need advice on SDS-Max drill bits

[newbury]

Son talked me into buying him a Bosch 1 9/16" SDS-max drill now I'm in need of bits that seem to start at $15@.
Some of the envisioned project are enlarging cracks in concrete pad to patch, drilling holes in concrete to set bolts, putting holes through concrete block walls for various things.
Any advice on brands and types of bits?

 

[JimRB]

I just buy what I need and use them. They sit on the shelf for years until I need them again. I buy the Bosch bits usually and have worn a few out but most are still useable. Nobody sees a hearse towing a trailer full of the dead man's money. ;-)

 

[jenkinsph]

I have two Hilti SDS max drills and bought the bits at the same time. I have had one or two of the bits that have failed but over the last twenty years so I am very satisfied. Probably have over twenty different sizes in sds max and several for the smaller sds sizes.

Hilti and Bosch both make good quality bits.

 

[gsganzer]

I've seen these SDS drills, but have never used one. What are they used for? I assumed they were like a hammer drill, but is there something else that makes them different?

 

[Steppenwolfe]

hilti... then bosch.

 

[jenkinsph]

I've seen these SDS drills, but have never used one. What are they used for? I assumed they were like a hammer drill, but is there something else that makes them different?

SDS is the chuck design, simple and easy to use. Most of these bits are for hammer drills but Hilti did/does offer ship augers with the SDS set up. I use a wide range of bits with the Hilti drills from 3/16" to 5" to pass 4" pvc pipes or conduit through foundation walls and electric vaults. Bullet proof design and trouble free is what sets them apart for me.

 

[radioman]

if you are drilling many holes - i'd go name brands, other wise go cheap like i did. i bought the 16 inch sds bit from harbor freight for 23 bucks for 5 bits and the bit i used the most was half inch.

 

[newbury]

if you are drilling many holes - i'd go name brands, other wise go cheap like i did. i bought the 16 inch sds bit from harbor freight for 23 bucks for 5 bits and the bit i used the most was half inch.

Actually, w/o the 20 to 25% discount the HF 12 in. SDS Max Type Masonry Chisel Bit Set 3 Pc set is $50. HD wants about the same for the Bosch, but they had it in stock 4 miles away vs 20 miles. So I got the $12 bull point at HD.

Darn that thing goes through old concrete sidewalk quick .

I had to get my son to pick it up early before I got distracted with it.

 

[Cord]

Yea, these bits do get expensive. I like to watch eBay and Craigslist for used ones that pop up on occasion. I've also bought some new off of eBay when I have a specific need. Just buy the bits one at a time. Oh, and stay away from the Chinwse junk. Despite the temptation you won't be saving any money. I have no brand preference for the bits.

My most popular bits are 3/8, 1/2 and 5/8"x12" and a 16" flat and pointed chisel.

 

[newbury]

After my son picked it up he talked about getting a Bosch spade blade for digging narrow trenches in the hard clay of his backyard. That's an application I hadn't thought of.