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How to Choose Hammer Drill Bits for Concrete, Brick, and Masonry

Learn how to match masonry-bit shanks to hammer drills and rotary hammers, choose carbide-tipped bits, size holes for anchors, and plan for silica dust.
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Choose a carbide-tipped masonry bit that fits your drill’s chuck or tool holder, then match its diameter and working length to the fastener or drilling task. A regular straight-shank hammer-drill bit and an SDS-plus rotary-hammer bit are different interfaces; use one only if your tool is designed to accept it. Before drilling concrete, brick, or other silica-containing masonry, also plan for dust control appropriate to the work.

First, identify the drill and its bit holder

“Hammer drill” can refer to tools with different bit interfaces. Conventional hammer drills commonly use a keyed or keyless chuck that grips a compatible straight-shank bit. Rotary hammers commonly use an SDS-plus holder, which accepts SDS-plus bits. The two types are not interchangeable unless the tool has an explicitly compatible chuck or adapter.

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Check the drill’s manual and the bit’s product specification before buying. Confirm both the holder type and the bit’s permitted use; a matching diameter alone does not mean the bit will fit or work correctly.

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Drill or holder Bit to look for What to verify
Conventional hammer drill with keyed or keyless chuck Compatible straight-shank percussion or masonry bit That the shank fits the chuck and the bit is specified for the tool
Rotary hammer with SDS-plus holder SDS-plus carbide-tipped masonry bit That the bit is SDS-plus and the drill accepts that interface

For example, DEWALT lists the DW5427B25 as an SDS-plus carbide-tipped rotary-hammer bit set for concrete, stone, or brick. Its SDS-plus shank makes it a fit only for a compatible holder or explicitly compatible setup. DEWALT separately lists the DW5224B25 as a carbide-tipped percussion bit for electric or cordless hammer drills; check your chuck against the product details and your tool manual.

#1 Best Overall
TGFTGF 17-Piece SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill Bits and Chisel Set, YG8C Carbide Tips, SDS Plus Bits, Masonry Drill Bit Set for Concrete, Brick and Stone, with Storage Case, Ideal Tool for DIY, Home
  • 【Durable YG8C Carbide Tips】These SDS Plus rotary hammer drill bits feature a tougher YG8C carbide tip and carbide steel blade for increased hardness and greater wear resistance. The chisels are finely ground for efficient cutting and drilling, making them ideal for tile removal, grooving and light demolition work. Sandblasted surface enhances rust resistance, ensuring reliable performance in concrete, brick and stone. Fully heat-treated for strong impact resistance and long service life.
  • 【17-Piece Set & Portable Storage Case】Contains 12 concrete drill bits (4 sizes), 2 pointed chisels, 2 flat chisels, 1 tile chisel and a sturdy storage case for easy carrying and storage. This masonry drill bit set allows for precise drilling on materials such as tile and hard stone. It is a must-have tool for home improvement and light commercial projects.
  • 【SDS Plus Shank & Widely Compatible】Compatible with most brands of SDS Plus electric hammer drills on the market. The SDS plus bits can be quickly replaced and provide stable and precise operation for DIY and home projects. The sturdy head is ideal for high-impact applications. The SDS plus bit is used with the electric hammer drill to drill, cut and groove in concrete, masonry and bricks.
  • 【U-Shaped Flute Design】The drill bit features a U-shaped flute that quickly removes chips and dust generated during work, keeping the drill running smoothly and cooler, to smoother operation and a better working experience.
  • 【Quality Assurance & Customer First】TGFTGF is not only committed to providing excellent product quality, but also committed to making the job more fun. If you have any questions during use, please contact us directly by email. We will provide you with the best solution as soon as possible.

Choose a carbide-tipped bit for masonry

For drilling stone, concrete, cement, brick, or cinder block, look for a bit identified by its manufacturer as a masonry bit and carbide-tipped. Bosch identifies carbide-tipped bits for those materials, and DEWALT’s cited product listings also describe carbide-tipped masonry bits. Match the product’s stated application to the material and tool rather than assuming that an ordinary wood- or metal-drilling bit is suitable.

Bit designs vary. Manufacturers describe options such as two-cutter tips and four-flute configurations, but the available product information does not establish an independent, cross-brand performance ranking. Choose based on compatible fit, stated material use, required dimensions, and the task—not an unsupported promise that one cutter design is always faster or longer-lasting.

Rank #2
Sale
WORKPRO 17-Piece SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill Bit & Chisel Set
  • Set Includes: 12-piece drill bits in 4 groups of different lengths and sizes; 2-piece point chisels, 3-piece flat chisels, and one storage case
  • High-Quality Bits: Cemented carbide YG8C provides outstanding hardness and durability, making the bits perfect for chipping off bricks, concrete, stones, and other masonry construction materials
  • U-Shaped Flute Design: Each drill bit features a U-shaped flute to achieve quick dirt removal and keep the drill bit running smoothly and cooler
  • Wide Adaption: The drill bits and chisel set is fully compatible with most brands of SDS-plus rotary hammers, such as BOSCH, MAKITA, and Milwaukee
  • Accessible to Store and Carry: Come with a portable case, so all the drill bits and chisels can be well-stored and conveniently carried. The case dimension is 11-39/64“L x 9”W x 2-13/64“H

Match diameter and working length to the hole

Use the diameter and drilling depth specified by the anchor or fastener manufacturer, or by the instructions for the task. There is no single masonry-bit size that suits every anchor or hole. Some bits include an anchor wear mark to help indicate depth, but that is a feature of particular products, not a universal feature.

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  • Check the specified hole diameter before selecting a bit.
  • Check the required depth and choose a bit with sufficient working length; overall bit length and usable drilling length are not necessarily the same.
  • If the bit has a depth mark, treat it as a product feature and follow the anchor instructions as well.

Adjust your approach for brick versus concrete

Brick is generally softer than concrete, so it may require less pressure. Bosch’s drill manual makes that distinction. Keep the bit aligned and apply steady pressure consistent with the drill and bit instructions; do not force the tool or assume one speed or pressure setting applies to every material.

Rank #3
Bosch HC4C2011 3/16 in. X 4 in. X 6 in. SDS-Plus® Bulldog™ Tough Rotary Hammer Bit, 4-Cutter Head
  • Four-cutter carbide tipped head design – delivers up to 2X life in concrete with rebar (vs Hawera SDS-plus two-cutter concrete drill bit)
  • Four-cutter head – provides four cutting edges to hit rebar, to help prevent the bit from getting stuck
  • Centering tip – ideal for drilling anchoring holes to enhace the precision of hole placement
  • Four-flute design – standard flute design efficiently pulls dust away from the hole
  • Bosch-made carbide – manufactured by Bosch with quality materials promoting durability and longer life.

Also follow the drill manual for operating mode and bit changes. A bit specified for a rotary hammer or hammer drill should be used with a compatible tool and holder.

Plan for silica dust when drilling

Concrete and masonry can contain crystalline silica. OSHA states that handheld and stand-mounted drills, impact and rotary-hammer drills, and similar tools used on silica-containing materials can generate respirable crystalline silica dust. For workplace construction drilling covered by OSHA’s construction silica standard, Table 1 specifies a dust-control setup that includes:

Rank #4
Rotary Hammer Drill Bits and Chisels Set, SDS Plus, 17PCS
  • 【MATERIAL】Using YG8C hard alloy tip and hard alloy steel body. A sturdy and durable head is the ideal choice for high impact applications. Chipping away brick, tile, mortar, concrete and other tough materials easily.
  • 【SPECIFICATIONS】13 drills bits with 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8" , 1 Point Chisel, 2 Flat Chisel and 1 U-groove Chisel, and one storage case(11-39/64“L x 9”W x 2-13/64“H).
  • 【WIDELY APPLICABLE】Rotating hammer drills can generate stronger impact force, enabling effective and precise drilling of holes in concrete, stones, and all types of masonry, for setting concrete anchors and self tapping screws and other fasteners.
  • 【DESIGN】The SDS-PLUS handle is suitable for most rotary hammer drills on the market, meeting most of your needs. The SDS chisel is paired with an electric hammer drill bit, which can drill holes, cut, and chisel grooves in concrete, bricks, walls, and other parts.
  • 【SATISFACTION GUARANTEED】We stand behind the quality of our product. If you have any problems or are not satisfied with our metric drill bit set, please feel free to contact WildBossy for assistance.
  • A commercially available shroud or cowling around the bit connected to a dust-collection system.
  • Operation and maintenance of the tool and collection system according to manufacturer instructions to minimize dust.
  • A collector providing at least the airflow recommended by the tool manufacturer, with a filter rated at 99% or greater efficiency and a filter-cleaning mechanism.
  • A HEPA-filtered vacuum when cleaning holes.
  • Indoors or in an enclosed area, a means of exhaust as needed to minimize visible airborne dust accumulation when implementing Table 1.

OSHA’s companion fact sheet says the shroud must fit around the bit and be compatible with the vacuum system; keep the hose, filter, and collection bags maintained. Select accessories that fit both the drill and the dust collector, and verify product performance rather than assuming any shroud or vacuum satisfies the workplace requirements. These OSHA provisions concern employers and construction work; they are not a complete statement of every homeowner’s legal obligations. Follow applicable local rules and the tool and dust-control manufacturers’ instructions.

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What manufacturer claims do—and don’t—tell you

DEWALT’s listing for its specified SDS-plus product claims it can set “up to 25% more anchors than standard masonry bits.” That is a manufacturer claim about that product, not an independent comparison or a general expectation for masonry bits. Product pages can establish stated compatibility and design features, but the cited sources do not establish that one brand or cutter design is universally best.

Best Value
Sabre Tools 10-Pack SDS Plus 3/16" x 6" Rotary Hammer Drill Bits, Carbide Tipped for Brick, Stone and Concrete
  • 3/16” x 4” x 6" SDS plus drill bit 10 pack set – Ideal for use with Tapcon concrete screws
  • High quality SDS masonry hammer drill bits designed to work in masonry applications; brick, stone, concrete, and block
  • Compatible with all SDS Plus sized rotary hammer drills; Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi, Hilti, Makita, Milwaukee, etc.
  • SDS hammer drill bit feature 2-flute self-centering carbide tip ensuring fast cut speeds and MAXIMUM life
  • Our SDS drill bits have extended life – our concrete bits optimized design allows material to quickly exit the hole while allowing the concrete hammer drill bit to remain cool

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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