Best SDS Drills

Updated January 2019
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
DEWALT
D25553K 1-9/16" Spline Combination Hammer Kit
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Bottom Line

A commercial-grade tool with immense power. Robust, reliable performance for the professional contractor.

Pros

12 amp motor plus 8 ft-lbs impact energy, drills or breaks tough materials with ease. Torque reduction clutch for safety. Rubber handle for firm, comfortable grip.

Cons

Takes spline bits, not the more common SDS. Well-balanced, but still relatively heavy. Expensive, but for the pro it’s an investment.

Bosch
GBH2-28L 1-1/8" SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Max Rotary Hammer
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Bottom Line

Superb, feature-packed all-rounder providing great versatility for trade or heavy-duty home use.

Pros

With an 8.5 amp motor, variable speed, anti-kickback, and vibration control, it’s not just powerful, it’s easy to use, too.

Cons

You have to be picky to find any faults. Not cheap, but only loses out on the top slot for sheer power.

Best Bang for the Buck
Hiltex
10513 1-1/2" SDS Rotary Hammer Drill
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Bottom Line

Heavy-duty DIY performance from a remarkably cheap SDS drill kit that contains everything you need.

Pros

Surprisingly powerful and versatile multi-mode drill with variable speed. Comes with SDS bits, drills, universal chuck and even lubricating oil, all in a fitted case.

Cons

Dubious build quality and durability. Heavy and pricey.

Makita
XRH04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 7/8" Rotary Hammer
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Bottom Line

Excellent light-duty cordless SDS drill for those who need more than a hammer drill, but not heavy-duty performance.

Pros

The go-anywhere benefits of cordless in a drill that’s compact and easy to control. Many user-friendly features, including vibration control and safety clutch.

Cons

Price does not include charger or battery – and you’ll need 2 for continuous working. A good tool, if you accept the limited power.

DEWALT
D25263K D-Handle 1-1/8" SDS Rotary Hammer
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Bottom Line

A powerful, durable, high-quality workhorse. Exceptional customer satisfaction ratings, and great value.

Pros

Solid performance from 8.5 amp motor. Handles tough jobs at home or on-site. Anti-vibration system reduces fatigue. Usual DEWALT safety and reliability.

Cons

Very few. A little on the heavy side. Can jump out of mode during use.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 21 Models Considered
  • 6 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 102 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    The team that worked on this review
    • Bob
      Bob
      Writer
    • Katie
      Katie
      Editorial Director
    • Melinda
      Melinda
      Web Producer
    ×

    DEWALT

    D25553K 1-9/16" Spline Combination Hammer Kit

    DEWALT

    D25553K 1-9/16" Spline Combination Hammer Kit

    A commercial-grade tool with immense power. Robust, reliable performance for the professional contractor.
    $430
    ×

    Bosch

    GBH2-28L 1-1/8" SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Max Rotary Hammer

    Bosch

    GBH2-28L 1-1/8" SDS-plus Bulldog Xtreme Max Rotary Hammer

    Superb, feature-packed all-rounder providing great versatility for trade or heavy-duty home use.
    $199
    ×

    Hiltex

    10513 1-1/2" SDS Rotary Hammer Drill

    Hiltex

    10513 1-1/2" SDS Rotary Hammer Drill

    Heavy-duty DIY performance from a remarkably cheap SDS drill kit that contains everything you need.
    $75
    ×

    Makita

    XRH04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 7/8" Rotary Hammer

    Makita

    XRH04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 7/8" Rotary Hammer

    Excellent light-duty cordless SDS drill for those who need more than a hammer drill, but not heavy-duty performance.
    $239
    ×

    DEWALT

    D25263K D-Handle 1-1/8" SDS Rotary Hammer

    DEWALT

    D25263K D-Handle 1-1/8" SDS Rotary Hammer

    A powerful, durable, high-quality workhorse. Exceptional customer satisfaction ratings, and great value.
    $199

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