SDS chisels use the same quick-change shank system as SDS drill bits. This means any SDS-Plus chisel fits any SDS-Plus hammer, and any SDS-Max chisel fits any SDS-Max rotary hammer — regardless of brand. Understanding chisel types and compatibility is key to choosing the right tool for breaking concrete, removing tiles, or chasing walls.
SDS Shank Compatibility — The Basics
All SDS chisels are 100% interchangeable within their shank class:
- SDS-Plus chisels fit all SDS-Plus hammers (Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita, Ryobi, etc.)
- SDS-Max chisels fit all SDS-Max rotary hammers
The shank type is determined by your hammer, not the brand. If your hammer has an SDS-Plus socket, buy SDS-Plus chisels. If it has SDS-Max, buy SDS-Max. The chisel brand doesn’t need to match the hammer brand.
Types of SDS Chisel Bits
Chisels come in five main types, each designed for a specific job:
Pointed Chisel (Pointed Flat)
The pointed chisel has a sharp, narrow point and is the most aggressive type. Use it for:
- Breaking concrete and breaking out old concrete floors
- Removing render and plaster from walls
- Demolition and breaking up aggregate
- Creating channels and chases
Pointed chisels work by concentrating impact force on a small area, creating a stress point where concrete fractures. They’re most effective on slightly loose or cracked concrete — very hard, intact concrete may require a different approach.
Flat Chisel (Wide Flat)
The flat chisel has a wide, blunt face. Use it for:
- Removing concrete in larger areas (floors, slabs)
- Cleaning concrete surfaces
- Removing render and wall finishes
- Chasing walls (after a pointed chisel has broken initial concrete)
Flat chisels distribute force over a wider area, making them better for volume removal and creating flat channels. They’re less aggressive than pointed chisels but more effective at moving larger pieces of broken concrete.
Scaling Chisel (Wide Scaling)
The scaling chisel is very wide and flat — typically 75–100mm across. Use it for:
- Removing floor tiles, adhesive, and screed
- Scaling (removing) concrete surfaces
- Removing old flooring finishes quickly
- Cleaning large concrete areas
The wide face lifts and breaks large areas in single strokes, making floor work much faster than with pointed or standard flat chisels. If you’re removing tile floors, a scaling chisel is the fastest tool.
Channel Chisel (Gouge)
The channel chisel has a U-shaped or V-shaped cutting edge. Use it for:
- Creating channels and grooves for cables, pipes, and ducts
- Cutting clean channels in concrete without creating large break-outs
- Cable/pipe chasing in walls
Channel chisels cut a defined groove rather than breaking large areas, making them ideal for precise work. The shape guides the cut and prevents it wandering.
Tile Chisel (Angled Tile Chisel)
The tile chisel is angled (typically 45°) and designed specifically for removing tiles. Use it for:
- Removing tiles without breaking them (if care is taken)
- Lifting tiles from floors and walls
- Removing tile adhesive
The angle lets you get under tiles without shattering them. If you need to preserve tiles (for reuse), this is the best option, though a scaling chisel is faster if tiles don’t need to survive.
SDS Chisel Compatibility Table
| Chisel Type | SDS-Plus | SDS-Max | Typical Width | Typical Jobs | Rotary Hammer Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pointed | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 15–25mm | Breaking concrete, demolition | Rotation off |
| Flat | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 30–50mm | Volume removal, chasing | Rotation off |
| Scaling | ✓ Yes (limited) | ✓ Yes | 75–100mm | Floor tiles, large areas | Rotation off |
| Channel/Gouge | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 10–20mm | Cable channels, precise cuts | Rotation off |
| Tile Chisel | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | 35–45mm | Tile removal | Rotation off |
SDS-Plus Chisels — Light Work
SDS-Plus chisels are designed for 18–24V cordless and small mains-powered hammers, typically with impact energies of 2–3 joules. They’re suitable for:
- Removing tiles from walls and floors
- Chasing walls for cables and pipes
- Breaking up renders and plaster
- General demolition on lightweight material
SDS-Plus scaling chisels exist but are less common — the impact energy limit makes them less effective for large-area flooring work. For heavy tile removal or floor demolition, SDS-Max is better.
Recommended brands: Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Heller. Budget alternatives (Erbauer) work fine for occasional use.
SDS-Max Chisels — Heavy Demolition
SDS-Max chisels fit rotary hammers with impact energies of 5–20+ joules. They’re capable of:
- Breaking and demolishing large areas of concrete
- Removing thick floor tiles and adhesive
- Scaling concrete surfaces
- Channel cutting in very hard concrete
- Breaking through reinforced concrete
SDS-Max chisels are larger (wider, heavier) and designed to absorb and deliver more energy. A 10kg SDS-Max rotary hammer with a scaling chisel will demolish a tiled floor in a fraction of the time an SDS-Plus tool could manage.
Recommended brands: Bosch, DeWalt, Hilti, Milwaukee. These are professional-grade tools with premium pricing.
Hammer Mode: Chisel vs Drill
Rotary hammers have two operating modes:
Chisel Mode (Rotation Off): The hammer impacts only — no rotation. This is what you want for chiselling, breaking concrete, and tile removal. The chisel stays in one spot and hammers into the material, with you controlling direction and pressure.
Drill/Rotation Mode (Rotation On): The hammer rotates as well as impacts. This is for drilling holes. Never use chisel mode for drilling — you’ll damage the bit.
Always check that your hammer’s rotation stop function is engaged (rotation OFF) before starting to chisel. Most modern hammers have a physical switch or button. Forgetting this is the most common cause of chisel damage and user frustration.
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a drill bit as a chisel?
No. Drill bits are designed only for rotation, not impact. Trying to use one in chisel mode will break the bit, damage the hammer, and potentially cause the hammer to kick back violently. Always use proper chisels for chiselling work.
Do I need to use a certain brand’s chisel with my hammer?
No. All SDS-Plus chisels fit all SDS-Plus hammers, and all SDS-Max chisels fit all SDS-Max hammers. Brand doesn’t matter — only the shank type. You can mix Bosch chisels with a Milwaukee hammer with no issues.
Which chisel should I start with for tile removal?
If you’re removing tiles and want to preserve them, use a tile chisel (angled) on an SDS-Plus hammer. If you just want them out fast and don’t care if they break, use a scaling chisel (wide, flat) on an SDS-Max rotary hammer. A scaling chisel will demolish a tiled floor in 1–2 hours; a tile chisel might take 4–6 hours but tiles can be salvaged.
What do I do if my hammer is too weak for the job?
If an SDS-Plus tool isn’t moving concrete quickly enough, you have two options: (1) use an SDS-Max tool instead (requires hiring or buying a larger hammer), or (2) use a pointed chisel to break initial concrete, then switch to a flat chisel to remove the broken pieces — this is often faster than trying to force one chisel to do everything.
Can I use an SDS chisel on a cordless drill?
No. Cordless drills are designed for drilling only and don’t have rotation-stop mode. You need a rotary hammer (cordless or mains) to use chisels. Some cordless rotary hammers exist (usually 18–20V) and do support chisel mode — check your tool’s manual to confirm.
Related Guides
For more on SDS bits, see our guide to best SDS drill bits for concrete and SDS drill bit sizes and lengths.
