First off, we need to understand what SDS Plus means. There are a few definitions of the term, the most common of which is “Slotted Drive System”. Some argue that it comes from the German phrase ‘steck, dreh, sitzt’ that translates as ‘insert, twist, fits’.
Either way, SDS Plus refers to how the chuck interacts with the bit.
SDS bits are slotted and the design allows them to be inserted into the chuck and, with a twist, locked into place via the chuck’s sprung ball bearings. This pays dividends when the drill is used in hammer mode as the slots in the bit allows for the back-and-forth action required while reducing friction within the drill.
Energy is delivered to the bit in a much more efficient way, reducing the amount of pressure you - the operator - needs to put into the application. The hammer action, coupled with the SDS Plus bit, means you get the job done without breaking your back.
Basically, an SDS Plus hammer drill will allow you to drill into wood, metal and masonry. Now we need to consider the modes of our SDS+ hammer.
Think Modes, BPM, Joules and RPM
SDS+ hammer drills are available in a few different varieties, determined by the modes offered, all of which will be selected via the mode selector ring on the drill.