9 Types of Masonry Drill Bits

Concrete, stone, and brick are considered as the masonry materials in the home. These are tough and harder materials. In order to drill through these materials, you will need a higher strength and impact-resistant drill bit because in order to increase the drilling efficiency, hammer drill are used for the materials. These power tolls require impact-resistance masonry drill bits.

In DIY projects, masonry drill bits are essential for concrete, brick, and stone drilling. You can use these 9 types of masonry drill bits in your projects such as SDS plus drill bit, SDS max drill bit, diamond drill bit, carbide drill bits, core drill bits, titanium drill bits, scraper chisel, tile chisel, spade and clay chisel.

All of these masonry drill bits are specially designed for specific tasks. Hence, you should know the main purposes , pros and cons, compatibility, cost, efficiency, compatible hammer drills, sizes of the specific masonry drill bit

1. SDS Plus Drill Bits

SDS plus drill bits are essential tools for drilling through stone, concrete and bricks. These drill bits are made of high-quality tungsten carbide steel, which provides excellent resistance to wear and tear. SDS plus drill bits have a unique geometry that allows them to transfer more power to the tip of the bit, making them more efficient and durable. 

SDS plus drill bit
SDS plus drill bits

SDS plus drill bits are available in various bit types, including standard and crosshead, each designed for specific drilling applications. These drill bits are compatible with SDS plus rotary and can also be used with some percussion drills. SDS plus drill bits use a special shank technology that allows for easy and quick bit changes, making them ideal for high-volume drilling applications. 

SDS plus drill bits are highly durable and can withstand heavy usage, making them a cost-effective option for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. The price of SDS plus drill bits varies depending on the size, material, and manufacturer. The price ranges from $10 to $50 per bit. SDS plus drill bits are ideal for heavy-duty drilling applications, including construction, renovation, and demolition projects.

Pros:

  • Unique geometry for efficient and precise drilling
  • Easy and quick bit changes with special shank technology
  • Cost-effective option for heavy-duty drilling applications

Cons:

  • Limited compatibility with some drill machines
SDS plus and SDS max drill bit shanks
SDS Plus and SDS Max Drill bit shanks

2. SDS Max Drill Bits

SDS max drill bits are specially designed for drilling through tough materials like concrete, brick, and block base materials. These drill bits are made of high-quality materials and have a unique geometry to ensure maximum efficiency and durability. SDS max drill bits are made of high-quality steel and carbide, which provides excellent resistance to wear and tear. SDS max drill bits have a unique 4-cutter geometry that allows for efficient and precise drilling through tough materials like concrete and rebars 

SDS max drill bit
SDS max drill bit

SDS max drill bits are available in various bit types, including standard, crosshead, and pointed, each designed for specific drilling applications. These drill bits are compatible with SDS max rotary hammers. The SDS max shank is a type of quick-release mechanism that allows the bit to be inserted and removed from the drill easily without the need for additional tools. The shank features a grooved end that slides into the chuck of the SDS max rotary hammer and locks in place, ensuring a secure connection between the bit and the drill. 

SDS max drill bits are highly durable and can withstand heavy usage, making them ideal for construction, renovation, and demolition projects. The price of SDS max drill bits varies depending on the size, material, and manufacturer. The price ranges from $20 to $100 per bit. 

Pros:

  • High-quality tungsten carbide steel construction for maximum durability
  • Unique geometry for efficient and precise drilling
  • Compatible with SDS max rotary hammers
  • Easy and quick bit changes with special shank technology

Cons:

  • Limited compatibility with drill machines
  • Higher initial investment compared to standard drill bits

3. Diamond Drill Bits

Diamond drill bits are a type of drilling tool designed to cut through extremely hard materials like glass, ceramics, and stone. These drill bits are made with a high concentration of industrial-grade diamond particles, providing exceptional durability and precision. 

Diamond drill bits have a simple cylindrical shape with a flat end, allowing for precise and accurate drilling. Diamond drill bits are available in various bit types, including straight shank, taper shank, and threaded shank, each designed for specific drilling applications. 

Diamond drill bits are highly durable and can withstand heavy usage, making them ideal for construction, renovation, and DIY projects. These drill bits are compatible with rotary drills. The price of diamond drill bits varies depending on the size, material, and manufacturer. The price ranges from $10 to $100 per bit. 

Pros:

  • High concentration of industrial-grade diamond particles for exceptional durability and precision
  • Compatible with rotary drills and drill presses

Cons:

  • Relatively high initial investment compared to other types of drill bits
  • Not suitable for drilling through soft materials

4. Carbide Drill Bits

Carbide drill bit
Carbide drill bit

Carbide drill bits are highly durable tools used for drilling a wide range of materials. They are manufactured using tungsten carbide, which is a hard and dense material that can withstand high temperatures and heavy usage. Carbide drill bits can be used to drill through materials such as metal, concrete, tile, and other tough materials, making them versatile tools. 

They come in various geometries and bit types, including twist drills, masonry drills, and spade drills, each with specific applications. These drill bits are compatible with various drill machines but are not recommended to use with hand tools or presses. Carbide drill bits are relatively expensive compared to other types of drill bits, but their durability and longevity make them an excellent investment.

Carbide drill bits’ best usage is in heavy-duty applications, where precision and durability are essential. They are ideal for masonry and other heavy-duty projects and can withstand high-temperature conditions. The precise price range varies depending on the type of bit, with prices ranging from $10 to $50.

Pros:

  • Highly durable and long-lasting
  • Versatile and compatible with various materials
  • Can withstand high-temperature conditions

Cons:

  • Not ideal for lightweight drilling tasks
  • Requires more care when handling due to its hardness

5. Core Drill Bits

Core drill bit
Core drill bit

Core drill bits are specialized tools used for drilling holes in hard materials such as concrete, stone, and masonry. They are manufactured using high-quality materials such as diamond or carbide, which are hard and durable. Core drill bits come in various geometries and bit types, including wet and dry core drill bits. 

Wet core drill bits are used with water to cool the bit and reduce dust, while dry core drill bits are used without water. They are compatible with various drill machines and cordless screwdrivers. The durability and longevity of core bits make them an excellent investment. 

The price range varies depending on the type of bit, from $50 to $200. The best usage of core drill bits is in heavy-duty applications, where precision and durability are essential. They are ideal for drilling large-diameter holes in concrete, stone, and masonry, making them popular with construction professionals.

Pros:

  • Highly durable and long-lasting
  • Compatible with various drill machines
  • Can drill large diameter holes

Cons:

  • Not suitable for lightweight drilling tasks
  • Must use carefully due to its hardness

6. Titanium Drill Bits

Titanium drill bits are a popular choice among professionals and DIY enthusiasts due to their superior durability and strength. These drill bits are made from a combination of high-speed steel and titanium, which creates a strong, heat-resistant material that can handle tough drilling jobs.

Titanium drill bits can be used on a wide range of materials, including wood, iron, and aluminum. They are available in a variety of geometries, including twist, spade, and auger. The bit type also varies, including brad point, countersink, and step, among others.

These drill bits are compatible with most drill machines, including cordless and corded models. Their durability makes them a cost-effective option, as they last longer and require less frequent replacement compared to other types of drill bits. The price range for titanium drill bits varies depending on the size, type, and brand, with prices typically ranging from $10 to $100.

Pros:

  • High durability and strength
  • Suitable for a wide range of materials
  • Compatible with most drill machines
  • Cost-effective in the long run

Cons:

  • May require additional lubrication when drilling harder materials

7. Scraper Chisels

Scraper chisels are versatile tools that are widely used in woodworking, masonry, and metalworking applications. (loosening soil, demolishing ceramic, etc.) These chisels are typically made from high-quality steel, which makes them extremely durable and long-lasting. The geometry of scraper chisels varies depending on the application, with some chisels featuring a straight design while others are angled. 

Scraper chisels come in a range of bit types including flat, pointed, and curved. They can be used with a variety of drill machines, including hammer drills. The price range for scraper chisels varies depending on the quality and size of the tool, with prices ranging from $10 to $50. Scraper chisels can withstand heavy use and last for years. 

Pros:

  • Efficient and precise material removal
  • Versatile, can be used with various materials and machines
  • Affordable and long-lasting

Cons:

  • It may require sharpening and maintenance over time

8. Tile Chisels

Tile chisel
Tile chisel

Tile chisels are specialized tools designed for removing tiles and other ceramic materials. These chisels are typically made from high-quality steel, which makes them extremely durable and long-lasting. The geometry of tile chisels typically features a straight design with a flat bit.

Tile chisels come in a range of bit types, including flat and angled. They can be used with a variety of drill machines, including hammer drills. The price range for tile chisels varies depending on the quality and size of the tool, from $10 to $50.

Pros:

  • Made from high-quality materials, which makes them durable and long-lasting
  • The specialized design makes them ideal for removing tiles and other ceramic materials.

Cons:

  • It can be difficult to control, especially when removing small or intricate tiles
  • It can be noisy and produce dust when in use.
  • It may require special equipment, such as a rotary hammer, to use effectively.

9. Spade and Clay Chisel

spade and clay chisel
Spade chisel and clay spade chisel
FeatureSpade ChiselClay Spade Chisel
Manufactured MaterialHardened SteelHardened Steel
Applicable MaterialsConcrete, Brick, StoneHard, Compacted soil, hard Clay
Durability Durable and long-lasting Durable and long-lasting
Price Range$10 – $50$50 – $150
Best UsageIdeal for heavy-duty drilling and chiseling compatible with different drill machinesBreaking up and Removing Hard, Compacted Soil and Clay
ProsIdeal for heavy-duty drilling and chiselling compatible with different drill machinesSpecialised design for breaking up and removing hard compacted soil and clayDurable and long-lasting
ConsPotential for user fatigue during extended use may require proper maintenance to ensure longevity.Heavier than standard spade chisels are more expensive due to specialized design.
Spade and Clay Chisel

Tom Mackency

Tom Mackency

Hi, I am Tom Mackency. It has been 10 years that I have been working as a professional woodworker since 2013. I am really enjoying my carrier by creating many kinds of projects in my workshop. But mostly I like for home improvement projects. Home improvement and DIY projects are the most interesting things for me. More than that, the coolest things are power tools. Those are very precious and efficient than a decade ago. So I try to introduce so many things about power tools, woodworking, DIY projects, home improvement and many more interesting topics here.


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