Makita 18V LXT Brushless 24mm Rotary Hammer SDS-Plus
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
The Best Cordless SDS Rotary Hammers in the UK (2026)
An SDS rotary hammer is the tool for serious drilling into concrete, brick and stone, far beyond what a combi drill manages. This guide covers what to look for in a cordless SDS and which models we rate.
Quick answer
A cordless SDS rotary hammer is for frequent or heavy masonry work - large holes in concrete, channelling and demolition with the right bits. Look for a strong, brushless motor, a quick-change SDS-Plus chuck, and a battery platform that can sustain the power draw. If you only drill the odd wall plug, a combi drill is enough and far cheaper.
How SDS differs from a combi
An SDS rotary hammer uses a piston-driven hammer action that hits far harder than a combi's percussion, so it powers through concrete and stone with much less effort. It also uses the SDS-Plus bit system, which slots in quickly and transfers the hammer energy efficiently. The result is faster, cleaner masonry drilling and the ability to take on demolition tasks.
What to look for
- Brushless motor: SDS work is demanding, so efficiency and life matter.
- SDS-Plus chuck: the standard quick-change bit system.
- Hammer-only and rotary-hammer modes: for drilling and light chiselling.
- Strong batteries: high-drain work needs capable cells.
- Anti-vibration and weight: comfort matters on heavy jobs.
Do you actually need SDS
Be honest about your work. Most DIYers do not need an SDS - a combi drill handles wall plugs and light brick fine. An SDS earns its place if you regularly drill large holes in concrete, fit lots of fixings into hard masonry, or do channelling and demolition. If that is you, it transforms the job; if not, it is an expensive, heavy tool that mostly sits unused.
Who it suits
Cordless SDS suits tradespeople and serious renovators who drill concrete and masonry regularly. It is also worth it for big one-off projects involving lots of hard drilling. For everyday home DIY, a combi drill is the right, lighter, cheaper choice, with an SDS added only if and when the work demands it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying an SDS for occasional wall plugs a combi would handle.
- Underestimating the battery demand of SDS work.
- Ignoring weight and vibration on long jobs.
- Forgetting it uses SDS-Plus bits, not standard ones.
- Choosing a model off your existing battery platform.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Multi Tool GOP
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#3 
DeWalt 18V XR Brushless Compact 16mm SDS Plus
A cordless power tool (18V, 1.4 Newton Metres, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#4 
Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Reciprocating Saw
A cordless power tool (18V), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#5 
WORX Brushless 20V Cordless Drill
A cordless power tool (20V, 2 Newton Metres, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#6 
DeWalt SDS Plus Body Only Rotary Hammer Drill
A cordless power tool (18V, 1 Newton Metres), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
Frequently asked questions
What is an SDS drill used for?
An SDS rotary hammer is for heavy masonry work - drilling large holes in concrete, brick and stone, plus light chiselling and demolition with the right bits. Its piston hammer action hits far harder than a combi drill.
Do I need an SDS drill or a combi drill?
Most DIYers only need a combi drill, which handles wall plugs and light masonry. Choose an SDS if you regularly drill large holes in concrete, fit many fixings into hard masonry, or do channelling and demolition.
What is the difference between SDS and a hammer drill?
A hammer (combi) drill uses percussion for light masonry, while an SDS rotary hammer uses a more powerful piston action and SDS-Plus bits for heavy concrete drilling. SDS is faster and far more capable on hard masonry.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Makita 18V LXT Brushless 24mm Rotary Hammer SDS-Plus (our score 9.5/10) - A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site..