Buying guide
Best cordless SDS drills
Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick
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Top picks at a glance
Compare them allBest overall
DeWalt DCH263N: 3 J brushless SDS plus, 28 mm, bare
The listing gives 3.0 J of impact energy and holes from 4 to 28 mm in concrete, brick and masonry.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkBest value
DeWalt DCH172D2: 1.4 J compact SDS plus, 2 x 2 Ah
The listing states 1.4 J, up to 4,980 bpm and 16 mm in concrete.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkMost features
Milwaukee M18FH-0: 2.5 J Fuel SDS plus, four modes
The listing states 2.5 J of impact energy and up to 26 mm in concrete.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
When a combi drill starts to struggle in hard brick, concrete lintels or engineering block, an SDS plus hammer drill is the next step. Its piston mechanism delivers far more blow energy, measured in joules, and the SDS shank lets the bit slide back and forth in the chuck. Most cordless models also offer a chisel only mode for lifting tiles and chasing small channels. This guide compares 12 V, 18 V and twin 18 V SDS plus drills using the impact energy, concrete capacity and modes each listing states, and it spells out what is in the box. Many SDS drills are sold as bare units, so check you have a suitable battery and charger. SDS drills can kick if a bit jams: hold the side handle, use the clutch and kickback features, scan walls for cables and pipes, and wear eye, ear and dust protection as the manual and HSE guidance advise.
All products compared
- DeWalt DCH263N: 3 J brushless SDS plus, 28 mm, bare
- Impact energy
- 3.0 J
- Concrete capacity
- 4 to 28 mm
- Modes
- Rotary, hammer, chisel
- In the box
- Tool and side handle (no battery)
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Milwaukee M18FH-0: 2.5 J Fuel SDS plus, four modes
- Impact energy
- 2.5 J
- Concrete capacity
- 26 mm
- Modes
- 4 modes
- In the box
- Body only, no box
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Bosch GBH 18V-22 X: SDS with OneChuck for round bits
- Impact energy
- Not stated
- Concrete capacity
- Not stated
- Modes
- Not stated
- In the box
- Tool, L-BOXX 136, side handle, depth gauge
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - DeWalt DCH172D2: 1.4 J compact SDS plus, 2 x 2 Ah
- Impact energy
- 1.4 J
- Concrete capacity
- 16 mm
- Modes
- Rotary hammer, rotary only
- In the box
- 2 x 2.0 Ah batteries
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Bosch GSB 18V-45 plus GBH 18V-22 kit, 2 x 4 Ah
- Impact energy
- Not stated
- Concrete capacity
- 6 to 10 mm (ideal range)
- Modes
- Not stated
- In the box
- Combi drill, 2 x 4.0 Ah, GAL 18V-40, bag
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Bosch GBH 18V-22: compact SDS plus in L-BOXX, bare
- Impact energy
- Not stated
- Concrete capacity
- 10 mm metal (listed)
- Modes
- Not stated
- In the box
- Tool, L-BOXX 136, depth gauge
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Makita DHR263ZJ: twin 18 V SDS plus, 26 mm, bare
- Impact energy
- Not stated
- Concrete capacity
- 26 mm chuck capacity
- Modes
- Rotary, rotary hammer, hammer only
- In the box
- Tool in Makpac (no batteries)
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - DeWalt DCH072NT: 12 V XR SDS plus, 1.1 J, bare
- Impact energy
- 1.1 J
- Concrete capacity
- Not stated
- Modes
- 2 modes
- In the box
- Tool in TSTAK case (no battery)
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
| Product | Impact energy | Concrete capacity | Modes | In the box | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCH263N: 3 J brushless SDS plus, 28 mm, bare | 3.0 J | 4 to 28 mm | Rotary, hammer, chisel | Tool and side handle (no battery) | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Milwaukee M18FH-0: 2.5 J Fuel SDS plus, four modes | 2.5 J | 26 mm | 4 modes | Body only, no box | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Bosch GBH 18V-22 X: SDS with OneChuck for round bits | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Tool, L-BOXX 136, side handle, depth gauge | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| DeWalt DCH172D2: 1.4 J compact SDS plus, 2 x 2 Ah | 1.4 J | 16 mm | Rotary hammer, rotary only | 2 x 2.0 Ah batteries | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Bosch GSB 18V-45 plus GBH 18V-22 kit, 2 x 4 Ah | Not stated | 6 to 10 mm (ideal range) | Not stated | Combi drill, 2 x 4.0 Ah, GAL 18V-40, bag | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Bosch GBH 18V-22: compact SDS plus in L-BOXX, bare | Not stated | 10 mm metal (listed) | Not stated | Tool, L-BOXX 136, depth gauge | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Makita DHR263ZJ: twin 18 V SDS plus, 26 mm, bare | Not stated | 26 mm chuck capacity | Rotary, rotary hammer, hammer only | Tool in Makpac (no batteries) | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| DeWalt DCH072NT: 12 V XR SDS plus, 1.1 J, bare | 1.1 J | Not stated | 2 modes | Tool in TSTAK case (no battery) | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.
The products in detail
No. 1 · DEWALT
DeWalt DCH263N: 3 J brushless SDS plus, 28 mm, bare
A brushless DeWalt 18 V XR SDS plus hammer with three modes and a 28 mm capacity, sold bare. The strongest single 18 V option here for anchors and fixings.
In its favour
- The listing gives 3.0 J of impact energy and holes from 4 to 28 mm in concrete, brick and masonry.
- Rotation stop mode handles light chiselling in plaster, tiles and render.
- Compact, ergonomic design with a side handle included.
Good to know
- Bare unit: no battery, charger or case in the box.
- The listing does not state the weight with a battery fitted.
Listing title: DEWALT DCH263N-XJ 18V XR Brushless 28mm SDS-Plus Hammer Drill - Bare U...
No. 2 · Milwaukee
Milwaukee M18FH-0: 2.5 J Fuel SDS plus, four modes
Milwaukee's M18 Fuel SDS plus rotary hammer with 2.5 J and four modes, supplied body only. A strong match for anyone already on M18 batteries.
In its favour
- The listing states 2.5 J of impact energy and up to 26 mm in concrete.
- Four operating modes are listed, covering drilling, hammer drilling and chiselling.
- Brushless Fuel motor shares the large M18 battery range.
Good to know
- Body only with no case, battery or charger.
- The listing gives few details on vibration control or weight with a pack.
Listing title: Milwaukee M18FH-0 18v Cordless Fuel 26mm SDS Rotary Hammer Drill Body ...
No. 3 · Bosch Professional
Bosch GBH 18V-22 X: SDS with OneChuck for round bits
Bosch Professional's brushless SDS plus rotary hammer with a OneChuck that also takes round and hex shank bits. Supplied in an L-BOXX without battery.
In its favour
- OneChuck accepts SDS plus, cylindrical and hex bits without swapping chucks, according to Bosch.
- KickBack Control and constant speed motor are listed.
- Comes with an auxiliary handle, depth gauge and L-BOXX 136.
Good to know
- Impact energy and concrete capacity are not stated in this listing.
- No battery or charger is included, so budget for both if you are new to Bosch.
Listing title: Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Rotary Hammer GBH 18V-22 X (inc...
No. 4 · DEWALT
DeWalt DCH172D2: 1.4 J compact SDS plus, 2 x 2 Ah
DeWalt's ultra compact brushless SDS plus rotary hammer listed with two 2 Ah batteries. Light at 1.8 kg without a battery, it suits fixing work and overhead drilling.
In its favour
- The listing states 1.4 J, up to 4,980 bpm and 16 mm in concrete.
- Weight is 1.8 kg without battery, with an LED and a tether point for work at height.
- Listed with two 2.0 Ah XR batteries, unlike most SDS drills here.
Good to know
- There is no chisel mode, so it cannot remove tiles or chase channels.
- A charger is not clearly listed in the contents; confirm before ordering.
Listing title: DeWALT | XR SDS + Rotarty Hammer | 18V 2 x 2.0Ah Li-Ion | DCH172D2-GB
No. 5 · Bosch Professional
Bosch GSB 18V-45 plus GBH 18V-22 kit, 2 x 4 Ah
A Bosch Professional kit pairing the GBH 18V-22 SDS drill with the GSB 18V-45 combi drill, two 4 Ah batteries and a charger. Everything for masonry and wood.
In its favour
- The GBH 18V-22 is described as ideal for 6 to 10 mm holes, with KickBack and Vibration Control.
- Includes a second drill, the GSB 18V-45, for wood up to 35 mm and screws.
- Two 4.0 Ah AMPShare batteries and the GAL 18V-40 charger are in the bag.
Good to know
- Impact energy is not given in the listing, so compare with Bosch's spec sheet.
- A larger outlay than a single SDS drill if you already own a combi drill.
Listing title: Bosch Professional Combo-kit GSB 18V-45 Plus GBH 18V-22 (with 2 Batter...
No. 6 · Bosch Professional
Bosch GBH 18V-22: compact SDS plus in L-BOXX, bare
Bosch Professional's compact 18 V SDS plus drill for 6 to 10 mm holes, supplied in an L-BOXX with no battery. Good for plug and anchor holes in masonry.
In its favour
- Vibration Control and KickBack Control are listed to reduce strain and jams.
- Constant speed motor gives more holes per charge, according to Bosch.
- Works with the GDE 18V-12 extractor attachment for cleaner drilling.
Good to know
- No battery or charger in the box, only the tool, case and depth gauge.
- Best suited to holes of 6 to 10 mm, so not the drill for large anchors or cores.
Listing title: Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Rotary Hammer GBH 18V-22 (with ...
No. 7 · Makita
Makita DHR263ZJ: twin 18 V SDS plus, 26 mm, bare
A Makita SDS plus rotary hammer that runs on two 18 V LXT batteries in series for 36 V. Sold in a Makpac case without batteries or charger.
In its favour
- Two 18 V packs drive a 36 V motor, according to Makita, for heavier masonry work.
- Three modes, including hammer only for chiselling, are listed.
- One touch slide chuck for SDS plus bits.
Good to know
- Needs two LXT batteries at once, and none are included.
- The listing shows 4.6 kg and gives no impact energy figure.
Listing title: Makita DHR263ZJ Twin 18V Li-Ion LXT Rotary Hammer SDS Plus Supplied in...
No. 8 · DEWALT
DeWalt DCH072NT: 12 V XR SDS plus, 1.1 J, bare
A small 12 V brushless SDS plus hammer from DeWalt, rated at 1.1 J, in a TSTAK case without battery or charger. For light fixing holes where size matters most.
In its favour
- The 12 V XR platform keeps size and weight down for overhead and light work.
- Brushless motor with two modes, according to the listing.
- Supplied in a stackable TSTAK case for storage and transport.
Good to know
- 1.1 J is the lowest impact energy here, so larger holes in concrete will be slow.
- Bare unit and the listing is light on detail, including capacity in concrete.
Listing title: Brushless Hammer XR 12V SDS-Plus® 1.1J 2 Modes Without Charger/Battery...
Read before you buy
- Which drill bit for which wall plug?Common UK colour coded wall plugs matched to typical masonry bit sizes and screw gauges, with tips for brick, block, plasterboard and SDS bits.
- What is an SDS drill and when do you need one?SDS plus and SDS max chucks, the rotary hammer action and the jobs where a combi drill struggles, explained for UK homes and renovations.
- SDS drill vs combi drill for brick, block and concretePiston hammer against ratchet hammer: how SDS and combi drills differ, typical hole sizes in brick and concrete, and when each is worth buying.
- SDS drill settings: rotary stop, hammer and chisel modesWhat each SDS drill mode does, from rotary only to hammer only, plus the chisel angle setting, safety clutch and electronic kickback control.
- SDS drill bits explained: types, lengths and tipsSDS plus and SDS max bits explained: two and four cutter tips, flutes, working and overall length, chisels and when to replace a worn SDS drill bit.
More buying guides: Combi drills
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