DeWalt SDS Drill Bit Compatibility — Full Model Guide

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. Examples include the cordless DCH273N and DCH133N and the corded D25333K, all SDS-Plus. 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 the main 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.

SDS-Max — used in DeWalt’s larger corded hammers and its 54V FLEXVOLT SDS-Max range. SDS-Max bits have an 18mm shank and are engineered for demolition, breaker work, and sustained high-power applications. Examples are the 54V DCH481 (40mm), DCH614 (45mm) and DCH775 (52mm), and the corded D25614K (45mm) and D25773K (52mm).

If you own a DeWalt cordless rotary hammer on the 18V XR platform, you almost certainly have SDS-Plus. If you own one of DeWalt’s 54V FLEXVOLT SDS-Max hammers (such as the DCH614N), you have SDS-Max. SDS-Plus and SDS-Max are shared standards, so bits from other makers fit as long as the shank type matches your tool.

DeWalt SDS Rotary Hammer Model Compatibility Table

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 and 24mm) are for specialist work; DeWalt rates the DCH273 at up to 24mm in concrete, so do not go above that.

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, such as the 54V cordless DCH614N and the corded D25614K and D25773K. Only SDS-Max bits fit these tools. SDS-Max bits from other makers will fit, as SDS-Max is a shared 18mm shank standard.

If you own the DCH614N 54V FLEXVOLT, DeWalt rates it at up to 45mm in solid concrete and 10.5 joules of impact energy. 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 sells its own SDS-Plus bit sets.

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 — Austrian manufacturer (Alpen-Maykestag). 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 (18mm shank) do not fit SDS-Plus chucks (10mm). Your DCH273N and DCH133N use SDS-Plus only. DeWalt’s SDS-Max hammers include 54V FLEXVOLT models such as the DCH481 (40mm), DCH614 (45mm) and DCH775 (52mm), and corded models such as the D25614K and D25773K.

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

Bosch SDS-Plus bits on Amazon

Heller SDS bits 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.