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Can SDS Drills Use Normal Bits? Yes, Here’s How (The Easy Way)
Yes, you can use normal drill bits in an SDS drill, but you must use a special chuck adapter. This adapter has an SDS shank that locks into your drill and a standard three-jaw chuck on the other end to hold your regular, round-shank bits. Just remember to always turn the hammer function off!
Do you own a powerful SDS drill? They are amazing for drilling into concrete and brick. But what happens when you need to drill a simple hole in wood or metal? You look at your big collection of normal drill bits. Then you look at your SDS drill. They do not fit.
This is a common problem. It can be very frustrating. You don’t want to buy a whole new set of special bits. You also don’t want to buy a second drill. Good news! You are in the right place. There is a simple and cheap solution. We will show you exactly how to use your normal bits in your SDS drill safely and easily.
What is an SDS Drill and Why Are The Bits Different?
Before we get to the solution, let’s quickly understand your tool. An SDS drill is a type of rotary hammer drill. The letters “SDS” stand for “Slotted Drive System.”
Look at an SDS drill bit. You will see special grooves and slots cut into the end (the shank). These are not for decoration! The chuck of an SDS drill has internal ball bearings that lock into these grooves. This does two important things:
- It holds the bit securely. The bit cannot slip or spin, even under a lot of force.
- It allows the bit to move back and forth. This is the “hammer” action. The drill piston smashes the back of the bit, like a tiny jackhammer, while it spins. This is why SDS drills are so good at breaking up masonry.
A normal drill bit has a smooth, round shank. It has no grooves for the SDS chuck to lock onto. If you tried to put a normal bit in an SDS chuck, it would just fall out or wobble dangerously. It simply cannot work on its own.
A Quick Note on SDS Types
You might see terms like SDS, SDS-Plus, and SDS-Max. For most DIY and home projects, you likely have an SDS-Plus drill. SDS-Max is for much larger, heavy-duty industrial jobs. This guide is focused on SDS-Plus, which is the most common type.
The Magic Solution: The SDS Chuck Adapter
The hero of our story is a simple tool: the SDS chuck adapter. This clever device bridges the gap between your powerful drill and your standard bits.
An adapter is a single piece of metal with two different ends:
- One end has an SDS-Plus shank. This end looks just like an SDS drill bit, with all the right grooves. It clicks perfectly into your SDS drill.
- The other end has a standard drill chuck. This is the same kind of chuck you find on a regular drill. It has three “jaws” that tighten to grip a smooth, round bit.
By using this adapter, you effectively turn your SDS drill into a regular drill. You can now use all of your existing wood, metal, and plastic drilling bits.
Pro Tip: Chuck adapters come in two styles: keyed and keyless. A keyless chuck is tightened by hand and is very convenient for quick bit changes. A keyed chuck uses a special key for tightening, which can sometimes provide a slightly firmer grip.
How to Use Normal Bits in an SDS Drill (Step-by-Step Guide)
Ready to get started? It’s very easy. Just follow these simple steps to drill safely.
Step 1: Get the Right Chuck Adapter
First, make sure you buy an SDS-Plus chuck adapter. As we mentioned, this is the most common type for home-use drills. They are widely available online and in hardware stores and are not expensive.
Step 2: Turn Off the Hammer Mode!
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: This is the most important step. Your SDS drill has a switch or dial to choose the mode. It usually shows a picture of a hammer, a drill bit, or both. You MUST switch your drill to the “drill only” or “rotary only” mode (the picture of just the drill bit).
If you leave the hammer function on, the powerful hammering action will destroy the chuck adapter’s bearings and could shatter your drill bit, sending metal flying. It is not designed for this impact. Always turn off the hammer mode.
Step 3: Insert the Adapter into Your Drill
Pull back the collar on your SDS drill’s chuck. Insert the SDS shank of the adapter into the drill. You might need to give it a little twist until it lines up. Push it in until it clicks into place. Let go of the collar. Give the adapter a gentle pull to make sure it is locked in securely.
Step 4: Put Your Normal Bit in the Adapter
Now, take your normal, round-shank drill bit. Open the jaws of the adapter’s chuck by twisting the collar (if it’s keyless) or using the key (if it’s keyed). Insert the shank of your drill bit straight into the chuck. Make sure it is in as far as it will go and is centered.
Step 5: Tighten the Adapter’s Chuck
Firmly tighten the adapter’s chuck around the drill bit. If it is a keyless chuck, grip it tightly and twist until it is snug. You should feel it click as it tightens. If you have a keyed chuck, use the key in all three holes to ensure it is evenly and securely tightened.
Step 6: You’re Ready to Drill!
That’s it! Your SDS drill is now ready to use with standard bits. You can drill into wood, metal, or plastic just like you would with a regular drill. Remember to use the correct speed and pressure for the material you are drilling.
When Should You Use an Adapter? (And When Not To)
This adapter setup is a fantastic solution, but it has its limits. It’s important to know when it’s the right choice.
Use an Adapter For:
- Occasional drilling in non-masonry materials. Perfect for when you need to drill a few holes in wood, drywall, plastic, or thin metal.
- Saving money. It saves you from buying a second drill or a whole new set of expensive SDS-shank bits for wood and metal.
- Convenience. It’s great when you’re on a job site and only want to carry one drill.
Do NOT Use an Adapter For:
- Drilling into concrete, brick, or stone. You need the hammer action for masonry, and as we covered, you cannot use the hammer mode with an adapter. For masonry, always use a proper SDS bit.
- High-precision work. The combination of the drill, adapter, and bit can sometimes have a tiny bit more “wobble” (runout) than a dedicated standard drill. For fine woodworking or metalworking, a regular drill is better.
- Heavy, constant use. If you drill in wood and metal all day, every day, it is better to use a dedicated standard drill. It will be lighter, more balanced, and designed for that specific task.
Conclusion: A Smart Solution for a Versatile Tool
So, can an SDS drill use normal bits? The answer is a clear and confident yes, with the help of an inexpensive chuck adapter. This simple tool unlocks the full potential of your tool collection, allowing your powerful SDS drill to handle everyday tasks in wood and metal with ease.
Just remember the golden rule: always turn the hammer function off! By following the simple steps in this guide, you can save money, reduce the number of tools you need to own, and get more work done. It’s a simple, effective, and safe solution for any DIY enthusiast or professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use the adapter to drill into concrete or brick?
No, absolutely not. To drill into concrete, you need the drill’s hammer action. Using the hammer action with an adapter will destroy the adapter and is very dangerous. For masonry, you must use a proper SDS bit with the hammer mode turned on.
2. What is the difference between SDS-Plus and SDS-Max?
SDS-Plus is the most common standard for handheld rotary hammers used in DIY and general construction. SDS-Max is a larger system for heavy-duty, industrial-grade tools used for major demolition and drilling large holes in concrete. The bits and adapters are not interchangeable.
3. Will using an adapter damage my SDS drill?
No. As long as you keep the hammer function turned off, using an adapter will not harm your drill. The drill is simply acting as a powerful rotary motor, which is perfectly safe.
4. Should I buy a keyed or keyless chuck adapter?
For most uses, a keyless adapter is more convenient and perfectly adequate. If you are drilling larger holes in metal and are concerned about the bit slipping, a keyed chuck can provide a slightly more secure grip, but for general tasks, keyless is fine.
5. Why does my drill bit seem to wobble in the adapter?
A small amount of wobble, or “runout,” can be normal with an adapter setup. To minimize it, make sure the bit is inserted straight and fully into the chuck and that the chuck is tightened evenly. If the wobble is severe, the adapter or bit may be low quality or damaged.
6. Can I use screwdriver bits with an SDS adapter?
Yes! You can put a standard 1/4-inch hex bit holder into the adapter’s chuck. This will allow you to use all your standard screwdriver bits. It turns your powerful SDS drill into a very high-torque screwdriver, so be sure to use a low speed and be careful not to strip screws.
7. Are SDS chuck adapters expensive?
No, they are very affordable. You can typically find a good quality SDS-Plus chuck adapter for a fraction of the cost of a new drill or a full set of specialized bits. It’s a very cost-effective tool.
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