Bosch SDS Bits and Attachments
Drilling fixing holes in concrete or breaking out masonry? Bosch SDS drill bits and chisels need matching to your hammer and the job.
For sparkies, plumbers and installers, shank type, diameter and working length matter more than a big set. Choose Bosch SDS plus bits for compatible hammers, or SDS max tooling for larger machines. Shop the right fit below.
What Are Bosch SDS Drill Bits Used For?
- Drill fixing holes into concrete and brickwork for cable tray brackets, pipe clips and wall-mounted equipment, matching the bit diameter to the fixing specification.
- Bore through masonry walls for cables and pipework using a bit with enough working length to reach through without burying the flutes.
- Break out small sections of masonry with Bosch SDS chisels fitted to a compatible hammer with a chisel-only mode.
- Lift wall tiles during bathroom refurbs with a suitable tile chisel, keeping the blade angle shallow to limit damage to the backing.
Choosing the Right Bosch SDS Drill Bits
Check the holder on your hammer first; the right diameter is useless if the shank will not fit.
1. Match SDS Plus or SDS Max
Choose Bosch SDS+ Drill Bits for an SDS plus holder. Choose Bosch SDS MAX Drill Bits for an SDS max holder. These are different fitting systems, not interchangeable sizes of the same shank.
2. Check Diameter and Working Length
For anchors, use the diameter and drilling depth specified by the fixing manufacturer. For through-holes, check working length rather than overall length; part of the bit stays inside the holder.
3. Match the Cutting Head to the Material
If reinforced concrete is on the job sheet, choose a bit explicitly rated for it rather than assuming every masonry bit will cope. Confirm permission before drilling where reinforcement could be encountered, and never deliberately cut structural steel without approval.
4. Buy Sets for Variety, Singles for Repeated Work
Choose a Bosch SDS drill bit set if you regularly use several fixing sizes. If most of your work uses one diameter, buy replacement singles in that size rather than another set containing bits you rarely touch.
Who Uses Bosch SDS Drill Bits?
Sparkies and mechanical installers use Bosch SDS drill bits for repeated bracket and containment fixings in masonry. Plumbers choose longer bits for service routes, while refurbishment teams use compatible chisels for tile removal and local breaking. A Bosch SDS drill bit set suits fitters who regularly switch between common fixing diameters.
The Basics: Understanding Bosch SDS Tooling
An SDS holder lets the bit move backwards and forwards under the hammer action while driving it round. That fitting is why SDS tooling needs a compatible machine.
1. SDS Plus and SDS Max Are Different Systems
SDS plus uses a 10mm shank; SDS max uses an 18mm shank and is generally found on larger hammers. Those measurements describe the shank, not the hole diameter. Check the specification on your existing machine or the relevant Bosch SDS Drills before ordering tooling.
2. Drilling and Chiselling Need Different Modes
Masonry drill bits normally use rotation with hammer action. Chisels need hammer-only operation without rotation, so check that your machine has a chisel mode before buying them.
Accessories for Cleaner Drilling and Refurb Work
Sort dust control and compatible chisels before starting, rather than stopping halfway through the strip-out.
1. Drill Dust Collection Attachments
Use compatible Bosch Drill Dust Collection Attachments with suitable extraction to capture dust at the hole. Check the attachment's bit diameter limits and extractor connection before buying; it must suit the drilling setup and dust risk assessment.
2. SDS Plus Chisels
For tile lifting and local masonry removal, Bosch SDS+ Chisel Bits let a compatible SDS plus hammer tackle strip-out work without using a drill bit as a lever. Match the blade shape to the job and use hammer-only mode.
Choose the Right Bosch SDS Tooling for the Job
Start with your machine's holder, then select the diameter, reach and cutting shape.
| Your Job | Tooling Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bracket and pipe clip fixings | Bosch SDS plus bits | Specified fixing diameter and sufficient working length |
| Larger holes with an SDS max hammer | Bosch SDS max bits | SDS max shank and diameter within the machine's drilling capacity |
| Cable or pipe routes through walls | Long masonry drill bit | Working length exceeding the required drilling depth |
| Bathroom tile removal | Suitable SDS tile chisel | Blade width and angle suited to tile lifting, with hammer-only operation |
| Mixed fixing work on refurbs | Bosch SDS drill bit set | Useful diameter selection, compatible shanks and suitable lengths |
Common Buying and Usage Mistakes
- Buying SDS max tooling for an SDS plus hammer leaves you with a shank that will not fit. Check the machine specification before ordering.
- Choosing by overall length can leave the bit short of the far side of a wall. Use the stated working length when planning through-holes.
- Forcing a bit to drill faster adds load and can increase wear. Let the hammer work, maintain control and clear debris as instructed.
- Using a worn bit for anchor holes can compromise hole size and fixing performance. Inspect the cutting head and replace damaged or excessively worn tooling.
- Drilling masonry without planned dust control exposes workers to hazardous dust. Select suitable extraction and any required respiratory protection before starting.
SDS Plus Bits vs SDS Max Bits vs SDS Chisels
Bosch SDS Plus Bits
Choose these for compatible SDS plus hammers doing fixing holes and service drilling. They suit lighter drilling setups, but do not fit SDS max holders; check the machine's capacity before selecting larger diameters.
Bosch SDS Max Bits
Choose these when your SDS max hammer and larger drilling work require them. The larger fitting supports heavier tooling, but is not a substitute for SDS plus on a compact fixing drill.
Bosch SDS Chisels
Choose a chisel for breaking or stripping material rather than boring a round hole. Match both the shank and blade shape, and use a machine with hammer-only operation.
Maintenance and Care
Clean the Shank Before Fitting
Remove grit from the shank before inserting it into the holder. Apply only the lubricant and quantity specified by the hammer manufacturer; excess grease attracts dirt.
Keep Flutes Clear
Clear drilling debris according to the tool instructions and maintain effective extraction. After use, let the bit cool before handling or cleaning it.
Inspect Heads and Shanks
Check for chipped carbide, cracked joints, bent shafts and damaged shank grooves. Replace damaged bits rather than forcing them back into service.
Store Dry and Separated
Dry tooling before putting it away and use a case or rack to protect cutting heads. Keeping sizes organised also stops the wrong diameter reaching an anchor hole.
Why Shop for Bosch SDS Drill Bits at ITS?
ITS stocks the Bosch SDS tooling range for fixing, through-drilling and strip-out work, covering SDS plus and SDS max bits, sets and chisels. Stock is held in our own warehouse, ready for next-day delivery on eligible orders. Check the individual listing for current availability and delivery options.
Bosch SDS Drill Bits FAQs
What is the difference between SDS plus and SDS max?
SDS plus has a 10mm shank, while SDS max has an 18mm shank with a different groove arrangement. SDS max is generally used on larger hammers for heavier drilling and chiselling. They are not directly interchangeable, so match the bit to your machine's holder.
What SDS bits does Bosch make?
Bosch makes SDS plus and SDS max masonry drill bits, alongside compatible chisels in shapes such as pointed, flat and tile-removal blades. Bits are available individually and in sets, depending on the range. Check each product's fitting, material suitability and working length rather than buying by brand alone.
Can SDS bits be used in a normal drill?
Not as a proper substitute for the correct tooling. A normal three-jaw chuck does not provide the SDS retention and sliding action the shank is designed for. Use straight-shank masonry bits in a conventional drill, or use an SDS hammer with matching SDS bits.
Are Bosch sds bits any good?
They are a practical choice for trade masonry drilling, but the exact bit matters more than the badge. Choose the correct material rating, head design and length for the work. Even a suitable bit will wear quickly if it is forced, overheated or used beyond its specification; there is no single lifespan that applies to every job.
Where are Bosch tools made?
Bosch manufactures across several countries, and the country of origin varies by product. Do not assume an SDS bit was made in the same country as your Bosch drill. Check the individual product or packaging for its stated origin.
