A **cordless SDS hammer drill** (also called a cordless SDS rotary hammer) is one of the most useful tools for drilling into concrete, brick, stone, and masonry without needing cables or a generator. Unlike standard hammer drills that just add vibration, SDS rotary hammers combine rotational motion and powerful hammering action — and cordless models give you that performance on construction sites or remote jobs without a cord. The most common SDS type for everyday concrete drilling is **SDS‑Plus**, which accepts widely available bits and offers an excellent balance of power and portability.［turn0search19］
Below are some of the **top cordless SDS hammer drills available online**, with links you can use to search or find the current products on Amazon with your affiliate tag (ff42‑20). Because cordless SDS drills are sometimes listed under slightly different names (SDS rotary hammer, SDS‑Plus hammer drill, etc.), I’ve included several search links that will help you find the right tool that’s in stock now.
Top Cordless SDS Hammer Drill Options
| Drill / Search | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Search Cordless SDS Hammer Drills | All cordless SDS & rotary hammers | Browse on Amazon |
| Search SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drills | SDS‑Plus cordless options | Search SDS‑Plus Models |
| DeWalt 20V MAX XR SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill | Balanced power & performance | View DeWalt SDS Plus Models |
| Makita Cordless SDS Rotary Hammer | Efficient drilling & good battery life | Find Makita SDS Hammers |
| Bosch Cordless SDS Plus Hammer Drill | Trusted brand with robust performance | View Bosch SDS Hammers |
| Milwaukee M18 SDS Rotary Hammer | Pro‑level performance & quick drilling | Search Milwaukee SDS Hammers |
1. DeWalt 20V MAX XR SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill — Best Balanced Option
DeWalt’s cordless SDS Plus rotary hammers are widely regarded as solid all‑around tools for most concrete drilling needs. They balance impact energy, runtime, and weight to make drilling through masonry manageable without a cord. These tools often include auxiliary handles, LED work lights, and variable speed controls to improve usability.
- Best For: Concrete, masonry, stone and block drilling
- Pros: Good balance of cordless convenience and drilling power
- Cons: Battery and charger often sold separately
2. Makita Cordless SDS Rotary Hammer — Efficient & Reliable
Makita’s cordless SDS hammers are known for efficiency and battery performance. They often perform extremely well compared to watt‑hour usage and are engineered for heavy concrete drilling without draining power too quickly. A higher amp‑hour battery paired with a brushless motor delivers excellent drilling throughput per charge.
- Best For: Contractors and DIYers needing long runtime
- Pros: Efficient power use, smooth drilling performance
- Cons: Battery ecosystem specific to Makita tools
3. Bosch Cordless SDS Plus Hammer Drill — Trusted Brand Performance
Bosch cordless SDS Plus drills bring strong build quality and reliable performance to the table. Often praised for vibration control, ergonomic design, and strong hammer action, these tools are a common choice among tradespeople who trust Bosch for heavy‑duty drilling tasks.
- Best For: Masons and construction pros
- Pros: Solid hammer action and durability
- Cons: Some models run lighter on battery capacity
4. Milwaukee M18 SDS Rotary Hammer — Pro‑Level Performance
Milwaukee’s SDS rotary hammers built on the M18 platform deliver professional‑grade power and often include additional features like AUTOSTOP (anti‑kickback), robust impact energy, and varied drilling modes. These drills are excellent for daily concrete drilling work on job sites where performance and durability are needed.
- Best For: Heavy daily use and pro applications
- Pros: Powerful hammer action and rugged design
- Cons: Price higher than entry‑level SDS drills
How Cordless SDS Hammer Drills Work
Cordless SDS hammer drills use a bit holder system (SDS‑Plus for smaller drills, SDS‑Max for heavy demolition tools) that lets the bit slide back and forth slightly while rotating. This motion produces thousands of hammer blows per minute that pulverize concrete at the bit face, letting you bore holes much faster than ordinary hammer drills. SDS bits are easy to insert and lock into place, and the tools usually have multiple modes (drill only, hammer only, hammer + rotation) for versatility.
What to Look For in a Cordless SDS Hammer Drill
- Impact Energy & BPM: Higher impact energy and blows‑per‑minute mean faster drilling through hard materials like reinforced concrete. The best SDS Plus tools deliver strong per‑charge performance without overheating.［turn0search8］
- Voltage & Battery Ecosystem: Most cordless SDS tools run on 18V or 20V platforms. Pick a system you already use if possible to share batteries. Higher amp‑hour batteries (4.0 Ah and above) give longer runtime.
- Brushless Motor: Brushless technology improves efficiency and lifespan, especially under sustained hammer drilling loads.
- Ergonomics & Control: Adjustable side handles, vibration reduction systems, and LED lights make drilling comfortable and safer, especially overhead or in tight spaces.
- Chip Removal: Look for SDS drills with effective dust management or accessory dust extractors to keep your work area cleaner and bits sharper.
Tips for Using a Cordless SDS Hammer Drill
- Use the Right Bits: SDS‑Plus bits come in various sizes; match the bit diameter to your anchor, bolt, or fastener size for accurate hole size.
- Start Slow, Then Add Pressure: Begin drilling at lower speed to center the hole, then allow the hammer action to do the work.
- Keep Batteries Warm: Cold batteries drain faster, so on chilly sites consider warming batteries before use.
- Apply Firm, Even Pressure: Too little pressure slows drilling, too much can bog the motor. Let the SDS system do the work with steady pressure.
Final Thoughts
Cordless SDS hammer drills are essential for drilling into concrete, block, and masonry without a cord. For a well‑rounded choice that blends power and efficiency, the DeWalt 20V MAX XR series is a great all‑purpose pick. If you want longer runtime and smooth performance, Makita cordless SDS tools deliver excellent efficiency. Bosch models shine with comfort and trustworthiness, while Milwaukee’s M18 SDS hammers are geared toward professional job site use.
Use the Amazon search links above to browse current cordless SDS hammer drills and find the exact model that fits your job demands and budget — from DIY concrete anchor holes to heavy‑duty construction drilling.