuinely universal—but only within their system. This guide explains exactly what that means, why it matters, and which adapters actually work (and which ones you should avoid).
The Short Answer: Yes, But With Caveats
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do all SDS Plus bits fit all SDS Plus drills? | YES — regardless of brand (Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, etc.) |
| Do SDS Plus bits fit SDS Max drills? | NO — different shank diameter (10mm vs 18mm) |
| Can you adapt SDS to a standard chuck? | YES, but not recommended (adds length, loses efficiency) |
| Can you use round shank bits in an SDS drill? | YES, with an SDS-to-round adapter (but niche use only) |
| Are SDS bits interchangeable between brands? | YES — Bosch bits work in Makita, Milwaukee bits work in DeWalt, etc. |
SDS Plus Bits Are Truly Universal Across Brands
This is the key takeaway: all SDS Plus rotary hammers, regardless of manufacturer, use the exact same shank geometry.
An SDS Plus bit from Bosch (the system inventor) works identically in:
- Makita SDS Plus rotary hammers
- DeWalt D-Handle SDS Plus drills
- Milwaukee SDS Plus drills
- Hilti TE series SDS Plus hammers
- Festool CTL SDS Plus models
- AEG SDS Plus drills
- And dozens of other brands
Why? Because the shank dimensions are standardised by ISO 4978. Every SDS Plus chuck holds a 10mm shank with the same slot pattern. It’s governed by engineering specs, not marketing.
This universality is one of the biggest advantages of SDS design. You’re never locked into one brand’s ecosystem. Buy the cheapest SDS Plus bits on the market, and they’ll perform just as well in a premium-brand drill.
SDS Plus vs SDS Max — They’re Not Interchangeable
However, universality only applies within the same system. SDS Plus bits will not work in SDS Max drills, and vice versa.
Why Not?
- Shank diameter: SDS Plus = 10mm, SDS Max = 18mm. Completely different chuck size.
- Slot geometry: SDS Plus has 2 open + 2 closed slots; SDS Max has 3 open + 2 closed slots.
- Energy rating: SDS Max tools deliver much higher percussion force. An SDS Plus bit would break under that force.
Adapters that claim to convert between SDS Plus and SDS Max exist, but don’t use them. See the section below on why adapters are a bad idea.
For more detail, see our full guide: SDS Plus vs SDS Max.
Brand Compatibility Table — SDS Plus Systems
To illustrate the universality of SDS Plus, here’s a breakdown of rotary hammers from major manufacturers and the bits they accept:
| Brand | Model Example | Chuck Type | Bit Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch | GBH 7-46 DE | SDS Plus | All SDS Plus bits (4–32mm) |
| Makita | HR3210C | SDS Plus | All SDS Plus bits (4–30mm) |
| DeWalt | D25144K | SDS Plus | All SDS Plus bits (5–32mm) |
| Milwaukee | SDS Plus 26mm | SDS Plus | All SDS Plus bits (4–32mm) |
| Hilti | TE 1000-AVR | SDS Plus | All SDS Plus bits (4–40mm) |
| Festool | BHC 18 | SDS Plus | All SDS Plus bits (4–12mm) |
Notice every one says “All SDS Plus bits”—not “Bosch bits only” or “Makita bits only.” That’s genuine universality.
What About Standard Chuck Drills?
SDS bits do not fit standard 3-jaw chucks. The shank geometry is completely different.
If you have a standard cordless drill or drill press and want to use a rotary hammer bit, you’ll need an SDS-to-round-shank adapter. These exist but have serious drawbacks:
SDS-to-Round Adapter Drawbacks
- Length: Adds 40–50mm to the bit, making long holes harder to control
- Imbalance: Changes the bit’s centre of gravity
- Percussion efficiency: An SDS bit is designed to work with hammer force. In a standard chuck, you’re just drilling (no hammer), so you’re wasting the bit’s design
- Cost: The adapter itself costs £5–10, plus the bit cost—you’re better off buying a cheap round-shank concrete bit
Bottom line: If you need to drill concrete or masonry, buy a rotary hammer with SDS chuck. Using adapters defeats the entire purpose of SDS design.
The Reverse: Using Round Bits in an SDS Drill
Can you fit regular round-shank bits into an SDS chuck with an adapter?
Yes, adapters exist that let you clamp a round bit into an SDS Plus chuck. However, this is rarely useful:
- Wrong tool for the job: A round bit in an SDS drill means no hammer action. You’re not using your tool’s best feature.
- Overpowered: Even without hammer, the rotational speed can be too much for standard bits in hard materials
- Safety: Runaway bits in high-torque tools can be hazardous
If you need to drill wood or soft materials, use a standard drill. If you need to drill concrete, use the hammer function with SDS bits.
Quality Variations — Cheap vs Premium SDS Bits
Since all SDS Plus bits are universal, the only real difference is quality and price. Here’s what varies:
- Cheap bits (£0.50–1.50 each): Made from standard tungsten carbide, less heat resistance, dull quickly, but fine for occasional use
- Premium bits (£2–5 each): Bosch, Makita, and other brand bits use harder carbide mixes, sharper edges, last 2–3x longer
- Professional/industrial: Hilti, Festool, and specialist brands cost more but have extended warranties and certified specs
For a home DIYer drilling a few holes, cheap is fine. For professionals drilling daily, premium bits pay for themselves in reduced downtime.
Buy SDS Plus bit sets on Amazon.
SDS Quick — Bosch’s Modern Variant
In recent years, Bosch introduced SDS Quick on some mid-range models. It’s a tool-free, faster-locking variant of the SDS Plus system.
Key points:
- Shank: Still 10mm diameter (same as SDS Plus)
- Locking: Push and release (no twist needed)
- Compatibility: SDS Quick bits only fit SDS Quick chucks, not standard SDS Plus chucks
- Availability: Less common than SDS Plus, so fewer aftermarket options
If you’re buying a new drill, check your manual. Most trade drills still use standard SDS Plus, so you’ll have wider bit availability with that system. SDS Quick is convenient but less versatile.
Buying SDS Bits — Practical Tips
1. Know Your System First
Check your drill manual or look at the chuck. Is it SDS Plus or SDS Max? This is non-negotiable—buy the wrong one and you’re stuck.
2. Buy Generic If Budget Is Tight
No-name SDS Plus bits work just as well as branded ones if you’re drilling occasional holes. Save the premium brands for daily professional use.
3. Stock a Range of Sizes
A typical DIY kit includes 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm. For trade work, add 32mm and speciality sizes.
4. Store Bits Properly
SDS bits are hardened carbide and can crack if dropped on hard floors. Keep them in a case or pouch. Replace any that show visible chipping.
5. Match Bit Material to Task
For concrete: standard tungsten carbide. For reinforced concrete or stone: premium carbide blends. For occasional use: any SDS Plus bit will do.
Real-World Scenario: Building a Kit
You’ve just bought a Makita SDS Plus rotary hammer. Here’s what to do:
- Buy one basic SDS Plus bit set (any brand, any price point). Bits are universal, so the brand doesn’t matter.
- If you find you drill concrete weekly, upgrade to premium Bosch, Makita, or Hilti bits—they last much longer.
- Never try to use SDS bits in a standard drill or chuck—buy an appropriate bit type for that tool instead.
- If you later buy a different-brand rotary hammer, all your existing SDS Plus bits will work perfectly in it.
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all SDS bits the same?
Yes, in terms of shank geometry. All SDS Plus bits have the same 10mm shank with the same slot pattern. The only differences are material quality, durability, and price. Cheap bits work fine for occasional use; premium bits last much longer.
Can you use Makita SDS bits in a Bosch drill?
Absolutely. SDS Plus bits are brand-independent. A Makita bit works perfectly in a Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, or any other SDS Plus drill.
What’s the difference between SDS and SDS Plus?
The original SDS system and SDS Plus both use a 10mm shank and are mechanically identical. “SDS Plus” is just modern terminology to distinguish them from the larger SDS Max. For practical purposes, they’re the same.
Can SDS bits be used in a standard drill?
Not without an adapter, which is not recommended. SDS bits have a specific shank geometry that only fits SDS chucks. If you need to drill concrete in a standard drill, buy standard masonry bits instead.
Why are some SDS bits more expensive?
Premium brands use higher-grade carbide mixtures that stay sharper longer and resist heat better. For occasional home use, cheap bits are fine. For daily professional use, the higher cost per bit is worth it because they last 2–3x longer.
Are there adapters to use SDS bits in other chucks?
Yes, but they’re not recommended. An SDS-to-round adapter adds length and reduces drilling efficiency. For the price of an adapter plus bit, you’re better off buying appropriate bits for your actual tool. Adapters are last-resort solutions, not practical solutions.
What is SDS Quick?
SDS Quick is Bosch’s newer tool-free variant of SDS. It has the same 10mm shank but faster locking (push-and-release instead of twist). SDS Quick bits only fit SDS Quick chucks, not standard SDS Plus. It’s convenient but less universally available.
