SDS-Plus vs SDS-Max
SDS-Plus and SDS-Max are accessory-shank and tool-holder interfaces — not two extra tool categories, and not fixed diameter bands. There is no supported universal diameter at which every job must switch.
SDS-Plus and SDS-Max describe accessory shank and tool-holder interfaces. They sit below the tool category, alongside the tool's operating modes; they are not two additional tool types.
Hilti uses TE-C for SDS-Plus and TE-Y for SDS-Max. Its TE-Y-BFH adapter demonstrates that manufacturer-supported conversions can exist. V0.1 uses native interface matching as its baseline; it does not automatically approve an adapter system or extend a tool's capacity because an accessory can be fitted. Hilti adapter
There is no supported universal diameter at which every job must switch from SDS-Plus to SDS-Max.
For example, Bosch lists optimum ranges of 14–25 mm for the SDS-Plus GBH 4-32 DFR and 18–32 mm for the SDS-Max GBH 5-40 DCE. Their overlap is a calculation from those two published ranges. It does not define a class-wide boundary. Compare the complete systems and the actual work rather than selecting from the interface name alone. GBH 4-32 DFR, GBH 5-40 DCE
The labels “light,” “medium” and “heavier” below organise research examples. They do not establish hole-count, hole-depth or diameter bands.
Just because a tool can drill a hole doesn't mean it's the right tool for the job.
Keep each published field in its original context:
| Field | How to read it |
|---|---|
| Capacity / drilling range | A model-specific capability for a stated material and bit or method. |
| Optimum range | A manufacturer's preferred application range; being outside it is not automatically being outside capacity. |
| Maximum recommended capacity | Preserve this wording; do not rename it “optimum.” |
| Core or breakthrough capacity | A different accessory/method field, not a larger ordinary solid-bit limit. |
Hilti TE 2 lists a 4–14 mm optimum range and a 4–22 mm hammer-drilling range. DEWALT's cited manual instead labels its table “Maximum Recommended Capacities” and uses “masonry”; neither the field nor the material should be silently renamed. Hilti TE 2, DEWALT manual
Hilti TE 60 documentation contains differently scoped website and manual ranges. Those observations remain separate in the JSON conflict register; V0.1 does not choose the largest value or merge regions and generations. UK product page, generation 04 manual
Common questions
What does SDS actually mean?
SDS-Plus and SDS-Max describe the accessory shank and tool-holder interface. They sit below the tool category, alongside the tool's operating modes — they are not two additional tool types. Hilti calls SDS-Plus TE-C and SDS-Max TE-Y.
Is SDS-Max always better than SDS-Plus?
No. Specific SDS-Plus and SDS-Max models have overlapping optimum ranges, and there is no supported universal diameter at which every job must switch to SDS-Max. Compare the complete verified system and the actual work rather than choosing from the interface name alone.
Can I use an adapter to change the interface?
Native interface matching is the baseline in V0.1. Manufacturer-supported conversions can exist — for example Hilti's TE-Y-BFH adapter from TE-Y holding to TE-C accessories. V0.1 does not automatically approve an adapter system or extend a tool's capacity because an accessory can be fitted. Verify the specific manufacturer's approved configuration.
Keep the job in view
Sources
Access date for all entries: 2026-09-04. See the full registry on the About page.
- Verification limit: Text reviewed; tables not visually verified; numeric tables excluded from automatic data.
- Verification limit: Text reviewed; tables not visually verified; numeric tables excluded from automatic data.