Makita Drill Bits: Compatibility Guide & Recommended Products
Makita is one of the world’s largest power tool manufacturers, with a global reputation for durability. Their drill and rotary hammer range spans consumer to professional-grade tools, using primarily SDS-Plus and SDS-Max systems alongside standard three-jaw chucks on certain models.
This guide explains which chuck system Makita tools use, provides a compatibility matrix for popular models, and recommends reliable bit options with Amazon UK affiliate links.
Makita Chuck Systems: Overview
SDS-Plus (10mm Shank)
Makita’s most common percussion system. Found in entry-level to mid-range rotary hammers and cordless SDS drills. Examples: HR2630, HR2470, DHR242, DHR264.
SDS-Max (18mm Shank)
Professional-grade heavy-duty system for larger rotary hammers and breaker hammers. Examples: HR3210C, HR4013C. Relatively rare in consumer Makita lineups.
Standard Three-Jaw Chuck
13mm keyless chucks on standard drills (DHP, DDF, DCD series). These chucks accept only smooth round shanks, not SDS bits.
Makita Model Compatibility Matrix
| Model | Category | Chuck Type | Compatible Bit Shanks | Max Bit Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR2630 | Rotary Hammer (Mains) | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus only | 30mm |
| HR2470 | Rotary Hammer (Mains) | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus only | 28mm |
| DHR242 | Rotary Hammer (Cordless 18V) | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus only | 24mm |
| DHR264 | Rotary Hammer (Cordless 18V) | SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus only | 28mm |
| DHP453 | Combi Drill (Cordless 18V) | Standard chuck (13mm keyless) | Round shanks only | 13mm |
| DCD776 | Drill Driver (Cordless 10.8V) | Standard chuck (10mm keyless) | Round shanks only | 10mm |
| HR3210C | Rotary Hammer (Mains, Professional) | SDS-Max | SDS-Max only | 45mm |
| HR4013C | Rotary Hammer (Mains, Professional) | SDS-Max | SDS-Max only | 52mm |
Key rule: Check the chuck type first. If your drill model isn’t listed, search the Makita website for the spec sheet—it will clearly state the chuck system.
Makita SDS-Plus Bits & Accessories
Makita’s Own SDS-Plus Bits
Makita manufactures masonry and concrete bits specifically tested for their SDS-Plus rotary hammers. These offer excellent compatibility and reliability.
Makita P-90185 SDS-Plus Assortment (8-piece)
Includes 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16mm bits. Comprehensive starter set. Excellent durability. Around £25–35.
Makita SDS-Plus Concrete Bits
Available in 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30mm. Professional-grade, reliable in hard concrete. £8–15 per bit.
Makita Accessories for SDS Drills
Makita Depth Stop for SDS – Helps control drilling depth in masonry. Around £10–15.
Makita SDS Chuck Wrench – For safe bit removal and installation. Usually included with tools.
Compatible Third-Party SDS-Plus Bits for Makita Tools
While Makita bits are optimised for Makita drills, many aftermarket SDS-Plus bits work well. Here are recommended brands:
Bosch SDS-Plus Bits
Bosch designed the original SDS system. Their bits fit all SDS-Plus tools perfectly. Available in all sizes. £5–12 per bit.
DeWalt SDS-Plus Bits
Heavy-duty, reliable. Professional standard. Fully compatible with Makita SDS-Plus drills. £8–15 per bit.
Irwin SDS-Plus Bits
Budget-friendly, decent quality. Good value. £4–8 per bit.
Silverline SDS-Plus Bits
Entry-level option. Works for occasional use. £3–6 per bit.
Makita SDS-Max Bits (Professional Models)
Makita SDS-Max Bits
If you own an HR3210C or HR4013C (SDS-Max models), Makita produces compatible bits. These are less common in UK shops but available online.
Makita SDS-Max Masonry Bits
Available in 16, 20, 25, 32, 40mm sizes. Professional-grade concrete and stone drilling. £15–30 per bit.
Compatible Third-Party SDS-Max Bits
Milwaukee SDS-Max Bits
High-end professional option. Excellent durability. Fully compatible. £18–28 per bit.
Hilti SDS-Max Bits
Professional industrial standard. Expensive but extremely durable. £20–35 per bit.
Budget SDS-Max Bits
Generic/unbranded options. Work fine for occasional use. £8–15 per bit.
Makita Standard Chuck Drills (DHP, DCD, DDF Series)
Chuck Types on Standard Makita Drills
Standard Makita drills use 10mm or 13mm three-jaw keyless chucks. These accept only smooth, round-shanked bits—not SDS bits. For these drills, buy standard HSS, TCT, brad point, spade, or Forstner bits based on your material.
Makita HSS Drill Bit Sets
General-purpose sets for wood, plastic, metal. £12–20 for assorted sizes.
Makita Masonry Bits (Standard Chuck)
For light masonry drilling in standard drills. Not as efficient as SDS but works for pilot holes and soft brickwork. £6–12 per bit.
Can You Add an SDS Chuck to a Standard Makita Drill?
No. Standard Makita drill chucks are designed for the tool and cannot be replaced with SDS chucks. If you need SDS capability, buy an SDS rotary hammer (HR series) instead.
Makita Cordless SDS Drills (18V Range)
Makita’s cordless SDS-Plus range (DHR242, DHR264 family) use the same SDS-Plus system as mains-powered HR models. Any SDS-Plus bit fits.
Battery System
Makita cordless SDS drills use 18V LXT li-ion batteries. If you already have an 18V Makita system, adding a cordless SDS drill is convenient—you can share batteries with other tools.
Recommended Makita 18V SDS Packages
Makita DHR242 18V SDS-Plus Body Only
Light percussion drill, ideal for occasional masonry work. Around £80–120 (body only; batteries extra).
Makita DHR264 18V SDS-Plus Body Only
Mid-range cordless option. More power than DHR242. Around £100–140 (body only).
Makita Rotary Hammers: Mains-Powered (Professional Range)
HR2630 & HR2470 (SDS-Plus)
Entry to mid-level mains-powered rotary hammers. Reliable workhorses for DIY and light professional use. 600–800W, lightweight, good for masonry drilling up to 30mm.
Popular for: Hanging shelves, mounting brackets, cavity fixings in brick and block, garden work.
Makita HR2630 – SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
Around £70–90. Excellent resale value. Very common in UK hire shops.
HR3210C & HR4013C (SDS-Max)
Professional-grade heavy-duty rotary hammers. 1200–1500W, designed for sustained demolition, large-diameter drilling, and heavy-duty chasing. Relatively expensive; mainly used by contractors.
Popular for: Structural work, large bore drilling, demolition, installation of fixings in reinforced concrete, cutting chases.
Makita Quirks & Special Notes
Bit Compatibility with Other Brands
Makita SDS chucks are standard (not proprietary). Any SDS-Plus bit from Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Hilti, or generic brands will fit Makita SDS-Plus drills. Same for SDS-Max. No compatibility worries across brands at the chuck level.
Makita’s Battery System (Cordless)
The 18V LXT system is Makita’s premium li-ion platform. The 10.8V and 12V systems are older and less common now. Always check your battery voltage when buying cordless tools.
Chuck Safety
Always use the side handle on rotary hammers—the reaction force if the bit binds can twist your wrist badly. Makita HR models come with side handles for this reason.
Recommended Bit Kits for Makita Owners
Makita P-90185 8-Piece SDS-Plus Assortment
Best starter kit for HR2630/DHR users. Covers 4–16mm. £25–35.
Bosch SDS-Plus Assortment Pack
Alternative to Makita’s own bits. Excellent quality, slightly cheaper. Works identically in Makita chucks. £20–28.
Makita HSS Multi-Material Bit Set (13-piece)
For standard-chuck Makita drills (DHP, DCD series). Covers wood, metal, light masonry. £18–25.
Makita Bit Quality & Durability
Makita bits are engineered to precise tolerances and tested for consistency. This means better fit in the chuck, less runout (wobbling), and more predictable drilling performance. For professional work or demanding DIY, Makita’s own bits justify the cost. However, third-party brands from reputable manufacturers (Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee) offer similar quality at lower prices.
Maintenance & Storage Tips for Makita Bits
SDS bits wear over time, especially in hard masonry and reinforced concrete. To extend bit life: (1) Clean flutes after each use—masonry dust buildup reduces cutting efficiency. (2) Store in a dry location to prevent corrosion on grooves. (3) Replace when cutting slows noticeably. A dull bit requires excessive pressure and heats up, damaging both the drill and the bit. (4) Sharpen specialist bits if equipped, or replace—entry-level bits are often cheaper to replace than sharpen.
Common Makita Drill Issues & Bit Compatibility
Bit Won’t Insert or Grips Loosely
Ensure you’re using the correct chuck type. HR models (rotary hammers) require SDS bits. DHP/DCD models require standard round-shank bits. Mixing them causes installation problems and dangerous runout. If the correct bit type still won’t grip, the chuck may be worn—contact Makita support.
Bit Slips or Wobbles During Drilling
SDS chucks grip through grooves, not friction. Wobbling indicates: (1) wrong bit type, (2) damaged grooves on bit or chuck, or (3) excessive pressure during drilling. Stop and inspect the bit. If grooves are damaged, replace the bit. If the chuck is damaged, have Makita service the tool.
Hole Quality Degrades Over Time
A dull bit produces rough holes and requires high pressure. Replace bits when performance drops. This is false economy—dull bits accelerate chuck wear. Budget for bit replacement as ongoing cost, not one-time investment.
Comparing Makita to Competitor Brands
For Makita tool owners, you’re never locked into Makita bits. Any SDS-Plus bit works perfectly. Bosch bits are the best value (invented SDS, £5–12 per bit), while Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE bits offer impact-rated durability. DeWalt bits are heavy-duty and reliable. Budget brands (Irwin, generic) work fine for occasional DIY. Buy what offers best value for your use case.
Next Steps
Once you’ve confirmed your Makita model’s chuck type:
- For SDS-Plus drills: Check our SDS-Plus guide for detailed information about bit sizes, performance, and alternative brands.
- For standard-chuck drills: Browse our material guide to select the right bit type (HSS, TCT, brad point, etc.) for your specific project.
- For masonry work: See our guide on using SDS bits if you’re considering upgrading from a standard drill to an SDS rotary hammer.