SDS drill bits are indispensable tools on any construction site. They work well both during major renovations and for small household chores. They are appreciated by both professionals and home DIYers. Why? Because they offer something that other drills don't have – a clamping system that allows quick changes without the need for additional tools. Just click – and you're done. No searching for keys, no unnecessary downtime.
Thanks to this solution, work becomes smooth, fast and convenient. Especially when drilling into hard materials – such as concrete, brick or stone – where not only precision but also time is of the essence. The SDS system can handle this without any problem.
There are two main fastening systems that dominate the market:
System | Use | Characteristics |
SDS-Plus | Lighter household and renovation work | Ideal for mounting shelves, drilling holes for dowels, small repairs |
SDS-Max | Heavy construction work | Designed for drilling in thick load-bearing walls, reinforced concrete, construction works |
The main differences between these systems are:
- Shank diameter – SDS-Max has a larger shank, which allows it to transmit more forces.
- Impact Force – SDS-Max is better able to handle heavy loads and hard materials.
SDS drill bits are available in many variants – they differ in length, diameter and purpose. This allows them to be perfectly adapted to the specific task. Whether you're planning a quick drill into a partition wall or working on a large construction project, you can count on:
- Flexibility – a wide range of models for different applications.
- Durability – resistant to wear and tear even under heavy use.
- Efficient – precise and fast drilling in a variety of materials.
They are not just tools – they are partners at work: solid, reliable and ready for any challenge.
And what does the future bring? Will there be intelligent drills that recognize the material themselves and automatically adjust the drilling parameters? Perhaps. One thing is certain – technology is not slowing down. The tool industry continues to surprise, and innovations appear faster than we have time to test them. Really exciting times are ahead of us!
SDS clamping system: principle of operation and types
The SDS clamping system is a breakthrough solution in the world of hammer drills, which significantly affects the comfort and efficiency of work. The most common variants are SDS-Plus and SDS-Max.
The SDS-Plus has a shank diameter of 10 mm and is ideal for lighter jobs such as drilling in masonry or aerated concrete. The SDS-Max, on the other hand, with an 18 mm mandrel, is a tool for special tasks – it perfectly copes with hard stone and reinforced concrete.
Choosing the right system isn't just a technical issue – it's a decision that affects the speed, convenience, and quality of your work.
- SDS-Plus – compact, handy, easy to use. Ideal for do-it-yourselfers and minor renovations.
- SDS-Max – more power, stability and reliability. Built for heavy-duty construction work.
The selection of the system should take into account not only the type of material, but also the intensity and frequency of work.
Technology is constantly evolving – it is possible that soon there will be new solutions that will make the work of both professionals and amateurs even easier. One thing is certain: a well-chosen fastening system is an investment in precision, comfort and peace of mind.
What is the difference between SDS-Plus and SDS-Max?
While SDS-Plus and SDS-Max may look similar, the differences between them are significant. Both systems allow fast, tool-free drill bit clamping, but the key difference is the shank diameter:
System | Shank diameter | Use |
SDS-Plus | 10 mm | Light work: brick, hollow bricks, lower density concrete |
SDS-Max | 18 mm | Heavy work: granite, reinforced concrete, construction |
SDS-Plus is the perfect choice for precise, light tasks. And SDS-Max is for professionals who need maximum power and durability.
The choice of the system should be thoughtful. Using equipment that is too powerful for light work means unnecessary tool wear, higher costs and a waste of energy. Maybe in the future there will be hybrid solutions that combine the advantages of both systems? Time will tell.
One thing is already known today – it is worth choosing wisely.
TE-C and TE-Y for Hilti tools
Users of Hilti tools have certainly come across the TE-C and TE-Y markings. These are the equivalent of SDS-Plus and SDS-Max systems:
Hilti marking | SDS Equivalent | Use |
TE-C | SDS-Plus | Light renovation work, drilling in masonry and aerated concrete |
TE-Y | SDS-Max | Heavy construction work, drilling in reinforced concrete and stone |
Hilti uses these markings to make it easier for users to choose the right attachment. This makes it easy for professionals and occasional users to tailor the tool to their needs.
Example:
- To renovate the apartment, all you need is a drill with the TE-C system.
- For construction work, the TE-Y model will work better.
- With intensive use, durability and power are what counts – here the TE-Y is second to none.
The tool market is constantly growing and user expectations are growing. Will Hilti surprise us with a new fastening system? We don't know.
One thing is certain – a well-chosen system is the key to effective, safe and long-lasting work with tools.