Buyers Guide For The Best Cordless SDS Drills

July 25, 2023
SDS Buyers Guide

Are you considering on purchasing a  drill for heavy-duty work that involves drilling through tough materials like masonry, brick, stone or reinforced concrete? Then an SDS Drill is the best drill for the job. SDS drills have different modes that help them perform to a high standard, they include rotary, hammer and rotary/hammer. Using these different modes of drilling allows you to drill through those tough materials efficiently. Due to the impressive power, you will always see DS drills at work sites that involve renovation or demolition work.

What To Look Out For When Comparing Cordless SDS Drills

If you are unsure on which SDS Drills you require but you’re on the lookout to buy one, we have a few important points to consider when purchasing an SDS drill,  There are many different brands and specs to choose from , its important to choose the correct drill to suit your needs, Firstly you need to choose if you require an electric drill or Cordless Battery powered drill , Cordless drills allow the user the freedom of not requiring electricity to use the power tool , also an important consideration is to check the voltage of the SDS Drill, if the drill you choose is Electric bear in mind that only 110v power tools are permitted to be used on construction sites , here at toolforce we supply many different models of sds drills from brands such as   Milwaukee, Makita  DeWalt Einhell Draper and Sealey

 

 

Milwaukee SDS Drills

Another feature to look for when reviewing SDS Drill spec is the hammer impact energy. The hammer impact energy is measured in Joules (J) and there is usually a drilling capacity depicted as the maximum hole diameter in a given material – masonry, wood and steel. If you’re looking for an SDS drill for occasional use then an impact energy of 3 joules would be enough. For more regular use and light demolition work then up to 4 to 6 joules, the higher the Joules the faster the drill will complete the task of drilling the hole

When comparing different SDS Drills a good feature to look out for is if the drill has a Clutch System or Safety Clutch. This feature reduces the risk of injury to the user if the drill bit would get jammed.

Makita SDS Drills

Other features to look out for would be the blows per minute (BPM), the SDS drills revolutions per minute (RPM) and if the drill has a brushless motor or brushed motor. By being a brushless motor you can have a small compact design but you still have a powerful drill. The advantage of the compact design is the reduced weight allowing users to operate their drill for longer periods without arm or hand fatigue.

Different Modes of an SDS Drill

When choosing an SDS Drill it’s important to see what modes it has, this is important because the modes can make your drilling more efficient. Depending on the scale of work you need to do and what material you need to drill into will depend on what modes you need your SDS Drill to have.

SDS Drill 4 in 1 Mode settings

 

Rotation Only: (Drilling Mode): In this mode, the drill bit rotates in a forward direction, similar to a standard drill. It is used for drilling holes in materials like wood, metal, and plastic.

Hammer Mode: In this mode, the drill bit moves forward and backwards rapidly in a hammer-like motion. The hammering action allows the drill bit to break through tough materials, such as concrete and masonry, effectively.

Rotary Mode: In this mode, the drill bit is moved forward while also being rotated. This allows for the bit to be driven into the material which results in more efficient work. The rotary mode would be used by professionals that need to drill a big number of holes and bigger-sized holes compared to normal.

SDS Keyless Chunk

Chisel Mode: In this mode, the SDS drill is used as a chisel for breaking and chipping away at concrete or masonry surfaces. The drill bit does not rotate in this mode; instead, it moves back and forth with a hammering action, creating a chiselling effect. This mode is handy for tasks like removing tiles, breaking concrete, or creating channels in walls.

SDS Drill Bits

After choosing what SDS Drill will suit your needs the best, the next stage is making sure you purchase the correct drill bits. You need to consider what type of work you will be doing, the material you will be working with and how big you want to drill your holes. When using A SDS Drill you need to use SDS Drill bits.

SDS drill bits have a unique shank design that allows them to be quickly and securely inserted into the SDS chuck of the rotary hammer drill. The shank has grooves that lock into corresponding slots within the SDS chuck, ensuring a tight and secure fit during high-impact drilling.

SDS Drill Bits

There are different types of SDS drill bits available, including SDS-plus and SDS-max, which differ in size and compatibility with the respective SDS drill models. SDS drill bits typically have a carbide or tungsten carbide tip that provides exceptional strength and durability, allowing them to withstand the intense hammering action of the rotary hammer drill while effectively drilling into hard materials.

Due to their efficiency and reliability, SDS drill bits are popular choices for professional contractors, builders, and DIY enthusiasts working on projects that involve drilling into masonry surfaces.

Masonry drill bits are a type of drill bit specifically designed for drilling into hard materials such as brick, concrete, stone, block, and other masonry surfaces. The body of a masonry drill bit is usually made from high-speed steel (HSS) or other hardened materials to withstand the stress and heat generated during drilling. Some masonry drill bits may also have special flute designs or spiral grooves to facilitate the removal of debris and dust from the hole while drilling.

Heavy-duty Milwaukee SDS Drill Bits

When using masonry drill bits, it’s essential to use a hammer drill or rotary hammer drill with a hammering action, as this helps the drill bit to penetrate masonry surfaces more effectively.

Best Cordless SDS Drills Currently on The Market

Here we are going to check out what are the best SDS Drills on the market for both DIY enthusiastic & for the professional tradesman

BEST DIY SDS Drills

Milwaukee M12 Fuel SDS Rotary Hammer Drill

Milwaukee Cordless M12 SDS Drill M12CH

This Milwaukee M12 Fuel compact 12V rotary hammer is designed to deliver outstanding performance and durability. With its brushless POWERSTATE™ motor, it boasts an impressive 1.1 Joules (EPTA) of impact energy, allowing for powerful and efficient drilling. The drill operates at 0 – 6575 bpm and 0 – 900 rpm, providing versatility for various drilling tasks. One of its standout features is the remarkably low vibration value of 4.4 m/s², enabling comfortable use for up to 8 hours a day without causing excessive fatigue. With a single battery charge, the M12 Fuel SDS Rotary Hammer Drill can drill over 60 holes of 50mm x 6mm size. Its superior power-to-weight ratio in its class ensures efficiency and ease of use. The drill also offers 2-mode operation, allowing users to choose between rotary hammer and rotation-only modes for maximum flexibility. With optimised hammer drilling capabilities of up to 6 – 10mm (max 13mm), this rotary hammer is an excellent choice for professionals seeking a compact and versatile tool for demanding drilling applications.

Specifications
BLOW ENERGY (EPTA)(J) 1.1
FULL LOAD HAMMER ACTION (BPM) 0 – 6575
MAX. DRILLING CONCRETE (MM) 13
MAX. DRILLING STEEL (MM) 10
MAX. DRILLING WOOD (MM) 13
NO LOAD SPEED (RPM) 0 – 900
OPTIMISED DRILLING CAPACITY IN CONCRETE (MM) ⌀ 5.5 – 12
TOOL RECEPTION SDS-Plus
SOUND POWER LEVEL (LWA)(DB(A)) 95.5
SOUND POWER LEVEL UNCERTAINTY (DB(A)) 3
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (LPA)(DB(A)) 84.5
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL UNCERTAINTY (DB(A)) 3
VIBRATION DRILLING (M/S²) 4.4
VIBRATION DRILLING UNCERTAINTY (M/S²) 1.5

Einhell Power 18v X-Change 2.2J Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill

Einhell Power 18v X-Change 2.2J Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill 4513900

Einhell’s HEROCCO 18/20 Cordless Rotary Hammer is a powerhouse, thanks to its impressive brushless motor. This versatile rotary drill offers four high-quality functions, allowing for drilling, hammer drilling, or chiselling with or without a lock. With its pneumatic impact mechanism, concrete drilling becomes effortless. The universal SDS-plus tool chuck with an auto-slip-in function ensures quick and secure bit changes. For enhanced visibility, the drill features a built-in LED light to illuminate the work area. Additionally, the ergonomic soft-grip handle provides better control and reduces hand fatigue, making it a comfortable and efficient tool for various applications.

Specifications
Impact strength 2.2 J
Max. drilling power concrete 20 mm
Max. drilling power metal 13 mm
Max. drilling power wood 30 mm
Motor type Brushless motor
Motor voltage 18v
Number of batteries included None
Number of chargers included None
Number of transmission gears 1
Torque (hard) 18Nm
Transmission material Metal
Product weight 2.12 Kg

Draper D20 20V Brushless SDS+ Rotary Hammer

Draper D20 20V Brushless SDS+ Rotary Hammer 00592

 

This Draper D20 SDS Drill is a powerful and robust drill equipped with a brushless motor, ensuring high performance and longer tool life. It offers four essential functions: drilling, hammer drilling, chiselling, and chisel lock, providing the user with a wide range of applications. The variable speed control allows for precise operation, giving you control over the drilling speed according to the task at hand. The drill also features an adjustable side handle with a depth rod and a 10mm standard chuck adaptor, ensuring comfort and accuracy during use. The integrated LED work light further enhances visibility in dimly lit work areas, making it an efficient and reliable choice for a variety of drilling and chiselling tasks.

Specifications
Drilling Capacity (Masonry) 22mm
Drilling Capacity (Steel) 13mm
Drilling Capacity (Wood) 28mm
Impact Joules 1.7J
Impact Rate 0-4500bpm
Max Torque 135Nm
Max No Load Speed 0-1400rpm
Supplied In Case Yes
Weight (Bare Tool) 2.2kg

Best Professional SDS Drills

DeWalt 18v XR Cordless 26mm SDS-Plus Hammer Drill 

DeWalt 18v XR Brushless Cordless 26mm SDS-Plus Hammer Drill (Body Only) DCH283N-XJDeWalt 18v XR Brushless Cordless 26mm SDS-Plus Hammer Drill (Body Only) DCH283N-XJ

This DeWalt 18V XR Brushless 26MM 2KG SDS-PLUS Hammer Drill provides  professional power, featuring a brushless motor that extends its life and runs time between charges. This versatile hammer is perfect for various applications, offering a rotation stop mode for effortless light chiselling in plaster, tiles, and render, as well as an impact stop mode for efficient rotary drilling in wood and metal. With its bright white LED, visibility is greatly improved, making work in lower light conditions a breeze. The ergonomic design ensures it is lightweight and provides increased comfort and support during extended operating periods, reducing fatigue and allowing you to complete the job quickly and efficiently. Designed for drilling anchors and fixing holes into concrete, brick, and masonry between 4mm and 26mm, this DeWalt SDS-PLUS Hammer is the go-to tool for professional-grade performance.

Specifications
Voltage: 18v
Tool Holder: SDS-Plus
Sound Power: 105 dB(A)
Sound Pressure: 94 dB(A)
No Load Speed: 0-980 rpm
Blows per Minute: 0-4480 bpm
Sound Power Uncertainty: 3 dB(A)
Uncertainty K 1 (Vibration): 1.5 m/s²
Uncertainty K 2 (Vibration): 1.5 m/s²
Uncertainty K 3 (Vibration): 1.5 m/s²
Uncertainty K 4 (Vibration): 1.5 m/s²
Sound Pressure Uncertainty: 3 dB(A)
Impact energy (EPTA 05/2009): 2.8 J
Max. Drilling Capacity [Metal]: 13mm
Max. Drilling Capacity [Wood]: 30mm
Max. Drilling Capacity [Concrete]: 26mm
Hand/Arm Vibration – Chiselling: 8.5 m/s²
Hand/Arm Vibration – Drilling into metal: <2.5 m/s²
Hand/Arm Vibration – Hammer drilling into concrete: 8.5 m/s²
Hand/Arm Vibration – Screw driving without impact: <2.5 m/s²

Makita 40v Max XGT Rotary SDS Hammer Drill

Makita 40v Max XGT Rotary SDS Hammer Drill HR004GBZ

This Makita 40v SDS Drill has a brushless quick change chuck SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer tailored to meet the demanding needs of construction trade professionals. As the flagship model of Makita’s brushless motor cordless combi drills, it promises top-notch performance. The brushless motor ensures efficiency and durability, while the adjustable side handle and anti-vibration technology provide a comfortable working experience, whether for short or extended periods.

The Makita XGT range is a cutting-edge system that combines innovative tool design with high-output batteries. Its built-in program enables digital communication between the tool and batteries, ensuring optimal performance. Designed to withstand tough job conditions, the XGT batteries come with impact-absorbing padding and a heavy-duty outer casing. Similarly, the tools themselves boast added housing and battery terminal strength for enhanced durability.

Specifications
Voltage 40 v
Max in concrete 28 mm
Max. in steel 13 mm
Max. in wood 32 mm
Max in concrete (TCT core) 54 mm
Max in concrete (Diamond core) 65 mm
Optimum Drilling Range 4 – 16 mm
Impact energy 2.9 J
Shank SDS PLUS
Blows per minute 0 – 5,000 bpm
Noise sound pressure 93 dB(A)
Noise sound power 104 dB(A)
Noise K factor 3 dB(A)
No Load Speed 0 – 980 rpm
Vibration K factor 1.5 m/sec²
Vibration: Hammer Drilling 6.5 m/sec²
Vibration: Chiselling 7.5 m/sec²
Vibration: Drilling into metal 2.5 m/sec²
Net weight 4.0 – 4.5 kg

Milwaukee M18 ONE-KEY SDS+ Hammer Drill

Milwaukee M18 ONE-KEY SDS+ Hammer Drill M18ONEFHPX

This Cordless Milwaukee M18 SDS+ Drill stands out as the hardest-hitting cordless SDS-Plus hammer in its class. Boasting a powerful hammer mechanism, it delivers an impressive 5.0 J (EPTA) of impact energy while maintaining low vibrations at just 6.9 m/s². With a M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 5.5 Ah battery charge, this drill can tackle up to 10 ⌀18 x 100 mm holes. Safety is a priority, as the AUTOSTOP™ feature shuts down the tool in bind-up situations to protect the user from sharp movements. Additionally, the ONE-KEY™ tool tracking & security system offers a cloud-based tracking network and inventory management platform for your tools, along with remote locking functionality. The FIXTEC™ system allows for easy keyless chuck changing between SDS-Plus and 13 mm metal chuck, while the all-metal gear case ensures optimum gear seating for enhanced tool life. With 4-mode operation (rotary hammer, hammer only, rotation only, and selectable work position of the chisel), this drill offers maximum versatility to handle a wide range of tasks efficiently.

Specifications
Blow energy (EPTA)(J) 5.0
Blow energy (J) 5.0
Kit included
Max. drilling concrete (mm) 32
Max. drilling steel (mm) 13
Max. drilling tunnel bit (mm) 75
Max. drilling wood (mm) 30
Max. percussion rate (bpm) 0 – 4600
No load speed (rpm) 0 – 800
No. of batteries supplied 0
Optimised drilling capacity in concrete (mm) 8 – 24
Standard equipment Side handle, depth gauge, FIXTEC™ 13 mm full metal chuck
Supplied in No kit box or bag supplied
Tool reception SDS-Plus + Reduced shank 13 mm
Voltage (V) 18
Weight (kg) 4.2
Weight with battery pack (EPTA) (kg) 5.2 (M18 HB5.5)

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