Buying guide
Best SDS max drills and breakers
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
HiKOKI DH45MA: 11.3 J and 45 mm with a low vibration handle
The listing states 11.3 J of impact energy and concrete drilling up to 45 mm.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkBest value
Einhell TE-RH 40 3F: 10 J with chisels and case
The listing states 10 J of impact energy and up to 40 mm in concrete.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkMost features
Bosch GBH 6-42 C: brushless 1,300 W with KickBack Control
The listing states a brushless motor with an automatic drive rotation system.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
SDS max is the step up from SDS plus when the work turns heavy: chasing walls, lifting floor tiles in bulk, breaking out concrete or drilling 30 to 45 mm holes and big cores. The larger shank carries more blow energy, and the tools are built to run for long periods. There are two types. Combination hammers drill and chisel, so they suit installers who make large holes and do some breaking. Demolition hammers only chisel, trading the drilling function for steady hitting power. This guide compares both types using the impact energy, concrete capacity, input power, modes and weight each listing gives. Several makers do not publish a joule figure in their Amazon listing, and we mark those as not stated. Weight matters as much as power here, because you hold these tools for hours and they are tiring above waist height.
All products compared
- HiKOKI DH45MA: 11.3 J and 45 mm with a low vibration handle
- Impact energy
- 11.3 J
- Concrete capacity
- 45 mm
- Power
- 1,400 W
- Modes
- Rotary hammer, hammer only
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Makita HR4013C: 40 mm SDS max with AVT and soft start
- Impact energy
- Not stated
- Concrete capacity
- 40 mm
- Power
- 1,100 W
- Modes
- 2 modes
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - HiKOKI DH40MC: 7.1 J, 40 mm, LED light and 12 chisel angles
- Impact energy
- 7.1 J
- Concrete capacity
- 40 mm
- Power
- 1,100 W
- Modes
- Rotary hammer, hammer only
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Bosch GBH 6-42 C: brushless 1,300 W with KickBack Control
- Impact energy
- Not stated
- Concrete capacity
- Not stated
- Power
- 1,300 W
- Modes
- Selectable via user interface
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - HiKOKI DH40MEY: brushless 1,150 W drill and chisel hammer
- Impact energy
- Not stated
- Concrete capacity
- 40 mm
- Power
- 1,150 W
- Modes
- Drill, chisel
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Makita HM1213C: 1,500 W SDS max demolition hammer
- Impact energy
- Not stated
- Concrete capacity
- Not applicable (chisel only)
- Power
- 1,500 W
- Modes
- Hammer only
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Bosch GSH 5: compact 1,100 W chisel hammer
- Impact energy
- Not stated
- Concrete capacity
- Not applicable (chisel only)
- Power
- 1,100 W
- Modes
- Chiselling
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Einhell TE-RH 40 3F: 10 J with chisels and case
- Impact energy
- 10 J
- Concrete capacity
- 40 mm
- Power
- 1,050 W
- Modes
- Hammer drill, chisel, chisel with lock
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 · HIKOKI
HiKOKI DH45MA: 11.3 J and 45 mm with a low vibration handle
A 1,400 W SDS max combination hammer rated at 11.3 J and 45 mm in concrete, with HiKOKI's Low Vibration Handle. Built for installers who drill large holes and break out as well.
In its favour
- The listing states 11.3 J of impact energy and concrete drilling up to 45 mm.
- Variable speed control and 12 selectable chisel positions are listed.
- Bits and chisels change with one action, and a 3 year manufacturer warranty is stated.
Good to know
- At 9.4 kg it is one of the heaviest tools here and hard work for overhead drilling.
- Only two modes, so there is no rotation only setting for wood or steel.
Listing title: HiKOKI DH45MAJ1Z 1400W SDS-Max Rotary Hammer with Low Vibration Handle...
No. 2 · Makita
Makita HR4013C: 40 mm SDS max with AVT and soft start
A 240 V Makita SDS max rotary hammer for 40 mm holes and 105 mm TCT cores, with anti-vibration technology. A dependable all round choice for drilling and breaking.
In its favour
- The listing gives 40 mm in concrete and up to 105 mm with TCT core bits.
- Soft start, variable speed and constant speed under load are listed, along with a torque limiter.
- Anti-vibration technology and a soft no load function help on long runs.
Good to know
- Impact energy in joules is not stated in the listing.
- Two mode operation gives no rotation only setting.
Listing title: Makita HR4013C 240 V SDS Max AVT Rotary Hammer in a Carry Case, HR4013...
No. 3 · HIKOKI
HiKOKI DH40MC: 7.1 J, 40 mm, LED light and 12 chisel angles
A 230 V HiKOKI SDS max rotary hammer with 7.1 J of impact energy and a 40 mm concrete rating. A good middle weight option for regular drilling and chiselling.
In its favour
- The listing gives 7.1 J of impact energy and 40 mm concrete drilling.
- A large damper and air cushion are listed to reduce impact and piston reaction.
- An integrated LED light and 12 chisel positions are part of the spec.
Good to know
- No rotation only mode, so it is not suited to drilling wood or steel.
- The case contents are limited to grease, a side handle and a stopper.
Listing title: HiKOKI DH40MCJ1Z 230V Rotary Hammer SDS-Max Drill with case
No. 4 · Bosch Professional
Bosch GBH 6-42 C: brushless 1,300 W with KickBack Control
Bosch's brushless SDS max hammer with KickBack Control, Vibration Control and a mode selector that links to an app. Suited to trades who want the latest control features.
In its favour
- The listing states a brushless motor with an automatic drive rotation system.
- A safety clutch, KickBack Control and Vibration Control are all listed.
- A vibration damping handle and a new user interface for choosing the work mode are included.
Good to know
- The listing gives no joule figure or concrete capacity, so check the maker's data sheet.
- Only the hammer and a case are listed, with no chisel or bit in the box.
Listing title: Bosch Professional Hammer Drill GBH 6-42 C (with SDS Max, 1300 W Power...
No. 5 · HIKOKI
HiKOKI DH40MEY: brushless 1,150 W drill and chisel hammer
A brushless HiKOKI SDS max drill and chisel hammer with constant electronics and a safety slip clutch. It suits users who want low maintenance on a tool that runs every day.
In its favour
- The listing says the brushless design avoids carbon brush changes.
- Constant electronics with speed control and a safety slip clutch are listed.
- Supplied with a side handle, depth stop, hammer grease and a transport case.
Good to know
- The listing does not give an impact energy figure in joules.
- The listed 3.4 kg weight looks low for an SDS max tool, so confirm it before buying.
Listing title: HIKOKI DH40MEYWSZ DH40MEY Drill & Chisel Hammer 1150W 230V Cranberry
No. 6 · Makita
Makita HM1213C: 1,500 W SDS max demolition hammer
A heavy 240 V Makita breaker for floor tiles, screed and concrete, with AVT and a brush wear warning lamp. Best for jobs that are all breaking and no drilling.
In its favour
- The listing gives a 1,500 W motor with soft start and constant speed under load.
- Anti-vibration technology and 12 stage bit angle settings are listed.
- An LED lamp warns when the carbon brushes need replacing.
Good to know
- Hammer only, so it cannot drill holes at all.
- At 10.8 kg it is the heaviest tool in this guide and suited to floor level work.
Listing title: Makita HM1213C/2 240V SDS-Max AVT Demolition Hammer Supplied in a Carr...
No. 7 · Bosch Professional
Bosch GSH 5: compact 1,100 W chisel hammer
A lighter Bosch SDS max chisel hammer for tile removal and wall chasing, with a D-shaped grip and Vario-Lock. It suits horizontal and overhead breaking where weight counts.
In its favour
- The listing describes it as light and compact for horizontal and overhead work.
- Vario-Lock gives 12 chisel positions, which helps with tile chisels.
- A switch lock function and an extra D-shaped grip are listed for long sessions.
Good to know
- Chisel only, with no drilling function for anchors or cores.
- The listing gives no impact energy figure for comparison.
Listing title: Bosch Professional GSH 5 – Hammer Drill
No. 8 · Einhell
Einhell TE-RH 40 3F: 10 J with chisels and case
An Einhell SDS max rotary hammer with a 10 J rating, 40 mm in concrete and three functions. Pointed and flat chisels come in the case, which suits a one off renovation.
In its favour
- The listing states 10 J of impact energy and up to 40 mm in concrete.
- Pointed and flat 40 cm chisels and an E-Box case are included.
- An anti-vibration function and soft grip surfaces are listed.
Good to know
- There is no rotation only mode for wood or metal.
- Einhell lists a 2 year warranty, shorter than HiKOKI's stated 3 years.
Listing title: Einhell Rotary Hammer Drill 1050W 10 Joule Impact Force
More buying guides: Combi drills
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