What are the differences between SDS, SDS Plus, and SDS Max drills?

Question

Basically I had to use a breaker last weekend, it was clear I did not need the “heavy duty” as I did not have 6” of solid concrete, but the descriptions of the other options confused me.

Answer 1

• The SDS chuck system was the original developed by Bosch.

• SDS Plus is an improvement on the original SDS system, but remains compatible with SDS bits, and is now the most commonly seen on the market.

  

• SDS Max is designed for the heaviest masonry work, and is incompatible with SDS/SDS+ bits.

  

It sounds like for your application, SDS Plus would be the way to go, given that they are generally less expensive, and you don't have really tough masonry work to do.

Answer 2

For easier identification:

SDS and SDS plus are 10 mm diameter - and interchangeable.
SDS Max is 19 mm diameter

SDS Max is for heavier work, with 4 times the cross section shank.