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With the appropriate drill bit, you can easily drill through materials like concrete or metal. Image courtesy of Chun Han / Getty ImagesAt first glance, a drill bit might seem like a basic piece of metal, and most people probably don’t think much about its construction. In reality, there are several types of drill bits, each designed for specific materials and hole sizes. While wood is the most common material to drill into, there are bits made for penetrating metal, glass, ceramic tiles, and concrete. These bits come in standardized sizes, typically measured in metric units, based on length and diameter.
The twist bit is the most widely used drill bit type, perfect for working with soft wood and metal. Though it can be used on brick or concrete in a pinch, specialized bits are always a safer and quicker choice for large-scale home improvement tasks.
Drill bits designed for drilling into concrete are referred to as masonry bits. These are generally thicker and more durable than standard carpentry bits, allowing them to cut through tough materials like concrete, brick, or stone without bending or breaking. They perform best when used with a specialized hammer drill, which combines a hammering action with standard rotational motion. This combination allows for faster and more effective penetration of stone compared to a regular electric drill.
Among the drill bits shown, you can spot the twist bit (top left) and the masonry bit (second from the right). Image provided by Mind Pixell/Shutterstock.Drill bits featuring a tungsten carbide tip are among the toughest available, ideal for tackling solid concrete; a sharper tip performs even better. Masonry bits drill through concrete in two stages. The tip is wider than the shaft, ensuring a smooth fit when the shaft enters the hole. Drilling at a lower speed is more efficient for concrete and helps prevent overheating the bit. Carbide or diamond-tipped masonry bits, especially those made for hammer drills, offer enhanced performance and faster penetration of hard materials.
Any drill can be used with standard masonry bits, but for particularly challenging tasks, a regular drill may not be the optimal choice. Bits designed for tile cutting resemble masonry bits but are much sharper, ensuring they cut through delicate materials like tile without chipping or damaging them.
Coring drill bits are specifically designed for creating large holes in concrete walls. These bits are significantly larger than standard ones and feature diamond-tipped teeth blades to ensure maximum sharpness and durability. To harness their full potential, they should be used with a powerful hammer drill or impact gun. For deep core drilling, a lubrication system may be necessary to prevent overheating and keep the bit cool as it cuts through concrete.
