Best Drill Bits for Concrete (2026)
The DEWALT DW5207 7-piece masonry set is the best concrete drill bit set for standard drills — carbide-tipped percussion bits that handle brick, block, and concrete without requiring a rotary hammer.
See Today’s Price →At a Glance
Drill Bits for Concrete (2026) Buying Guide
Photo by Pixabay / PexelsDrilling into concrete requires both the right bit and the right drill mode. Standard twist drill bits have no chance against concrete — they will dull within seconds. Carbide-tipped masonry bits in hammer drill mode (or SDS-plus bits in a rotary hammer) are the only effective approach for most homeowners and contractors.
The Drill Mode Question First
How we picked these. We compared 4 tools and equipment across power output, build quality, ergonomics, and durability, cross-referencing expert reviews from Pro Tool Reviews, Tool Box Buzz, and This Old House and verified buyer feedback.
Before buying bits, verify your drill has hammer drill mode — a button or setting that adds a percussion action to the rotation. Without hammer drill mode, even carbide masonry bits will stall in concrete quickly and overheat. Most cordless drills sold today include a hammer drill mode setting. If your drill does not have it, you need either a dedicated hammer drill ($80-120) or a rotary hammer ($150-400). SDS-plus bits only work in rotary hammers with SDS-plus chucks — they physically cannot be inserted into a standard 3-jaw chuck.
SDS-Plus vs. Standard Masonry Bits
Standard masonry bits with carbide tips are the right choice for occasional holes in brick, block, and softer concrete. For drilling into reinforced concrete (with rebar), for deep holes over 4 inches, or for high-volume work, SDS-plus bits in a rotary hammer are significantly faster and more effective. The rotary hammer delivers impacts per minute in the range of 5,000-10,000 compared to 30,000+ — but the rotary hammer's more powerful impact mechanism makes SDS-plus the dominant technology for serious concrete work.
Carbide Quality: What to Look For
Carbide tip quality determines how long a bit stays sharp. Higher-quality carbide (DEWALT, Bosch, Makita) uses finer-grained tungsten carbide that holds an edge longer in abrasive materials. Cheaper sets use coarser carbide that dulls faster. For occasional 1-2 holes, the quality difference is negligible. For drilling 20+ anchor holes in a session, the premium brands drill noticeably faster throughout the job as the cheap bits dull.
Cooling and Bit Life
Concrete drilling generates heat at the carbide tip that dulls the bit if allowed to build up. Drill in short bursts — 10-15 seconds of cutting, then 5 seconds out to cool. Do not use water cooling unless you have a slurry management plan. For deep holes (over 3 inches), clear the dust from the hole periodically by withdrawing the bit. Dust packing in the hole causes bit friction and heat that shortens bit life more than any other factor.
Concrete drill bits require the right drill to perform — see Best Hammer Drills 2026 for the correct tool for masonry work, Best Cordless Drills 2026 for general purpose options, and Best Angle Grinders 2026 if you also need to cut or grind concrete surfaces.
Watch Before You Buy
Our Picks
DEWALT DW5207 7-Piece Masonry Drill Bit Set, Carbide-Tipped (Best Overall) — $21 See Price →
Bosch HCK005 5-Piece SDS-Plus Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer Bit Set (Best SDS-Plus) — $19 See Price →
IRWIN Tools 4935076 5-Piece Hammer Drill Masonry Bit Set (Best Value) — $24 See Price →
Showing 3 of 3 products
DEWALT DW5207 7-Piece Masonry Drill Bit Set, Carbide-Tipped
“The DEWALT masonry set is the correct starting point for homeowners who need to anchor lag bolts, mount shelves, or install concrete anchors with a standard drill — no rotary hammer required for holes”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Carbide-tipped for concrete, brick, and block
- 7 sizes cover most anchor bolt applications
- Works with standard 3/8-inch chuck drills
- DEWALT quality control consistent
- Good value for a complete set
Watch out for
- Slower cutting than SDS-plus bits in a rotary hammer
- Not for deep holes in reinforced concrete
- Bits heat up with extended use — need cooling breaks
Bosch HCK005 5-Piece SDS-Plus Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer Bit Set
“The Bosch Bulldog SDS-plus bits are the professional standard for rotary hammer work — faster cutting, longer bit life, and better performance in reinforced concrete than any carbide masonry bit in a ”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- SDS-plus shank designed for hammer drill chuck
- Carbide tip optimized for rotary hammer impact
- Up to 3x faster than standard masonry bits
- Bulldog geometry handles reinforced concrete better
- Durable in high-volume applications
Watch out for
- Requires SDS-plus rotary hammer — standard drills cannot use SDS bits
- More expensive per bit than standard masonry sets
- Overkill for occasional single-anchor jobs
IRWIN Tools 4935076 5-Piece Hammer Drill Masonry Bit Set
“The IRWIN set is the value pick for occasional concrete work — it covers the five most common anchor sizes at a lower price than the DEWALT, with slightly less tip durability over repeated use.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Lower price than DEWALT set
- 5 most-used sizes covered
- Carbide-tipped for concrete and masonry
- Works with standard drill percussion mode
- Sturdy case for storage
Watch out for
- Carbide quality slightly below DEWALT
- Shorter bit life in abrasive applications
- Smaller set misses some anchor sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of drill bit do I need for concrete?
Can I use a regular drill to drill into concrete?
What size drill bit do I need for concrete anchors?
How do I prevent cracking concrete when drilling?
How long do masonry drill bits last?
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