How to Change an SDS Drill Chuck

Wondering how to change an SDS drill chuck? SDS is shorted for Slotted Drive System. These drills are a type of hammer drill used for heavy drilling. They are typically used for materials such as concrete, masonry and brick, or hard metals such as steel. Unlike regular drills, which have a rotary motion or hammer drills that have a hammer action, SDS drills combine both actions. The hammer action moves the drill bit forward during drilling to drill into tough materials in a way that regular drills are not able to do. 

The chuck in this type of drill is made specifically for SDS drill bits. These bits have slots at the end of the shank that allows them to fit easily into the chuck. These enable the bit to move back and forward in the hammer action. The slots have a pair of sprung ball bearings that fit into the slots, which makes sure that the bits remain fitted properly in the chuck. These ball bearings provide a smoother action, boosting the strength of the drill and reducing friction. The hammer motion is also powered by a piston that drives the bit smoothly as it moves. 

In most cases, the SDS chuck is locked into place by the ball bearing, which means that it won’t need to be replaced frequently. Bits are easily attached without the need to take anything apart. However, at some point, you may need to change the chuck if a ball bearing gets loose or wears out. When this happens, your SDS bits won’t stay in the chuck. You will then need to change the chuck.

Changing an SDS Drill Chuck

Changing the SDS chuck is not too complicated. All you will need to change the chuck is some lubricant, a screwdriver and a pair of circlip pliers. Here’s how to change the chuck. 

Open the chuck. Pull back the sleeve of the chuck and use the screwdriver to remove the rubber cap. Once the cap is off, you’ll be able to remove the outer sleeve of the chuck.

Take off the circlip. With your pliers, carefully squeeze the clip, then remove it upwards until it is off the chuck. You can now remove the part that holds the ball bearing, which is what keeps the SDS bit in place. You can also remove the spring during this step.

Prepare the chuck. Once you’ve gotten the old ball bearing out and your new ball bearing and spring are ready to be fitted, lubricate the shank where the new parts will be fitted.

Fit the new ball bearing. Place the new spring over the shank, then add the curved washer. Insert the new ball bearing into the slot, then fit the larger washer onto the shank, and the plastic retaining washer on top. This washer has a raised edge that fits onto the shank, with its grooves slotted over the ball bearing to keep it in place. Once the last washer has been fitted, add the front slide.

Re-attach the circlip. As the final step, use the circlip pliers to put everything back together. Place the clip on the nose of the shank, carefully moving it apart as you ease it onto the grooved washer. If needed, you can use the screwdriver to get it in place. Finally, put the plastic cap onto the circlip.

If you’re looking for high-quality SDS bits, Ruwag has a selection available. We have SDS bit sets, SDS chisels and SDS core bits in the store. These are made to suit your SDS drill chuck, allowing you to get the best results from your projects.