I'm trying to decide between SDS Plus and SDS Max rotary hammers. Honestly, the price isn't a concern for me; I just want to understand their capabilities better. Can either of these tools be used as a regular drill with extra power, on top of their chiseling and hole-drilling functions? They both seem to be advertised primarily for making larger holes in concrete or chiseling, but if the SDS Plus can also function as a more powerful drill and handle moderate chiseling tasks, I would prefer that option. I'd appreciate any clarification on their uses.
3 Answers
The main differences are power and maximum drilling size. The SDS Plus is generally limited to 22mm and works better with smaller chisels. It's all about what kind of work you plan to do—SDS Max is heavier and meant for larger tasks. Keep in mind, neither of these are standard drills; they require specific bits.
It really depends on what you're planning to do! If you're asking, you probably won't need the SDS Max. Both tools accomplish similar tasks, but the SDS Max is heavier-duty and can handle bigger bits. If you're just doing some light chiseling or smaller projects, the SDS Plus might be more than enough for you.
SDS tools can be a bit tricky since the chuck sizes vary. I found out the hard way that my SDS Plus couldn’t use a spade bit I needed, so I had to borrow an SDS Max. If you're working on delicate demolition for longer periods, the Plus is a lighter option. But if you need to drill through tough materials and apply more downward pressure, go with the Max.