Dec 01 , 2020
Which Masonry Drill Bit Should You Choose?
Find out which masonry drill bit works best for your future work and save yourself the confusion and time before your next home improvement project.
Drilling holes is one of the most common tasks every project undertakes, whether metal, wood, concrete, or other durable surfaces. When it comes to construction projects around your home, many unfamiliar with drilling tools and masonry drill bits find it challenging to distinguish which bit matches their project intentions with so many options on the market.
And contrary to popular belief, not all drill bits are made equally and are not universal in their function! Therefore, to save our customers the headache and their time, we’ve put together a list of our best tips and elements to be aware of prior to your next home improvement project going array before it has even started.
What is a Masonry Drill Bit?
For those unaware compared to other drill bits, masonry drill bits are constructed to drill through durable surfaces such as brick, stone, tile, and concrete. These bits are typically designed to be used with drilling tools such as the SDS Max Rotary Hammer Drill. They are known for their double helix spiral, as shown in the photo below.
Generally, these types of drill bits range from 1/8 in. to as large as a couple inches in diameter. You can purchase standard lengths for everyday projects in terms of their size, or you can find drill bits that vary anywhere from a few inches to a few feet in length for specialized tasks.
What Type of Construction project Are You Doing?
One of the first questions you should ask yourself before purchasing any type of drilling bits is what type of task you are planning on completing as the choice of drill be largely depends on the kind of project you intend to work on. Suppose you plan on drilling small diameter holes through lighter weight concrete or artificial stone. In that case, the masonry drill bit is your best option.
As a rule of thumb, however, if you need to drill through any type of natural stone or solid concrete, it is essential to note that you need to purchase a drill bit that has a carbide cutting tip as they are more durable and efficient when it comes to drilling through harder surfaces.
What Type of Drill Do You Own?
Another essential factor to think about before starting your project is the type of drill you plan to use. If you plan on using a masonry drill bit, you are most likely using a drilling tool such as the SDS Max Rotary Hammer. However, if you have some other type of tool, it's essential to examine the drill bit shank to ensure that it is snuggly fit by your drill chuck. This will ensure that every hole you drill is smooth and there will be no damage to the material you are drilling through.
What Size Drill Bit Do You Need?
As we mentioned, the masonry drill bits come in various diameters and lengths. When choosing the right diameter and length, it’s important to pre-plan the size of the hole you wish to create. For most instances, you will need a drill to be that is of standard length and diameter. However, if you have a particular task at hand, make sure to pay a bit more attention to the bit's size and length.
What is Your Drill Bit Made Of?
Selecting the right type of material your drill bit is made of is also a crucial factor to take into consideration before starting your project. While some drill bits are made of carbon steel, they are typically considered a weaker drill bit and should only be used for softer surfaces. These types of drill bits also tend to overheat quickly if used on the wrong surface, which could cause damage to the material you are trying to drill through.
On the other hand, some drill bits are made of high-speed steel that allows you to drill through more challenging surfaces, last longer in general, and are more protectant against overheating quickly. Just ensure that your high-speed steel bit is coated in a carbide as it aids in making the bit more durable and reduces corrosion and wear.
Higher Priced Drill Bits Are Typically More Reliable
While it is good to consider the overall price you are paying for your drill bits, you should keep in mind that lower-priced drill bits have a higher tendency to be made of a low carbon steel method as opposed to high-speed steel. While you can get away with using a lower grade material, it is always better to be safe than sorry and purchase a higher quality drill bit for your projects –especially if it is for a heavier duty task to avoid any overheating or shattering.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there is a lot more to think about when it comes to choosing the right drill bit for your project than you would have initially assumed. However, after reading this, you should have a general sense of which drill bit to choose in the future. If you are interested in seeing the selection of carbide tipped drill bits we have available on our site, please head over to our products page for more information.