Use a carbide-tipped masonry bit in a hammer drill, start slow and straight, and clear dust often to drill clean holes in concrete.
Drilling into concrete isn’t like drilling into wood. A standard drill and bit will spin uselessly or burn out. The right way to handle how to use a concrete drill bit comes down to three things: the correct tool, the correct technique, and patience. Get those right and you’ll set anchors and fasteners that hold for decades.
Pick the Right Bit and Drill
A concrete drill bit is a masonry bit with a carbide tip, designed to crush hard material rather than cut it. For most jobs, a hammer drill with a standard carbide-tipped bit works well. Bosch Professional states that to drill through rebar effectively, you need a hammer drill and a carbide-tipped drill bit.
For reinforced or structural concrete, a rotary hammer with an SDS Plus bit system is the better choice. SDS Plus bits handle the punishment of rebar and heavy aggregate far better than standard bits.
- Standard drill: Fine for soft masonry like brick or block, but inadequate for concrete and rebar.
- Hammer drill: The minimum for concrete; its pulsing action breaks up aggregate.
- SDS Plus rotary hammer: The right tool for reinforced or structural concrete and rebar-rich slabs.
If you are shopping for a bit, our tested roundup of the best concrete drill bits for tough jobs covers the models that handle rebar without dying.
Set Up the Hole Before Drilling
Mark the spot, and check for utilities like pipes or wiring before you start. This extra depth gives dust and debris somewhere to go so the anchor seats fully.
No depth stop on your drill? Wrap a piece of tape around the bit at the correct depth as a visual stop point. Install the carbide masonry bit securely in the chuck, and use the correct bit size for your anchor or screw.
Start with a pilot hole about one-eighth-inch deep, drilled perpendicular to the surface. This small guide hole keeps the larger bit from wandering across the concrete, especially on hard or slick surfaces.
Drill With Steady Pressure and Keep the Bit Cool
Start at the lowest speed and keep the drill perpendicular to the wall. Apply steady, light to firm pressure without forcing the tool—the hammer action and the bit do the work, not your body weight. Leaning on the drill with your full weight can overheat and ruin the bit.
Pull the bit out periodically to clear dust and prevent binding; for deep holes, do this every 10 to 15 seconds. A clogged flue stops the bit from cutting and can cause it to seize in the hole. Vacuum or blow the dust out of the hole before inserting the anchor or fastener.
If the bit binds, release the trigger and realign before continuing.
| Common Mistake | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Move |
|---|---|---|
| Using a standard drill | No hammer action to break up aggregate | Use a hammer drill or SDS rotary hammer |
| Drilling too fast at the start | Bit skates across the surface and wanders | Start at the lowest speed with a pilot hole |
| Forcing the bit with heavy pressure | Overheats and dulls the carbide tip | Let the hammer action do the work |
| Never clearing dust | Bit binds and hole quality suffers | Withdraw every 10–15 seconds on deep holes |
| Drilling too shallow | Anchor or screw won’t seat fully | Drill 1/4 inch deeper than the fastener length |
| Drilling at an angle | The hole wanders and the anchor sits crooked | Keep the drill perpendicular to the surface |
Stay Safe and Know Your Limits
Wear safety glasses, ear protection, and a dust mask when drilling concrete. The silica dust is hazardous to breathe, so use vacuum extraction or clean the dust out of the hole frequently. An auxiliary side handle on the drill adds stability and control.
These instructions apply to concrete, masonry, brick, and stone drilling with a masonry bit. Reinforced concrete and rebar-rich slabs may require SDS Plus tools and bits, or more specialized equipment. Bosch Professional’s guide to concrete drill bits covers the SDS Plus system and when it’s the right call.
If you hit rebar, stop, assess the situation, and switch to a bit rated for steel. Pushing a standard bit through rebar will ruin the tip and waste your time.
References & Sources
- Bosch Professional. “The Best Concrete Drill Bits.” Covers SDS Plus bit systems and drilling through rebar.