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.
- Show All
- 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
Which is better cobalt drill bits or carbide tipped drill bits?
Cobalt is better for general hard metal work; carbide tipped is best for extreme hardness or abrasive materials.
What’s better than carbide drill bits?
For most metals—nothing. For masonry, diamond bits can outperform carbide in speed and durability.
What are the advantages of carbide tips?
Longer life, better heat resistance, faster cutting, and the ability to drill harder materials.
What are carbide tipped drill bits used for?
Drilling through masonry, concrete, tile, hardened steel, and other tough materials.
Is carbide tipped the same as diamond tipped?
No. Carbide tipped uses tungsten carbide inserts; diamond tipped uses bonded diamond grit for cutting.
How to tell if a drill bit is carbide tipped?
The cutting edges will be visibly brazed onto the steel body, often a different color or texture.
How to tell if a drill bit has a carbide tip?
Look for a silver or gray insert at the cutting edge—different from the bit’s main body.
How long do carbide drill bits last?
With proper use, they can outlast HSS by 10–20 times, especially in hard materials.
Do carbide drill bits break easily?
They’re extremely hard but brittle—excessive side pressure or flexing can cause breakage.
Can you sharpen carbide tip drill bits?
Yes, but you’ll need a diamond grinding wheel—standard grinders won’t work.
Can you recycle carbide drill bits?
Yes. Many scrap yards and tool suppliers buy used carbide for recycling.
Are titanium drill bits stronger than carbide?
No. Titanium-coated bits are still HSS underneath. Carbide is harder and more wear-resistant.
Are diamond drill bits better than carbide?
For stone, tile, and glass—yes, diamond is better. For metal, carbide outperforms diamond bits.
Are cobalt bits better than carbide?
Not for the hardest materials. Cobalt is tougher and more forgiving, but carbide stays sharper longer and handles extreme hardness better.
Are carbide drill bits worth it?
Yes—if you drill hard materials like stainless steel, cast iron, or hardened alloys. They cut faster, stay sharp longer, and handle heat better than HSS.