Drilling into brick, concrete, or block demands a bit that can handle percussion without dulling after a few holes. A standard wood bit will overheat and lose its edge instantly, leaving you frustrated with half-drilled anchor points and stripped shanks.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. I’ve spent years analyzing masonry bit geometries, carbide grades, and flute designs to separate the bits that chew through reinforced concrete from those that simply spin in place.
The key difference lies in the tip geometry and shank type: a diamond-ground carbide tip with a proper flute profile decides whether you finish the job or fight the material. That is exactly what this guide helps you navigate when shopping for the best masonry drill bits.
How To Choose The Best Masonry Drill Bits
Selecting the right masonry bit comes down to matching the shank type to your drill, the carbide quality to the material hardness, and the flute design to the debris load. Ignoring any one of these variables guarantees slow drilling or premature bit failure.
Shank Type: SDS-Plus vs. Hex vs. Three-Flat
SDS-Plus bits lock into rotary hammers with a grooved shank that allows the bit to slide and hammer independently — essential for deep concrete drilling. Hex shank bits fit impact drivers and standard hammer drills but lack the retention of SDS-Plus in heavy use. Three-flat shanks (common in percussion sets) prevent slipping in keyed chucks but can still rotate under high torque. Choose SDS-Plus for a dedicated rotary hammer and hex for multi-tool versatility.
Carbide Tip Design: Diamond-Ground vs. Two-Cutter
Diamond-ground carbide tips create a sharper cutting edge that bites into aggregate without skating across the surface. Two-cutter tips maximize carbide surface contact, extending life in abrasive materials like brick and block. The cutting angle — typically 118 or 135 degrees — affects how well the bit centers itself; steeper angles (135) reduce walking on smooth tile, while wider angles (118) clear debris faster in soft masonry.
Flute Geometry and Dust Removal
U-flutes and deep-cut spiral flutes eject pulverized material from the hole, reducing friction and heat buildup. Four-flute designs clear debris faster than two-flute variants, but they also reduce the core thickness and can weaken the bit in dense reinforced concrete. For general block and brick, a two- or four-flute bit with a deep spiral works best.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabre Tools 8-Piece SDS Plus | SDS-Plus | Rotary hammer concrete | 2-flute self-centering carbide tip | Amazon |
| Bosch 5 pc. Hex Shank LBHX0045 | Hex Shank | Impact driver versatility | Asymmetric diamond-ground tip | Amazon |
| DEWALT 7-Piece DW5207 | Percussion | Brick and block drilling | 4-flute design, 135° tip | Amazon |
| Bosch LBHXS7U 7 pc. Hex Set | Hex Shank | Impact-rated masonry | Milled U-flute deep-cut spiral | Amazon |
| Makita 5-Piece SDS-Plus | SDS-Plus | Aggressive concrete drilling | Tungsten carbide tip, special flute | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Sabre Tools 8-Piece SDS Plus Drill Bit Set
This eight-piece set covers the most common SDS-Plus sizes from 3/16-inch up to 3/4-inch, giving you a solid range for anchor bolts, conduit straps, and rebar-free concrete work. Each bit uses a two-flute self-centering carbide tip that starts cleanly without walking, and the symmetrical flute geometry pushes dust out efficiently during rotary hammer operation.
The 118-degree cutting angle balances penetration speed with centering accuracy in brick and block. Users report drilling through garage foundations and exterior walls without dulling, which speaks to the carbide quality at this tier. The included 6-inch lengths on the larger diameters give you enough reach for most residential concrete pours.
The bits lack a friction-reducing coating, so in very hard aggregate you may notice heat buildup on longer holes. Still, for the variety and consistent cut performance, this set punches well above what the price suggests. It is compatible with all major SDS-Plus rotary hammer brands.
What works
- Self-centering tip reduces walking on smooth concrete
- Wide size range covers most anchor and fastener needs
- Solid carbide retention after repeated percussion cycles
What doesn’t
- Uncoated finish can generate heat in dense aggregate
- Storage case not included for organization
2. Bosch 5 pc. 1/4 in. X 6 in. Hex Shank Hammer Drill Masonry Bits LBHX0045
The Bosch hex shank design allows these bits to lock into impact drivers and standard hammer drills without a keyed chuck, making them far more versatile than dedicated SDS-Plus bits. Each bit features an asymmetric diamond-ground carbide tip that bites aggressively into mortar, brick, and light concrete without needing a dedicated rotary hammer.
Bosch uses their own proprietary carbide formulation, and the milled U-flutes with a deep-cut spiral evacuate debris noticeably faster than straight-flute competitors. Users switching from generic store-brand bits report drilling five holes in mortar where the previous bits failed on the first attempt. The 118-degree cutting angle keeps the bit centered through tile glaze and hard brick faces.
The set only includes five bits, all 1/4-inch diameter, which limits you to smaller anchor installations. For light masonry work, curtain rods, and exterior shutter mounting, these bits reduce tool changes and chuck slippage dramatically.
What works
- Hex shank works in impact drivers and hammer drills
- Diamond-ground tip penetrates mortar without skating
- U-flute clears material faster than straight flute designs
What doesn’t
- Only a single diameter size in the five-piece pack
- Not suitable for deep concrete pours with a standard drill
3. DEWALT Masonry Drill Bit Set, Percussion, Concrete & Block, 7-Piece (DW5207)
The DEWALT DW5207 uses a two-cutter carbide tip that maximizes carbide surface contact against the work surface, extending bit life in abrasive brick and block. The four-flute design aggressively pulls debris out of the hole, which prevents the bit from binding and overheating during continuous percussion drilling with a hammer drill.
The three-flat shank eliminates slipping in a keyed chuck, a common frustration with round-shank masonry bits under high torque. Users report drilling through tough concrete where budget bits gave up, and the included seven sizes with a carry case make site transport straightforward. The 135-degree cutting angle reduces walking on hard surfaces better than shallower angles.
German manufacturing shows in the machining precision, though the plastic storage case feels thin compared to the bits themselves. For anyone using a standard percussion hammer drill on brick, block, and light concrete, this set provides the debris clearance and tip retention needed for reliable hole placement.
What works
- Four-flute design clears dust fast during heavy use
- Three-flat shank stays locked in keyed chucks
- Two-cutter tip extends life in abrasive block and brick
What doesn’t
- Storage case feels cheap for a premium brand set
- Not compatible with SDS-Plus rotary hammers
4. Bosch LBHXS7U 7 pc. Hex Shank Hammer Drill Masonry Bit Set
Expanding on the smaller hex set, the Bosch LBHXS7U includes seven bits with a broader diameter range, all featuring the same asymmetric diamond-ground carbide tip and milled U-flute design. Each bit is impact-rated, meaning it can survive the rotational hammering of an impact driver without snapping at the shank — a common failure point in lesser hex bits.
Bosch’s exclusive carbide formulation resists chipping when the bit encounters embedded aggregate or rebar glancing blows. The 120-degree cutting angle sits between traditional masonry and tile bits, giving it a slight advantage on harder surfaces like engineering brick. Users report drilling through concrete for ceiling hooks and cinder block without noticeable dulling after multiple holes.
The bits fit snugly in the included case, but removing them requires a firm pull, and the size markings are difficult to read without good light. For someone running an impact driver on masonry jobs and wanting one set to cover most residential tasks, this kit offers the best diameter variety in a hex shank format.
What works
- Impact-rated shank withstands hammering without snapping
- Diamond-ground carbide tip bites hard in dense material
- Seven-piece set covers more diameter options than the 5-pack
What doesn’t
- Case is tight and size markings are hard to read
- Bits are short for deep concrete anchor installations
5. Makita 5 Piece SDS-Plus Drill Bit Set D-07973
Makita’s five-piece SDS-Plus set focuses on the most requested anchor sizes — 3/16 through 1/2 inch — all at 6-1/4 inches long, which is enough depth for most concrete fastener applications. The hardened tungsten carbide tip and specialized flute geometry are optimized for aggressive drilling in reinforced concrete and dense masonry where standard bits slow down.
Users report that these bits bite hard and show no wear after drilling several holes in hard concrete, and the flute design clears dust faster than traditional straight-flute bits. The taper point helps the bit self-center on uneven surfaces, reducing pilot hole requirements. Compatibility extends to all SDS-Plus rotary hammers from DeWalt, Bosch, Hilti, and Makita.
Buyers should note that these bits are SDS-Plus only — they will not fit a standard keyed chuck hammer drill without an adapter, and the short flute length limits debris clearance in deep holes. For anyone running a rotary hammer on concrete anchors, this is a compact, high-quality set that leaves little waste.
What works
- Tungsten carbide tip stays sharp through hard aggregate
- Specialist flute design clears dust efficiently
- Self-centering taper point reduces walking
What doesn’t
- SDS-Plus only — not compatible with standard chucks
- Only five pieces with no larger diameter than 1/2 inch
Hardware & Specs Guide
SDS-Plus vs. Hex Shank
SDS-Plus bits have a grooved shank that locks into a rotary hammer’s chuck, allowing the bit to slide and hammer independently. This design transfers maximum impact energy to the carbide tip and is essential for drilling deeper than 2 inches in reinforced concrete. Hex shank bits fit impact drivers and standard hammer drills, offering tool versatility but with less retention under heavy percussion. Choose SDS-Plus for dedicated concrete work and hex for mixed-material jobs where you switch between drill types.
Carbide Tip Geometry and Cutting Angle
Diamond-ground tips start sharper and maintain their edge longer through abrasive brick and block, while two-cutter tips maximize surface contact for extended life in softer materials like mortar. The cutting angle — 118, 120, or 135 degrees — affects how the bit centers: 118-degree bits walk less on hard surfaces but 135-degree bits clear debris faster. Staggered or asymmetric tip designs reduce vibration and improve hole roundness in uneven concrete.
FAQ
Can I use masonry drill bits in a regular drill without hammer function?
What is the difference between SDS-Plus and SDS-Max drill bits?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best masonry drill bits winner is the Sabre Tools 8-Piece SDS Plus Set because it combines a broad size range with a self-centering carbide tip that performs reliably in concrete, block, and brick without requiring a premium budget. If you want impact driver versatility and diamond-ground precision, grab the Bosch 5 pc. Hex Shank LBHX0045. And for deep, aggressive concrete drilling with a rotary hammer, nothing beats the bite of the Makita 5-Piece SDS-Plus Set.