The Best Masonry Drill Bits For Brick, Concrete And Stone
Carbide-tipped sets and specialist bits for everything from wall plugs to tumble dryer vents.
Our quick verdict
Our pick of the best masonry drill bits is the Dewalt DT6952-QZ Masonry Drill Bits. The heat-treated bits handle everyday plug holes in brick, block and stone with any combi drill, and the labelled box makes the right size easy to grab, though you'll need to add a 7 mm. For concrete floors, lintels and engineering brick, the Bosch Expert SDS Plus Hammer Drill Bit Set gets the most from an SDS drill.
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Our Picks At A Glance
- Check price of Dewalt DT6952-QZ Masonry Drill Bits
Best Overall
Dewalt DT6952-QZ Masonry Drill BitsEveryday wall plug holes in brick, block and stone with a combi drill
- Check price of Bosch CYL-9 MultiConstruction Drill Bit
Most Versatile
Bosch CYL-9 MultiConstruction Drill BitDrilling through tile, brick and timber without changing bits
- Check price of Bosch Expert SDS Plus Hammer Drill Bit Set
Best SDS
Bosch Expert SDS Plus Hammer Drill Bit SetConcrete, reinforced concrete and heavy drilling with an SDS drill
- Check price of DEWALT DT9522QZ Extreme 2
Best Long
DEWALT DT9522QZ Extreme 2Drilling right through cavity walls for cables, pipes and overflows
- Check price of UK Drills Diamond Core Masonry Bit Set
Best Core
UK Drills Diamond Core Masonry Bit SetWide holes for extractor fans, dryer vents and soil pipes
- Check price of Draper 18550 Masonry Drill Bit Set
Best Budget
Draper 18550 Masonry Drill Bit SetOccasional drilling into brick and block on a small budget
Round-shank or SDS is the first split, and your drill makes that call. Round-shank bits go in the chuck of any combi drill, while SDS bits only fit an SDS drill, whose harder hammer action gets through concrete and engineering brick without a fight.
The wall decides the rest. Soft brick and block are kind to cheap bits, but hard concrete is where a better carbide tip pays for itself, as our budget Draper set found out. The six below cover everyday plug holes, multi-material drilling, SDS work, long bits for cavity walls and core bits for vents.
How We Tested These Masonry Drill Bits
We do a lot of DIY, so we get through a lot of masonry bits. Over time we've tried several types of bit from a number of well-known UK brands, on jobs from fixing signs to stone to cutting openings for vents.
The two photos above show the range of jobs a decent bit needs to handle. On the left we're fixing a sign to a hard, uneven stone wall, and on the right a core bit is cutting the hole for a new extractor fan. We can't tell from either photo which make of bit was in the drill, so they show the jobs and not a particular set. We compare each bit on the following:
- Performance: how well it drills brick, block, stone and concrete
- Accuracy: whether it starts cleanly without skating and leaves a neat, round hole
- Durability: build quality and how well the tip holds its edge
- Fit: which drills and chucks the bit suits, from combi drills to SDS
- Sizes and storage: the range of sizes and whether the case keeps them labelled
We use our bits in a mix of cordless combi drills and SDS drills, which shows how each type behaves in both. Warranty and price were part of the final call.
The Best Masonry Drill Bits We Recommend
Check whether your drill takes round-shank or SDS bits before you order. The two aren't interchangeable, and the list below has options for both.
Best Overall
Dewalt DT6952-QZ Masonry Drill Bits
Best for: Everyday wall plug holes in brick, block and stone with a combi drill
Check Price On AmazonThe DEWALT DT6952-QZ is a set of five carbide-tipped bits in the sizes you reach for most around the house, and DEWALT heat treats each one to cut the risk of a bit snapping when you're leaning on the drill in hard brick or concrete.
They go into the chuck of any combi drill, and the plastic box has each size labelled, so you're not squinting at the shank to find the right one. On a typical job like putting up shelves, curtain poles or a TV bracket, these do everything you need. The catch is the size range. There's no 7 mm bit in the set, and that's a size a lot of wall plugs call for, so you'll need to buy one separately.
What we like
- Five carbide-tipped bits in common household sizes
- Heat treated to reduce the risk of snapping
- Labelled box keeps each size easy to find
- Fits any standard combi drill chuck
- Good value for a set from a major tool brand
What to know
- No 7 mm bit in the set
Our verdict
For the drilling most homeowners do, from shelves to TV brackets, this DEWALT set covers the job with tough, well-made bits in a tidy labelled box. Its one gap is the missing 7 mm size, so add a single bit to your basket. The Draper set is the budget alternative with more sizes.
Most Versatile
Bosch CYL-9 MultiConstruction Drill Bit
Best for: Drilling through tile, brick and timber without changing bits
Check Price On AmazonThe CYL-9 MultiConstruction is part of Bosch's Expert range and it's built to drill much more than masonry. With the drill on hammer it handles concrete and stone, and on rotary it goes through brick, tile, metal, wood and plastic, so one bit gets you through a tiled wall into the blockwork behind.
Bosch says its Centering Geometry tip makes the CYL-9 up to five times more precise than a standard bit, which helps on glazed tiles where an ordinary masonry bit skates around before it bites. It fits any three-jaw chuck and comes in a wide range of sizes, sold singly or in bulk. They're dearer per bit than the other sets here, so they suit anyone who does a lot of mixed-material drilling.
What we like
- Drills concrete, stone, brick, tile, metal, wood and plastic
- Up to five times more precise than a standard bit according to Bosch
- Fits any three-jaw drill chuck
- Huge range of sizes sold singly or in bulk
- Part of Bosch's professional Expert range
What to know
- Costs more per bit than standard masonry bits
Our verdict
The CYL-9 earns its higher price on jobs that mix tiles, masonry, timber and metal, such as fitting a shower screen to a tiled wall. For plain brick and block, the DEWALT DT6952-QZ set does the job for less. Buying in bulk brings the cost per bit down, and the wide size range means you can match one bit to every fixing on the job.
Best SDS
Bosch Expert SDS Plus Hammer Drill Bit Set
Best for: Concrete, reinforced concrete and heavy drilling with an SDS drill
Check Price On AmazonIf you own an SDS drill, these are the bits that let it do its best work. The Bosch Expert set has seven SDS Plus bits made with Bosch's carbide technology, and the inclined side cutters clear dust quickly so the bit keeps biting rather than polishing the bottom of the hole.
Bosch says they last up to three times longer than other SDS bits, and they're rated for reinforced concrete as well as brick and stone. The set comes in its own storage box, the SDS Plus shank fits any SDS Plus drill, and there's a wide choice of other sizes if you need to add to it. They cost more than other SDS bits, but they're made for heavy use.
What we like
- Rated for reinforced concrete
- Inclined side cutters for faster drilling
- Up to three times longer life according to Bosch
- Fits any SDS Plus drill
- Dedicated storage box for the seven bits
- Wide range of extra sizes available
What to know
- Dearer than other SDS Plus bit sets
- Won't fit a standard combi drill chuck
Our verdict
SDS drill owners tackling concrete floors, lintels or engineering brick will get far more from this set than from round-shank bits. The extra cost is offset by Bosch's claimed longer life. If you're still choosing a drill, our guide to the best SDS drills for heavy-duty drilling will help.
Best Long
DEWALT DT9522QZ Extreme 2
Best for: Drilling right through cavity walls for cables, pipes and overflows
Check Price On AmazonDrilling through a full cavity wall needs a much longer bit than a standard set provides, and that's where DEWALT's Extreme 2 comes in. It's sold in lengths from 160 mm up to 1000 mm, so you can go straight through for an outside tap, a satellite cable or a condensate pipe without drilling from both sides.
The two-cutter carbide head drills efficiently, the hardened steel body resists bending and breakage over that length, and the fluted design carries waste out of the hole so the bit doesn't clog halfway through. You can see a long bit in a DEWALT combi drill next to a DEWALT Extreme pack in the photos further up. Long bits are overkill for everyday wall plug holes, so treat this as a specialist addition to a standard set.
What we like
- Lengths from 160 mm up to 1000 mm
- Two-cutter carbide head
- Hardened steel body resists bending and breakage
- Fluted design clears waste from deep holes
- Drills stone, concrete and brickwork
What to know
- Too long for everyday wall plug holes
- Specialist bit to add alongside a standard set
Our verdict
Drilling straight through a wall from one side, for an outside tap, satellite cable or condensate pipe, is the job the Extreme 2 exists for. Buy just the length you need, as these are specialist bits. For wide openings rather than long ones, a core set like the UK Drills is the right tool.
Best Core
UK Drills Diamond Core Masonry Bit Set
Best for: Wide holes for extractor fans, dryer vents and soil pipes
Check Price On AmazonA core bit cuts a ring through brick, stone or concrete and pulls out the solid plug from the middle, which is how you make a neat round opening for a vent or pipe. We've used core bits for jobs from fitting a vented tumble dryer to cutting an extractor fan opening like the one in our testing photos, and this UK Drills set impressed us the most.
You get five laser-welded core bits from 38 mm to 127 mm, along with accessories and a sturdy carry case, and other sizes can be bought separately. We'd used Erbauer core bits before and found these matched or bettered them on quality while costing less for what's in the case. The one thing to weigh up is that UK Drills is a smaller company than the big tool brands, if a familiar name on the case matters to you.
What we like
- Five core bits from 38 mm to 127 mm
- Matched or bettered Erbauer core bits in our use
- Laser-welded segments for fast, clean holes
- Accessories and a sturdy carry case included
- Extra sizes sold separately
What to know
- A lesser-known UK company rather than a major tool brand
Our verdict
Of all the core bits we've used, this set impressed us most, beating the Erbauer bits we owned before on value. Five sizes from 38 to 127 mm cover extractor fans, tumble dryer vents and waste pipes. It's a specialist kit, so you'll still need a standard set for wall plugs.
Best Budget
Draper 18550 Masonry Drill Bit Set
Best for: Occasional drilling into brick and block on a small budget
Check Price On AmazonThe Draper 18550 gives you 15 bits for not much money, ranging from 3 mm up to 10 mm, with several of the smaller sizes doubled up. They're made of tungsten steel with a fluted design to clear dust, and they sit in a compact case with each size labelled.
We found they worked well in brickwork, but they went blunt after drilling into solid concrete a few times, which is where the dearer DEWALT and Bosch bits pull ahead. For shelves, curtain rails and picture hooks in brick or block walls they're a cheap way to get every common size in one box, and the spares mean a blunt bit doesn't stop the job.
What we like
- 15 bits from 3 mm to 10 mm in one case
- Worked well through brickwork in our testing
- Labelled case keeps sizes organised
- Fluted design for faster dust removal
- Spare bits in the smaller sizes
What to know
- Went blunt after a few holes in solid concrete
- Build quality isn't up to the DEWALT or Bosch bits
Our verdict
Plenty of sizes for very little money suits the occasional DIYer drilling brick and block. Our testing showed the limits, though, as the bits went blunt after a few holes in solid concrete. Harder walls and regular use call for the DEWALT DT6952-QZ.
How To Choose The Right Masonry Drill Bit
Picking a masonry bit comes down to three questions. What drill are you using, what's the wall made of, and how big and deep does the hole need to be?
Round Shank Or SDS
Round-shank bits fit the three-jaw chuck on a standard drill or combi drill, and they're what most homeowners need for wall plugs. SDS bits have grooves on the shank that lock into an SDS drill, which delivers a much harder hammer blow. An SDS drill with SDS bits is far quicker in concrete and hard brick, and it's the right tool for heavy jobs like breaking up concrete with a chisel attachment.
The two aren't interchangeable. An SDS bit won't fit a normal chuck, and a round-shank bit in an SDS drill needs a separate adapter chuck.
What The Wall Is Made Of
Soft red brick and lightweight blocks drill easily with almost any masonry bit, and you can turn the hammer action down to avoid blowing out the back of the hole. Engineering brick, natural stone and concrete are much harder, and that's where a better-quality carbide tip earns its money. Our cheap Draper bits were fine in brick but went blunt quickly in concrete.
Tiled walls need care. Start with the hammer off so the tip doesn't crack the glaze, or use a multi-material bit like the Bosch CYL-9, then switch to hammer once you're through into the masonry behind.
Sizes And Lengths
Check the wall plug packet before you drill, because it tells you which bit size to use, and 5, 6, 7 and 8 mm cover most household fixings. A set with a labelled case saves you guessing. Standard bits are long enough for plugs, but going right through a wall for a pipe or cable needs a long bit like the DEWALT Extreme 2, and wide openings for vents need a core bit.
Jobs like replacing a radiator are a good example, where new brackets rarely line up with the old holes and you'll need the right size bit for the new plugs.
Getting A Clean Hole
Mark the spot with a pencil cross and a strip of masking tape so the bit doesn't wander, then start slowly without hammer until it's bitten in. Pull the bit out now and then to clear the dust, and let it cool if it's drilling a deep hole in concrete. Before drilling anywhere near sockets, switches or pipes, check the wall with a detector, as cables and pipes run vertically and horizontally from fittings.
Once the holes are done and the wall needs a refresh, our pick of the best masonry paints for brick and render covers the outside of the house.
Questions About Drilling Into Masonry
Can you use a masonry drill bit without a hammer drill?
You can use a masonry bit in a standard drill without hammer action, but it's slow and only practical in soft brick, lightweight block or mortar joints. The hammer action is what chips the masonry away in front of the carbide tip. For engineering brick, stone or concrete, use a combi drill on hammer setting or an SDS drill.
What size masonry bit do I need for a red wall plug?
Red wall plugs need a 6 mm masonry bit in most ranges, brown plugs need 7 mm and yellow plugs need 5 mm. Colour coding varies between manufacturers, so always check the size printed on the packet. Drill the hole slightly deeper than the plug's length so it sits flush with the wall surface.
Why won't my masonry drill bit go through the wall?
A masonry bit stops going through a wall when it's blunt, the hammer setting is off, or it has hit steel or a very hard stone. Check the drill is on hammer mode and look at the carbide tip for rounding or chips. If the bit suddenly stops dead in concrete, it has hit reinforcing bar or a hard piece of aggregate, and you'll need to move the hole.
Are SDS drill bits better than standard masonry bits?
SDS drill bits are better for concrete and heavy drilling because the SDS drill hits much harder and the shank transfers that energy straight to the tip. They drill faster and last longer in hard materials. For occasional wall plug holes in brick and block, standard round-shank masonry bits in a combi drill are perfectly good and cheaper.
Are the Draper 18550 bits good enough for drilling concrete?
No, the Draper 18550 bits aren't up to solid concrete. We found they worked well in brickwork, but they went blunt after drilling into concrete a few times. They suit shelves, curtain rails and picture hooks in brick or block. For harder walls and regular use, the DEWALT DT6952-QZ set or the Bosch Expert SDS Plus set holds its edge better.
Does the missing 7 mm bit in the DEWALT DT6952-QZ set matter?
It matters because 7 mm is a size a lot of wall plugs call for, and the DEWALT DT6952-QZ set doesn't include one. Check the wall plug packet before you drill, as it tells you which bit size to use. Add a single 7 mm masonry bit to your basket and the set covers most household fixings.
Is the Bosch CYL-9 MultiConstruction worth the extra cost for tiled walls?
The Bosch CYL-9 MultiConstruction is worth the extra if you drill tiled walls a lot. Bosch says its Centering Geometry tip is up to five times more precise than a standard bit, which helps on glazed tiles where an ordinary masonry bit skates. It costs more per bit, so occasional drillers will manage with a standard set.
Would you buy the UK Drills core set again?
Yes, of all the core bits we've used, the UK Drills Diamond Core Masonry Bit Set impressed us most. It matched or bettered the Erbauer core bits we owned before, and cost less for what's in the case. You get five core bits from 38 mm to 127 mm, which suits extractor fans, dryer vents and waste pipes.
The Masonry Drill Bits We'd Buy Again
The DEWALT DT6952-QZ set is the one we'd keep in the toolbox for everyday drilling into brick, block and stone, with tough heat-treated tips and a clearly labelled box. Add a 7 mm bit and it covers most household plug sizes.
If you drill concrete regularly, the Bosch Expert SDS Plus set is worth pairing with an SDS drill, and the UK Drills core set handles the bigger openings for fans and vents.
Dave, or Demolition Dave as the team calls him, worked as a builder for over 10 years before joining DIY Works. He now concentrates on his own properties and writes most of our construction content, along with tools, carpentry and plenty more.