Bit Information &
How to Extend Bit Life

Carbide-Tip Drill Bit Information . . . for safety and success from Relton & MyToolStore

OVERALL LENGTH:This is not the drilling depth!

DRILLING DEPTH: Drilling deeper than the flute length will cause binding and possible breakage.

DRIVE: There are 16 different types, which one you use depends upon the rotary hammer being used.

FLUTES: Varies by manufacturer and bit design

CARBIDE TIP: The tip of the bit is composed of a powder composed of Tungsten Carbide, Carbon, Cobalt and other metals which (under heat and pressure) are formed into the bit tip. There are only a few manufacturers of carbide. Because of this, it is primarily the process and quality control of brazing the tip to the drill body which differentiate the quality and longevity of the bit.

Extending the Life of Your Carbide-Tip Bits - Suggestions from Relton & MyToolStore

1. If possible, avoid hitting rebar or other impenetrable obstacles embedded in concrete. Rebar is the number one enemy of hammer bits! When rebar is unavoidably encountered, we recommend using the rotary rebar cutter.
Rotary rebar cutter bits
Bits designed to bore holes in concrete
How to cut rebar

2. Once drilling has begun, avoid trying to realign an off-center hole or change directions in a hole.

3. If the drill bit seems to slow down in its penetration rate, it is usually an indication that the carbide tip is getting dull. Continuing to drill with a dull bit will reduce bit life.

4. Pouring water into a hole as a dust settler while drilling may cause complete failure of the carbide tip.
Masonry bits designed for faster dust removal

5. Apply enough pressure to keep the bit firmly seated in the hammer.

6. Do not drill deeper than the length of the flutes. (This suggestion would not apply to multiple-cutter core bits in which the body diameter substantially exceeds the shank diameter.)

7. Frequent bit withdrawl from the hole will help clean out dust and lessen the chance of the bit's binding in the hole. This is particularly important when drilling damp or soft material.

8. Excessive force to remove a bound-up bit will cause bending or breakage.

9. Keep the shank of the bit clean and well lubricated.

10. Keep each bit in its own container. This will prevent accidental damage through handling while the bit is not being used.
Serrated-tip SDS+ drill bit set with case
Straight-shank hammer-drill bit kit with case
SDS+ drill bit set with case

11. A worn nose-piece in your hammer drill can result in abnormal bit-shank wear.

12. Before drilling 36" deep, use a shorter bit to drill a pilot hole 16" to 22".

Selecting the right masonry bit for the job - pictures and "how best used"

NOTE: Premature bit failure is usually the result of misuse, operator error, or job-site conditions. Pipe-wrench marks on a bit usually indicate bit misuse.


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Bit Information & How to Extend Bit Life

Carbide-Tip Drill Bit Information . . . for safety and success from Relton & MyToolStore

Extending the Life of Your Carbide-Tip Bits - Suggestions from Relton & MyToolStore

Bit Information &
How to Extend Bit Life