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
Do masonry drill bits go blunt?
Yes — they wear over time, especially when used on very hard materials or without cooling.
Should you drill masonry bits fast or slow?
Use a slow to medium speed with steady pressure. Too much speed generates heat and dulls the tip quickly.
Is there a difference between a masonry and concrete drill bit?
No — masonry bits are designed to handle concrete as well as brick, block, and stone.
Is a hammer drill better for masonry?
Yes — hammer action chips the material as you drill, making the process faster and easier on the bit.
Can you use a masonry bit with any drill?
Yes, but for best results use a hammer drill or rotary hammer. A standard drill will work but will be slower and may overheat.
Can titanium drill bits go through brick?
Not effectively — use carbide-tipped masonry bits for brick.
Can I use an HSS or titanium drill bit for masonry?
No — they will overheat and dull quickly on masonry. HSS and titanium bits are for metal and wood.
Can a masonry bit drill through metal?
No — masonry bits are not designed for metal. Use HSS, cobalt, or carbide-tipped metal bits instead.
Can a masonry bit drill through rock, stone, or drywall?
Yes — masonry bits work on rock, natural stone, and drywall. For stone, go slow with steady pressure and cooling if possible.
Do I need a masonry bit to drill into concrete or brick?
Yes — a standard HSS or wood bit will dull quickly or fail. Use a carbide-tipped masonry bit for these materials.
Are silver drill bits for concrete or masonry?
Yes — many masonry bits are silver or gray and will work on concrete, brick, and block.
What color drill bits are for masonry?
Color varies by manufacturer. Identify masonry bits by their carbide tip shape, not the color.
Are masonry drill bits black or silver?
They can be either. Color is not the definitive guide — silver or gray bits are often uncoated carbide tips, while black bits may be coated for corrosion resistance. Always check the tip design to confirm it’s for masonry.
How can you tell if a drill bit is for masonry?
Masonry bits have a distinctive arrowhead-shaped tungsten carbide tip and a slightly duller, sometimes silver or gray finish. The cutting edges are wider than the shaft, designed to chip rather than shave material.
Is dry or wet core drilling better?
Wet drilling is better for bit life, cooling, and dust suppression; dry drilling is more convenient but harder on the bit.