Hammer drill Hammer drills, also known as impact drills or percussion drills, are a powerful option suitable for drilling hard surfaces like concrete and masonry. A hammer drill is perfect for those more heavy-duty jobs around the home, from putting up shelves to securing gutters in place.

The main difference between the two is that SDS drill bits feature 2 splines in the shank, whereas SDS plus drill bits feature an extra 2 splines to hold it in the chuck more securely.

Experts recommend using a hammer drill with masonry drill bits or concrete diamond point screws for drilling into concrete. Hammer drills are designed to hammer while rotating to effectively drill into concrete. When drilling into concrete, be sure to wear the appropriate personal protection equipment.

Can I use an SDS bit in a normal drill? You should not use SDS bits in a standard drill. The chuck on a standard rotary or hammer drill is not designed for them. Standard bits can come loose, damage the drill and affect the quality of your work.