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10 Best Sds Drills 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill, Cordless, 3 Application Modes, Bare Tool Only (DCH273B)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,152
Power
Impact Energy
Weight

Most important from
3272 reviews

Power
Battery life is impressive, offering ample power for extended use without frequent recharges.
Impact Energy
The drill handled tough materials like concrete with ease, making heavy-duty tasks much quicker and less strenuous.
Weight
Despite being a bit heavier, the drill's robust build and powerful performance are worth the extra weight.
Corded vs. Cordless
The cordless design adds a layer of convenience, eliminating the need for extension cords and providing freedom of movement.
Additional Features
Three application modes allow for easy switching between drilling, hammer drilling, and chiseling, enhancing versatility.

The DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill (DCH273B) is a versatile and powerful tool ideal for various applications like rod hanging, seismic & safety attachments, cable tray & strut mounting, clamp mounting, and rail mounting. One of its prominent strengths is its cordless design, offering the convenience of portability without being tethered to a power outlet. It delivers 2.1 Joules of impact energy, making it effective for fast drilling in concrete and other tough materials.

The brushless motor and German-engineered mechanism contribute to its efficient performance and longer runtime. Weighing just 6.4 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, reducing user fatigue during extended use. The SHOCKS ACTIVE VIBRATION CONTROL System is another significant advantage, as it minimizes the vibration felt by the user, enhancing comfort and control during operation. It also features a rotating dial that allows users to switch between Drill, Hammer Drill, and Chip modes, adding to its versatility.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The tool is sold as a bare unit, meaning batteries and a charger are not included, which could be an additional expense. Additionally, while it is battery-powered, the runtime will depend on the battery capacity, potentially requiring frequent recharges or spare batteries for longer tasks. Despite these minor inconveniences, the DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill is a high-performing tool, well-suited for both professional and DIY users looking for a reliable and powerful cordless drill.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,152
Power
Impact Energy
Weight

Most important from
3272 reviews

Power
Battery life is impressive, offering ample power for extended use without frequent recharges.
Impact Energy
The drill handled tough materials like concrete with ease, making heavy-duty tasks much quicker and less strenuous.
Weight
Despite being a bit heavier, the drill's robust build and powerful performance are worth the extra weight.
Corded vs. Cordless
The cordless design adds a layer of convenience, eliminating the need for extension cords and providing freedom of movement.
Additional Features
Three application modes allow for easy switching between drilling, hammer drilling, and chiseling, enhancing versatility.
#2

BOSCH 11264EVS 1-5/8 Inch SDS-Max Combination Hammer, Rotary Hammer & Hammer Modes, 13 Amp

Rating
8.8
Power
Impact Energy
Speed

Most important from
356 reviews

Power
A massive step up in power and material removal from the Bosch Bulldog, making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
Impact Energy
This rotary hammer is a brute but easy on your body, handling tasks like clearing mortar off concrete effortlessly.
Speed
The trigger stays on during hammer-only use, and motor speed can be adjusted, which is beneficial for various applications.
Weight
The hammer is a bit heavy but nimble enough for prolonged use, offering great precision.
Chuck Type
The SDS system works great, with SDS max bits being much larger than SDS plus bits.
Additional Features
Anti-vibration features work very well, significantly reducing user fatigue.

The Bosch 11264EVS 1-5/8 Inch SDS-Max Combination Hammer is a powerful and versatile tool ideal for heavy-duty tasks. With its 13.0 amp motor and 6.5 ft.-lbs. of impact energy, it offers excellent performance, especially in hammer-only mode where it delivers 20% more power. This makes it a strong contender for tasks that require significant force. The maximum rotational speed of 340 RPM might not be the highest, but it is sufficient for most heavy-duty drilling and hammering applications.

Weighing 15.2 lbs., the tool is relatively lightweight considering its power, which can help reduce user fatigue during prolonged use. The corded electric power source ensures consistent performance without the need for battery changes or recharges, though it does limit mobility to some extent. The SDS-Max chuck allows for quick and secure bit changes, enhancing productivity on the job site.

One standout feature is Bosch’s Active Vibration Control, which significantly reduces vibration and improves user comfort, making it suitable for extended use. Additionally, the dual-mode selector provides the versatility to switch between rotary hammer and hammer-only modes based on the task at hand. Bosch’s Constant Response Circuitry further ensures consistent speed under load and provides overload protection and smooth starts. The tool-free SDS max bit system, automatic bit-locking, and maximum impact energy transfer rate are convenient features that enhance its usability and efficiency. This tool is best suited for professionals or serious DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable and powerful hammer drill for demanding applications.

Rating
8.8
Power
Impact Energy
Speed

Most important from
356 reviews

Power
A massive step up in power and material removal from the Bosch Bulldog, making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
Impact Energy
This rotary hammer is a brute but easy on your body, handling tasks like clearing mortar off concrete effortlessly.
Speed
The trigger stays on during hammer-only use, and motor speed can be adjusted, which is beneficial for various applications.
Weight
The hammer is a bit heavy but nimble enough for prolonged use, offering great precision.
Chuck Type
The SDS system works great, with SDS max bits being much larger than SDS plus bits.
Additional Features
Anti-vibration features work very well, significantly reducing user fatigue.
#3

DEWALT 60V MAX Cordless Hammer Drill Kit, 1-9/16 in., (2) FLEXVOLT Batteries & Charger Included (DCH481X2)

Rating
8.5
Power
Corded vs. Cordless
Additional Features

Most important from
153 reviews

Power
This drill powers through 30 inches of solid granite in just minutes, turning what used to take hours into a quick task.
Corded vs. Cordless
Its cordless design offers freedom on job sites without sacrificing the heavy-duty performance needed for tough materials.
Additional Features
The hammer-only, drill-only, and combined hammer drill functions cover all the bases for versatile use.
Weight
Despite its power, the drill's weight is reasonable and comparable or lighter than similar models from other brands.

The DEWALT 60V MAX Cordless Hammer Drill Kit is a powerful and versatile tool designed for heavy-duty drilling and chipping, especially in concrete and masonry. With 6.1 Joules of impact energy, it delivers strong blows that make quick work of tough materials. The cordless design, powered by two FLEXVOLT lithium-ion batteries, offers the freedom to work without being tied to an outlet, which is great for job sites or places without easy access to power. It weighs about 12 pounds, which is reasonable for a tool with this power, and the lightweight design helps reduce fatigue during horizontal drilling tasks. The drill operates at a maximum speed of 1100 RPM, controlled by variable speed electronics that maintain steady performance even under heavy load. Its 20mm chuck size fits standard SDS bits and supports a variety of drilling jobs.

Notably, the drill includes advanced features like an Anti-Rotation E-CLUTCH that protects you if the bit binds, and SHOCKS Active Vibration Control, which makes long periods of use more comfortable by reducing handle vibration. The brushless motor and German engineered mechanism contribute to durability and efficiency. The drill is heavier compared to some smaller SDS drills, which might be a consideration if you need a more compact tool for overhead work. While the impact energy is strong, some professional-grade rotary hammers offer even more power for extremely tough concrete. The inclusion of DEWALT's Tool Connect system is a plus for easily tracking your tool on a busy site. This drill suits contractors and serious DIYers looking for a robust cordless SDS hammer drill that balances power, convenience, and smart features.

Rating
8.5
Power
Corded vs. Cordless
Additional Features

Most important from
153 reviews

Power
This drill powers through 30 inches of solid granite in just minutes, turning what used to take hours into a quick task.
Corded vs. Cordless
Its cordless design offers freedom on job sites without sacrificing the heavy-duty performance needed for tough materials.
Additional Features
The hammer-only, drill-only, and combined hammer drill functions cover all the bases for versatile use.
Weight
Despite its power, the drill's weight is reasonable and comparable or lighter than similar models from other brands.

Buying Guide for the Best Sds Drills

When it comes to picking the right SDS drill, it's important to understand your specific needs and the tasks you plan to undertake. SDS drills are powerful tools designed for heavy-duty drilling, particularly in hard materials like concrete and masonry. To make an informed decision, you should consider several key specifications that will determine the drill's performance and suitability for your projects.
PowerPower in SDS drills is measured in watts (W) or volts (V) for cordless models. This spec indicates the drill's ability to handle tough materials. Higher power means more capability to drill through hard surfaces. For light to medium tasks, a drill with 500-800W or 18V might suffice. For heavy-duty tasks, look for models with 800W or more, or 24V and above for cordless options. Choose based on the toughest material you expect to work with.
Impact EnergyImpact energy, measured in joules (J), indicates the force with which the drill can hammer into materials. This is crucial for drilling into hard surfaces like concrete. Lower impact energy (1-2J) is suitable for lighter tasks, while higher impact energy (3J and above) is better for heavy-duty drilling. Consider the hardest material you will be drilling into and choose a drill with appropriate impact energy.
SpeedSpeed in SDS drills is measured in rotations per minute (RPM). Higher speeds allow for faster drilling, but may not be necessary for all tasks. Variable speed settings are beneficial as they allow you to adjust the speed based on the material and task. For general use, a drill with speeds up to 1,500 RPM is usually sufficient. For more specialized tasks, higher speeds might be needed.
WeightThe weight of the drill affects its ease of use and maneuverability. Lighter drills (around 2-3 kg) are easier to handle and suitable for overhead or prolonged use. Heavier drills (4 kg and above) are more stable and powerful, making them better for heavy-duty tasks. Consider the duration and type of work you will be doing to choose a weight that you can comfortably manage.
Chuck TypeSDS drills typically come with either SDS-Plus or SDS-Max chucks. SDS-Plus is suitable for lighter to medium-duty tasks and can handle drill bits up to 1 inch in diameter. SDS-Max is designed for heavy-duty tasks and can accommodate larger bits. Choose SDS-Plus for general home use and lighter tasks, and SDS-Max for professional or heavy-duty applications.
Corded vs. CordlessCorded SDS drills offer continuous power and are generally more powerful, making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks. Cordless drills provide greater mobility and convenience, especially in areas without easy access to power outlets. However, they may have limited battery life and slightly less power. Choose corded for continuous, heavy-duty work and cordless for flexibility and portability.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features like anti-vibration systems, adjustable handles, and depth stops can enhance the usability and comfort of the drill. Anti-vibration systems reduce user fatigue, adjustable handles provide better control, and depth stops ensure precise drilling. Consider these features based on your comfort and the precision required for your tasks.

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