How to Use an SDS Drill With Chisel

Using your SDS drill with chisel bits comes down to a few important factors - the chisels you use, the method you attach the chisels, the settings you use on your drill, the pressure you use when working, and the safety protocol you follow. Like any other drill bit, knowing how to use your tool properly makes all the difference in the quality of your work. Using the wrong bits for the job can cause more damage than you realise, and pose a safety risk. Understanding the difference between regular drills and SDS drills is another mistake that can set your work deadlines back. Not using your drill correctly and not following basic safety guidelines are also challenges that pose risks to your project. 

To help you get the best results, with minimal risk of damage to your bits, tools and workpiece, we’ve put together a few tips on using your SDS drill with chisel bits.

Using Your SDS Drill With Chisel Bits

Here are a few things you’ll need to consider when using an SDS drill with chisel bits.

Choose your chisel

Before you do anything else, you’ll need to know which chisel bit to use. There are several types of SDS chisel bits, each with its own purpose and application. You will need to make sure that you choose the right bit for the job you are planning. But you’ll also need to know which bit is suitable for the material you are working with as well. Using the wrong type of chisel will result in damaged bits. Issues such as overheating, slipping and cracked material are also more likely when using the wrong type of chisel. The main types of chisels include flat chisels, pointed chisels, tile chisels, wide chisels, and gouging chisels. You can view our full range of chisels available at Ruwag to find out which is best for your specific needs. 

Attach it to your drill

Once you’ve chosen your chisel, it’s time to attach it to your drill. For SDS drills, attaching bits is easy, with bits slotting into place. They have slots in the shank that lock into the drill chuck. This allows the driver to easily move in a back and forward motion within the chuck for hammer action. Adaptors also lock chisels into place so that they can turn with the chuck to prevent any chance of slipping.

Check your drill settings

Before you start drilling, check your drill settings. In the majority of cases, as chisels are typically used to drill into extremely tough materials such as concrete and other types of masonry, hammer action is used. You will need to make sure that your drill is set to hammer mode. Using rotary mode when doing heavy-duty drilling will damage your bits and your tool, which makes it extremely important to check your settings before you start.

Avoid too much pressure

When you start working, always let the drill do the work. Trying to force chisels is dangerous, with more risk of slipping. You want to work carefully, using enough pressure to get through the material. As a general guideline, once your chisel makes contact with your material, try not to apply a lot of pressure. Instead, focus on keeping the drill steady, letting it do the work as you maintain control. This will give you better results and prevent any damage to your bits or your tools.

Make safety a priority

Safety should be a big concern, whatever project you are working on and whatever bits or drills you are using. Working with heavy-duty equipment and working on construction projects that involve major renovations makes safety even more of a priority. Make sure that you always wear protective gear, including eyewear, gloves, safety boots, safety clothing, hard hats, and other gear that may be needed when drilling. Always ensure that you work carefully, following safety guidelines to reduce the risk of accidents. 

If you’re looking for quality chisels, Ruwag has a wide selection for every type of project. Shop our SDS chisels online to find the right bit for your projects.