I need help with the vocabulary of medium sized rotary hammers
Starting from the assumption that “SDS” describes a type of connection between the chuck and the bit.
Makita describes its tools as taking “SDS Plus” bits.
Milwaukee describes its tools as taking “SDS Max” bits.
Harbor Freight ‘type’ tools offered on e-bay take ‘plane jane SDS’ bits.
Is there a difference? are all ‘SDS’ bits interchangeable from tool to tool? just some SDS bits are interchangeable? which ones?
Question 2:
Product specs describe maximum sized holes in concrete using core bits. For a 8 amp tool the specs may say 3 1/2 in max core bit hole. Is this just the manufacturers judgment of a reasonable size for the tool? Is there some limitation I do not see that prevents use of a 5 in core bit if one is willing to tolerate slow going?
anwalt
Replies
My SDS bits will fit in an SDS+ roatary hammer, but SDS Max bits do not; they're too big. I don't know what the real difference is between SDS and SDS+. I use the el-cheapo Chinese/Harbor Freight ones when rebar will be encountered and use the German/Hilti ones when rebar isn't an issue. The Hilti bits last forever and are worth the extra co$t. Every so often I run across new, good ones at flea markets/swap meets and stock up. They are usually less than a fourth of what they sell for retail.
The HF ones are great for adapting to other uses too. I use a long 3/4" one as a concrete vibrator. I switch to "hammer mode" and get trapped air out. I also brazed an impact socket onto one and use it to drive ground rods.
Good luck.
I don't think you'd get much done with a 5" Relton bit in a machine rated for 3.5". That's a lot of material to pulverize. You might do better to rent a diamond hole saw, and take it out in one big piece. It makes a neater hole, too.
-- J.S.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=65759.1
Jon,
Thx, thats the ticket!
anwalt
I just re-read my post in the other thread and thought I should clarify:The 1 1/8" SDS plus tools are the only ones that have the 3 modes of operation. If you go to a larger tools, ie: sds-max or spline - you'll get more capabilities in terms of making larger holes - but you will not be able to use it in a hammer-only mode for chipping use with chisels. you'll have to buy a dedicated chipping hammer that will not do rotary.I could wrong about that, but I think that's what I found out when I delved into it last year.JT
> If you go to a larger tools, ie: sds-max or spline - you'll get more capabilities in terms of making larger holes - but you will not be able to use it in a hammer-only mode for chipping use with chisels.
My Bosch SDS Max definitely has hammer-only mode and hammer drill mode. Rotary only I don't remember, I'd have to pull it out and check.
-- J.S.
I have a Bosch SDS Max (1-9/16") that has two modes - hammer/rotary or hammer only. No rotary only. Specs say it can handle up to a 4-1/2" core bit, which it did, last week, with no problem.
Ok then, looks like I'm passing out wrong info - sorry about that, had it turned around...The 1 1/8 will do three modes - which includes a rotary only, with no hammer function. I guess when I was looking last year, that seemed like it could come in handy sometimes. But now, I realize that it's a non-issue most of the time, so I guess buy as much capability as you need and can afford.It's a bit confusing initially when you make the decision to get into a rotary hammer - hard to know what's best for you when you've not really used one much before.One thing I've noticed about the sds bits though - they all seem to be exactly same, no matter the brand. Most just say "ANSI, made in Germany" and they mostly all look to be about the same quality. I've had good luck through Ebay buying Bosch bits pretty cheap.JT
Yep, the Bosch bits are nice, as are the DeWalt bits. They may all be made in the same factory, who knows. The Bosch WildBore bits, the 4-tooth design, are FAST. It's like drilling through wood with a regular spade bit.
Are they all the same? I have a Hilti bit, about 1" by 16" I think that has NO SLOTS.
Has the 2 opposing hollows where the retainer balls go, but NO F-ing slots.
Won't go in my Bosch, don't know what it's for. I have other Hilti bits with slots, is this one defective? Don't remember when I bought it and never noticed it didn't fit until I tried it.
Joe H
Hilti has the patten on the hollows so everyone else came up with sds so you could use their bits in a hilti drill