An important item in a workshop toolbox is the SDS drill. It is absolutely useful and virtually indispensable when it comes to drilling hard surfaces. SDS drills were first manufactured in the mid-1970s. Before the advent of the SDS drill, it was very cumbersome and remarkably difficult for workers to bore holes into concrete or other similar surfaces.
What Does SDS Mean?
Deriving its name from ‘Slotted Drive System’ (others will state this to be ‘Special Direct System,’ the SDS drill offered a new way to work. Different factors have been attributed to the success of the drill, but the most remarkable is probably the presence of the rotary action and rotary with hammer function systems. With these properties, SDS drills can effortlessly drill into wooden, metallic, concrete, and other hard surfaces. This explains why an SDS drill is considered the ultimate hammer drill for concrete.
Features of an SDS Drill
The interesting bit about this tool is that there are several options from which to choose. Some come with only the rotary mechanism while others come with both the rotary piece and the hammer. The latter is the preferred option for so many machinists and workers. There are even some SDS drill models that come with extra chisel functions. Some indentions allow for a firm grip with the chuck while the drill is in action. This is regarded as one of the finest properties of the tool.
The hammer is another part of an SDS drill that is often praised in the workshop. As hinted earlier, the hammer is an integral component of the drill. It allows for the chipping away of all kinds of surfaces, from reinforced concrete slabs to hardened wooden pavements. From farms to factories to masonry sites, the SDS drill has shown its worth repeatedly.
Choosing an SDS Drill
Several brands today offer similar SDS drill packages. As a result of the numerous options today, many people may end up confused when making a choice. However, this is not hard for those who know precisely what they want. For most, choosing an SDS drill with or without a cord is often the first consideration. While cordless SDS drills are considerably costlier than those that come with the cords, many choose them for the sake of convenience.
Safety Considerations
The amount of energy deliverable by an SDS drill system is also another factor that can determine the final purchase. The power loaded in each SDS drill system is directly proportional to the level of damage that can be done when there is an injury to the operator should the drill bit suddenly start malfunctioning. Embedded safety features such as vibration control, noise control, drill speed, and clutch are all crucial. Thus, safety and cost are some of the most obvious factors put into consideration while getting an SDS drill. These aside, the ideal basis for getting an SDS drill will be the type of task that is at hand. Once this is known, all that remains is a careful balance of other factors involved.