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Drilling through masonry can be tough, requiring special drill bits for concrete that will hold up to the job. We recently tested seven different types of concrete drill bits in various sizes—using them to drill holes in concrete, brick, and stone.
Our favorite, thanks to its four-flute design and carbide tips, is the five-piece Bosch Bulldog Carbide Set for use in hammer drills, which are often used as masonry drills.
To cover all bases, we tested bits that fit standard drills and impact drivers, as well as rotary hammer drills. We also tested a hole bit that fits a grinder. Ahead, learn which factors to consider when shopping for a cement drill bit, and find out how the following products earned a spot in our lineup of the best drill bits for concrete.
- BEST OVERALL: Bosch HCK005 Bulldog Carbide Hammer Drill Bit Set
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Owl Tools Masonry & Concrete Drill Bit Set
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Makita SDS-Plus Concrete & Masonry Drill Bit Set
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTIPURPOSE: EZArc Hex Shank Multipurpose Drill Bit Set
↓ Jump to Review - BEST U-FLUTE DESIGN: WorkPro SDS-Plus Carbide Tip Concrete Drill Bit Set
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ROTARY PERCUSSION: Bosch HCK001 Bulldog Rotary Hammer Drill Bit Set
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR GRINDERS: SHDIATool Diamond Core Bit Laser Welded for Concrete
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Drill Bits for Concrete
Before selecting the concrete drill bit sets we wanted to test, we researched more than 20 sets, looking for high-quality bits made from steel with carbide tips. We considered brand to an extent—after all, manufacturers like Bosch and Makita have top reputations for producing high-end power tools and accessories. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate smaller or niche manufacturers if their masonry drill bit sets were highly rated by customers.
In actual testing, we drilled through concrete, stone, and brick to see how well the drill bits fared. We used a standard DeWalt drill and a Milwaukee rotary hammer drill (depending on the individual drill bit shanks), and we drilled dozens of holes. We noted how well the bits performed and awarded points based on a rubric. After testing, we averaged the points to determine our best overall pick, and then we categorized the rest of the drill bits by their best usage.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 7 |
| Hours spent testing | 3.5 |
| Tests performed | 1 |
| Price range | $17 to $32 |
Our Top Picks
The following drill bits are well suited for drilling into concrete and other masonry materials. They withstood rigorous hands-on testing, and each set of bits performed well enough to make our list. You’ll find different sizes and types that fit different drills. There’s sure to be one for your concrete-drilling project.
Best Overall
Bosch HCK005 Bulldog Carbide Hammer Drill Bit Set
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Tip type: Carbide
- Shank: SDS-plus
- Number of bits: 5
What We Like
- 4-flute design effectively removes dust from the hole, making drilling easier
- High-quality carbide tips make it easier to drill through hard materials like concrete
- Pointed tips help keep the bit from skittering across the material when starting the hole
What We Don’t Like
- Limited to SDS-plus hammer drills—meaning the bits don’t fit standard drills
With carbide tips and a fluted design that bores through masonry, these Bosch Bulldog drill bits are some of the best on the market. Their four-flute design brought concrete dust up and out of the holes as we drilled, making the process smooth and quick.
These are slotted drive shaft (SDS) bits, meaning they will fit SDS-plus hammer drills, so we used a cordless Milwaukee rotary hammer drill for testing. This set has five pieces, including a 3/16-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch bit and two 2¼-inch bits of different lengths. The carbide tips are rugged, and we could easily drill through concrete, brick, and stone.
We liked the pointed tips on this set of bits as they kept the bit from skittering across the material when we started drilling, which made the process much easier. If you need to drill different size holes in masonry, these Bosch Bulldog bits are just the ticket.
Get the Bosch 5-piece drill bits for concrete at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Owl Tools Masonry & Concrete Drill Bit Set
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Tip type: Carbide
- Shank: Standard
- Number of bits: 10
What We Like
- 10 various-size bits at a budget-friendly price point provides good value for the money
- Bits are durable and of good quality despite being less expensive
- Pointed tips, like higher-end bits, help keep the drill from skittering when starting a hole
What We Don’t Like
- These are not SDS-plus bits and are limited to use in standard drills
This set from Owl Tools includes 10 drill bits at an affordable price point. With its broad range of sizes, this set can handle most concrete drilling needs; bit sizes range from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter, and we found them all to be durable and of good quality.
Like higher-end bits, this set of Owl Tools bits comes with pointed tips to help keep the bit positioned when starting the hole. We tested the bits by drilling into brick, concrete, and stone, and they fared well. We felt they were just slightly slower than some of the other bits we tested, but drilling into masonry isn’t something to hurry along. We mainly wanted to see if they could withstand repeated drilling without breaking, and they did.
The Owl Tools bits have standard smooth shanks to fit a regular drill. We didn’t notice any of the bits slipping as we applied pressure while drilling, as some smooth-shank bits tend to do.
And to keep the bits organized for storage or transport, the Owl Tools bits come with a carrying case.
Get the Owl Tools drill bits for concrete at Owl Tools.
Upgrade Pick
Makita SDS-Plus Concrete & Masonry Drill Bit Set
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4.75/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Tip type: Carbide
- Shank: SDS-plus
- Number of bits: 5
What We Like
- Tough tungsten carbide tips make these bits suitable for drilling in dense masonry
- Wide spiral flute helps bring masonry dust out of the hole for smooth drilling
- Can handle tough concrete-drilling jobs
What We Don’t Like
- Bits require a rotary hammer drill with minimum 7/8-inch chuck
Repeated drilling through dense concrete and stone puts drill bits to the test, often wearing them down quickly. While these drill bits from Makita are more expensive than some masonry drill bit sets, in our tests, their thick tungsten carbide tips held up well for drilling several holes.
Each bit has a wide spiral flute that bores evenly through stone, concrete, and brick. These bits will easily handle tough concrete-drilling jobs, but you’ll want to use a good drill for concrete—and it will need to be a rotary hammer drill with a minimum 7/8-inch chuck. We drilled several holes in quick succession, and the Makita bits performed flawlessly.
This set comes with five bits, ranging in size from 3/16 inch to 1/2 inch. An included plastic bit case provides convenient storage.
Get the Makita drill bits for concrete at Amazon.
Best Multipurpose
EZArc Hex Shank Multipurpose Drill Bit Set
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Tip type: Carbide
- Shank: Hex
- Number of bits: 5
What We Like
- Multipurpose bits drill through concrete, brick, stone, metal, wood, and plastic
- Due to hex shank, bits can be used in standard drills and impact drivers
- Double-flute design effectively removes debris from holes while drilling
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly slower on concrete than some dedicated masonry bits
Spending money on specialty concrete bits that see infrequent use may not be the most economical way of expanding one’s collection of drill bits. This EZArc multipurpose bit set offers an excellent alternative. The bits’ design and carbide tips make them suitable for drilling through tile, concrete, and stone plus metal, wood, and even plastic.
In addition to drilling through masonry, we tried out this set of bits on dimensional lumber and 8-gauge sheet metal. They were slightly slower on masonry than some of the dedicated bits we tried, but they still did the job. They excelled as drill bits for metal as long as we drilled nice and slow. It’s not every day you can pick up a set of good metal drill bits and use them to drill a hole in brick or concrete, but it’s possible with the EZArc bits.
In addition to carbide tips, the EZArc bits have multigrind sharp edges and double-flute design, which make them well suited for drilling in various materials. A hex shank adds even more versatility—these bits are compatible with standard drills and impact drivers. The kit includes five bits: 5/32 inch, 3/16 inch, 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, and 3/8 inch.
Get the EZArc drill bits for concrete at Amazon.
Best U-Flute Design
WorkPro SDS-Plus Carbide Tip Concrete Drill Bit Set
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4.25/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Tip type: Carbide
- Shank: SDS-plus
- Number of bits: 8
What We Like
- Ejects masonry dust from the hole to make drilling easier
- Carbide tips are tough and can handle repeated concrete drilling
- Set of 8 bits makes it easier to get the right size
What We Don’t Like
- SDS-plus shanks make these bits suitable only for SDS-plus hammer drills
With extra-wide U-shaped flutes, these drill bits from WorkPro effectively ejected masonry dust as we drilled in concrete, brick, and stone. The bits have Luxembourg carbide tips that are made to be tough, hard, and durable, and they drilled quickly in our tests.
This kit includes eight bits, ranging from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter. The bits have SDS-plus shanks, so the user will need a rotary hammer drill to use them.
A durable hard-plastic carrying case keeps the bits organized and easy to transport to the worksite. It was one of the better cases we saw, as it held the bits securely and came with a sliding lock. This is an all-around great little set of drill bits for anyone who regularly needs to drill into concrete or other masonry materials.
Get the WorkPro drill bits for concrete at Amazon.
Best Rotary Percussion
Bosch HCK001 Bulldog Rotary Hammer Drill Bit Set
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Tip type: Carbide
- Shank: SDS-plus
- Number of bits: 7
Pros
- Excellent dust ejection during drilling to ensure clean, smooth holes
- Pointed carbide tips help keep the bit centered when starting holes
- Durable case with visual holes to make bit identification easy
Cons
- A hammer drill is necessary to use these SDS-plus bits
This is the second set of Bosch drill bits to make our lineup, and we found these bits highly efficient. Their four-flute design excelled at ejecting dust and debris as we drilled, which made the drilling process smooth and quick. Their pointed tips kept the bits centered as we started the holes. We were able to drill clean holes in concrete, brick, and even dense stone without problems.
The bits feature SDS-plus shanks, and users will need a hammer drill to use them. The set comes with seven bits, ranging in size from 3/16 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter, making this a highly versatile set of masonry bits.
A durable hard-plastic storage case keeps the bits organized and protected when in a tool box or on the workbench. Thanks to the visual holes in the holder that show the exact size hole each bit will drill, we found it easy to pick the correct-size bit at a glance. If you regularly drill into any type of masonry, you won’t go wrong with this set.
Get the Bosch 7-piece drill bits for concrete at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best for Grinders
SHDIATool Diamond Core Bit Laser Welded for Concrete
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4.75/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Tip type: Diamond
- Shank: Hole bit
- Number of bits: 1
What We Like
- Makes drilling larger holes in masonry quick and easy
- Diamond-coated tip cuts through tough masonry materials
- Drills clean, precise holes, especially useful for stone countertops
What We Don’t Like
- Requires an angle grinder—this bit doesn’t fit standard or hammer drills
Most masonry drill bits are used in hammer drills or standard drills, but not all. The SHDIATool core bit is designed for use with an angle grinder, and we were impressed at how well it drilled.
We tried out a 1-inch hole bit, although these bits are available in several sizes to suit your specific needs from just under 3/4 inch to 4 inches in diameter. This is a diamond-coated drill bit; tiny diamond shards are laser welded to the tip, making it easy to drill through concrete and other types of masonry.
Bits like this are often used to drill through granite or marble countertops when installing faucets.
The SHDIATool core bit excelled in our tests. To extend its useful life, users can spray the surface of the material they’re drilling with water, which will help keep the bit cool and reduce friction. This is the bit to have for drilling larger holes in concrete.
Get the SHDIATool drill bit for concrete at Amazon or Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Drill Bit for Concrete
For drilling jobs that require drilling through concrete or other stone surfaces, it’s important to use a drill bit that’s strong and sharp enough to bore through especially hard, dense material. Read on to learn about materials, bit type, drill compatibility, and other crucial factors to consider when choosing a masonry drill bit.
Masonry drill bits are specifically designed to tackle stone and can bore through these hard surfaces with ease. Often featuring tungsten carbide tips that can endure drilling through hard stone surfaces, masonry drill bits have wide flutes that allow them to pull away large amounts of material as they drill to prevent debris from jamming the bit. Some bits even use diamond-encrusted blades to cut through this material. They come in a wide range of sizes to suit different needs.
Bit Material
Masonry drill bits need to be hard enough to endure the rigors of drilling through concrete. With that in mind, most masonry drill bits have steel shafts with a cutting tip made of tungsten carbide, which is much harder than steel and can grind through stone without dulling quickly. Some drill bits use diamond particles, which are welded to the cutting edge to chew through hard surfaces such as marble and granite.
Tip Shape and Flute Design
Masonry drill bits come in several variations, including rotary percussion, double flute, and saw drill bits. All bit types use large carbide tips that can penetrate stone. Some bits have spear-shaped tips that allow for precision drilling, while others feature a crown-shaped tip that can efficiently grind through masonry.
- Double flute: A double-flute drill bit has wide grooves that spiral around the bit to maximize the removal of material as it bores through masonry. The double-flute design can drill through concrete and other masonry twice as fast as standard drill bits. Double- flute bits come in shanks that fit standard drills or rotary hammer drills.
- Rotary percussion: A rotary percussion drill bit works with a rotary hammer drill that penetrates the material by creating an impact motion with the drill bit and rotating it. A rotary percussion bit has a harder tip that can withstand the impact. These bits feature an SDS-plus shank that will only fit a rotary hammer drill.
- Hole saw drill bit: A hole saw bit is used for drilling holes in tile, wood, metal, and plastic. It’s cylindrical and attaches to a grinder or a drill via an additional attachment. Hole saw drill bits intended to cut through masonry have a diamond coating instead of a blade, which grinds cleanly through hard materials. Depending on the design, some can even drill a hole in glass.
Coatings
Some drill bits have coatings to improve their performance. Black oxide coatings are more durable than high-speed steel, as they resist rust and corrosion. Tungsten carbide coatings enhance the drill bit’s strength, enabling it to bore through stone and concrete.
Compatibility With Power Drill
When buying any type of drill bit, it’s important to consider its compatibility with the drill. Not all drill bits fit all drills. A 1/2-inch-size drill will fit drill bits with a shank up to 1/2 inch in diameter, while a 3/8-inch-size drill will only fit drill bits with shanks up to 3/8 inch in diameter.
While there is no single chuck or drill head for concrete bits, many concrete bits have a slotted drive system (SDS), which means they have slots on the ends of the shanks for use in rotary hammer drills. SDS bits came out decades ago, and today, an improved version (SDS-plus) is standard on bits for hammer drills. You can still find smooth-shank bits for standard drills and hex-shank bits that will fit standard drills and impact drivers.
Size
Masonry drill bits come in a variety of sizes to suit a broad range of needs. The smallest masonry bits are around 3/16 inch in diameter, with larger bits topping out at the 1/2-inch size. Hole saw bits have sizes that go up to 4 inches or more.
Tips for Using Drill Bits for Concrete
When purchasing and using a drill bit for masonry, there are several important guidelines to follow to ensure a successful outcome.
- Only buy bits with tungsten carbide tips. Tungsten carbide is the only material hard enough to endure grinding away through stone. Masonry bits, except for hole saws, should have tungsten carbide tips. For drilling larger holes, go with a hole saw with a diamond coating.
- Check compatibility. Make sure you purchase a bit with a shank that will fit the machine you’re using to drill. Hex bits will only work with standard drill chucks, and SDS-plus bits will only fit rotational hammer drills.
- Go with a set versus individual bits. Buying a set of four or five or more masonry bits is much more economical than purchasing individual bits and also provides a wider variety of sizes to choose from when you’re drilling a hole.
- Drill a pilot hole first. When using a 1/2-inch masonry bit, use a smaller bit first to drill a shallow pilot hole. This will prevent the large bit from slipping on the surface of the workpiece.
- Stop periodically to clear debris. When drilling a hole, it’s crucial to remove the debris, which could bind up the drill and slow the drill bit. Stop periodically and blow the dust out of the hole.
FAQs
If you have additional questions about how to drill into concrete or choosing a drill bit for concrete or a drill bit for brick, you’ll find answers here.
Start by drilling a small guide hole at a low-speed setting for very hard concrete. Once you’ve established a 1/8-inch hole, remove the bit, blow the dust out of the hole, and use a larger bit at medium speed while applying steady pressure. It’s also a good idea to wear hearing protection—concrete drilling can be loud.
You can use a regular drill to drill through concrete, although it will be slower than using a rotary hammer drill.
Sharpening drill bits manually with a file or bench grinder is a complicated process. You need a machine specially designed for drill-bit sharpening to do it yourself. It’s usually easier to buy new drill bits.
For most standard bits, you don’t need to use water. However, if you’re using a large hole bit, spraying the surface of the concrete with water can reduce friction and help keep the bit cool as you drill.
You can drill as soon as the concrete is completely hardened, but pros often wait a couple of days to ensure the concrete is ready. Unlike needing to wait before painting or applying a sealer, you don’t have to wait 28 days to drill.
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.
Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.
