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Should you hire or buy an SDS drill?

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In short

Hire if you have a one off heavy job, such as breaking up a patio, removing a lot of tiles or core drilling a large hole, and you do not expect to use an SDS drill again soon. Buy if you will drill concrete or brick regularly, already own batteries for a cordless SDS, or want a drill on hand for fixings. Buying a bare cordless SDS drill is often sensible on an existing platform.

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An SDS drill makes masonry jobs easy, but it is not something every household uses every week. Hire shops across the UK rent SDS drills and bigger breakers by the day or week. Whether to hire or buy depends on the job, how often you will repeat it and what tools you already own. This guide sets out the questions to ask.

Questions to ask first

Start with the job, not the tool, and be honest about how often you will repeat it.

  • Is this a one off, or will you drill masonry again this year?
  • Do you need an SDS plus drill, or a bigger SDS max breaker?
  • Do you already own batteries on a platform with a bare SDS drill?
  • How long will the job take, a day or several weekends?
  • Do you have space to store another tool?

When hiring makes sense

Hiring suits big, short jobs. Breaking up a concrete path or patio, removing a whole floor of tiles or chasing lots of walls for a rewire are faster with a heavy SDS max breaker than an SDS plus drill. Hire shops stock heavier tools than most people would buy, and they usually include basic chisels and give safety advice.

Hire is also useful for core drilling large holes with a diamond core drill, as covered in how to core drill with an SDS drill.

JobUsual choice
Shelves, brackets and TV mountsBuy SDS plus, or use a combi drill
Occasional cable holes and anchorsBuy SDS plus
Breaking a patio or slabHire a breaker
Removing lots of tilesHire SDS max, or SDS plus if small area
Large core holes in concreteHire a core drill or use a pro
Typical choice by job

When buying makes sense

If you are renovating over months, fitting a kitchen, putting up shelves in concrete walls or doing regular odd jobs, an SDS plus drill is a sound buy. You save repeated trips and have it ready when you need it. On an existing battery platform, a bare cordless SDS drill adds the tool without buying batteries; see what body only means.

Our cordless SDS drill guide compares models with chisel modes and quick change chucks.

See cordless SDS drills →

Corded or cordless if you buy

If you have no batteries, a corded SDS plus drill is a simple buy for occasional use. If you already own 18 V packs, cordless is far more convenient, especially on ceilings and in lofts. See corded vs cordless SDS drill.

For light chiselling, any SDS plus drill with a hammer only mode works. For heavy chiselling, hire.

Tips when you hire

Ask the hire shop to show you the modes and how to fit chisels and bits. Check the cable, plug and casing for damage before you leave, and confirm whether bits and chisels are included or charged by wear. Ask whether the tool is 240 V or 110 V; site tools are often 110 V and need a transformer.

Book only the time you need and plan the job so the heavy work is done while you have the tool. Collect safety gear at the same time if you do not own it.

Note:Hire tools are often heavier and more powerful than home tools. Read the instructions, use the side handle, and wear eye, ear and dust protection. Check for buried cables and pipes before breaking concrete.

What about mitre saws and other tools?

The same logic applies to other tools. A mitre saw for one skirting job may be worth hiring, but if you plan several rooms, decking and shelving, buying one is usually better. See what size mitre saw do you need and our mitre saw guide.

Some people buy a tool, finish a project and sell it on. Good brand tools hold some value, especially if kept clean and boxed.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to hire or buy an SDS drill? For a single short job, hiring is usually cheaper. For repeated use, buying wins over time.

Can I hire a cordless SDS drill? Some hire shops offer them, but most hire SDS drills are corded.

Do hire shops supply bits and chisels? Many do, sometimes charged by wear. Ask when you book.

What size SDS drill should I hire to break concrete? An SDS max breaker or demolition hammer is far faster than an SDS plus drill for slabs.

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