SDS-Plus vs SDS-Max — What's the Difference?

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If you've ever shopped for a rotary hammer drill or demolition hammer you've seen the terms SDS-Plus and SDS-Max. Both are SDS (Slotted Drive System) chuck formats — but they're designed for very different applications. Here's exactly what the difference is and which one you need.

What Is SDS?

SDS stands for Slotted Drive System (originally from the German Steck-Dreh-Sitzt — insert, twist, lock). Unlike a standard keyless chuck that grips a round shank with friction, SDS chucks use a locking mechanism that engages slots in the bit shank. This allows the bit to slide back and forth (for the hammer action) while remaining locked against rotation.

The result is more efficient energy transfer to the material — more impact power reaches the bit rather than being absorbed fighting the chuck.

SDS-Plus

SDS-Plus is the standard for rotary hammer drills used in light to medium construction work. The shank diameter is 10mm and bits are available in a huge range of sizes and types.

SDS-Plus is used for:

Drilling holes in brick, block, and concrete up to approximately 40mm diameter
Light chiselling and tile removal
General construction drilling — fixing anchors, rawlbolts, conduit runs
Multi-function work — drill only, hammer only, hammer drill

Typical SDS-Plus tools:

The TEH TH3215 32mm SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer 1500W — handles up to 32mm drilling with 4350 BPM and three operating modes
The TEH LH160 and LH220 cordless SDS rotary hammers — cordless freedom on 20V battery system

SDS-Max

SDS-Max uses a larger 18mm shank diameter — accepting bigger, heavier chisels and core bits. It's the professional standard for demolition hammers and heavy-duty breaking work where SDS-Plus simply isn't powerful enough.

SDS-Max is used for:

Breaking concrete floors and slabs
Heavy chiselling in dense blockwork and reinforced concrete
Removing large areas of ceramic and stone floor tiles
Trenching in concrete and masonry
Large diameter core drilling
Any application requiring serious impact energy — 40 joules and above

Typical SDS-Max tools:

The TEH TH9517 SDS-Max Demolition Hammer 1700W — delivers 45 joules at 2000 BPM with a D-handle vibration absorbing design and carry case

Key Differences at a Glance:

Feature	SDS-Plus	SDS-Max
Shank diameter	10mm	18mm
Impact energy	Up to ~8 joules	20-80+ joules
Max drilling	Up to ~40mm	40mm+ core drilling
Weight	Lighter	Heavier
Best for	Drilling & light chiselling	Heavy breaking & demolition
Cost	Lower	Higher
Bit availability	Very wide range	Professional range