SDS Plus Vs. SDS Max (Here Are The Differences)

What is the SDS?

The SDS is a drill designed for construction loads, from the simple drilling of holes all the way to tackling demolition jobs.

Like most machines in the modern era, the base model of the drill spawned evolutions in the forms of the SDS Plus and the SDS Max.

The two drills have their own unique bits specifically designed for different projects, from everyday work around the house to heavy-duty masonry.

Three Modes

Most of the SDS Plus drills have three possible modes of operations. A handful of the SDS Max drills have the same capability, but there are fewer options.

Drill-Only

As the mode title suggests, the drill will only function to rotate and put a hole in something.

Rotary Hammer

This drilling mode causes the bit to rotate while also pulsing like a hammer to punch the hole. The bit rotation removes excess debris as it drills.

Chip-Only

If your goal is to break up concrete by cutting into it, this is your mode.

Which Mode Do I Need?

The 3-Mode SDS Plus will maximize your potential uses and be the best option around the house. The drill-only and rotary hammer likely be used more often, but having the chipping mode is a good option for light demolition work.

Anything more, though, and you might consider the SDS Max.

Could I Use Another Tool Instead?

If you’re planning to use the drill only for creating small holes, you might be able to get by with just a basic hammer drill. This is a cheaper alternative, but for anything more you’ll need to upgrade.

If you don’t have a hammer drill handy and still want to drill into something like brick, it is possible to do with tungsten carbide drill bits.

Main Differences

In order to truly break down which drill would work better for your situation, let’s go into the details that separate the two.

Bit Size

The SDS Plus is interchangeable with the regular SDS, so it’s easier to find parts and it’s definitely a “plus” if you already have the original.

The SDS Plus and SDS both use a 10mm bit, while the SDS Max is 18mm. While this means that the Max is not compatible with prior models, it is more capable of serious masonry and construction.

Diameter

The diameter of the drill bit affects the size of the hole and what it can penetrate.

The SDS Plus maxes out at around a 1” diameter, while the SDS Max bit can be as large as 2”, a full inch larger. Of course, with that size difference comes the added weight of the SDS Max, but the payoff is worth it if you need it for large-scale demolition masonry.

Precision

Power

Price

One huge difference between the two drills is the cost, as the SDS Max is almost double the price of an SDS Plus drill. Even the bits themselves are more expensive.

The average cost of an SDS Plus is $250-400, while the SDS Max can go for anywhere between $400 and over $1,000. A replacement bit for the Max is around $90 while a replacement set of bits for the Plus is less than $40.

Situational Differences

As touched on in an earlier point, which drill you need depends entirely on the type of work you’re trying to accomplish. The SDS Plus is designed for the majority of common scenarios, but the SDS Max is built for demo work.

Digging

One interesting attachment is the spade bit for the SDS Max, which can be very useful for digging and garden work, of all things.

While the weight of the Max makes it unlikely to use for the duration of digging, the spade bit can be used to break up hard soil that can then be shifted with a regular, much lighter, shovel.

Examples of Build Work

The SDS Plus is your best bet if you stick to domestic-building, such as sheds and patio work. If you work in construction, especially concrete demolition, and plan to build a multi-story structure, you should look into the SDS Max.

Other Attachments and Bits

Both drills have multiple options on the market that make them more versatile, many of which pertain to garden-related functions like soil compression and driving rods.

If you’ll have a need for something beyond masonry and drilling that you might need the drill for, you might want to see if there is an attachment for your purpose.

Summary of Points

As stated in the beginning of the article, the SDS Plus is the most commonly used drill for most projects, but the SDS Max is more useful when it comes to demo needs.

Here is a shortened comparison for those still on the fence:

Ideally, you would have both drills for every situation, as one would might be more effective than the other in any given moment, but the one that would most likely suit your needs is the SDS Plus.