FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Need to buy an assortment of SDS bits.

ahneedhelp | Posted in Tools for Home Building on October 14, 2011 09:43am

 

Thank you in advance for sharing your wisdom.

Bleary-eyed having spent way too much time sifting through Breaktime and elsewhere.

Settled on a Bosch rotary hammer drill that will suit my needs. (Bulldog 11255VSR).

Plus a “HS1470 SDS Plus Viper Long Life Chisel” and “HS1465 SDS Plus Tile Chisel”.

(For heavy duty rotary drilling needs, have a Super Hawg, so decided against some of the Bosch models that offer quick change chucks, and also have an older but still very handy 12V Makita impact driver.)

Now comes selecting SDS masonry bits and I would like to get an assortment of bits in addition to the 5 or 7 bit package sold as HCK001 and HCK005, which comes with 1/2″ diameter as the largest and will probably handle the occasional drilling for Tapcon or anchor sleeves with the smaller bits in the assortment.

Some of the drilling needs will be;

Additional hose bibs for a 1950s era brick veneer wall. Basement is ‘cinder’ blocks which were not thoroughly filled with concrete.

Wasn’t difficult but time-consuming punching through it for a elec service entrance run, but this was way back when I was clueless about rotary hammers, etc. and other useful tools.

Weatherproof outlet boxes on outisde walls, which will require drilling for armored cable or conduit, and mounting screws.

Larger diameter holes or openings for send/return/power bundle for Mini-split system. The send/return copper lines will be sleeved with insulation, plus the power cable which is maybe half the size of a 12-2 romex. (The split system copper/elec lines will punch into the attic and drop down to the outside units at the gable end of the house.)

Will also have to drill to the outside for the condensate drain lines for each wall unit, which will not use condensate pumps and need to be gravity drained.

I will not need to drill through solid concrete. At most it will be 1950s era brick and sheeting. Maybe couple layers of rim joists or plates.

I am looking at Bosch’s “PCMSDSPL Bi-Metal Power Change Hole Saw Mandrell SDS-Plus” and “HTCTCP TC Pilot Drill Bit” for adapting the assorment of “HB25M Bi-metal 25-piece Hole Saw Master Set” for the SDS drill.

For other brand hole saws (or coring bits), the “CK2 Quick Change Conversion Kit” might work with Lenox saws.

I do not think I will need to go as far as using the costly coring bits.

For the larger diameter holes, may opt to just remove enough of the bricks and cut/re-mortar back in.

Sorry to be over-winded, but would like to order several individual larger diamter bits up to 1″ but do not want to end up with some sizes that will be of little use.

The 11255VSR is listed as a 1″, but I am assuming it will handle 3 or 4″ hole saws for cutting through a single layer of soft brick.

Have the items mentioned in a cart and trying to add three or four larger diameter and length SDS-plus bits.

Or you may find some of the items are foolish selections.

Thanks again.

 

 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. joeh | Oct 14, 2011 11:22am | #1

    I bought mine

    on Ebay. Got a bunch of huge bits of peanuts one at a time. They go cheap sometimes, just keep an eye on it.  Those $50 bits sell for $2 or $3 sometimes.

    Joe H

    1. ahneedhelp | Oct 14, 2011 11:31am | #2

      thanks

      Thank you for replying.

      I will take a look at eBay.

      Was actually hoping to get some advice on selecting an assortment of larger size bits to start with.

      I think I went on and on a bit too long on the first post and should just go ahead and get several and add more as needed.

      1. User avater
        xxPaulCPxx | Oct 14, 2011 01:58pm | #3

        Unless you are a contractor and need to keep an assortment of bits in your truck - don't buy them ahead of time.

        Instead, buy what you need for the project at hand.  You may find out that you don't need $500 worth of bits all at once, but you do need two 3/16" x 8" because you burnt up the first one on the third to last hole.

        Unless you need to drill dozens of perfectly smooth holes in concrete, you are better off drilling a circle of holes with a small bit and chipping out the center.

        You will be AMAZED at how effective your new bulldog will be.  Leave all the other bits alone, buy exactly what you need for your first project, then get the rest from a local building store.  If you want an assortment, order them from Harbor Freight... even if you don't use them, they weren't expensive in the first place!

        1. ahneedhelp | Oct 14, 2011 04:01pm | #4

          Thank you for the suggestions and I am taking your advice and buy as needed.

          Just came back from Home Dump after staring at the assortment of larger SDS+ bits.

          I think I will whittle down the shopping list and get the five or seven bit set and maybe one or two of the larger bits.

          As for the hole saw set, I kinda like Bosch's quick change setup which may be nice to have for drilling through wood or interior walls but will hold off on that.

          But it may be good to get the SDS+ quick change adapters and buy different brand hole saws or coring bit as needed.Already have a handful of various size hole saws that have plenty of life left in them.

          Will definitely get the various SDS+ chisel bits.

          Got a first-hand look at the 11255VSR and I think it's still the right choice as long as I do not get into too much heavy demolition work. Looking forward to putting that thing to work.

          Need to figure out if I will need one of these: 7/8, 3/4, 1" bits.

          Thank you for helping.

          1. ahneedhelp | Oct 14, 2011 08:09pm | #5

            Just another Q and that will be all...

            When selecting a paricular size Bosch's SDS--plus core bit, it is also necessary to get the corresponding centering pin and SDS shank.

            There are several different length centering pins and shanks.

            In addition to these, there is a specific guide plate to go with each different size core bit.

            How is the guide plate used?

            Instruction: 1. Screw core bit onto shank. 2. Centering pin in hole. 3. Attach guide plate.

            I don't get it beyond simply following the instruction.

            Sorry about the dumb question and in the meantime will also search the web for an answer.

          2. ahneedhelp | Oct 14, 2011 08:18pm | #6

            Got it

            Ok...found this info and it is a little bit more clear to me how this thing is used.

            Also, did not realize the centering pin is removed after getting the hole started.

            Hole is drilled the rest of the way without the centering pin and guide plate.

            For bit stability - reduces bit walk

            After drilling to a depth of approximately 1/4 inch, stop hammer, remove guide plate and center pin, place core bit back into the grooved area and resume drilling to required depth of hole

          3. slykarma | Oct 29, 2011 08:55pm | #7

            Bulldog series drills are still light duty by rotary hammer standards. Those larger holes are tough on a drill like this if they're in concrete. My rule of thumb is to rent a larger drill and appropriate bit for anything 1" or larger. To that end I've never bought a bit larger than 7/8". I saw plenty of burnt out Bosch drills at my former employer's, but my own Bosch and Makita SDS drills have given 4 and 7 years of contractor service respectively. Along the same lines, light chipping for short periods is fine with a small rotary hammer, but you'll rapidly overheat it if you overdo things. Use a rotary hammer as a 'detail chipper' but rent a proper breaker if there's more than a shoebox-sized hole needed.

            Last thing: get a squeeze tube of lithium grease and keep it in the drill case with the bits. Get in the habit of lubing the shank of the SDS bits, your chuck will thank you.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Drafting the 2027 IRC

Key proposals for the next edition of the International Residential Code tackle room sizes, stair specs, emergency egress, and deck guards, among other requirements.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 695: Saving Bricks, Cut-and-Cobble Insulation, and Waterproofing Foundations
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Waterproofing Below-Grade Foundation Walls
  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data