If you’ve been asking yourself, “Can I use a metal drill bit on masonry?”, you might be wondering if these drill bits will get the job done. It is not recommended as the hole will not be accurate and your drill bit will be damaged. Drilling through masonry involves knocking parts of the material to break. You might get a few holes into the masonry but it won’t be effective. Metal bits are made to drill through metals, which means that it’s best to use masonry drill bits for masonry and metal drill bits for metal.

Do you need a hammer drill to drill into concrete or can you use regular drills? The latter may work if you let the drill do the work without forcing but it is still better to invest in a hammer drill that has the ability to vibrate and break up concrete more effectively. Hammer drills can be used for brick and other masonry, too. Drilling into concrete with a regular drill will be slow and may also result in worn bits. For best results, use a hammer drill and invest in quality masonry drill bits that are made especially for concrete.

Can a cordless drill drill concrete? This depends on the type of drill you have. Corded drills are more effective when drilling concrete. Cordless drills can do the job, provided it has a decent battery power, torque and hammer action that allows it to drill through concrete. Your drill will also need an impact setting. But generally speaking, they will be much slower and are not ideal. At a push, for once-off smaller home DIY projects, you could use a standard cordless drill but you would get better results with a corded drill if you are aiming to drill concrete for heavy-duty projects like flooring, demolition or joint clearing.

A question often asked at Ruwag is, “How do I choose a masonry drill bit?” It can be confusing to know which bit is right for your project. Masonry includes concrete, brick and mortar, as well as stone. Hard masonry like concrete requires a tough heavy-duty bit with an adapted tip that makes breaking through concrete easier. Brick is softer, and standard bits can be used for drilling. Whichever you choose, carbide tips will ensure results. The best way to choose a masonry drill bit is to use a selection chart that helps you compare drill bits and types of masonry.

How do you drill through masonry, you may be wondering? The first and most important step is to choose proper drill bits made for masonry, with strong tungsten carbide tips that can break through masonry easily. These include different bits for concrete, stone and brick, each with its own design. Choose the size of the bits carefully as well. Clear the dust as you go, easing and withdrawing. Let the drill do its work without forcing. Your aim is to break small holes as you drill through masonry, rather than drilling right through.