The best SDS hammer drill makes drilling into concrete, brick & stone easy.
Designed for a wide range of heavy-duty tasks, this is an essential power tool for professional tradesmen (& serious DIYers) working with masonry, brick & stone.
There are numerous tasks that require an SDS drill.
Drilling into tough concrete & masonry is the primary use. (A lintel or construction bricks are too hard for a combi drill) In addition to drilling, an SDS hammer drill is the best power tool for chiselling, chipping and channelling.
Best SDS Hammer Drill
The three key specifications to check are impact energy, weight, and modes. Impact energy is measured in Joules. The bigger the impact, the better, but more impact energy usually means higher weight and cost.
IMPORTANT: Ensure your new drill can handle all tasks; it must have three modes.
- Rotary – Powerful option for drilling into wood & metal
- Hammer & Rotary – Drill into bricks & concrete
- Hammer only – Chiselling, chipping & channelling
Our review process is simple. We only recommend 3-mode SDS hammer drills. Weight and impact energy are critical. We then factor in speed, bpm, safety, vibration absorption, and physical size. For cordless models, battery compatibility and tool range are also important.
Researching & comparing SDS drills from scratch can be very time-consuming.
Worry not. We have scrutinised specifications, reviewed real-world experience, and compared 38 models to help you choose the right one…
Best Corded Hammer Drill under £100
Einhell TC-RH 620
This rotary hammer drill is your affordable solution for tough jobs.
Tackling tough materials like stone and concrete is easy. Good performance and a compact design make it perfect for a wide range of tasks. Additionally, its lightweight construction makes it suitable for overhead work.
With a 2.2J impact force and a speed of up to 5200 rpm, this Einhell model makes drilling through the toughest material easy.
The three modes, clever electronic controls, and robust SDS-Plus tool holder ensure precise work, which is standard for different applications and materials (e.g., wood and metal).
Although the price is low, quality details, such as the sturdy metal (rather than plastic) depth stop, make a big difference.
The ergonomic soft-grip handle ensures comfortable use even during extended periods. It comes neatly packed with four SDS+ drill bits in a practical storage case.
SPECIFICATION: 3 Modes | Impact Energy: 2.2J | Weight: 2.6Kg | Impact Rate: 0-5200bpm | No-Load Speed: 0-1250rpm | Max Concrete Drilling Diameter: 20mm | Warranty: 1 Year
Effective, lightweight & affordable
Best Seller
Makita DHR202Z
This Makita SDS+ Rotary Hammer is a trade bestseller & for good reason.
This Makita is easy to use and can drill through the toughest masonry. With three modes, it’s also good for steel and timber, as well as chiselling and chipping. Efficiency and precision are top-notch, and as you’d expect from Makita, the build quality is robust.
Safety is always important. Full control comes as standard, with a built-in torque-limiter clutch and an electric brake. Makita also integrates a job light with an afterglow function, perfect for all working conditions.
A one-touch sliding chuck facilitates swift and hassle-free drill bit changes, while the ability to change rotation direction simplifies screw application and removal. The chisel boasts 360° rotation with 40 locking positions, ensuring optimal working angles for diverse tasks.
The compact design helps reduce user fatigue, while the rubberised handle provides a comfortable, secure grip during extended use. However, most users prefer the newer modern shape & weight distribution (see below).
SPECIFICATION: 3 Mode | Impact Energy: 2.0J | Weight: 3.2Kg | Impact Rate: 0-4000bpm | No-Load Speed: 0-1100rpm | Max Concrete Drilling Diameters: 20mm | Warranty: 3 Years
Power and robust build make this model stand out
Ergonomic SDS+ Hammer Drill
Makita DHR242Z
Power combined with cordless convenience makes this Makita model a top choice for professionals.
The design, function and specification (including a brushless motor) make it impossible to fault this SDS drill. Compared to traditional drill design (see above), the ergonomics and shape make it easier to drive the drill forward. This is especially so when used for extended periods.
The brushless motor brings four significant benefits: more power, longer runtime, superior control and longevity.
Getting the job done requires sufficient energy, and with 2J of energy impact, there are no issues. Brushless motors are around 30% more efficient. This power tool will keep going much longer than your average hammer drill. Speed control is precise. But above all else, a brushless drill will last longer—much longer. Even if used all day, every day, it won’t overheat or burn out.
Cordless convenience and brushless longevity cost a few quid more. However, if you already own Makita batteries, choosing this model is a no-brainer. Alternatively, if you need to buy batteries and a charger for your new drill, Makita is a great brand to invest in. The range of quality cordless tools is broad, and using the same batteries across all devices will make your next power tool purchase more cost-effective.
SPECIFICATION: 3 Mode | Impact Energy: 2.0J | Weight: 2.7Kg | Impact Rate: 0-4700bpm | No-Load Speed: 0-950rpm | Max Concrete Drilling Diameters: 24mm | Warranty: 3 Years
Power, cordless convenience and low-fatigue ergonomics make this Makita a great buy
Best Cordless SDS Plus Hammer Drill
Dewalt DCH273N
The brushless Dewalt DCH273 hammer drill is a power tool game-changer.
This drill’s power, impressive features, enhanced efficiency, and user experience make it outperform most competitors. It allows you to complete tasks quickly and without fuss.
The anti-rotation control and low vibration level of 6.6 m/s² will enable you to work for extended periods without fatigue. Additionally, the electronic clutch ensures consistent torque, enhancing durability and overall performance.
The DCH273’s compact, lightweight, and ergonomic design further enhances user comfort and enables prolonged use. Whether drilling anchors or fixing holes into concrete, brick, or masonry ranging from 4mm to 24mm, this drill delivers exceptional results with its 18V brushless motor, offering extreme runtime and reduced maintenance requirements.
This model’s versatility (three modes) is highlighted by its rotation-stop mode, ideal for light chiselling in plaster, tiles, and render, and its impact-stop mode, which enables rotary-only drilling in wood and metal. Additionally, the bright white LED with a delay feature improves visibility in dimly lit work environments, ensuring precision and accuracy in every task.
SPECIFICATION: 3 Mode | Impact Energy: 2.1J | Weight: 2.5Kg | Impact Rate: 0-4700bpm | No-Load Speed: 1100rpm | Max Concrete Drilling Diameter: 24mm | Warranty: 3 Years
Power, usability, longevity, ergonomics and cordless convenience…
…This Dewalt ticks all the boxes
SDS Hammer Drill Buyers Guide
Most drilling jobs on-site and around the home are easily handled with a decent cordless combi drill. Powerful, lightweight and affordable, the combi drill is truly versatile. However, tough jobs require a powerful hammer action; you need an SDS drill.
What is an SDS Drill?
SDS drills use a different chuck and fit differently from standard drills. The SDS shank pushes into a spring-loaded chuck (no tightening required). Therefore, the drill bit can slide back and forth without slipping during rotation. Rather than the whole chuck moving, the drill bit does the work. This efficient system delivers more power to the task rather than to the chuck.
The downside is that the drills are more expensive. However, there is no alternative for drilling or chiselling tough materials (especially concrete or stone). The technical benefits of the SDS system are clear:
- High torque transmission
- Non-slip
- Chiselling action with rotation-lock mode
- Quick & easy bit change
Once you use an SDS drill, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Can I use normal drill bits in an SDS drill?
Standard rotary drill bits do not fit in an SDS drill chuck. However, you can buy adapters which allow the use of standard drill bits.
What does SDS mean on a hammer drill?
Developed in Germany, SDS stands for ‘Stecken – Drehen – Sichern’, which translates to ‘Insert – Twist – Secure’. However, SDS is often referred to as the ‘Slotted Drive System’.
SDS, SDS Plus and SDS Max
There are several different SDS systems. The SDS Plus, with a 10mm shank, is the most popular and perfect for most jobs. It has been available for a few years now and has replaced the standard SDS design.
Consider SDS Max for heavy-duty construction applications. These high-powered drills, designed for large drill bits and using an 18mm shaft, are powerful, expensive, and heavy.
You may also see SDS Top, SDS Quick & the odd brand-specific fit quoted.
All Verum recommendations here use the SDS-Plus system.
Best SDS Drill UK
An SDS hammer drill makes drilling into concrete, stone & brick a doddle. Choose one of the Verum recommended models above, and your new drill will chisel, chip & channel, too.
The Einhell is a good option for occasional work. It has the three ‘must-have’ modes, is reasonably powerful, lightweight, and offers good value for money.
If you need a trade-quality SDS+ hammer drill that will perform all day, every day, buy the Dewalt – you won’t be disappointed!
