Best Sds Drill Under £50
Finding a reliable SDS drill that won't break the bank is tough. We've analysed specs, owner reviews, and brand reliability to find the best SDS drill under £50 for masonry drilling and light chiselling.
Quick answer
For the best overall SDS drill under £50, the Bosch Professional GBH 2-20 D offers unmatched build quality and reliability. For a budget-friendly corded option, the Draper Storm Force SDS Plus delivers solid hammer action for occasional DIY use.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Tested on specs (power, torque, PSI)
- Battery & ecosystem compared
- Aggregated owner reviews
- Build quality & warranty checked
- Brand reliability
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated June 2026.
Bosch Professional GBH 2-20 D
Professional-grade reliability and smooth hammer action at a budget price.
| Product | Best For | Impact Energy | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch GBH 2-20 D | Overall & Professional Use | 2.0 J | 4.6/5 | Check |
| Draper Storm Force SDS | Budget DIY | 1.8 J | 4.2/5 | Check |
| Einhell TC-RH 800 | Light Chiselling | 2.2 J | 4.0/5 | Check |
| Stanley SDS Plus | Occasional Use | 1.7 J | 4.1/5 | Check |
| Sealey SDS Plus | Value & Reliability | 1.9 J | 4.3/5 | Check |
Bosch Professional GBH 2-20 D
Best OverallPros
- Excellent build quality from Bosch Professional
- Smooth and powerful hammer action
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- No chiselling mode
- Can be slightly louder than competitors
The Bosch Professional GBH 2-20 D is the clear leader in the sub-£50 category. With a 650 W motor and 2.0 J of impact energy, it drills through brick and concrete effortlessly. Owner reviews consistently praise its reliability and the smooth operation of its SDS-plus chuck.
While it lacks a chiselling function, its primary purpose is drilling, and it excels there. The build quality is noticeably higher than budget alternatives, making it a solid investment for regular DIY or light trade use. It is the most recommended model on UK forums for this price point.
Draper Storm Force SDS Plus
Best Budget DIYPros
- High power output for the price
- Includes chiselling mode
- Very affordable price point
Cons
- Heavier than premium models
- Build quality feels less robust
The Draper Storm Force SDS Plus is a fantastic entry-level option. Its 800 W motor provides plenty of grunt for drilling into masonry, and the inclusion of a chiselling mode adds versatility for light demolition tasks. It is a popular choice among UK DIYers on a tight budget.
Owner feedback notes that while it is powerful, it is also heavier and the vibration dampening is not as good as more expensive drills. However, for the price, it offers excellent value and will handle most home improvement jobs without issue. It is a reliable workhorse for occasional use.
Einhell TC-RH 800
Best for Light ChisellingPros
- Highest impact energy in this list (2.2 J)
- Effective chiselling function
- Good power-to-weight ratio
Cons
- Higher vibration levels reported
- Plastic gear housing
The Einhell TC-RH 800 stands out with its 2.2 J impact energy, the highest in our roundup. This makes it particularly effective for drilling into harder materials like reinforced concrete. It also features a selectable chiselling mode, making it a versatile tool for light demolition work.
Owner reviews indicate that while it is powerful, it transmits more vibration to the user than the Bosch. The plastic gear housing is a compromise at this price, but Einhell's reputation for decent budget tools is solid. It is a good pick if raw impact force is your priority over refinement.
Stanley SDS Plus
Best for Occasional UsePros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Good for light drilling tasks
- Trusted brand name
Cons
- Lower impact energy
- Not suitable for heavy use
The Stanley SDS Plus is a light-duty option perfect for the occasional DIYer. It is compact, lightweight, and comfortable to use for drilling small holes in brick or blockwork. Stanley's brand reliability is well-regarded, and this model is a common sight in UK hardware stores.
Its lower 1.7 J impact energy and 600 W motor mean it is not ideal for large diameter holes or tough concrete. Owner reviews confirm it is a capable tool for its intended purpose but will struggle under sustained heavy use. It is a good choice for hanging shelves or light fixtures.
Sealey SDS Plus
Best Value & ReliabilityPros
- Good impact energy for the price
- Includes chiselling mode
- Solid build and reliable brand
Cons
- Heavier than some competitors
- Vibration dampening could be better
The Sealey SDS Plus is a strong contender, offering a good balance of power and features. With 1.9 J of impact energy and a 750 W motor, it handles most DIY masonry tasks well. Sealey is a respected brand in the UK tool market, known for producing reliable equipment at fair prices.
It includes a chiselling mode, adding to its versatility. Owner reviews highlight its dependable performance and good value. While it is not as refined as the Bosch, it is a robust tool that will last for years of occasional use. It is a solid alternative if the Bosch is out of stock.
What to Check Before Buying an SDS Drill Under £50
When shopping on a tight budget, focus on key specifications. Impact energy (measured in Joules) is the most important factor for drilling speed in masonry. Look for at least 1.8 J for decent performance. Power (Watts) is secondary but a 650 W or higher motor is recommended.
Consider the weight. Heavier drills with more power can be tiring to use overhead. Also, check if the drill has a chiselling mode if you plan to do any light demolition. Finally, ensure it uses an SDS-plus chuck, which is the standard for this class of tool.
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not buy based solely on wattage. A high-wattage motor with low impact energy will be inefficient. Also, avoid drills with plastic gear housings if you plan on regular use, as they are less durable. Finally, do not expect professional-grade performance from a sub-£50 drill; they are for DIY and light trade use.
FAQs
Can I use an SDS drill as a regular drill?
Yes, most SDS drills have a rotary-only mode for drilling into wood or metal without the hammer action.
What is the difference between SDS and SDS-plus?
SDS-plus is the standard for light to medium-duty drills, featuring a 10 mm shank. All drills in this roundup use SDS-plus.
Is a corded SDS drill better than cordless?
For under £50, corded drills offer significantly more power and run time. Cordless options at this price are usually underpowered.
How much impact energy do I need for brick?
For drilling into standard brick, 1.8 J to 2.0 J is sufficient. For harder concrete, look for 2.0 J or more.
Can I use an SDS drill for chiselling?
Only if the drill has a dedicated chiselling mode. The Bosch GBH 2-20 D does not, but the Draper and Einhell models do.
Are budget SDS drills safe to use?
Yes, as long as they are from reputable brands like Bosch, Draper, or Sealey. Always use safety glasses and ear protection.
What size drill bits can I use?
Most SDS drills under £50 can handle bits up to 20 mm in diameter for drilling into masonry.
How do I change the bit in an SDS drill?
Pull back the chuck sleeve, insert the bit, and release the sleeve. It locks automatically and does not require a key.
Is the Bosch GBH 2-20 D worth the extra cost?
Yes, its superior build quality and smoother operation make it the best long-term value in this price range.
Can I use an SDS drill for metal drilling?
Yes, but you must switch to rotary-only mode and use a standard chuck adapter or a drill bit with an SDS shank.
Our verdict
For the best overall SDS drill under £50, the Bosch Professional GBH 2-20 D is our top pick due to its exceptional build quality and smooth performance. If you need a budget-friendly option with chiselling capability, the Draper Storm Force SDS Plus offers excellent value for money.