DeWalt Drill Bits: Compatibility Guide & Recommended Products
DeWalt is a market leader in cordless power tools, with extensive rotary hammer and drill ranges. Their tools use SDS-Plus, SDS-Max, and standard three-jaw chucks depending on the model. This guide explains which system your DeWalt tool uses and which bits fit.
DeWalt Chuck Systems
SDS-Plus (10mm Shank)
Most common in DeWalt’s cordless and compact mains-powered rotary hammers. Examples: DCH133, DCH273, D25033 (mains). Highly compatible with other brands’ SDS-Plus bits.
SDS-Max (18mm Shank)
Professional heavy-duty system. Found in DeWalt’s large rotary hammers and breaker hammers. Example: DCH481 (cordless). Requires SDS-Max bits only.
Standard Three-Jaw Chuck
DeWalt drills like DCD796, DCD776 use 10–13mm keyless chucks. No SDS bits—only smooth round shanks.
DeWalt Model Compatibility Matrix
| Model | Category | Chuck Type | Compatible Bits | Max Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCH133 | Rotary Hammer (Cordless 18V) | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus only | 26mm |
| DCH273 | Rotary Hammer (Cordless 18V) | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus only | 32mm |
| D25033 | Rotary Hammer (Mains 1100W) | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus only | 32mm |
| DCH481 | Rotary Hammer (Cordless 54V FLEXVOLT) | SDS-Max | SDS-Max only | 45mm |
| DCD796 | Drill Driver (Cordless 18V) | Standard chuck (13mm keyless) | Round shanks only | 13mm |
| DCD776 | Combi Drill (Cordless 18V) | Standard chuck (13mm keyless) | Round shanks only | 13mm |
| D25404 | Rotary Hammer (Mains 1500W) | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus only | 32mm |
DeWalt SDS-Plus Bits & Sets
DeWalt’s Own SDS-Plus Bits
DeWalt SDS-Plus Masonry Bit Sets
Available in various sizes (4–32mm). Professional-grade, reliable. £6–15 per bit.
DeWalt DT60125 SDS-Plus Set (3-piece: 5, 6, 8mm)
Excellent starter pack for DIYers. Around £15–20.
Recommended Alternatives (Full SDS-Plus Compatibility)
Bosch SDS-Plus Assortment
Often cheaper than DeWalt; identical compatibility. £18–28 for comprehensive sets.
Makita P-90185 SDS-Plus Set (8-piece)
Value option. Same standards, same compatibility. £25–35.
DeWalt SDS-Max Bits (FLEXVOLT DCH481)
DCH481 Compatibility
DeWalt’s cordless SDS-Max system (54V FLEXVOLT) is a professional-grade tool. It uses standard SDS-Max bits, which are less commonly stocked in UK shops than SDS-Plus.
DeWalt SDS-Max Bits
16, 20, 25, 32, 40mm available. £15–28 per bit.
Milwaukee SDS-Max Bits
Premium option; fully compatible. £18–28 per bit.
DeWalt Standard Chuck Drills (DCD Series)
Standard Drill Bit Compatibility
DeWalt DCD drills use 13mm keyless chucks. Buy standard HSS, TCT, brad point, or spade bits—not SDS bits.
DeWalt HSS Drill Bit Assortments
General-purpose sets (wood, metal, plastic). £12–20.
DeWalt XR FLEXVOLT Battery System
DeWalt’s premium cordless range uses interchangeable batteries across their system. If you already have 18V or 54V FLEXVOLT batteries, cordless DeWalt rotary hammers (DCH133, DCH481) are convenient—share batteries with other tools.
DeWalt DCH133 18V SDS-Plus Body Only
Lightweight, excellent for occasional masonry. Around £80–120 (body only).
DeWalt DCH481 54V SDS-Max Body Only
Professional-grade cordless. Powerful and fast. Around £250–350 (body only; FLEXVOLT batteries not cheap).
DeWalt Mains-Powered Rotary Hammers
D25033 (1100W SDS-Plus)
Popular mid-range mains-powered option. Light, portable, suitable for DIY masonry work and light professional use. Around £80–120.
D25404 (1500W SDS-Plus)
More powerful, heavier duty. For sustained professional work. Around £120–160.
DeWalt Quirks & Notes
Battery Compatibility Cross-Tool
DeWalt’s modular battery system is a major advantage. A 18V XR battery works across DeWalt drills, saws, drivers, and rotary hammers. Plan your tool purchases around this.
FLEXVOLT Technology
54V FLEXVOLT batteries auto-adjust voltage based on the tool, delivering higher power in heavy-duty tools. This justifies the higher cost of DCH481 if you’re invested in FLEXVOLT.
Bit Warranties & Support
DeWalt bits carry warranty support direct from DeWalt. If a bit fails prematurely, contact DeWalt customer service—they often replace or refund under warranty.
Recommended Starter Kits for DeWalt Users
DeWalt DT60125 SDS-Plus 3-Piece
Best budget starter for DCH133/D25033 owners. £15–20.
Bosch SDS-Plus Comprehensive Assortment
More sizes if you want variety. £20–30.
DeWalt HSS Multi-Material Set
For standard-chuck DCD drills. £18–25.
Next Steps
Determine your DeWalt tool’s chuck type, then:
- SDS-Plus tools: Check our SDS-Plus guide for detailed bit performance and alternatives.
- SDS-Max tools: See SDS-Plus vs SDS-Max for heavy-duty bit information.
- Standard-chuck tools: Browse our material guide for wood, metal, and masonry bit selection.