Bosch Drill Bits: Compatibility Guide & Recommended Products
Bosch invented the SDS system in the 1970s, and they remain a major manufacturer of rotary hammers and bits. Their range spans SDS-Plus, SDS-Max, SDS-Quick (proprietary), and standard chucks. This guide covers compatibility for all Bosch drill types.
Bosch Chuck Systems
SDS-Plus (10mm Shank) — GBH 2-26, GBH 18V-26
Bosch’s most popular percussion system. Consumer and mid-range professional models. Highly compatible with other brands.
SDS-Max (18mm Shank) — GBH 8-45
Professional heavy-duty system. Standard SDS-Max compatibility—no proprietary aspects.
SDS-Quick — Uneo Cordless Drills (PROPRIETARY)
Bosch’s proprietary 10mm slot system for Uneo cordless drills. NOT compatible with SDS-Plus despite similar diameter. Limited bit availability. Avoid unless you already own a Uneo.
Standard Three-Jaw Chuck — GSB Series
Bosch’s standard drills (GSB 13, GSB 18, etc.) use 13mm keyless chucks. Round shanks only.
Bosch Model Compatibility Matrix
| Model | Category | Chuck Type | Compatible Bits | Max Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBH 2-26 | Rotary Hammer (Mains 800W) | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus only | 26mm |
| GBH 18V-26 | Rotary Hammer (Cordless 18V) | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus only | 26mm |
| GBH 8-45 | Rotary Hammer (Mains 1500W) | SDS-Max | SDS-Max only | 45mm |
| Uneo Maxx | Rotary Hammer (Cordless 18V) | SDS-Quick | SDS-Quick only | Variable |
| GSB 13 / GSB 18 | Drill Driver (Cordless 18V) | Standard chuck (13mm keyless) | Round shanks only | 13mm |
Bosch SDS-Plus Bits (Creator of the System)
Bosch’s Own SDS-Plus Bits
As the original SDS designer, Bosch bits are universally recommended. Excellent quality and reliability.
Bosch SDS-Plus Masonry Bits
Comprehensive range 4–30mm. Professional quality. £6–14 per bit.
Bosch SDS-Plus 4-Piece Assortment
4, 6, 8, 10mm. Ideal starter set. £18–28.
Compatible Brands Work Equally Well
Since Bosch standardised SDS-Plus, any other brand’s SDS-Plus bits fit Bosch GBH drills perfectly. No advantage to buying Bosch-branded bits except consistency.
Bosch SDS-Max Bits (GBH 8-45)
GBH 8-45 Professional Compatibility
Standard SDS-Max system. Any brand’s SDS-Max bits work. Bosch doesn’t dominate SDS-Max like they do SDS-Plus.
Bosch SDS-Max Bits
16, 20, 25, 32, 40mm available. £15–25 per bit.
Milwaukee SDS-Max Bits
Often cheaper, equally reliable. £15–25 per bit.
Bosch SDS-Quick (Uneo PROPRIETARY) — Avoid Unless You Own Uneo
Why SDS-Quick Is Problematic
Bosch introduced SDS-Quick for their Uneo cordless drill range. It uses a different groove pattern than SDS-Plus, despite both being 10mm shank. This proprietary design severely limits your bit choice—only Bosch makes SDS-Quick bits. Avoid this system. If you already own a Uneo, you’re committed to Bosch bits.
Bosch Uneo SDS-Quick Bits (Bosch Only)
Limited range, higher cost due to exclusivity. Not recommended for new purchases.
Bosch Standard Chuck Drills (GSB Series)
Bosch GSB drills use 13mm keyless chucks. Buy standard HSS, TCT, brad point, or spade bits—not SDS.
Bosch HSS Drill Bit Sets
General-purpose wood and metal. £12–20.
Bosch Cordless Battery Systems
18V li-ion: Standard across Bosch cordless tools. Mature ecosystem, wide availability of batteries and chargers.
Uneo System: Proprietary 18V system for Uneo drills. Batteries only compatible with Uneo range—not cross-compatible with other Bosch 18V tools.
Bosch GBH 2-26 (Mains) — The Best-Seller
Bosch’s entry-level mains-powered rotary hammer. Extremely popular in UK hire shops and DIY. 800W, reliable, light. Perfect for occasional masonry drilling.
Bosch GBH 2-26 SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
Around £65–90. Excellent value. Widely available second-hand.
Recommended Bosch Bit Kits
Bosch SDS-Plus 4-Piece
Trusted starter. £18–28.
Bosch Comprehensive SDS-Plus Assortment
More sizes if you want variety. £22–35.
Bosch HSS Multi-Material Set
For GSB drills (standard chuck). £15–22.
Next Steps
Check our SDS-Plus vs SDS-Max guide for detailed bit selection, or our material guide for standard-chuck drilling. Avoid Uneo/SDS-Quick unless already invested.