Choose a carbide masonry bit that fits your drill and is rated for the material and hole you need. For smaller holes in softer brick or block, a compatible hammer drill and carbide-tipped masonry bit may be suitable. For hard concrete, use a rotary hammer with a bit that matches its tool holder. Then confirm the bit’s diameter, working length, and any anchor-maker requirements.
Start with the drill and its tool holder
A bit can be intended for masonry and still be wrong for your drill. Check the tool manual and the bit specifications for the required shank or holder. SDS-plus rotary hammers take matching SDS-plus bits; other drills and bit ranges may use cylindrical, hex, SDS-max, or other interfaces. Bosch lists masonry bits for both impact drill/drivers and rotary hammers, with multiple shank interfaces, so check the particular product rather than relying on the general category name: Bosch masonry and concrete drill bits.
Match the bit and drill mode to the material
Brick and block
For a smaller hole in softer brick or block, a carbide-tipped masonry bit rated for your impact or hammer drill is a reasonable starting point. If using an SDS-plus rotary hammer, RYOBI New Zealand guidance specifies a two-cutter carbide-head bit for brick and block. Treat that as guidance for the stated tool and materials, not a universal rule: confirm the selected bit’s application rating and compatibility.
Concrete and reinforced concrete
Hard concrete calls for rotary-hammer equipment rather than assuming a standard hammer drill will do the job. For SDS-plus rotary hammers, RYOBI recommends a four-cutter carbide-head bit for concrete and reinforced concrete. Check the bit maker’s specific concrete or rebar rating; cutter count by itself does not establish suitability for every bit or every concrete condition. See RYOBI’s guidance on two- and four-cutter bits.
#1 Best Overall
- FOR HARD SURFACES: Wear-resistant tungsten carbide tip drills into brick, concrete, tile, glass, ceramic, travertine and hard plastic without slipping. Reinforced tip keeps its edge to deliver clean, steady holes for wall anchors, grab bars and shelves
- FAST DUST REMOVAL: Dual U-groove flutes clear debris quickly, reducing clogging for smoother drilling. The masonry drill bit set is ideal for DIY and home repair. Start at low speed with light pressure and let the bit cool between holes to extend its life
- 10 BITS IN 7 SIZES: This concrete drill bit set includes 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 1/4" (4 pcs), 5/16", 3/8" and 1/2" bits, Extra 1/4" bits provide handy spares for common drilling tasks. Comes with a storage case to keep all bits organized and easy to find
- FOR BATH, KITCHEN & CRAFTS: Ideal for drilling bathroom tile, mounting mirrors, cabinets and grab bars, or making drainage holes in ceramic pots. For tile and glass, use painter's tape to stop slipping, drill slowly & use water cooling to reduce chipping
- 3-FLAT SHANK FOR STANDARD DRILLS: Anti-slip shank fits standard keyed or keyless 3-jaw chucks on corded, cordless and hand drills, plus drill presses for a wobble-free hold. Use rotary mode only, Not for hammer drills, impact drivers or SDS rotary hammers
Check the application listing
Masonry covers a range of materials. Bosch’s US range lists applications including brick, concrete, concrete building block, hollow brick building block, hard stone, lime-and-sand bricks, reinforced concrete, solid brick, and soft stone. Use the exact bit’s listed applications to resolve cases where the material is unusually hard, hollow, or reinforced.
Choose diameter and working length for the hole
Select a bit diameter and working length suited to the required hole and task. When drilling for an anchor or concrete screw, follow the fastener manufacturer’s specified hole dimensions rather than extrapolating from another fastener. MiTek, for example, recommends carbide-tipped bits and hammer-drill use for concrete, CMU block, and brick; its 5/32-inch and 3/16-inch examples apply to two named concrete-screw sizes only: MiTek’s concrete-screw drill-bit guidance.
Rank #2
- CARBIDE TIPS AND STEEL BODIES: Each bit combines a spear-shaped carbide cutting tip with a steel body and spiral flutes that guide loosened material along the bit; use speed, pressure, and cooling suited to the surface
- 3-FLAT SHANK FOR STANDARD DRILLS: Fits compatible keyed or keyless 3-jaw chucks on corded drills, cordless drills, hand drills, and drill presses; not for SDS rotary hammers or 1/4-inch impact-driver collets
- 12 BITS IN 7 SIZES: Includes one 1/8", one 5/32", two 3/16", four 1/4", two 5/16", one 3/8 masonry drill bit, and one 1/2" bit for pilot holes and step-up drilling
- FOR MATCHING PROJECT SURFACES: Select masonry drill bits for brick, concrete, cement, stucco, ceramic tile, glass, wood, and plastic; begin at low speed, use light pressure, keep the drill aligned, and add water on hard surfaces
- MARKED SIZES WITH STORAGE CASE: Visible size markings help identify each diameter, while the included transparent case keeps all 12 bits together for selection, transport, and storage between home repair and installation tasks
Use a core bit for a large opening
For a larger-diameter opening, consider a core bit made for your rotary hammer and material. Before buying, verify the tool interface, diameter, working depth, any adapter or centering-bit requirements, and how the core is removed. For example, Hilti UK lists its TE-C BK SDS-plus masonry core bit for hammer drilling masonry, brick, and sand-lime block, with listed options of 65, 68, and 80 mm diameter and 175 mm length; those are UK-listed product options, not universal sizes: Hilti TE-C BK core bit.
Milwaukee describes its SDS-plus masonry core bits as a two-piece system for large holes in brick, block, and concrete. Its instructions say the inner core must be removed to continue drilling beyond the stated 2-inch core depth. Check the particular bit’s working-depth instructions before starting: Milwaukee SDS-plus masonry core bits.
Rank #3
- 2 cutter carbide tip of masonry drill bit set maximizes carbide surface contact for longer bit life.
- Four flute design cleans debris out for fast, efficient drilling
- Three flats on shank eliminate bit slipping in chuck (except DW5232, DW5233, DW5237, DW5238)
Quick selection guide
| Job and tool | Starting point | Check before use |
|---|---|---|
| Small hole in softer brick or block with an impact or hammer drill | Carbide-tipped masonry bit | Shank fits the chuck; bit is approved for the tool’s hammer mode and rated for the material. |
| Brick or block with an SDS-plus rotary hammer | Two-cutter carbide-head SDS-plus bit, per RYOBI guidance | SDS-plus fit, diameter, working length, and application rating. |
| Concrete or reinforced concrete with an SDS-plus rotary hammer | Four-cutter carbide-head SDS-plus bit, per RYOBI guidance | SDS-plus fit and the bit maker’s concrete or rebar rating. |
| Large-diameter opening | Compatible rotary-hammer core bit | Diameter, working depth, interface, adapter or centering-bit needs, and core-removal method. |
How to interpret performance claims
Performance figures from a manufacturer are tied to its stated product comparison, not a general result for masonry drilling. Bosch advertises up to 3× bit life for certain EXPERT bits compared with named Bosch predecessor bits. Milwaukee advertises up to 20% faster drilling speed for its asymmetrical-tooth SDS-plus core-bit design. Neither figure establishes an independent, across-the-board advantage for all bits, tools, or materials.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Duty 10Pc Carbide Hammer Drill Bit Set, ¼” Hex Shank, 4X Faster Drilling, Dynamic Cutting Edges, Faster Starts, Less Walking, Extended Life, for Concrete, Block & Brick
Rank #4
- 10PCS Masonry Drill Bit Set: Includes 10 commonly used sizes from 5/32" to 1/2" for different drilling needs. A practical carbide drill bit set for installing wall anchors, screws, shelves, fixtures, bathroom hardware, kitchen accessories, and general home repair projects
- Carbide Tip for Multiple Materials: Designed with carbide tips to drill into concrete, brick, cement, ceramic tile, glass, plastic, and other masonry surfaces. Suitable for home improvement, remodeling, tile work, and everyday drilling tasks
- Hex Shank for Secure Grip: The hex shank design helps reduce slipping in the drill chuck and provides a more stable hold during use. Works with most standard electric drills, cordless drills, and compatible drill drivers
- Clean Drilling with Proper Use: For glass, ceramic tile, and other smooth surfaces, start at a low speed, keep the bit steady, and use water for cooling when needed. Do not use hammer mode on glass or tile to help reduce cracking and bit wear
- Versatile Home and Workshop Applications: Suitable for drilling pilot holes in walls, brick, tile, cement, plastic, and concrete for anchors or fasteners. Please match the drill mode, speed, and pressure to the material for better drilling results and longer bit life
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