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If you drill brick, block or concrete for a living, round-shank masonry bits in a chuck drill are a slow way to work. An SDS Plus rotary hammer and a decent set of bits will do the same job in a fraction of the time, with far less effort in your wrists. But the bits are consumables, and the gap between a good one and a poor one is bigger than the price suggests.
We looked at the SDS Plus sets available on Amazon UK, checked each was in stock with a buy button, and chose six that suit different trades and budgets. Prices and review counts are as at the time of writing and will move.
Quick Verdict
The Bosch EXPERT SDS plus-7X seven-piece set is the best all-round buy if you drill concrete regularly, with over 2,000 reviews and a design that Bosch says lasts up to three times longer than its older SDS plus-3 range. For a lower outlay, the Bosch 11-piece mixed set with chisels is the best value, and the Makita D-03888 five-piece is the cheapest decent set at under £9.
If you work mainly in brick and block and only drill concrete now and then, the cheaper sets are good enough. If you hit reinforcement or drill deep holes weekly, pay for the 7X.
Best SDS Plus Drill Bit Sets at a Glance
| Set | Pieces | Price | Best for |
| Bosch EXPERT SDS plus-7X | 7 | £45.82 | Concrete and heavy use |
| Bosch Professional mixed set with chisels | 11 | £24.95 | Best value all-rounder |
| DeWalt Extreme 2 SDS Plus | 10 | £36.89 | Tough case, trade durability |
| DeWalt DT9702 Extreme 2 5-10mm | 5 | £14.99 | Compact common sizes |
| Makita E-15730 TCT | 6 | £9.90 | Budget brick and block |
| Makita D-03888 standard | 5 | £8.93 | Cheap spare set |
What to Look for in an SDS Plus Bit Set
Carbide Quality and Tip Design
The cutting head is a carbide insert brazed to a steel body. The quality of the carbide and the shape of the head decide how fast the bit cuts and how long it lasts. Premium bits use better carbide and a more robust head that survives hitting rebar. Budget bits cut fine in brick but can chip or wear quickly in concrete.
Flute Design and Dust Removal
The spiral flutes carry dust out of the hole. If they clog, the bit overheats and slows down. Better designs clear dust faster, which means quicker holes and less heat in the head.
Sizes You Actually Use
For fixings, the common sizes are 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm. Electricians and installers drill small holes constantly, while builders and groundworkers often need 16mm and above. Check that the set you buy matches your typical hole size, because buying a set and then having to purchase the 8mm separately defeats the point.
Case and Storage
SDS bits are long and awkward in a bag. A hard case with a clear size marking per slot keeps them from bending and getting lost. Some sets are in modular cases that fit a stacking system, which is useful if you already run one in the van.
The Best SDS Plus Drill Bit Sets
Bosch EXPERT SDS plus-7X 7-Piece Set
This is the set to buy if you spend real time drilling concrete. At £45.82 at the time of writing it is the most expensive in this guide, but it has over 2,000 reviews and the design is aimed squarely at hard, reinforced material. Bosch describes the carbide head as built to last up to three times longer than the SDS plus-3 bit, and the listing notes it is made for reinforced concrete.
On site, that translates to fewer bits worn out over a job and less time spent waiting for holes to finish. If you drill into slabs for anchor bolts, shelf brackets or heavy fixings every week, it pays back. If you drill a handful of holes a month, it is more than you need.
Pros: Excellent reviews, built for reinforced concrete, longest-lasting set here.
Cons: Highest price, and you may not need this level for brick and block.
Best for: Contractors, installers and anyone drilling concrete regularly.
- Lasts up to 3x longer than Bosch SDS plus-3 Drill Bit
- Exceptionally durable drill bit tip with Bosch Carbide Technology
- Fits all SDS plus rotary hammer drills
- Ideal for drilling holes in reinforced concrete, e.g; to anchor interior installations such as air conditioning, heating pipes, electrical wiring and lights
- Scope of delivery: Bosch EXPERT SDS plus-7X Hammer Drill Bit Set 5/6/6/8/8/10/12 mm 7-pc
Bosch Professional 11-Piece Mixed SDS Plus Set
The standout value set. For £24.95 you get a mix of hammer drill bits and chisels, with more than 4,400 reviews behind it. Having chisels in the same case is handy for chasing out small channels, removing tile or knocking back plaster, and it means one case covers most small demolition and fixing tasks.
The drill bits are standard Bosch quality: not the longest-lasting in concrete, but consistent in brick, block and general masonry. For a first SDS set, or for a trade that drills and chisels but does not hit concrete hard every day, it is a sensible choice.
Pros: Drill bits and chisels in one case, huge review base, good price.
Cons: Not as durable as the 7X bits in hard concrete.
Best for: Builders, electricians and plumbers who want one case for drilling and light chiselling.
- Robust quality: Durable quality: high-grade steel and optimum tempering guarantee a long service life and lasting quality
- Tough areas of use: The drill bits and chisels are suitable for use in masonry, concrete and reinforced concrete
- Flexible use: The hammer drill bits and chisels fit all rotary hammers and cordless rotary hammers with SDS plus tool holder
- Space-saving: the hammer drill bit and chisel set comes in a durable aluminium case
- Scope of delivery: 1 x SDS plus Hammer Drill Bit 5 x 50 x 110 mm / 1 x SDS plus Hammer Drill Bit 6 x 50 x 110 mm / 1 x SDS plus Hammer Drill Bit 7 x 50 x 110 mm / 1 x SDS plus Hammer Drill Bit 8 x 50 x 110 mm / 1 x SDS plus Hammer Drill Bit 6 x 100 x 160 mm / 1 x SDS plus Hammer Drill Bit 7 x 100 x 160 mm / 1 x SDS plus Hammer Drill Bit 8 x 100 x 160 mm / 1 x SDS plus Hammer Drill Bit 10 x 100 x 160 mm / 1 x SDS plus Hammer Drill Bit 12 x 100 x 160 mm / 1 x SDS plus Pointed Chisel / 1 x SDS plus Flat Chisel
DeWalt Extreme 2 SDS Plus 10-Piece Set
This DeWalt set costs £36.89 at the time of writing and comes in a TOUGH CASE+ that is compatible with the TSTAK system. The listing describes a superior carbide grade, a hardened body to reduce breakage, and an optimised flute design for efficient debris removal. It has fewer reviews than the Bosch sets, so the track record is shorter.
If you already use DeWalt kit and TSTAK boxes in the van, the case alone is a good reason to choose it. The ten pieces give you a good spread of sizes for a typical day of fixings.
Pros: TSTAK-compatible case, hardened body, ten bits.
Cons: Fewer reviews than the Bosch sets and a higher price than the 11-piece Bosch.
Best for: Anyone running a DeWalt TSTAK van setup.
- Made from superior carbide grade for long life and durability
- Hardened body adds further strength and helps reduce breakage
- Optimised flute design provides efficient debris removal
- Supplied in a TOUGH CASE+ that is TSTAK compatible
DeWalt DT9702 Extreme 2 SDS Plus 5-10mm Set
A compact five-to-ten millimetre set at £14.99, with more than 260 reviews. It covers the sizes that do most of the work on site: plug holes, anchors and cable clips. The Extreme 2 name means it is from DeWalt’s tougher range, rather than the standard one.
It is a good set to keep in a pouch or a second bag, or to buy as a replacement when the sizes in your main set wear out.
Pros: Small and cheap, covers the most-used sizes, DeWalt Extreme 2 range.
Cons: Only five bits; nothing above 10mm.
Best for: Electricians and installers who mostly drill small fixing holes.
- Longer life, faster drilling and greater durability
- Superior carbide grade
- Optimised flute design allows efficient debris removal
- Hardened body for extra strength and reduced breakage
- New tip design ensures better bit penetration
Makita E-15730 6-Piece TCT SDS Plus Set
At £9.90 this is a bargain set for brick and block. The tungsten carbide tipped bits come from a trusted trade brand and the set has 186 reviews. We would not choose it for heavy concrete work, but for domestic jobs and general fixings it is more than adequate.
Pros: Very cheap, TCT bits from a trade brand, six pieces.
Cons: Not for heavy-duty concrete drilling.
Best for: Domestic installers and occasional users.
- Durable Tungsten Carbide Tips Designed for long-lasting performance in tough materials.
- Precision-Ground Flutes Optimised for efficient debris removal and smoother drilling.
- Works with all SDS-Plus rotary hammer drills.
- Compact Carry Case Keeps bits organised and easy to transport.
- 6 Essential Sizes Includes 5mm to 10mm bits for a range of applications.
Makita D-03888 5-Piece Standard SDS Plus Set
The cheapest set here, at £8.93, and with nearly 2,000 reviews it has a solid reputation. The standard five-piece set will drill brick, block and softer masonry without fuss. It is the one to buy as a spare, or if you are building up a van kit and want the basics sorted.
Pros: Cheapest set, nearly 2,000 reviews, trusted brand.
Cons: Basic bits that will wear sooner in concrete.
Best for: A cheap spare or a first set.
- Adapted for SDS-plus hammers
- Solid carbide tips
- Longer life
- Manufactured to DIN8039 standard
- 1 x 5.5mm x 110mm
How to Get More Life From SDS Plus Bits
Let the hammer do the work. Pressing hard does not speed up the hole; it just heats the bit. Use moderate pressure and let the tool pulse. Pull the bit out occasionally in deep holes to clear dust. If you hit rebar, stop pushing and either move the hole or switch to a dedicated rebar cutter bit, because leaning into steel will chip the carbide.
Keep the shank clean and lightly greased. Dust in the chuck wears both the bit and the tool. Store bits in their case so the heads do not knock together.
FAQs
What is the difference between SDS Plus and SDS Max?
SDS Plus has a 10mm shank and suits lighter rotary hammers, typically drilling holes up to about 26mm. SDS Max has a thicker shank for heavier tools and larger holes. For most fixings and electrical work, SDS Plus is what you need.
Can I use SDS Plus bits in a normal drill?
No. The shank is designed for an SDS chuck and will not grip properly in a standard three-jaw chuck. You need an SDS drill or rotary hammer.
Are expensive SDS Plus bits worth it?
For regular concrete drilling, yes. Better carbide and head design last longer and cut faster. For occasional brick and block work, a budget set will do the job.
How do I know when an SDS bit is worn?
Holes take noticeably longer, the bit gets hot quickly, or the tip is visibly rounded or chipped. If the head is loose or cracked, replace it straight away.
Do I need chisels as well?
If you chase, strip tile or knock back plaster, yes. A mixed set with chisels, like the Bosch 11-piece, saves buying them separately.
Final Thoughts
Match the set to how hard you work it. The Bosch EXPERT 7X is the pick for concrete, the Bosch 11-piece mixed set is the best value, and the Makita sets are cheap enough to keep as spares. Whichever you choose, look after the shanks and let the tool do the work.
