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.