Difference Between SDS Plus and SDS Max

SDS Plus vs SDS Max

SDS Plus and SDS Max are both drill bits used in rotary hammers or “roto hammers” for short. These hammers are actually hammer drills with a powerful horsepower to drill into almost anything. To help with the drilling, different drill bits are attached to these drills to accomplish multiple tasks like drilling into concrete, concrete reinforcement, and other building tasks.

“SDS” stands for “Steck – Dreh – Sitz,” which is German for “Insert – Twist – Stay.” The SDS was developed and produced by the German company Bosch for hammer drills in 1975. SDS uses a cylindrical shank on the bit which is then inserted into the tool chuck by pressing the bit inside. The bit is locked in place until an additional lock release is slotted. As stated, the rotary hammers that use SDS Plus and SDS Max are different varieties of bits.

SDS Plus has four large drives or grooves (two open grooves and two closed grooves) with locking balls that are attached to the grooves. SDS Plus can be interchanged with SDS and is the normal bit and the most normal size of bit for drills. The SDS Plus usually can drill a hole 1 and 1/8 inches in diameter. In comparison to other bits’ sizes, it is the smallest of the three shank types with the length of 10 mm. which is inserted 40 mm. inside the chuck.
Meanwhile, SDS Max is the drill bit for larger hammer drills. It can produce a larger hole diameter compared to the SDS and SDS Plus (two inches in diameter), and it also has chisels which are perfect for heavy-duty work like chipping, chiseling, bushing, cutting, and digging. Compared to the SDS or SDS Plus, the SDS Max has three open grooves and a locking segment instead of balls. SDS Max also has an 18mm. shank which is inserted 90mm. into the chuck when used.
Since the drill bits of SDS Max are bigger, they are considered more expensive compared to SDS and SDS Plus drill bits. Because of their size, the SDS Max is not compatible and cannot be interchangeable with both SDS and SDS Plus due to its system and different shank. The SDS Max’s major selling point is its added power, strength, and capacity that both SDS and SDS Plus lack.
Both SDS Plus and SDS Max require different hammer body specifications. However, many people who use both types of equipment often used them in the same body with the help of an adapter. The adapter compensates for the differences of the drills so that both can be used in the same body or occasion without buying another rotary hammer.
Summary:

SDS Plus is the smallest and lightest bit, comparable and interchangeable to the original. SDS Max is heavier and bigger and is not compatible and interchangeable to any drill bit.
The SDS Max system is completely different and uses a spline shaft which will not fit in a standard SDS machine or an SDS Plus Machine
An SDS Plus has four grooves (two open and two closed) and locking balls while SDS Max only has three grooves with locking segments.
The diameter that an SDS plus can do is 1 and 1/8 inches while SDS Max’s diameter can measure up to 2 inches.
The shank of an SDS Plus measures to 10mm. while SDS Max’s shank has the length of 18mm.
The SDS bit can be inserted 40mm. inside the chuck while it takes 90mm. for an SDS Max to be inserted into the same opening.
SDS Max are more expensive and heavier than an SDS Plus. It features more power and strength compared to the two drill bits.
SDS Max is especially used for heavy-duty work.

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