Your Complete Drill Bit FAQ & Resource Guide
Drill Bit FAQ’s – Expert Answers & Buying Guide
Welcome to Drill Bits World’s ultimate FAQ library — your one-stop source for answers to everything drill bit related. Whether you’re a contractor, machinist, DIY enthusiast, or industrial buyer, we’ve organized our most common questions by category so you can find exactly what you need fast.
From choosing the right drill bit for your material to understanding specialty designs like auger, masonry, carbide, diamond, and extra long drill bits, you’ll find detailed, straightforward answers backed by decades of experience.
Need to know what bit works best for stainless steel, how to drill without cracking brick, or what “SDS” really means? It’s all here — plus tips to help extend tool life, improve drilling accuracy, and avoid costly mistakes.
If you don’t see your question here, contact us and our team will be happy to help.
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- FAQ's: Annular Cutters
- FAQ's: Carbide Tipped Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Diamond Drills
- FAQ's: Electrician's Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Extra Long Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Holesaw Drills
- FAQ's: Masonry Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Metal Working Drills
- FAQ's: Percussion Core Drills
- FAQ's: Reamers
- FAQ's: Reduced Shank Drills
- FAQ's: Silver & Deming Drills
- FAQ's: Stanley Hydraulic HD-45 & Skil 736 Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Taper Shank Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Wood Drill Bits
What is the difference between a diamond drill and a hammer drill?
A diamond drill uses abrasive cutting with diamonds; a hammer drill uses percussive force to chip away at material.
What is the best drill bit for metal?
Carbide or cobalt drill bits are the best for metal—diamond bits are not suitable.
What are the disadvantages of diamond drilling?
Slower drilling speed in some materials, higher cost, and the need for constant cooling and cleaning.
What are the disadvantages of diamond drill bits?
They wear out quickly on soft materials, can be expensive, and require water cooling to prevent damage.
What are diamond drill bits used for?
Drilling through glass, ceramic, porcelain, tile, granite, marble, and other hard, brittle materials.
Is carbide better than diamond?
For metals, carbide is better. For hard non-metals like glass or stone, diamond is superior.
How to clean diamond drills?
Rinse in water to remove debris. For heavy buildup, scrub gently with a soft brush.
Do diamond drill bits use real diamonds?
Yes, but they’re synthetic diamonds made for industrial use, not gemstones.
Can you sharpen a diamond drill bit?
Not in the traditional sense, but you can expose fresh diamond grit by lightly drilling into a dressing stone or abrasive block.
Can a diamond drill bit cut through glass?
Absolutely. They’re the preferred choice for clean, chip-free holes in glass.
Are diamond drills good?
Yes, especially for hard, brittle materials like glass, ceramic, tile, and stone.
Are diamond drill bits the strongest?
For hardness, yes—diamonds are harder than any other cutting material. But they’re not always best for every material.
Are diamond drill bits real diamonds?
Yes—industrial-grade synthetic diamonds are bonded to the bit’s cutting surface.
Will a carbide bit drill stainless steel?
Yes—carbide bits excel at cutting stainless steel with proper speed, feed, and lubrication.
Why are carbide bits so expensive?
Tungsten carbide is costly to produce and machine, plus it offers superior performance and lifespan.