How much longer does SDS last?

[Racewin]

How much longer to SDS drill bits last over standard when drilling holes in concrete?

 

[Doc]

SDS was designed to “save time” over the traditional “chuck” because time=money

I’ve also never seen one break where I’ve seen multiple regular bits break when trying to be used for the work the SDS was designed for. Perhaps that’s where you will find your longevity.

The other day I was helping a buddy w a project. In the time it took to drill 1 hole in concrete with a small 18v (1/8” impact?) I could drill 35 of the other holes.

If you need to drill holes in concrete get the hammer drill w the SDS bits. Save a LOT of time and energy.

Pro tip: use that little rod that helps you with “depth” the new sds drills will just keep eating.

Hope it helps.

 

[kenpoprofessor]

Most of the time, I'm using SDS+ bits, and I drill a lot of holes. Most of the time, if you're not hitting rebar or steel, the bits will last an extremely long time. SDS is the same, no issues, and both are head and shoulders better than using a conventional drill with a hammer setting. I use mine on a lot of TiltUps, and the difference is massive. I could barely get a 1/4" deep hole by the time I had a 3 1.5" holes for my knock ins.

Have a great, gun carryin', Kenpo day

Clyde

 

[Ballistic Therapy]

I drill concrete almost every day.
From 3/16 up to 4 inch holes.
Of course the 4 inch holes use a bigger drill , but still SDS.
I don't buy any other kind of concrete bit.
As far as I am concerned anything else is a waste of money.

 

[kenpoprofessor]

I drill concrete almost every day.
From 3/16 up to 4 inch holes.
Of course the 4 inch holes use a bigger drill , but still SDS.
I don't buy any other kind of concrete bit.
As far as I am concerned anything else is a waste of money.

Anything bigger than 3" we use a core guy to come drill the holes. I've had more than a few that needed 6" x6 for 4" conduit pass thrus. Can't have the blowout on the opposite side when you have to keep the holes so close, so water and diamond bits it is. And, cuts right through the rebar you're likely to hit in tilt ups.

Have a great, gun carryin', Kenpo day

Clyde

 

[zonie77]

If it matters, Harbor Freight has a rotary hammer on sale today.

 

[Lion Armament LLC]

Am I understanding everyone that SDS is faster, but not necessarily longer lasting (not taking into account the bit breaking)...basically just when it gets dull? (This is Racewin BTW, am just on this account at the moment)

 

[kenpoprofessor]

Am I understanding everyone that SDS is faster, but not necessarily longer lasting (not taking into account the bit breaking)...basically just when it gets dull? (This is Racewin BTW, am just on this account at the moment)

Faster yes, basically, you're not smoking your drill when using a standard "hammer drill" instead of an SDS. So, there's that factor to take into consideration, not necessarily how long the bits last, which BTW, last a very long time. I've use electric "hammer drills", and they sucked compared to any SDS or SDS+. If I could find it again, I'd give it away, and sadly, it cost almost as much as an SDS+ drill.

Have a great, gun carryin', Kenpo day

Clyde

 

[Lion Armament LLC]

Am I understanding everyone that SDS is faster, but not necessarily longer lasting (not taking into account the bit breaking)...basically just when it gets dull? (This is Racewin BTW, am just on this account at the moment)

Faster yes, basically, you're not smoking your drill when using a standard "hammer drill" instead of an SDS. So, there's that factor to take into consideration, not necessarily how long the bits last, which BTW, last a very long time. I've use electric "hammer drills", and they sucked compared to any SDS or SDS+. If I could find it again, I'd give it away, and sadly, it cost almost as much as an SDS+ drill.

Have a great, gun carryin', Kenpo day

Clyde

Got it. Thanks.

 

[Ballistic Therapy]

A good bit in a good drill , will drill lots of holes.
If you are using it for home owner purposes , it will probably last forever.

 

[zonie77]

A good bit in a good drill , will drill lots of holes.
If you are using it for home owner purposes , it will probably last forever.

It will if you remember to grease it. Someone used mine to take out a saltillo floor. I didn't tell them to grease it, it's in the instructions but who reads them and I didn't give them to him anyway, it died. It was 19 years old and well used.