Replies

1. 
   Jemcon | Oct 02, 2006 12:59am | #1

   The shape is the same but sds is about 1/4" and sds max is about 1/2" shank dia. Sds bits go to about 1", sds max bits go to atleast  1 1/2". The sds max hammerdrills are also bigger and harder hitting. You can get more and  bigger chipping tools for sds max.

    

    

    

   Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!

1. 
   Ted W. | Oct 02, 2006 01:26am | #2

   Thanks Jemcon,

   What about SDS Plus? Any idea what makes it a plus?

   Hope you don't mind my picking your brain. I bought a Porter Cable rotary hammer at a flea market today and went to Home Depot to match it up with some bits. The ones that seem to fit it are 7/8" SDS Plus (I was mistaken when asked about max, but still glad to know).

   Wondering where the 7/8 comes from, the closed end slots are the only thing that measure anything near 7/8. The open ended slots measure just over an inch. The shank is just over 3/8" thick, so I know that's not it.

   Some time ago I had a Milwaukee 1-1/2" rotary hammer, which was about twice the size and weight of this tool. I'm just trying to understand more about rotary hammers.--------------------------------------------------------

   For a good time, visit MyToolbox.net See some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com

   
1. 
   slykarma | Oct 02, 2006 01:54am | #3

   Ted, as far as I know, SDS Plus is the smallest of the rotary hammer formats. "Plus" is just marketing I think. Looks like the bit in your picture is a 5/8" SDS Plus.

   Typical manufacturers refer to this kind of drill by the maximum diameter bit it can use. Most SDS Plus units are referred to by manufs as 7/8" drills or 1" drills. In practice these claims are a bit stretched and you would find it slow going and tough on the drill to make holes anything over 3/4".

    Lignum est bonum.

2. 
   Jemcon | Oct 02, 2006 02:10am | #4

   There is a little difference between sds and sds +. If you look at these pics you'll see the difference. Most small drill use sds+. These are all hilti model #. I have a 12 year old Milwaukee hawk that uses sds+. Unless you bought a big hammer or an old hammer it's probably sds+. My bosch is sds max. There's no way to mix them up.

   TE-CView Image

   SDS + bit connection end, for use with: TE 1, TE 2, TE 5, TE 5A, TE 6A, TE 15, TE 15C, TE 16, TE 16C TE 18, TE 25

   More products

   TE-YView Image

   SDS Max bit connection end, for use with: TE 55, TE 56, TE 56 ATC TE 75, TE 76, TE76-ATC

   More products

   TE-TView Image

   SDS - bit connection end, for use with: TE 35 and TE 46

   More products  

    

    

   Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!

3. 
   IMERC | Oct 02, 2006 02:12am | #5

   7/8 (or whatever the # is) is the rated max nominal hole drilling dia of the tool in concrete...

   SDS, SDS +, SDS MAX, spline/round hex and hex are the designators (rating) of the bit's shanks and design....

   such and such bit fits only the corressponding tool...

   each catagory has bits with a limited size range to them..

   SDS is the light weight and hex is please clear the area of all women and children.....

   wait till you get into the chisels, tampers, pounders, core cutters and a host of other accessories...

    

    

    

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

   Edited 10/1/2006 7:14 pm by IMERC

1. 
   Ted W. | Oct 02, 2006 03:05am | #6

   Thanks for all the input everyone, I feel way more smarter already. The diagrams make it real clear.

   So I guess the SDS+ is the next step up from your basic hammer drill, but with the added option of using chissel bits. I plan on getting a couple of bigger rotary hammers eventually, like replacing my 1-1/2" spline drive and maybe getting an electric jack hammer. I might have to break up a 4" thick concrete slab this spring and hopefully more uses after that.--------------------------------------------------------

   For a good time, visit MyToolbox.net See some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com

1. 
   stevent1 | Oct 02, 2006 09:23pm | #7

   I have a PC hammer drill sds that is variable speed and has a no-hammer option. It is 20 years old. Back then PC was only sold through supply houses and American made.. The new PC stuff is geared to the home centers and is probably made overseas. I rent the Heavy Duty stuff when I need it.Nice web site.You do some clean work. Did you turn the walnut ballusters and make the newels?live, work, build, ...better with wood

2. 
   JohnSprung | Oct 11, 2006 03:19am | #8

   It's 10 mm for plain and plus, 20 mm for max. 

   Have a look here for big SDS max bits:

   http://www.relton.com/ 

    

   -- J.S.

    

1. 
   Jemcon | Oct 11, 2006 03:39am | #9

   Wow, I've never seen a 66" long bit. What a killer price on those bits though. I guess for 700.00 you would need to use it quite a bit. Not something to just have around. 

    

    

   Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!

1. 
   JohnSprung | Oct 14, 2006 12:21am | #10

   True, but with this kind of thing you don't really need a complete set of sizes.  F'rinstance, if you need a 2 1/2" diameter hole for a pipe to go thru, 3" would probably be fine.  Rarely used stuff is ideal for rentals.  

    

   -- J.S.