SDS Max drill bit is a concrete drill bit. It has an 18mm wide diameter and is extremely used for harder materials such as concrete, stones, bricks, and concrete with rebars. Normally, the SDS max drill bit is used on bulldog rotary hammers. SDS max drill bit has a 5 rail shank geometry, and it helps to remain the drill bit in the chuck and move it forward and backward with high efficiency.
The SDS max drill bit is wider than both SDS and SDS plus drill bits. Some SDS max drill bits are chisels and some are hole cutters. Due to the higher torque, these bits can be used on many hard materials. Normally, SDS max drill bits are more than 20% more efficient than SDS plus drill bits.
Where To Use SDS Max Drill Bit?
SDS Max is a masonry drill bit which has designed for heavy-duty drilling in hard materials like concrete, brick, and stone.
Here are some common applications where SDS Max drill bits are used:
- Drilling into concrete for anchor bolts, rebar, and other structural fasteners.
- Creating holes for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC installations
- Creating openings for windows and doors in masonry walls
- Demolishing concrete and other tough materials using a chipping hammer or demolition hammer attachment

If SDS max is not good for your task you can select suitable drill bit among these 07 types of masonry bits
What Is The Geometry Of SDS Max Drill Bit?
The SDS Max drill bit has a geometry designed for heavy-duty drilling applications in hard materials such as concrete, masonry, and stone. It is characterized by a shank that is larger in diameter than the drill bit itself, which provides greater stability and transfer of torque.
- The SDS Max drill bit has a 4-spiral flute design that provides efficient debris removal and reduces the chance of bit binding.
- The SDS Max drill bit also has a length measurement that refers to the usable length of the bit. This measurement typically ranges from 8 inches to 24 inches, depending on the size and application of the drill bit.
What Is An SDS Max Adapter?
An SDS Max adapter is a tool that is used to convert a power tool that is designed for use with SDS Max drill bits into a tool that can be used with other types of drill bits. SDS Max is a specific type of chuck system used for rotary hammer drills, and it is characterized by a larger shank size than other types of chucks.
The adapter has a smaller shank size than the SDS Max drill bit and is designed to accept other types of drill bits, such as SDS Plus, standard cylindrical shank bits.
It is important to note that using an SDS Max adapter with non-SDS Max drill bits may reduce the drilling performance and the life of the adapter due to the increased stress and wear on the adapter. It is generally recommended to use SDS Max drill bits with SDS Max chucks and adapters to achieve the best drilling performance and ensure the longest lifespan of the equipment.
What Are The Manufactured Material Of SDS Max Drills?
SDS Max drills are made of high-quality materials to ensure durability and long life, as they are designed for heavy-duty drilling applications in hard materials such as concrete, masonry, and stone.
The shank of SDS Max drills is typically made of high-grade steel, which provides strength and stability during drilling. The steel is usually heat-treated to enhance its hardness, toughness, and wear resistance.
The tip of the SDS Max drill bit is typically made of tungsten carbide, which is a hard and durable material that can withstand high temperatures and wear.
Some SDS Max drill bits have a body made of hardened steel to enhance their durability and resistance to wear, while others may have a body made of diamond segments for drilling in extremely hard materials such as reinforced concrete.
In addition, some SDS Max drill bits may be coated with special materials such as diamond or titanium nitride to enhance their performance and increase their resistance to wear and corrosion.
SDS Max Vs SDS Plus Drill Bits – Which Is Better?

The choice between SDS Max and SDS Plus drill bits depends on the specific drilling application and the type of tool being used. Here are some key differences between the two types of drill bits:
Shank size | The shank of SDS Max drill bits is larger than that of SDS Plus drill bits, which makes them more stable and suitable for heavy-duty drilling applications. |
Power and speed | SDS Max drill bits are designed for use with more powerful rotary hammer drills than SDS Plus drill bits, which means they can drill faster and deeper into hard materials. |
Drilling Capacity | SDS Max drill bits are generally larger and longer than SDS Plus drill bits, which means they can drill larger holes and deeper holes in hard materials. |
Versatility | SDS Plus drill bits can be used with both SDS Plus and SDS Max chucks, as well as with adapters for standard chucks, making them more versatile than SDS Max drill bits. |
Read More About – What is Diamond Drill Bit?
Overall, SDS Max drill bits are better suited for heavy-duty drilling applications in hard materials where power and stability are critical, while SDS Plus drill bits are more versatile and can be used for a wider range of drilling tasks. However, it’s important to choose the right type of drill bit for the specific drilling application to achieve the best results.
How Deep Can An SDS Max Drill Bit Can Drill?
SDS Max drill bits are available in various lengths, ranging from 8 inches to 24 inches or more, depending on the diameter of the bit. The length of the drill bit determines the maximum drilling depth that can be achieved.
For example, a 1-inch SDS Max drill bit with a length of 18 inches can typically drill to a maximum depth of around 16 inches, while a 2-inch SDS Max drill bit with a length of 24 inches can drill to a maximum depth of around 22 inches.
It is important to note that the maximum drilling depth also depends on the power of the rotary hammer drill being used. A more powerful drill can provide more torque and speed, which can enable deeper drilling.
Can SDS Max Drill Bits Be Used In Regular Drills?
No, SDS Max drill bits cannot be used in regular drills because they are designed to be used with specific rotary hammer drills that have SDS Max chucks. The shank size of SDS Max drill bits is larger than the shank size of regular drill bits, which means they cannot fit into regular drill chucks.
Using an SDS Max drill bit in a regular drill can result in damage to the drill bit, the drill chuck, or both, and can also result in poor drilling performance and safety hazards. It’s important to use the appropriate type of drill bit for the specific drilling application and to use the appropriate power tool for the drill bit to achieve the best results.
Can A SDS Max Drill Bit Sharpen?
Yes, SDS Max drill bits can be sharpened, but it requires specialized equipment and expertise to do so. SDS Max drill bits are made of hard and durable materials, such as tungsten carbide, which can be sharpened using a diamond grinding wheel or a specialized sharpening machine.
Sharpening an SDS Max drill bit requires the bit to be held securely in place, while the grinding wheel or machine removes a small amount of material from the tip of the bit. The angle and shape of the tip must be carefully maintained during the sharpening process to ensure proper drilling performance.
It’s important to note that over-sharpening an SDS Max drill bit can weaken the tip and reduce its overall lifespan. Therefore, it’s recommended to have SDS Max drill bits sharpened by a professional who has the necessary equipment and expertise to ensure that the bit is sharpened properly and safely.
What Are The Other SDS Max Drill Bits?
There are many different types of SDS Max drill bits available, each designed for specific drilling applications. Here are some of the other types of SDS Max drill bits:

Chiseling Bits | These are SDS Max drill bits with a flat chisel tip, designed for chiseling and demolition work in concrete and masonry. |
Core Bits | These are hollow SDS Max drill bits, designed for drilling large diameter holes in concrete and masonry. Core bits are available in a range of diameters and can be used for drilling holes for pipes, wires, and other applications. |
Rebar Cutters | These are SDS Max drill bits with a specialized cutting tip, designed for cutting through reinforced concrete and rebar. |
Clay Spades | These are SDS Max drill bits with a flat blade, designed for digging in soil, clay, and other soft materials. |
These are just a few examples of the many types of SDS Max drill bits available. It is important to choose the appropriate type of drill bit for the specific drilling application to achieve the best results.