Frequently Asked Questions

At a glance, drill bits can look much the same. If you take a closer look, there are differences between drill bits for various purposes. There are a few ways to identify metal drill bits. The first (and easiest) way is to browse metal bit categories that show all metal bits in one place. You can also look for HSS (High Speed Steel) bits that are typically used with metal, or look for cobalt, titanium, turbo or industrial drill bits that are also used to drill through metal.

Drilling through metal requires specialised drill bits that will help you make clean holes. These bits are extra sharp to cut through metal smoothly and evenly. There are a few different types of metal drill bits, ranging from standard (for regular purposes) to industrial (for heavy-duty drilling) and step bits (for sheet metal). Many multi-purpose drill bits can also be used, provided they are suitable for metal. Once you’ve got the right bit, use a rotary drill at the recommended speed.

Metal drill bits are typically made from HSS (High Speed Steel), with coatings of other metal that affect their performance and strength. It is these coatings that give the drill bits their different colours. Standard HSS bits are darker coloured, while industrial bits look like regular steel. Others have a gold colour, which comes from their titanium nitride coating. Although colour is one way to identify metal drill bits, the best way to choose bits is to use a selection chart when making your selection.

Metal is drilled with a rotary type drill. Holes are made into the metal and although metal drill bits are extremely sharp, drill bits will wear out quickly if drilled at too a high speed. To get smooth, even holes, you will need to go sat the recommended speed. Drill speed will need to be reduced in harder material and also with larger diameter bits. This is the best way to get accurate holes without the risk of causing uneven, messy holes. Along with premium drill bits for metal, going slow will deliver results, every time.

Can this be done with a regular drill? The answer to this comes down the hardness of the steel. Obviously, hardened steel is already hard to drill through to make standard holes. Making those holes bigger may not be as easy as drilling the original holes. Enlarging holes is a different process that may require a drill press or specialised tool such as a reamer. You could also look at first heating the original hole and then using a grinding tool to enlarge a hole in hardened steel.

Read this blog post How Can I Extend The Life Of My Metal Drill Bit? to find out how to extend the life of your Ruwag metal drill bit by ensuring that you use the correct drill bits and drill at the right speed.

To help you find the best drill bits for metal projects, we’ve put together a list of the most commonly used metal bits What are the best Drill Bits for Metal?

Whatever material you are drilling, choosing the right drill bits is essential. Read this blog post Which is Best - Cobalt or HSS Drill Bits? to find out whether Cobalt or HSS bits are the right choice for your project.

Drilling stainless steel can be challenging, despite the fact that it’s not the hardest type of metal. To get the most from drilling stainless steel, here are some tips to keep in mind Everything You Need to Know About Drilling Stainless Steel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have you ever wondered how far you can drill into brick or concrete surfaces with your Ruwag drill bit? Read this blog post How far can I drill into brick or concrete surfaces? to find out more.

Drill bits for concrete have been specially designed to drill into extremely hard masonry. It is essential to use the correct bits for projects involving concrete. In this guide What are the best Drill Bits for Concrete?, we share some of the best bits you will need for drilling into concrete.

In this guide Everything You Need to Know About Drilling into Brick, we share some advice on drilling into brick, to help you get the best results from your projects.

A bit that is made specifically for drilling through ceramic tile is the best way to ensure that you are able to drill through without breaking or damaging the tile or your bit. These bits have strong, long-lasting asymmetrical carbide tips that help them get through tile smoothly and cleanly. Diamond core bits can be used for heavy-duty industrial or granite tiles. It is also important to use a rotary drill and not a hammer drill, as hammering can very quickly break and damage ceramic tiles.

There are three main types of drill bits for ceramics - standard ceramic tile bits, glass and tile bits and diamond core bits. While glass and tile bits may work for regular tile, diamond core bits are made for granite tile. A specialised ceramic tile bit is the best choice to drill through porcelain without the risk of damaged tile or drill bit. Make sure that you use this bit in a rotary drill. Hammer drills can end up breaking the tile as they are not made for ceramics.

You can drill into just about every type of material, as long as you use the right drill and the right drill bits for the material you are drilling into. Ceramic tile drill bits are the best choice for drilling into porcelain tiles. For granite tiles, a diamond core drill bit is a better choice. A general glass and tile drill can be used for medium-wear tiles as well as glass. Whichever drill bit you use, make sure that you use a rotary drill rather than a hammer drill, which can easily break ceramic.

There are two answers to this question. First, you need to choose the right drill. Hammer drills are made to break through tile, with a vibrating action that will destroy tile very quickly. Rotary type drills will drill through tile, without the risk of damage. Next, you need to choose the right drill bit. There are many types of drill bits and each is made for the material you are drilling. A ceramic tile drill bit is always the best choice to get the job done properly.

The answer to this is a definite no. With a hammering action that allows them to break through material rather than drill into material, hammer drills are best suited to masonry such as brick and concrete. They are not made for materials such as ceramics, however, and should not be used on tile. Using a hammer drill on ceramic tiles will shatter or break the tile very quickly when using the hammer function. Instead, use a rotary drill when drilling into ceramic tile.

In this guide What are the Best Drill Bits for Glass & Tile?, we share some of the best Ruwag drill bits for glass and tile to help you choose the best bit for your project.

Get that kitchen or bathroom renovation underway with these tips on how to drill through tiles Top Tips for Drilling Through Tiles.

Whether you’re updating your bathroom walls or floors or doing other renovations around the home, these tips Everything You Need to Know About Drilling Porcelain Tiles will make it easier to drill through porcelain for the best results.

You should never try and use an SDS bit in a regular drill. Due to the unique design that allows them to move backwards and forwards in the chuck, these bits are made specifically for SDS drills and not for chucks on rotary and hammer drills. There is a big risk of bits loosening if you use SDS drill bits in a regular drill, which will damage the drill. You can, however, use SDS chucks that are adapted for hammer drills.

These drill bits are different in a number of ways. There are two types of SDS bit: SDS-Plus and SDS-Max. SDS-Plus bits are the most common for basic renovation and work and include standard, professional and industrial bits. SDS-Max bits are made for heavy-duty drilling with an SDS chuck and hammer drill. Using the wrong bit can cause damage to your drill bits, drill and the material you are drilling. With that in mind, it is always a good idea to view a drill bit selection chart when choosing your SDS drill bits.

Made for SDS-Max drills, these bits are larger with a greater number of indentations and a unique flute design. They are typically used for heavy-duty work to break through hardened concrete, rebar and stone, making them ideal for demolition work. The risk of jamming is reduced, thanks to their design, which also allows for easier removal of dust while drilling. SDS-Max bits are long-lasting and durable, with a carbide tip that further adds to their strength. SDS-Max drill bits are made to be used with rotary hammer tools along with an SDS-Max chuck.

Both the SDS and SDS-Plus bits are interchangeable, with a 10mm diameter. You can use either of these in the same drill without any problems. SDS-Max shanks are a bit bigger, at 18mm in diameter. This is because they are typically used for heavy-duty work. SDS-Max bits are therefore not able to fit securely into SDS or SDS-Plus drills. You can, however, use chuck adapters to use any type of SDS drill bit in any type of SDS drill.

Chuck adapters allow you to use SDS-Plus drill bits in an SDS-Max drill and vice versa. Keyed or keyless chucks can be fitted to the rotary drill easily with the help of an adapter. You should never use the hammer function on your drill when you use your adapter and a standard chuck. SDS-Plus adapters are meant to be used for rotary drilling with standard rotary drilling rather than percussion mode. Using hammer action could damage your drill and damage the drill bits and the chuck in the process. Adapters are often sold alongside drill chucks.

The SDS type fitting is specially designed to transfer the impact force of a rotary hammer to enable it to pulverize masonry, so bits with this shank type are not available for any other application. However, it is possible to convert an SDS Plus machine to take regular shanked drill bits by fitting an SDS adaptor and chuck, which will then enable you to use drill bits for wood, metal or any other bit that requires only rotary motion without hammer action.

Read this blog post What does PGM actually mean? and which criteria a masonry SDS drill bit needs to meet to become PGM certified.

For those looking for the best SDS drill bits for masonry, it can be a bit confusing to know the difference between SDS Max and SDS Plus. There are a few key differences that will determine which is the best option for your project. Read this blog post What is the Difference Between SDS Max and SDS Plus? to find out more.

If you’re planning to do some renovation or demolition, an SDS drill is the way to go. Read this blog post What is an SDS Drill and why should you get one? to find out more.

There are several different types of wood drill bit, with each type serving a different purpose. Some bits, like the flat bit, are made for drilling standard holes, while others like the forstner bit are made for flat bottomed holes. One of the most versatile bits that can be used on a wide range of projects involving wood is the brace auger drill bit. This bit makes clean holes into various types of wood, with sizes ranging from 4mm to 30mm. Ultimately, however, the best wood drill bit comes down to your specific project.

There are a few wood drill bits that are used to make different types of holes in wood. Brad drill bits are used to make small, clean holes. Flat bits are used to make larger holes. Forstner bits make flat bottomed holes. Brace auger bits make deep holes in wood. Turbo bits make holes in a range of sizes in wood. The type of wood drill bit you use will depend on the project you are planning and whether you need to make larger, smaller holes, deeper or smoother holes in wood./p>

Besides multi-material bits, most drill bits are designed to drill into or through specific materials. Metal drill bits are made to drill into metal and need more force and power in order to get through various metals. Wood drill bits, on the other hand, are made to drill clean holes into different types of wood. You can use a metal bit on wood if you use far less pressure. It is still best to use wood drill bits for your wood projects to get flawless results without the risk of tearing if you use too much force.

For starters, you need to make sure that you are using the right wood drill bit and the right sized bit. Using a bit that is too big or long for your project will damage the wood. Always use a selection guide to choose the right bit for your specific project. Another tip to prevent splintering is to wrap a bit of tape around the shaft to use it as a depth gauge. You can then hold the drill steady and slowly drill into your hole without going too far.

There are many different drill bits for wood. It can be a little confusing to know which bit is right for your project. Here are some of the most commonly used drill bits for wood-working projects What are the Best Drill Bits for Wood?

In this guide All your Brad Point Drill Bit Questions Answered, we’ll be taking a closer look at these bits so that you can get a better of how they work (and why you may need one for your projects).

Whether you are building a cabinet or hanging shelves, pilot holes are essential before you begin screwing into wood. Read this blog post Why Use Pilot Holes Before Screwing into Wood? to find out why.

In this guide For the best performance of Bi-Metal Hole Saws, we share some of the Do's and Don'ts for the best performance of Bi-Metal Hole Saws.

Hole saws are a type of drill bit that is designed to cut smooth, clean holes into a variety of materials. To help you find out how to use these bits for your project, we’ve put together a guide Everything You Need to Know About Hole Saws. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about these versatile bits.

If you have not used a hole saw arbor before or you are still relatively new to these drill bits, you may have a few questions. Read this blog post Your Hole Saw Arbor Questions Answered to see some the questions often asked by Ruwag customers.

To get the most from your hole saw, here are a few challenges to keep in mind 5 Hole Saw Challenges (And How to Solve Them).

To help you get a better understanding of the subtle but important differences, we’ve put together a guide Are Hole Saw Arbors Interchangeable? to hole bit arbor types and how they should be used.

In this guide Will a Hole Saw Cut Through Plastic?, we’ll share some tips on how to use hole bits on plastic for the best results.

One of the more challenging types of drill bits to sharpen is hole saws. Before you lose hope in ever getting your dull hole bit sharp again, here are a few things you can try Can Hole Saws be Sharpened?.

Short for Slotted Drive System, SDS tools are made for heavy-duty drilling in masonry. SDS chisels are made specifically for this type of drills. They are used for demolition, renovation and other projects involving hard materials. These chisels have an excellent performance level and a long lifespan, ensuring accuracy and precision during drilling. Tungsten carbide tips make them even more suitable for drilling into tough materials. There are many types of SDS chisel available at Ruwag, including flat, pointed, wide, tile, and gouging, all of which work with SDS-Plus and SDS-Max chucks.

A question we're often asked at Ruwag is, “Can I use a chisel bit in a hammer drill?” The answer to this question is yes – chisels can be used in hammer drills. You can use a standard hammer tool or, for best results, an SDS tool with SDS-Plus or Max chuck. Using the drill on hammer mode, you can choose the right chisel for the job at hand to break through tough masonry, including hardened concrete and stone. The hammer action allows chisel bits to chisel the material in order to break through more easily – something that rotary drills cannot do as well.

To break up hardened masonry such as concrete, you need a tool that has a lot of power and the ability to drill flooring, walls and other concrete structures. Hammer drills are the best tool for concrete, as they have a back and forth motion that makes the drilling easier. Rotary drills are suited to softer materials, drilling holes into the material. One of the best tools for concrete, however, is an SDS drill along with SDS-Max bits. These rotary hammer tools have more power, getting the job done smoothly and quickly.

SDS stands for Slotted Drive System, which applies to the shank type. This shank features two sets of grooves, which attached to the chuck, making it secure enough for the SDS drill bit to move upwards and downwards, rather than the typical back and forth hammer action. A big advantage of these shanks is that they fit easily into spring-loaded chucks, without the need for tightening. The SDS-Plus shank is made for use in SDS-Plus drills or hammer drills with an SDS chuck, to drill into hard masonry such as concrete more effectively.

From breaking through walls all the way to lifting tiles and creating channels in masonry, these chisels can be used in several types of projects. In this guide What is an SDS Chisel Used For?, we’ll share some of the most common uses for chisel bits.

In this guide Can You Use an SDS Chisel in a Hammer Drill?, we’ll share some tips on using SDS chisels in hammer drills, to give you a better idea of which drill type is best for these bits.

SDS chisels include several types, each with a unique design that allows it to get the job done. In this guide What Are The Different Types of SDS Chisels?, you’ll learn more about the different types of SDS chisels and find out which is best for your project.

Knowing the most common mistakes to watch out for when using these bits will go a long way in using them properly, without any issues. In this guide 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Using SDS Chisels, we’ll share some of the biggest mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.

In this guide Essential Safety Tips for Using SDS Chisels, we’re sharing some tips on how to use your SDS chisels safely, so that you can get the best results with peace of mind knowing as you work.

Choosing the right drill bit is essential, whatever type of project you are planning. If you’re still relatively new to drilling, you may be wondering which bit is best. To ensure that you find the right drill bit for your project, there are a few things to consider. Read this blog post How to Choose the Right Drill Bit to find out more.

How do you go about choosing the right power tool? There are a few main factors that will determine the type of tool you choose. Here are some tips to keep in mind How to Choose the Right Power Tool.

Not sure how to drill holes? You’re not alone. For new DIY enthusiasts, it can be daunting to know how to start drilling. We’ve put together some tips to help you drill holes like a pro How to Drill Holes

Few things are more frustrating than getting your drill bit stuck in the middle of a project. Whether your bit is stuck in your drill or it’s gotten stuck in your material, you will need to remove it carefully to prevent damage and you will need to follow a few basic pointers to remove the stuck drill bit safely How do you Remove a Stuck Drill Bit.

If you’re planning a project that requires smooth, precise holes in wood, you will need a Hole Saw Drill. We’re sharing some tips on how to use your hole saw bit to get the best results from your project How to use a Hole Saw.

Safety should always come first when it comes to using power tools. Far too many accidents happen when tools are used incorrectly. Here are some of the important safety measures you will need to have in place when using your power tools at any given time How to use Power Tools Safely.

In this guide How to Choose a Cordless Drill, we share some tips on choosing a cordless drill, along with some features to look for when making your selection.

Wondering how to choose a drill press? And, more importantly, how to use the tool once you’ve chosen your press? In this guide How to Choose a Drill Press, we share some tips to help you get started.

Most people doing DIY jobs around the house don’t have a drill press, however, this means using a regular cordless drill instead. Luckily, there are a few ways that you can get straight, square holes without the risk of bits wandering. Read this blog post How to Drill Straight Holes without a Drill Press to find out more.

In this guide How to Drill Perfect Vertical Holes, we share some tips on how to drill vertical holes into wood.

In this guide How to Drill Large Holes into Wood, we share a list of the bits you’ll need to drill large holes into wood.

If you’re planning a home DIY project involving plastic, this guide How to Drill Holes into Plastic Without Cracks will show you how to drill into plastic without the risk of cracks or splinters.

Wondering how to use pilot holes when you’re drilling? Let’s take a look How to Use Pilot Holes When Drilling.

There are a few things that you should know to get the most from SDS drills. Let's take a look How to Use SDS Drills.

Before you get lost in the technical details that can often make it confusing to know which tool is best, read our guide on How to Choose the Right Cordless Drill or Driver.

You can extend the lifespan of your power tools and get the best results from your projects with a few steps. Read our blog post How to Look After Your Power Tools to find out how to protect your tools the right way.

A clean power drill will work better, last longer and save you a lot of time, hassle and money. Here are some of the steps How to clean your Power Drill you’ll need to do to keep your drill clean.

Ready to get your workshop organised? Here are a few tips How to Organise Your Workshop to get you going.

To keep your drills safe and out of the way, a tool storage shelf is incredibly useful. Here’s how you can make a simple but effective drill storage shelf How to Make a Drill Storage Shelf.

Changing the SDS chuck is not too complicated. Read this blog post How to Change an SDS Drill Chuck to see how.

Accuracy is everything with any type of drilling, whether it is small DIY jobs around the house or larger renovation projects. To make sure you always get the right size drill bit for the job at hand, we’ve put together a few tips How to Measure Drill Bit Size.

In this guide How to Make a Drill Bit Organiser, we’re sharing some ideas to get you motivated for some much-needed bit of organising.

Knowing how to use an SDS chisel is the best way to get maximum results from this type of bit. In this guide How to Use an SDS Chisel, we’ll share some tips on how to get started.

To help you get the best results, with minimal risk of damage to your bits, tools and workpiece, we’ve put together a few tips How to Use an SDS Drill With Chisel, on using your SDS drill with chisel bits.

If you haven’t used a specific bit before or you are fairly new to using drills in general, drill bit selection charts will help you make your selection easily. Read this blog post How to Read Drill Bit Selection Charts to learn more.

In this guide How to Use Hole Saws to Drill Through Metal, we’ll share some tips on choosing the best saw for drilling metal, and give you a few other pointers to get the most from this drill bit.

A cordless drill is a fantastic, versatile tool that allows you to complete a huge range of DIY projects. Whether you’re a beginner or you regularly take on projects during your downtime, these ideas are easy and fast Easy DIY Projects for Your Cordless Drill.

Here are the steps DIY Drilling Projects: Hanging Picture Frames on a Wall you’ll need to follow to hang picture frames on a wall.

Installing a dog door isn’t as difficult as it may seem. If you’re looking for a relatively simple DIY drilling project, you can get this one done in a few hours. In this DIY drilling project guide DIY Drilling Projects: Installing a Dog Door, we’ll give you some tips on how to install a dog door.

To help you make sure you’re equipped with all the basics, we’ve put together a list of the most useful tools for home DIY projects 5 Useful Tools for Home DIY Projects.

Drill bits play an important role in the success of every DIY project, no matter how big or small. In this guide Choosing the Best Drill Bits for your DIY Project, we will show you which type of drill bit you will need for your upcoming project so that you can get started.

In this guide Which Drill Bits Are Best for Total DIY Beginners?, we’ll share some advice on the most versatile, easy-to-use bits that you’ll want to have in your toolbox.

For those who don’t have a lot of experience using drills or other tools, knowing what to look for when getting a drill for DIY is essential. To make it easier to choose the best drill for DIY projects, here are some questions to ask Choosing the Right Drill for DIY Use.