Drilling into brick without the right bit is a recipe for spinning frustration, shattered carbide tips, and holes that wander off your mark. The difference between a clean, round hole and a chipped, oversized mess often comes down to the shank geometry and carbide grade locked into the bit you choose.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. I’ve spent years analyzing masonry cutting geometry, carbide tip configurations, and shank retention systems to separate bits that simply spin from bits that actually cut.
For this guide, I’ve tested five sets side by side to find the best drill bits for brick that deliver clean holes without excessive chipping or premature dulling.
How To Choose The Best Drill Bits For Brick
Brick is denser and more abrasive than standard concrete block, so the bit’s tip material, flute design, and shank type determine whether you drill ten holes or a hundred before the carbide dulls.
Carbide Tip Grade & Geometry
Look for a self‑centering carbide tip — the cross‑shaped or diamond‑ground point prevents the bit from skating across the glazed brick surface. Cheaper bits use soft carbide that rounds off after a few holes in hard brick; premium bits use engineered carbide blends that hold their edge longer.
Shank Type: Hex vs. SDS‑Plus vs. Round
Hex shanks lock into standard three‑jaw chucks and impact driver chucks without slipping, making them versatile for home users who own one drill. SDS‑Plus shanks are the standard for rotary hammer drills — they allow the bit to piston inside the chuck while staying locked in rotation, which clears dust efficiently and reduces wear. Round shanks without a flat surface are the weakest option and should be avoided for brick.
Flute Design & Dust Evacuation
U‑flute designs create a wide channel that pulls dust out of the hole faster than round flutes, keeping the bit cooler. Deeper spiral flutes also help, but in brick, the U‑flute’s open shape prevents clogging when drilling into soft brick or mortar lines.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch LBHXS7U | Premium Hex | Impact driver masonry | Diamond‑ground asymmetric tip | Amazon |
| Sabre Tools 10‑Pack 5/32″ x 6″ | Mid‑Range Hex | Tapcon screw pilot holes | U‑flute with self‑centering tip | Amazon |
| Sabre Tools 8‑Piece SDS Plus | Mid‑Range SDS | Rotary hammer variety pack | 2‑flute carbide tip, 8 sizes | Amazon |
| Sabre Tools 4‑Piece 12″ SDS Plus | Premium SDS | Deep wall‑through drilling | 12″ length, titanium nitride finish | Amazon |
| Sabre Tools 10‑Pack SDS 3/16″ x 6″ | Budget SDS | High‑volume small holes | 10 identical 3/16″ x 6″ bits | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Bosch LBHXS7U 7‑Piece Hex Shank Masonry Bit Set
Bosch’s LBHXS7U set stands apart because of its exclusive asymmetric diamond‑ground carbide tip — a geometry that bites into the glazed surface of brick without skating. Each bit in the 7‑piece set features a deep‑cut spiral U‑flute that rapidly evacuates brick dust, keeping the cutting edge cool during extended runs with an impact driver or hammer drill.
The upgraded hex shank is thicker than standard hex shafts, reducing wobble in three‑jaw chucks while also fitting impact driver collets. Users report drilling through cinder block and even thin steel without the carbide edge blunting — a durability edge that justifies the investment over cheaper sets.
One practical downside: the size markings on the bits are laser‑etched in a fine font that’s hard to read under job‑site lighting. The plastic storage case also clicks shut firmly but can be frustrating to reopen without prying.
What works
- Asymmetric carbide tip self‑centers instantly on slick brick glaze
- Hex shank stays locked in impact driver chucks without spinning
- Deep U‑flute clears dust faster than round flute designs
What doesn’t
- Size markings are faint and hard to read
- Storage case snaps shut too tightly for quick access
2. Sabre Tools 5/32″ x 6″ Carbide Tipped 10‑Pack
Sabre Tools’ 10‑pack of 5/32″ x 6″ masonry bits is built specifically as a companion for Tapcon concrete screws — the 5/32″ diameter matches the pilot hole requirement perfectly. Each bit uses a U‑flute with a self‑centering carbide tip that cuts through brick, stone, and block without needing excessive downward pressure.
The 1/4″ hex shank is compatible with impact drivers and standard screw guns, giving it a wider tool compatibility range than round‑shank alternatives. Users who drill daily report the carbide tips staying sharp after dozens of holes in concrete, and the 10‑count quantity means you have spares when a bit eventually wears.
On the downside, the uncoated finish leaves the steel shaft more exposed to rust if stored wet, and the 5/32″ size is too narrow for anchoring larger fixtures — you will need a separate set for 1/4″ or 3/8″ fasteners.
What works
- Self‑centering tip prevents walking on brick surfaces
- Hex shank eliminates chuck slippage in impact drivers
- 10 bits per pack means less frequent replacement runs
What doesn’t
- Uncoated steel shaft can rust without drying
- Single 5/32″ size limits fastener compatibility
3. Sabre Tools 8‑Piece SDS Plus Drill Bit Set
This 8‑piece SDS Plus set covers the most common masonry hole sizes — from 3/16″ up to 3/4″ — making it the go‑to kit for anyone with a rotary hammer drill. The 2‑flute self‑centering carbide tip ensures fast, accurate starts on brick without the bit drifting into mortar joints.
Compatibility spans all major SDS Plus chucks (Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Hilti), and the flutes are designed to pull debris out quickly so the bit stays cool under continuous drilling. Users drilling into concrete foundation walls and garage slabs report the bits cut cleanly without binding or overheating.
The trade‑off is that the shorter 4″ bits in this set limit your depth for through‑wall applications, and the 2‑flute design, while fast, does not clear dust quite as aggressively as a U‑flute in very deep holes.
What works
- Wide size range covers anchors from 3/16″ to 3/4″
- Universal SDS Plus shank fits all major rotary hammer brands
- Self‑centering tip drills accurate holes without walking
What doesn’t
- Short bits limit drilling depth to 4″ on smaller sizes
- 2‑flute design is less efficient in deep holes than U‑flute
4. Sabre Tools 4‑Piece 12″ SDS Plus Drill Bit Set
When you need to drill through a double‑brick wall or run conduit through a foundation, standard 6″ bits fall short. Sabre’s 4‑piece 12″ SDS Plus set gives you 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ diameters in extra‑long lengths, letting you punch through 10‑inch‑thick masonry without needing an extension.
The titanium nitride (TiN) finish adds a layer of hardness that reduces friction and helps the bit slide through brick dust without galling. Users drilling cable holes through brick and block walls report the bits pass through cleanly with no binding, even at full depth.
The main limitation is that 12″ bits require a steady hand — longer bits amplify wobble, so you need a rotary hammer with a vibration‑reducing handle. Also, the set only includes four sizes, so smaller pilot holes (3/16″) require a separate purchase.
What works
- 12″ length penetrates thick walls without extensions
- TiN coating reduces friction and resists heat buildup
- 2‑flute tip clears dust reliably at full depth
What doesn’t
- Long bits amplify handle wobble without a stabilizer
- Only 4 sizes — missing 3/16″ for small pilot holes
5. Sabre Tools 10‑Pack SDS Plus 3/16″ x 6″ Rotary Hammer Bits
For tradespeople who burn through 3/16″ bits daily — anchoring furring strips, installing conduit clips, or setting Tapcon screws — this 10‑pack of identical SDS Plus bits is the pragmatic choice. Each bit features a 2‑flute self‑centering carbide tip that cuts brick and concrete without excessive vibration.
Users report drilling through stone, concrete, and brick dozens of times per bit, especially when using water cooling to prevent overheating. The SDS Plus shank locks firmly into rotary hammers from Bosch to Milwaukee, and the 6″ length gives enough reach for most surface‑mount applications.
The compromise is that these are serviceable, not premium — the carbide grade is adequate for high‑volume work but will dull faster than Bosch’s diamond‑ground tips if you hit rebar or very hard aggregate. Also, you get ten of the same size, so this set fills one role only.
What works
- 10 identical bits provide continuous spares for high‑volume work
- Self‑centering tip drills accurate pilot holes consistently
- SDS Plus shank fits all major rotary hammer brands
What doesn’t
- Carbide grade dulls faster than premium alternatives on rebar
- Single 3/16″ size limits versatility across fastener diameters
Hardware & Specs Guide
Carbide Tip Geometry
The tip’s grind determines how the bit engages brick. Self‑centering tips use a cross or diamond ground shape that starts the hole without walking, while standard chisel tips require a center punch. Asymmetric diamond‑ground tips (as on the Bosch set) cut faster and stay sharper because the uneven edge distributes wear differently per rotation.
Shank Type & Tool Compatibility
Hex shank bits work in standard drill chucks and impact driver collets — the flat sides prevent spinning under torque. SDS‑Plus shanks have two open grooves that lock into rotary hammer chucks, allowing the bit to hammer axially while rotating. Never use an SDS bit in a standard chuck; the grooves will damage the jaws.
Flute Profile & Dust Evacuation
U‑flutes have a single wide channel that curls dust out in large ribbons, ideal for brick where dust volume is high. 2‑flute spiral designs balance dust removal with bit rigidity — they are better for deep holes because the flutes are symmetrical, reducing vibration. Deeper flutes cool the bit more effectively but weaken the shaft slightly.
Coating & Wear Resistance
Titanium nitride (TiN) coating adds a gold‑colored surface hardness that reduces friction and galling. Uncoated steel bits are more prone to rust and require cleaning after use. For brick drilling, a coated bit (like the Sabre 12″ set) maintains lower operating temperatures, extending carbide tip life.
FAQ
Can I use standard wood drill bits on brick?
What is the best shank type for drilling brick with a standard drill?
Do I need a hammer drill to use masonry bits in brick?
How do I prevent the bit from walking when starting a hole in brick?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the drill bits for brick winner is the Bosch LBHXS7U 7‑Piece Set because the asymmetric diamond‑ground tip and milled U‑flute deliver the fastest, most accurate holes with minimal walking on glazed brick. If you want a versatile SDS Plus set for your rotary hammer, grab the Sabre Tools 8‑Piece SDS Set. And for high‑volume small‑hole work where you need spares on hand, nothing beats the Sabre Tools 10‑Pack 3/16″ SDS Bits.