Select the Right Masonry Bit for the Job

CARBIDE MASONRY TOOLS

1/8" to 1"

Generally used in rotary drilling.
Speed range 450-700 RPM to 1/2" diameter, 350-500 RPM from 5/8" and up.
Rotary bits do not break up the concrete, but actually grind it under operator pressure.

ROTARY / PERCUSSION

1/8" to 1"

Generally used in lightweight, mechanical, vibrating hammers.
Speed range 1300-3500 RPM, at up to 50,000 blows per minute.
The impacting action created by the hammer fractures the concrete into tiny granules.

ROTARY HAMMER

5/32" to 1-1/8"

3/8" to 1-1/2"

Used in electro-pneumatic rotary hammers.
Speed range 400-1000 RPM at up to 4500 blows per minute.
SDS is currently the most popular shank type for holes up to 5/8". Spline and SDS-max for holes 3/4" and larger.

REBAR CUTTER

3/8" to 2-1/2"

Used to cut holes through embedded steel reinforcing bar.
It is used to prevent damage to the hammer bit, which occurs if the hammer bit is used after rebar is encountered.

CORE BIT

5/8" to 5"

The most effective way of drilling a large hole since you are only cutting the circumference.
Both rotary and hammer types are available.
Rotary core bits require a great deal of pressure and are suitable for very brittle or thin materials. Hammer core bits offer speed and economy only if rebar is not encountered.

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