Cordless SDS Drills

Choosing the right cordless SDS drill
If you drill into concrete, block or stone more than now and then, a proper SDS drill makes a world of difference. Instead of the clutch style hammer action in a combi, an SDS drill uses a piston to drive the bit forward, so it punches through masonry with far less effort from you.
Cordless SDS drills have become the everyday choice for electricians, plumbers, kitchen fitters and keen DIYers. They are quick to grab, safe to use on site without leads, and modern brushless SDS Plus models now match many corded machines for typical fixing work.
SDS Plus or SDS Max
Almost every product in this category is an SDS Plus drill. SDS Plus is the standard for holes up to around 26 to 28mm in concrete, plus light chiselling such as removing tiles or chasing out a small channel.
SDS Max is the heavier system with a larger shank, built for big core holes, deep anchors and serious breaking. Those machines are heavier and usually stocked separately. For most trades and home users, a cordless SDS Plus covers the work.
What to compare
Impact energy. Quoted in joules, this tells you how hard the drill hits. Around 1.2 to 2J suits compact SDS Plus models for 6 to 10mm fixings. Around 2.5 to 3.5J is better for regular 12 to 20mm holes in hard concrete.
Modes. Two mode drills offer drill and hammer drill. Three or four mode drills add chisel only and a chisel position setting. If you want to remove tiles or render, choose one with a chisel mode.
Motor. Brushless SDS Plus drills get more work from each pack and run cooler. Our guide to brushless vs brushed tools explains why that matters.
Brands and battery platforms
The big names here are DeWalt 18V XR, Milwaukee M18 FUEL, Bosch Professional 18V and Makita LXT. The Bosch GBH range, such as the compact GBH 18V-22, is a popular professional choice.
The best choice is usually the brand whose batteries you already own. SDS drilling is hungry work, so a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah pack is a sensible minimum. Our cordless drill battery guide covers this, and you can browse other types in cordless power tools.
Cordless SDS drill FAQs
Do SDS drill bits fit all drills? No. SDS drill bits have a slotted shank that only fits an SDS chuck. You can fit round shank bits to an SDS drill with an adaptor chuck, but not the other way round.
Can I use an SDS drill as a normal drill or screwdriver? Most can drill wood and metal in rotation only mode with a keyless chuck adaptor. They are not designed for driving screws, so pair one with a combi drill or impact driver. See our impact driver vs drill guide for more.
Are cordless SDS drills powerful enough for professional use? Yes. Modern 18V brushless SDS Plus drills handle everyday trade fixings in concrete easily. Only very large holes or heavy breaking still call for corded or SDS Max kit.