What does SDS in Drills stand for?

We See SDS in hammer drill and we wonder what does SDS in drills stand for, SDS is simply the bit retention system — or how the bit is held in the drill. There is some debate as to what the "SDS" acronym stands for. The original German interpretation was "Steck-Dreh-Sitz" meaning Insert-Twist-Stay. As the bit evolved, it has come to be known as a Slotted Drive System or Slotted Drive Shaft. Some Technical people also say that SDS stands for Slotted Drive Shaft or Slotted Drive System. SDS bits are inserted into the chuck to make a rotary hammer or a hammer drill.

What are the different types of SDS?

There are 3 types of SDS Drill.

1. The Regular SDS,
2. SDS Max drills and
3. Shank drills.

The primary difference between the SDS regular and SDS max is size, the max drill is larger and can chisel or drill faster and harder than the regular SDS drills

A shank drill, or spline shank drill is the same as an SDS but the drill bits have up to 12 ‘teeth’ or splines at the end it, they also have a different retainer chuck.

When to use SDS Regular and SDS Max drills

Why you need an SDS MAX Drills

Every tool is required for specific job, there are some jobs SDS regular will do, hence there wont be a reason to require SDS max which is a comparatively more expensive tool. Drilling or hammering into concrete, brick work or demolition can take considerable time with regular domestic tools, some can even wear out.

SDS tools can make you job easier and faster, time is a valuable thing hence it is desirable to look for tools that will make you do the job faster and cheaper. A light jobs that will take few minutes to conclude can take only seconds to be done with SDS regular or max tool. Also take into consideration that SDS drills are also expensive, if the job is worth it, then go for it.