Rotary Hammers — SDS Plus & SDS Max

New Lanka Tools stocks 22 rotary hammers in SDS Plus and SDS Max. A rotary hammer uses a piston-driven percussion mechanism rather than a mechanical clutch, which is why it drills concrete several times faster than an impact drill and does so without the operator having to lean into it.

Bosch leads with 7 machines, followed by Dong Cheng and Dewalt with 4 each and GrLINK with 3. The range covers compact 20mm and 26mm SDS Plus machines for fixings and conduit, up to larger SDS Max machines for heavy anchor holes and light breaking work.

Concrete contractors, structural steel installers, electricians, plumbers, scaffolders, HVAC installers and anyone setting chemical or mechanical anchors uses these tools. Most also offer a hammer-only mode, so a rotary hammer doubles as a light chipping tool for removing tile or dressing concrete.

Applications include drilling anchor holes in concrete and reinforced concrete, drilling through-holes for services, setting rebar dowels and chemical anchors, chipping and light breaking, and removing tile and screed with a chisel bit.

The SDS Plus and SDS Max distinction is the thing to get right. SDS Plus is the common shank for holes up to around 30mm and suits most electrical, plumbing and fixing work — bits are cheaper and the tools are lighter. SDS Max is a larger shank for bigger holes and sustained heavy work, and the tools and bits cost accordingly. Buying an SDS Max machine for occasional 10mm holes is overkill; using an SDS Plus machine all day on 25mm holes in reinforced concrete will wear it out early.

For genuine demolition rather than drilling, see our Demolition Hammers category. SDS bits and chisels are available through Hand Tools & Accessories.

All machines are genuine with warranty support, and our repair centre handles selected brands. Visit No: 120, Princess Gate, Colombo 12, or WhatsApp +94 77 111 8880 with your hole size and material and we will recommend a machine.