A first SDS drill
You want about 5, 6, 7 and 10 mm, a case, and a bit long enough for a cavity wall. The WORKPRO eight-piece set names a 7 mm bit, short 110 mm bits and 160 mm bits, with a case, at about £16.99. The listing says it is not for tile.
SDS Plus drill bit comparison 2026
The best SDS plus drill bits, compared.
Top pick: Makita E-15730, 6-piece Best value: Makita E-15730, 6-piece – Named six-piece set at about £9.59, 5 mm to 10 mm and a case in the bullets, with 4.7 from 185 reviews. The exact six diameters are not printed. Updated October 2026.
Charlie White (Charlie DIYte)Expert source
An SDS plus drill bit is a carbide-tipped masonry bit with a quick-change shank of about 10 mm. In the UK you use it for plug holes in brick and block, for cavity walls, and for concrete that may contain rebar. A three-jaw chuck will not hold the shank. An SDS max shank is about 18 mm and will not enter this chuck. You recognise a suitable bit by a straight shank the listing names as SDS plus, a tip that stays on the steel, a diameter taken from the plug sheet rather than the screw, and flutes that clear dust. The length on the box usually includes the shank inside the chuck, so it is not the depth of the hole. A two-cutter tip is the ordinary carbide plate. A four-cutter or cross tip is a maker's claim for reinforced concrete, not a certificate. A mixed set around 5–12 mm suits a first SDS drill. A multipack of one diameter suits the same plug repeated. Those checks are in the [SDS plus drill bit buying guide](/hub/drilling-and-accessories/sds-plus-drill-bit/sub/sds-plus-drill-bit-buying-guide).
An SDS plus drill bit is a carbide-tipped masonry bit with a quick-change shank of about 10 mm. In the UK you use it for plug holes in brick and block, for cavity walls, and for concrete that may contain rebar.
36 products checked · 64 hrs invested · +18,600 readers
10 of 10: Best SDS plus drill bits compared
Swipe for more
1-2 of 10Best overall
8.6/10
9.4/10
8.4/10
8.2/10
7.8/10
7.9/10
8.0/10
7.6/10
7.4/10
7.2/10
∼ £10
∼ £11
∼ £25
∼ £17
∼ £10
∼ £32
∼ £10
∼ £9
∼ £22
∼ £15
4.7(185)
4.7(106)
4.6(4,430)
4.6(1,361)
4.6(509)
4.6(392)
4.6(101)
4.6(35)
4.5(2,286)
4.4(94)
Personal buying guide
Which SDS plus drill bit fits this job?
Question 1 of 2
What do you need in the box?
The best SDS plus drill bits in detail
Our view
Makita E-15730 is a six-piece SDS plus set listed at £9.59, with a 4.7 rating from 185 amazon.co.uk reviews. The bullets cover 5 mm to 10 mm, tungsten carbide tips, a centre point and a carry case, and they say it fits SDS plus rotary hammers. The surface field names concrete. Lengths of each bit are not on the listing. UK reviews praise the price and the case. One review says the 5 mm bit snapped on the second hole in brick, one says the case arrived broken, and one says the tips came off.
Pros
- Named Makita set at £9.59
- Range stated as 5 mm to 10 mm
- Case named in the bullets
Cons
- Exact six diameters not printed
- One 5 mm bit snapped in brick
- One case arrived broken
Best for: You want a named six-piece set from 5 mm to 10 mm, with a case, at the low end of this shelf.
Less suitable: You need each diameter printed, a 12 mm bit, or a 5 mm bit you cannot afford to lose.
Specifications
- Model
- Makita E-15730, 6-piece
- Brand
- Makita
- Price
- ∼£10
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(185)
- Shank
- SDS plus
- Diameters
- 5–10 mm
- Pieces
- 6
- Tip
- Carbide centre
- Flutes
- 2 spiral
- Case
- Yes
- Chisels
- No
- Materials
- Concrete
- Weight
- 380 g
Common questions
What sizes does the Makita E-15730 include?
The bullets say six essential sizes from 5 mm to 10 mm. They do not list each diameter. The cutting-diameter field is 10 mm and the minimum bore is 5 mm.
Will it fit an SDS plus rotary hammer?
The bullets say it works with all SDS plus rotary hammer drills. The shank field is SDS plus.
Is a case included?
Yes. The bullets name a compact carry case. One UK review says the case arrived broken.
Our view
The Bosch PRO SDS plus-5X set, part 2608833910, is five bits at 5, 6, 6, 8 and 10 mm, listed at £10.92 with a 4.7 rating from 106 amazon.co.uk reviews. The bullets say it lasts up to 1.5 times as long as a Bosch SDS plus-1 bit and name concrete and reinforced concrete. The spec shows four flutes, a guide point and Germany as the country of origin. The amazon.co.uk text does not give working length, and the scope line does not include a case. Three UK reviews praise masonry and concrete; later non-UK reviews mention rust, run-out and a blunt bit, which are not UK scores.
Pros
- SDS plus shank and four flutes
- Diameters 5 to 10 mm on one listing
- Country of origin Germany
Cons
- Working length missing on the amazon.co.uk text
- Only three UK reviews quoted for this listing
- Case not in the scope line
Best for: A first SDS drill, where you want 5, 6, 8 and 10 mm named on one listing, including a second 6 mm.
Less suitable: You need a printed working length, a case in the scope line, or a confirmed 7 mm bit.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch PRO SDS plus-5X, 5-piece
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£11
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(106)
- Shank
- SDS plus
- Diameters
- 5/6/6/8/10 mm
- Pieces
- 5
- Tip
- Guide point
- Flutes
- 4 spiral
- Case
- No
- Chisels
- No
- Materials
- Concrete
- Weight
- 242 g
Common questions
Which diameters are in the Bosch PRO SDS plus-5X set?
The scope line lists five bits at 5 mm, 6 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm. The amazon.co.uk text does not give a working length.
What does the listing say it will drill?
Concrete and reinforced concrete, including installation work. The highlight also names lime and sand bricks. The shank is SDS plus.
Does the listing include a case?
The on-page questions ask about a case. The scope of delivery does not mention one.
Our view
Bosch 2608578765 is an 11-piece SDS plus set at £24.95, rated 4.6 from 4,430 amazon.co.uk reviews. The scope line lists nine bits from 5 mm to 12 mm, with 50 mm or 100 mm in the middle figure, plus a pointed chisel and a flat chisel, in an aluminium case. The bullets name masonry, concrete and reinforced concrete and an SDS plus holder. The spec surface field says metal and the dimensions say 10 x 10 x 10 mm, which do not match that scope. Reviews praise the size range and the chisels. One review notes casting marks, and one a broken case handle.
Pros
- Nine named diameters plus two chisels
- 4.6 from 4,430 reviews
- Aluminium case in the bullets
Cons
- Spec surface says metal
- Spec dimensions 10 x 10 x 10 mm
- Case handle broken in one review
Best for: You want named bits from 5 mm to 12 mm plus a point chisel and a flat chisel, in a case.
Less suitable: You are put off by a spec surface that says metal, or you do not want chisels.
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch 11-piece bit and chisel set
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£25
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(4,430)
- Shank
- SDS plus
- Diameters
- 5–12 mm
- Length
- 110–160 mm
- Pieces
- 11
- Flutes
- 4 spiral
- Case
- Yes
- Chisels
- Yes
- Materials
- Masonry, concrete
- Weight
- 1000 g
Common questions
What is in the Bosch 11-piece set?
Nine SDS plus bits: 5, 6, 7 and 8 mm at 5 x 50 x 110 mm, and 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 mm at 100 x 160 mm, plus a pointed chisel and a flat chisel. The included-components field gives the chisels as 250 mm.
Which machines does the listing name?
Rotary hammers and cordless rotary hammers with an SDS plus tool holder. The bullets name masonry, concrete and reinforced concrete. The spec surface field says metal, which conflicts.
Does it come with a case?
Yes. The bullets say a durable aluminium case. One review says the case handle arrived broken.
Our view
The WORKPRO eight-piece set is £16.99 and shows 4.6 from 1,361 amazon.co.uk reviews. Sizes are 6 and 8 mm at 110 mm and 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 mm at 160 mm, with a case. The shank is SDS plus. The bullets name brick, concrete, stone and masonry and say the set is not for tile. Reviews praise the case, the 7 mm bit and holes in concrete. One review says a 6 mm bit lost its tungsten tip after seven holes and a second after four. Another says the 6 mm bit was not straight and went blunt quickly.
Pros
- 7 mm bit and short 110 mm bits
- Case included
- 4.6 from 1,361 reviews
Cons
- Not for tile, on the listing
- 6 mm tip lost after a few plug holes in one review
- 6 mm bit reported not straight
Best for: You want a 7 mm bit and short 110 mm bits in one case, for brick and concrete.
Less suitable: You need to drill tile, or you cannot accept a tip that leaves the steel.
Specifications
- Model
- WORKPRO 8-piece SDS plus set
- Brand
- WORKPRO
- Price
- ∼£17
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(1,361)
- Shank
- SDS plus
- Diameters
- 5–12 mm
- Length
- 110–160 mm
- Pieces
- 8
- Tip
- Carbide crown
- Flutes
- 3 spiral
- Case
- Yes
- Chisels
- No
- Materials
- Brick, concrete
- Weight
- 720 g
Common questions
Which sizes are in the WORKPRO eight-piece set?
6 mm and 8 mm at 110 mm, plus 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 mm at 160 mm, and a storage case.
Can this set be used on tile?
No. The bullets say it is not for tile. They name concrete, brick, stone and masonry, and SDS plus hammers from Bosch, DeWalt, Makita and Milwaukee.
Does the listing include a 7 mm bit?
Yes. 7 mm at 160 mm is in the included-components line. One review mentions the 7 mm bit as a reason to buy the set.
Our view
The hsawbit listing is five 6 mm by 210 mm SDS plus bits at £9.99, rated 4.6 from 509 amazon.co.uk reviews, and ranked 1 in SDS-Shank Bits on that page. The bullets name a YG8C tungsten carbide tip and masonry, brick, concrete and granite. The material field says high grade steel. A case is not in the package line. One UK review says four bits snapped in concrete and that an earlier order was missing a piece. Other reviews on the page describe longer or wider bits, so they are not this 6 mm pack.
Pros
- Five spares of 6 mm
- £9.99
- YG8C tip named in the bullets
Cons
- No case in the package line
- Review of bits snapping in concrete
- One order missing a bit
Best for: You repeat 6 mm holes and want five bits of that size.
Less suitable: You want a case, or you are drilling concrete where a review reported snapped bits.
Specifications
- Model
- hsawbit 5 x 6 mm x 210 mm
- Brand
- hsawbit
- Price
- ∼£10
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(509)
- Shank
- SDS plus
- Diameters
- 6 mm
- Length
- 210 mm
- Pieces
- 5
- Tip
- YG8C carbide
- Flutes
- 2 spiral
- Case
- No
- Chisels
- No
- Materials
- Brick, concrete
- Weight
- 280 g
Common questions
How many bits are in the hsawbit pack, and what size?
Five bits, 6 mm by 210 mm, SDS plus. The package line does not include a case.
What tip does the listing name?
The bullets say a YG8C tungsten carbide tip. The material field says high grade steel.
What materials are named?
Masonry, brick, concrete and granite, for SDS plus rotary hammers.
Our view
WORKPRO’s 17-piece set is £31.99 and rated 4.6 from 392 amazon.co.uk reviews. It is twelve SDS plus drill bits, two point chisels and three flat chisels in a case stated as 29.5 by 23 by 5.6 cm. The bullets name 40Cr steel, YG8C carbide and HRC48. Diameters are not listed. The surface field includes tile. Reviews praise the chisels and the case. One says every 6 mm bit burnt after five holes in stone. Another returned the set because the 5 mm and 6 mm bits were bent. A third noticed rust after a few weeks.
Pros
- Chisels as well as bits
- Case dimensions printed
- HRC48 and YG8C named in the bullets
Cons
- Drill diameters not listed
- Bent 5 mm and 6 mm bits in one return
- 6 mm bits burnt after five holes in stone
Best for: You want bits and chisels in one case, and the listing names tile as well as brick.
Less suitable: You need the drill diameters printed, or you are matching a return that found bent 5 mm and 6 mm bits.
Specifications
- Model
- WORKPRO 17-piece bit and chisel set
- Brand
- WORKPRO
- Price
- ∼£32
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(392)
- Shank
- SDS plus
- Pieces
- 17
- Tip
- YG8C taper
- Flutes
- 2 U-flute
- Case
- Yes
- Chisels
- Yes
- Materials
- Brick, concrete
- Weight
- 2430 g
Common questions
What is in the 17-piece WORKPRO set?
Twelve drill bits, two point chisels, three flat chisels and a storage case. The individual bit diameters are not printed. The minimum bore field is 5 mm.
What are the bits made of, on the listing?
The bullets say 40Cr steel with YG8C carbide tips and hardness HRC48. The material field says alloy steel.
Does the surface list include tile?
Yes. Brick, concrete, masonry, stone and tile are on the surface field. The eight-piece WORKPRO listing says not for tile. These are different ASINs.
Our view
MOXPIFY B0FZR3QSQZ is three 7 mm SDS plus bits, 210 mm on the title, at £9.99, rated 4.6 from 101 amazon.co.uk reviews. The tip field is tungsten carbide, with two spiral flutes, for concrete, masonry and stone. Weight is 100 g. The listing does not give a working length. UK comments include easy drilling in a concrete driveway and a bit that went blunt after a couple of holes. A separate review calls bits bent and blunt. Many other reviews describe 6 mm, 8 mm or 10 mm packs, so they are not this variant.
Pros
- 7 mm, a common plug size
- Three bits at £9.99
- Tungsten carbide tip named
Cons
- Working length not stated
- Blunt after a couple of holes in one review
- Other diameters reviewed on the same page
Best for: You repeat 7 mm plug holes and want three spare bits of that one diameter.
Less suitable: You need a mixed set, a stated working length, or reviews that are only this 7 mm pack.
Specifications
- Model
- MOXPIFY 3 x 7 mm x 210 mm
- Brand
- MOXPIFY
- Price
- ∼£10
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(101)
- Shank
- SDS plus
- Diameters
- 7 mm
- Length
- 210 mm
- Pieces
- 3
- Tip
- Carbide
- Flutes
- 2 spiral
- Case
- No
- Chisels
- No
- Materials
- Concrete, masonry
- Weight
- 100 g
Common questions
What size is this MOXPIFY pack?
Three SDS plus bits, 7 mm by 210 mm. The listing does not separate working length from the 210 mm figure.
What is the tip made of?
The material field says tungsten carbide. Finish is uncoated. Flutes are two, spiral.
Which drills does the listing name?
All SDS plus rotary hammer drills. Surfaces named are concrete, masonry and stone, and the highlight says brick walls.
Our view
YSDINTAI B0H25CJ73D is a 14 mm SDS plus bit at £8.99, rated 4.6 from 35 amazon.co.uk reviews. The title says 200 mm. The bullet says a total length of 210 mm and the part number is 14x210mm. The listing states four carbide edges, four flutes, a double helix, and an SDS plus shank of about 10 mm. Included components says no. The unit count is 1. A review describes a thick outside wall for a tap. Another says a breeze-block wall needed a hard push. Most other reviews on the page are different diameters and lengths.
Pros
- 14 mm when a plug set stops at 12 mm
- Four cutting edges claimed
- £8.99
Cons
- 200 mm and 210 mm both printed
- Only 35 ratings
- Included components field says no
Best for: You need a single 14 mm bit, past the 12 mm that many plug sets stop at.
Less suitable: You need the length to agree on the listing, or a larger review sample for this exact size.
Specifications
- Model
- YSDINTAI 14 mm SDS plus bit
- Brand
- YSDINTAI
- Price
- ∼£9
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(35)
- Shank
- SDS plus
- Diameters
- 14 mm
- Length
- 200 or 210 mm
- Pieces
- 1
- Tip
- 4-edge cross
- Flutes
- 4 spiral
- Case
- No
- Chisels
- No
- Materials
- Brick, concrete
- Weight
- 300 g
Common questions
Is this bit 200 mm or 210 mm?
The title says 14 mm by 200 mm. The bullet says diameter 14 mm and total length 210 mm. The part number is 14x210mm. Both figures are on the listing.
Will it fit an SDS plus chuck?
The listing says an SDS plus socket with a shank of about 10 mm, for rotary hammers and impact drills with an SDS plus chuck.
How many bits are in the box?
The unit count is 1 and included components says no. Reviews of other YSDINTAI sizes often describe multipacks.
Our view
Meccion’s six-piece set is £21.99 and rated 4.5 from 2,286 amazon.co.uk reviews. The bullets describe a YG8C carbide cross tip for masonry, brick, concrete and granite, on an SDS plus shank. They do not list the six diameters. The spec shows a 10 mm cutting diameter, a 6 mm minimum bore and a 90 degree cutting angle. A case is not in the bullets. One review reports bricks, mortar and concrete kerbs with no trouble. Another says the head wore off halfway through the first hole and the bit was about 2 mm out of straight. Many reviews are of other diameters.
Pros
- Cross tip named
- 4.5 from 2,286 reviews
- YG8C carbide in the bullets
Cons
- The six diameters are not listed
- No case in the bullets
- Review of a head worn off on the first hole
Best for: You want a cross tip named on the listing and a large review sample.
Less suitable: You need the six diameters printed, or a case in the bullets.
Specifications
- Model
- Meccion 6-piece cross-tip set
- Brand
- Meccion
- Price
- ∼£22
- Customer rating
- 4.5/5(2,286)
- Shank
- SDS plus
- Pieces
- 6
- Tip
- YG8C cross
- Flutes
- 2 spiral
- Case
- No
- Chisels
- No
- Materials
- Brick, concrete
- Weight
- 454 g
Common questions
Which six sizes are in the Meccion set?
The bullets do not list them. The spec gives a cutting diameter of 10 mm and a minimum bore of 6 mm, and the piece count is 6.
What tip does the listing describe?
A cross centre point in YG8C carbide, soldered and hardened, with a double spiral. The cutting-angle field says 90 degrees.
Is a case included?
The bullets do not name a case. One review says the bits arrived in individual packets.
Our view
SALI B0CSYWCKHQ is ten 5.5 mm by 160 mm SDS plus bits at £14.99, rated 4.4 from 94 amazon.co.uk reviews, with a plastic case in the bullets. The tip is tungsten carbide, two flutes, cutting angle 135 degrees. Surfaces include concrete, brick, stone and granite, and the bullets add tiles. A line also mentions fixing the bit to an electric or hand drill, while the shank field is SDS plus. Two UK reviews say a ten-pack arrived bent and drilled oversized holes. One of those names 5 mm rather than 5.5 mm.
Pros
- Ten spares of 5.5 mm
- Plastic case named
- 135 degree angle and carbide tip on the spec
Cons
- 4.4 from 94, the lowest rating here
- Bent-bit reviews on a nearby 5 mm pack
- One bullet also mentions a hand drill
Best for: You want ten 5.5 mm bits and a plastic case.
Less suitable: You need the highest star line on this page, or bits a review has not described as bent.
Specifications
- Model
- SALI 10 x 5.5 mm x 160 mm
- Brand
- SALI
- Price
- ∼£15
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(94)
- Shank
- SDS plus
- Diameters
- 5.5 mm
- Length
- 160 mm
- Pieces
- 10
- Tip
- Carbide, 135°
- Flutes
- 2 spiral
- Case
- Yes
- Chisels
- No
- Materials
- Brick, concrete
- Weight
- 390 g
Common questions
What size is the SALI ten-pack?
Ten SDS plus bits, 5.5 mm by 160 mm, with a plastic case. Cutting diameter and minimum bore are both 5.5 mm.
Does the listing include tiles?
The bullets say granite, concrete and tiles. The surface field lists concrete, brick, cement walls, stone and granite.
Are the bits described as straight?
Some reviews say they ran true. Two UK reviews say a ten-pack arrived bent. One of those names 5 mm by 160 mm rather than 5.5 mm.
How we compared
Ten SDS plus drill bit listings on amazon.co.uk were kept for this page. Each score uses the listing facts and the review notes stored with that product. There is no laboratory test, and stars or a sales rank are not treated as a drilling test. The top pick is the highest score. Best value is the listing already marked for what the box names against the shelf price. The weights below follow the buying order in the research notes. Public sources are HSE dust and vibration guidance, Bosch Professional GB on the four-cutter tip, PGM on ISO 5468, Rawlplug, fischer and Hilti. The page date is 22 October 2026.
1
Shank
20%The listing must say SDS plus, SDS+ or SDS-plus. A plain SDS label usually means plus. SDS max will not enter the chuck, and a three-jaw combi drill will not hold the shank.
2
Diameter
20%Take the diameter from the fixing, not the screw. Rawlplug UNO holes match the plug at 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 mm. A fischer DuoPower 6 × 30 asks for a 6 mm bit and at least 40 mm of hole.
3
Working length
18%The number on the box usually includes the shank inside the chuck. A 210 mm bit does not give 210 mm of hole. Where the listing does not split working length out, that cell stays blank.
4
Tip
16%A two-cutter tip is the ordinary carbide plate. A four-cutter or cross tip is what Bosch specifies for reinforced concrete on the PRO SDS plus-5X. That is a manufacturer claim, not a test of every cross-tip listing.
5
Set versus spares
14%A mixed set suits a first SDS drill. A multipack of one diameter suits repeated holes of that plug size. Chisels in the box need chisel mode and are a different job.
6
Case and carbide bond
12%UK reviews on these listings mention bent bits, tips that leave the steel after a few holes, and small diameters that snap. A case is counted only when the listing names one.
Independent review
Last updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
SDS plus drill bit buying guide
Start with the shank, then the plug diameter, then working length, then the tip, then whether you need a mixed set or spares of one size. A case and a tip that stays on come after those. The notes below follow that order. The scores on this page are listing scores.
What is an SDS plus drill bit?
An SDS plus drill bit is a carbide-tipped masonry bit with a quick-change shank of about 10 mm, for a compact rotary hammer. UK buyers use it for plug holes in brick and block, for cavity walls, and for concrete that may contain rebar. This comparison is SDS plus masonry bits, not diamond cores and not hole-saw arbors. The listing has to say SDS plus, SDS+ or SDS-plus. A plain SDS label usually means plus. SDS max is about 18 mm and will not enter this chuck.
Best for
- A first SDS drill, where you want about 5 mm to 10 mm and a case
- Repeated holes of one plug size, where spare tips matter
- Light chasing, where the box includes chisels and you will use chisel mode
Not ideal for
- An SDS max chuck, unless the listing includes the adapter
- A three-jaw combi drill, which will not hold the shank
- A safety-critical anchor that needs a certified bit these listings do not show
Mistakes to avoid
- 1
Buying the wrong shank
SDS max is about 18 mm and will not enter an SDS plus chuck. A three-jaw combi drill will not hold the shank. Plus bits fit a max machine only with an adapter, and only if that adapter is in the box. A core adaptor is a different job.
- 2
Reading the box length as the hole
The number on the box usually includes the shank inside the chuck. A 210 mm bit does not give 210 mm of hole. Where working length is not printed, do not invent it from the title.
- 3
Matching the screw, or forcing a stuck bit
The hole follows the plug, not the screw. Yellow, red and brown are a convention for 5, 6 and 7 mm, not a British Standard. Forcing a stuck bit sideways bends small diameters. Stop and check for a cable, a pipe or rebar.
What to weigh up
Shank, diameter and working length
HighThe listing must say SDS plus, SDS+ or SDS-plus. A plain SDS label usually means plus. SDS max will not enter the chuck, and a three-jaw combi drill will not hold the shank. Plus bits fit a max machine only with an adapter that is actually supplied. Take the diameter from the fixing, not the screw. Rawlplug UNO substrate holes match the plug at 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 mm. A fischer DuoPower 6 × 30 asks for a 6 mm bit and at least 40 mm of hole.
Tip, set and the carbide bond
HighA two-cutter tip is the ordinary carbide plate. A four-cutter or cross tip is what Bosch specifies for reinforced concrete on the PRO SDS plus-5X. That is a manufacturer claim, not a test of every cross-tip listing, and it is not a PGM mark. ISO 5468 does not cover SDS hammer bits, and PGM says ISO conformity is not PGM certification. None of these listings prints a PGM mark. A mixed set from about 5 mm to 12 mm suits a first SDS drill.
Which option suits you?
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
One plug size, repeated
An electrician or plumber repeating one plug size needs a multipack of that diameter and spare tips, because rebar ends cheap carbide. The hsawbit pack is five 6 mm by 210 mm bits at about £9.99. A case is not in the package line, and one review reports bits snapping in concrete.
Anchors through the working day
A contractor drilling anchors all day is in the HSE silica and vibration regime. A safety-critical anchor may call for a certified bit these listings do not show. None prints a PGM mark. The nearest named four-flute set is the Bosch PRO SDS plus-5X, and that life line is a maker's claim.
Common questions about SDS plus drill bits
What is an SDS plus drill bit?
An SDS plus drill bit is a carbide-tipped masonry bit with a quick-change shank of about 10 mm, for a compact rotary hammer. In the UK you use it for plug holes in brick and block, for cavity walls, and for concrete that may contain rebar. You judge it by a straight shank, a tip that stays on, a diameter taken from the plug sheet, and flutes that clear dust. SDS max is about 18 mm and does not fit this chuck.
How much does an SDS plus drill bit cost?
On these ten amazon.co.uk listings, shelf prices run from about £8.99 to £31.99. Entry on this page is about £9 to £15 for single-size packs and small mixed sets. Mid is about £17 to £25. The top of this basket is £31.99. Outside it, Screwfix lists a Bosch Plus-3 eight-piece two-cutter set at £18.99 including VAT, and Toolstation a Bosch Expert SDS plus-7X seven-piece set at £56.99. Those are shelf prices, not a market size. Stars are not a lab test.
Which diameter should the bit be?
Take the diameter from the fixing, not the screw. Rawlplug UNO substrate holes match the plug at 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 mm. A fischer DuoPower 6 × 30 asks for a 6 mm bit and at least 40 mm of hole. Yellow, red and brown are a convention for 5, 6 and 7 mm, not a British Standard. If the listing does not print each diameter, do not guess the missing sizes from reviews of other packs on the same page.
Is the length on the box the depth of the hole?
Usually no. The number on the box includes the shank that sits inside the chuck, so a 210 mm bit does not give 210 mm of hole. Bosch publishes working length separately on its own pages. On the amazon.co.uk text for the five-piece PRO set here, working length is not printed. Bosch’s GB page for that set gives working lengths of 50 or 100 mm, which is not the Amazon title. Measure the hole you need, then allow for the shank.
Should you buy a mixed set or one diameter?
A mixed set from about 5 mm to 12 mm suits a first SDS drill. A multipack of one diameter suits repeated 6 mm or 7 mm holes, with spare tips, because rebar ends cheap carbide. Chisels in the box need chisel mode and are a different job. Also check the case, whether the shank is straight, and whether the carbide stays bonded. UK reviews on these listings mention bent bits, tips that leave the steel after a few holes, and small diameters that snap.
Will an SDS plus bit fit an SDS max chuck?
No. An SDS plus shank is about 10 mm. SDS max is about 18 mm and will not enter an SDS plus chuck. Hilti’s GB note on the TE-Y adapter says plus bits fit a max machine only with an adapter. Do not assume that adapter is in the box. A plain SDS label usually means plus. A three-jaw chuck will not hold the shank either. The shank difference is a different page from the bits compared here.
What about dust, vibration and calling a professional?
Masonry dust can contain respirable crystalline silica. HSE sheet CN3 expects on-tool M or H class extraction when drilling is a main activity, and respiratory protection at APF 20 when it is not. In Great Britain the vibration action value is 2.5 m/s² A(8) and the limit is 5 m/s² A(8). Call a professional for a structural anchor, for employees drilling as their main task, or if asbestos or a live service may be in the wall. The machine is in the hammer drill SDS plus comparison.
Which listing is the top pick on this page?
The top pick is the Bosch PRO SDS plus-5X five-piece set. It has the highest listing score, 86, at about £10.92, with 4.7 from 106 amazon.co.uk reviews, and the diameters 5, 6, 6, 8 and 10 mm are named. The longer-life line is Bosch’s claim against its own SDS plus-1 bit, not a lab test. Best value is the Makita E-15730, about £9.59, with 5 mm to 10 mm and a case named in the bullets, and 4.7 from 185 reviews. The six exact diameters are not printed.
Our verdict
In this set of ten amazon.co.uk listings, the top pick is the Bosch PRO SDS plus-5X five-piece set. It scores 86, at about £10.92, with 4.7 from 106 reviews, and the diameters 5, 6, 6, 8 and 10 mm are named. The bullets claim up to 1.5 times the life of a Bosch SDS plus-1 bit. That is a maker's claim, not a lab test. Working length is missing on the amazon.co.uk text. Best value is the Makita E-15730, six pieces stated as 5 mm to 10 mm, at about £9.59, with a case in the bullets and 4.7 from 185 reviews. The six diameters are not listed one by one. These scores are listing scores.
Best valueView offer
Makita E-15730, 6-piece
Named six-piece set at about £9.59, 5 mm to 10 mm and a case in the bullets, with 4.7 from 185 reviews. The exact six diameters are not printed.
Editorial
Editor
SDS plus drill bitsDIY toolsamazon.co.uk listings
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Guides to SDS plus drill bits
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
SDS plus drill bit buying guideDiameter, working length, tip and set versus singlesBest SDS plus drill bitWho each kept listing is for, and who should skip itHow to use an SDS plus drill bitChuck, hammer mode, depth, dust and a jammed bitSDS plus drill bit for concreteBrick, block and reinforced concrete, including rebarSDS plus drill bit vs SDS maxAbout 10 mm versus about 18 mm, and the one-way adapter
Related comparisons
Sources
Public UK sources from the research digest, retrieved for the page dated 22 October 2026. Shelf prices, stars and review counts are the amazon.co.uk figures in the display file.
- HSE CN3, drilling with hand-held rotary tools (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- HSE CIS36, construction dust (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, regulation 4 (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Bosch Professional GB, PRO SDS plus-5X (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- PGM on ISO 5468 (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Rawlplug UNO universal plug (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- fischer DuoPower 6 × 30 (retrieved 22 October 2026)
- Hilti GB TE-Y adapter (retrieved 22 October 2026)
Expert source (DIY & tools): Charlie White (Charlie DIYte) (external profile) – public expert commentary used as a research source, not as a contributor to our pages.
This page contains affiliate links to amazon.co.uk. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, stars and review counts are from the UK listings checked for this page on 22 October 2026. We did not lab-test these SDS plus drill bits.