Hilti markets its rotary hammer range under proprietary naming — TE-C, TE-Y, and TE-S — but understanding what these systems actually are is essential for choosing the right drill bits. Here’s the key: Hilti TE-C bits are standard SDS-Plus compatible, and Hilti TE-Y bits are standard SDS-Max compatible. This means Hilti TE-C tools will accept drill bits from Makita, Bosch, DeWalt, and any other manufacturer’s SDS-Plus range. However, Hilti’s TE-S system is proprietary and only works with Hilti TE-S bits — standard SDS-Max bits will not fit TE-S tools. This guide explains which Hilti models use which system and how to source compatible bits for each.
Many users assume Hilti uses completely proprietary systems, but in reality, Hilti aligns with industry standards for most of their tools. The confusion comes from their marketing — they rebrand standard systems under Hilti names. Once you understand this, sourcing bits becomes much easier and often cheaper.
Hilti SDS Systems Explained
Hilti TE-C = Standard SDS-Plus — Hilti’s name for their compact rotary hammers that use standard SDS-Plus (10mm shank). Any drill bit marked as SDS-Plus — from Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, Heller, Alpen, or any manufacturer — will fit a Hilti TE-C tool perfectly. The bits are identical to standard SDS-Plus; Hilti simply calls it “TE-C” in their marketing.
Hilti TE-Y = Standard SDS-Max — Hilti’s name for their professional-grade rotary hammers that use standard SDS-Max (20mm shank). Any drill bit marked as SDS-Max from any manufacturer will fit a Hilti TE-Y tool. Again, Hilti has simply adopted standard SDS-Max and rebranded it as “TE-Y”.
Hilti TE-S = Hilti Proprietary — This is Hilti’s own exclusive shank system used in their largest breaker-only tools (TE 500, TE 700, TE 1000). Standard SDS-Max bits do NOT fit TE-S tools. If you own a TE-S tool, you must buy Hilti TE-S bits — no cross-manufacturer compatibility exists. TE-S is a specialist system for demolition hammers, not for general rotary hammer work.
Hilti Rotary Hammer Model Compatibility Table
| Model Number | Hilti System | Industry Standard | Power / Voltage | Max Bit Diameter | Chuck Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TE 7-C | TE-C | SDS-Plus | 620W corded | 24mm | Standard SDS-Plus | 2.1kg |
| TE 2-A22 (cordless) | TE-C | SDS-Plus | 22V Li-Ion | 14mm | Standard SDS-Plus | 1.5kg |
| TE 4-A22 (cordless) | TE-C | SDS-Plus | 22V Li-Ion | 18mm | Standard SDS-Plus | 1.8kg |
| TE 6-A22 (cordless) | TE-C | SDS-Plus | 22V Li-Ion | 22mm | Standard SDS-Plus | 2.0kg |
| TE 30-A36 (cordless) | TE-Y | SDS-Max | 36V Li-Ion | 32mm | Standard SDS-Max | 4.2kg |
| TE 50 (corded) | TE-Y | SDS-Max | 1200W corded | 40mm | Standard SDS-Max | 6.8kg |
| TE 60 (corded) | TE-Y | SDS-Max | 1350W corded | 42mm | Standard SDS-Max | 7.5kg |
| TE 70 (corded) | TE-Y | SDS-Max | 1500W corded | 45mm | Standard SDS-Max | 8.2kg |
| TE 500 (corded hammer) | TE-S | Proprietary Hilti | 1600W corded | 52mm | Hilti TE-S only | 10.5kg |
| TE 700 (corded hammer) | TE-S | Proprietary Hilti | 1800W corded | 60mm | Hilti TE-S only | 12.0kg |
| TE 1000 (corded hammer) | TE-S | Proprietary Hilti | 2200W corded | 75mm | Hilti TE-S only | 14.5kg |
Hilti TE-C (SDS-Plus) Compatible Bits
If you own a Hilti TE-C rotary hammer, you can use any SDS-Plus drill bit from any manufacturer in the world. Your TE-C chuck is identical to every other SDS-Plus chuck on the market. Bits from Makita, Bosch, DeWalt, Heller, Alpen, Irwin, and any other brand will fit perfectly.
The popular TE 7-C corded model and the cordless TE 2-A22, TE 4-A22, and TE 6-A22 are all TE-C (SDS-Plus) tools. For these models, a basic kit covering 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm will handle 99% of masonry and concrete work. Larger bits are for specialist applications.
This is a major advantage of Hilti TE-C tools — bits are often cheaper from third-party manufacturers than buying Hilti-branded TE-CX bits. You can mix and match from any brand and achieve identical results.
Hilti TE-Y (SDS-Max) Compatible Bits
Hilti’s TE-Y rotary hammers accept any standard SDS-Max drill bit. Bits from Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, Alpen, Heller, and any SDS-Max manufacturer will fit your TE-Y tool perfectly. The shank is identical to every other SDS-Max system on the market.
Hilti’s TE-Y range includes the 36V cordless TE 30-A36 and the corded TE 50, TE 60, and TE 70 models. These are professional-grade heavy-duty machines for demolition, breaker work, and large-scale core drilling. SDS-Max bits are more expensive than SDS-Plus, but any brand-name SDS-Max bit will work.
The key advantage: if you own a TE-Y tool, you’re not locked into Hilti-branded TE-YX bits. You can source SDS-Max bits from Alpen, Bosch, or any other manufacturer and often save significantly on cost while maintaining identical performance.
Hilti TE-S (Proprietary) — Important Warning
CRITICAL: Hilti TE-S is NOT compatible with standard SDS-Max bits. The Hilti TE 500, TE 700, and TE 1000 use Hilti’s exclusive TE-S shank system. If you own a TE-S tool, you must buy Hilti TE-S bits — standard SDS-Max bits will not fit, and attempting to force them will damage the chuck.
TE-S tools are specialist demolition hammers, not general rotary hammers. They’re designed for sustained high-power breaking, not for drilling. If you own a TE-S tool, this is expected — most users purchasing TE-S equipment are already working with Hilti’s full ecosystem.
Hilti Recommended Drill Bits — TE-CX & TE-YX Series
Hilti’s branded bits are high-quality and specifically engineered for their tools:
TE-CX — Hilti’s SDS-Plus range. Premium carbide-tipped design optimised for the torque and RPM profiles of TE-C rotary hammers. Excellent choice if you prefer staying with the manufacturer’s ecosystem.
TE-YX — Hilti’s SDS-Max range. High-performance bits for the TE-Y professional hammers. Built to handle sustained demolition and core-drilling work.
TE-TX — Hilti’s self-sharpening bits. Premium option for maximum longevity.
Buy Hilti TE-CX SDS drill bits on Amazon
However, remember: because TE-C is standard SDS-Plus and TE-Y is standard SDS-Max, you have many cheaper alternatives from other brands that will work identically.
Third-Party Compatible Bits for TE-C and TE-Y
For your Hilti TE-C (SDS-Plus) or TE-Y (SDS-Max) tools, you can absolutely use third-party bits:
Bosch — German-made SDS-Plus-5X and SDS-Plus-7X (for TE-C), SDS-Max bits (for TE-Y). Often cheaper than Hilti-branded options.
Makita — Japanese manufacturer, excellent quality. Makita Nemesis range (for TE-C) and standard Makita SDS-Max (for TE-Y).
Heller — German brand, trusted by UK tradespeople. Available in both SDS-Plus and SDS-Max.
Alpen — Swiss manufacturer, premium quality. Particularly strong in larger SDS-Max diameters.
Irwin — American brand, widely available. Good value for general-purpose bits.
For TE-C (SDS-Plus) tools, we recommend Bosch SDS-Plus-5X or Heller bits as the best value. For TE-Y (SDS-Max) tools, Alpen or Bosch SDS-Max bits are excellent choices for professional work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Bosch or Makita SDS-Plus bits in my Hilti TE 7-C?
Yes, completely. Your Hilti TE 7-C is TE-C, which is standard SDS-Plus. Any SDS-Plus bit from Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, or any manufacturer will fit perfectly. Hilti TE-C is not proprietary — it’s the industry-standard SDS-Plus system.
What’s the difference between Hilti TE-C and SDS-Plus?
There is no functional difference. Hilti TE-C is Hilti’s branded name for standard SDS-Plus. They’re identical systems with the same 10mm shank. Hilti simply chose to market it as “TE-C” rather than “SDS-Plus”. All bits designed for SDS-Plus fit Hilti TE-C tools.
Are Hilti TE-Y bits compatible with standard SDS-Max tools?
Yes. Hilti TE-Y is standard SDS-Max. Hilti TE-Y bits will fit any SDS-Max tool from any manufacturer (Bosch GBH 8-45, Makita HR5212C, DeWalt D25773K, etc.), and vice versa — standard SDS-Max bits fit Hilti TE-Y tools.
Can I use standard SDS-Max bits in a Hilti TE-S hammer?
No. TE-S is Hilti’s proprietary system and is NOT compatible with standard SDS-Max. If you own a Hilti TE 500, TE 700, or TE 1000, you must use Hilti TE-S bits only. Attempting to use standard SDS-Max bits will damage the chuck.
Which Hilti model should I buy if I want to use third-party bits?
Buy a TE-C (SDS-Plus) or TE-Y (SDS-Max) model. Both use industry-standard systems and accept bits from any manufacturer. Avoid TE-S models unless you specifically need demolition hammers — TE-S is proprietary to Hilti only.
SDS Drill Bit Sets — Where to Buy
SDS-Plus drill bit sets on Amazon
Bosch SDS drill bits on Amazon
Hilti TE-CX drill bits on Amazon
For broader SDS information across all brands, see our complete SDS drill bit compatibility guide. For other brand comparisons, visit our tool battery compatibility pages.
