SDS bits in a combi

[dom]

I've got lots of sds bits, and for drilling concrete an sds drill is fantastic.

However for softer masonry, a combi drill is a lighter, one-handed tool, and most importantly is more compact for difficult corners.

With a bit of messing about to avoid the guides, I can fit an sds bit in a regular chuck and get it to run concentrically.

Very useful, especially the long series (160mm) bits.

It would be really useful to be able to slip a collet/sleeve over the base of an sds bit so it fitted properly into a 3-jaw chuck.

Anyone done this or seen one available?

[meow2222]

Good idea, possibly. You can always wind iron wire round the shank, leave it there permanently. Only usable in a hammer drill tho, non-hammer would be ineffective & trash the bits.

NT

[The Medway Handyman]

I've done exatly that, no real problem holding the bit in the chuck. I didn't feel they were as effective as non SDS masonry drill though?

Why would that happen? I can see it wouldn't be as effective, but why would it trash the bits?

[meow2222]

I'm not sure why exactly, but TCT masonry bits do have very short lives if used without hammer. ISTR only getting a few holes out of a small one that way (wanted to keep the noise down)

NT

[The Medway Handyman]

Oh, not noticed that myself. I often use the multi material drills without hammer for the same reason, they seem fine.

[meow2222]

Those are a different type of bit and work differently. Conventional tct masonry bits are more or less blunt, so to drill masonry you have to push a fair bit to get it to break up - and the tct then doesnt last long. Different matter with a cutting edge, dont need such pressure. Maybe wikipedia will say more about this well known limitation of masonry bits.

NT