Best Masonry Drill Bits: Reviews & Buying Guide

When I built our veranda, I had to drill through tough paving slabs for the posts and into the concrete lintels on the house wall for the frame. That job taught me just how unforgiving masonry can be. My first attempts with a set of budget drill bits were a nightmare; they overheated, dulled after a couple of holes, and left me sweating over every fix. Once I upgraded to a proper set of masonry bits, the difference was night and day. The holes were cleaner, the work went faster, and I wasn’t constantly stopping to replace broken tips.

If you have ever tried drilling into brick, concrete, or stone with a poor-quality drill bit, you will know the frustration. I have been there more times than I would like to admit… cheap masonry bits that blunt or snap under pressure are more trouble than they are worth. Eventually, I learned that investing in good masonry drill bits makes all the difference. A high-quality bit will cut cleaner, last longer, and make heavy-duty jobs far less of a chore.

In this article, I will walk through what makes a masonry bit worth buying, introduce three excellent options available in the UK, and explain why pairing the right bit with the right drill is just as important.

Why Masonry Drill Bits Matter

Masonry is tough stuff. Bricks, blocks, and poured concrete are all dense and abrasive, which means the wrong bit will dull quickly. Good masonry bits usually feature a carbide tip, which stays sharp under pressure, and a hardened steel shaft that can withstand repeated hammering action.

The bottom line? Better bits save you time, money, and a lot of swearing on site.

Choosing the Right Drill for the Job

Even the best bit will not perform if you are using the wrong drill. For lighter jobs around the home, such as hanging shelves or fitting a TV bracket into a wall, a cordless combi drill is often enough. A combi drill combines standard drilling with hammer action, making it versatile for wood, metal, and masonry. If you are not sure how to use your hammer action cordless drill, check out my guide: How to Use a Cordless Combi Drill and Impact Driver (Buying Guide).

For heavy-duty work such as drilling into reinforced concrete or boring multiple large holes, you will want to step up to an SDS drill. SDS (Slotted Drive System) drills use a special chuck and bit design that allows the bit to move back and forth as well as rotate.

This delivers much more powerful hammer action, with less effort from you. If you have ever had to drill anchor holes into a concrete lintel, you will know the difference an SDS drill makes.

Three of the Best Masonry Drill Bits in the UK

Here are three reliable, high-quality masonry drill bit options I have personally used or can confidently recommend. All are widely available in the UK.

1. Bosch Professional CYL-9 Multi Construction Drill Bits

Why I rate them: Bosch’s CYL-9 bits are tough, versatile, and perfect for anyone who needs a reliable all-rounder. They feature a diamond-ground carbide tip that handles brick, concrete, tile, wood, and even light metal.
Best for: DIYers and tradespeople who want a set of bits that can handle multiple materials without constantly swapping tools.
UK availability: Easy to find on Amazon UK, Screwfix, and Toolstation.

2. DeWalt Extreme 2 Masonry Drill Bits

Why I rate them: DeWalt’s Extreme 2 range is designed specifically for masonry, with a hardened steel body and optimised flute design to remove dust efficiently while drilling. They stay sharper longer than cheaper alternatives and work brilliantly in both standard combi drills and SDS models (check the specific type you buy).
Best for: Consistent, everyday use in brick and blockwork. Great for anyone who drills a lot of wall fixings.
UK availability: Widely stocked at most major UK tool retailers.

3. Makita SDS-Plus Drill Bit Set

Why I rate them: If you need to get through heavy concrete, consider an SDS drill with Makita SDS-Plus bits. They feature tungsten carbide tips and a 4-cutter head design that reduces jamming in reinforced concrete. They make short work of jobs that would destroy a standard masonry bit.
Best for: Professional or heavy DIY jobs, like drilling anchor bolts into foundations or thick masonry walls.
UK availability: Available from Amazon UK, Screwfix, B&Q, and most tool specialists.

Pro Tips for Using Masonry Drill Bits

Do not rush. Let the drill and bit do the work. Forcing it will only wear the tip faster.
Keep it cool. For long jobs, pull the bit out occasionally to allow it to cool and clear dust.
Match bit to drill. Do not put an SDS-Plus bit into a regular combi chuck. Likewise, do not expect a lightweight cordless to power through reinforced concrete.
Buy a set. It is often more cost-effective to buy a set of different sizes than individual bits.

Why Cheap Masonry Bits Fail

Not all masonry bits are created equal. The cheaper sets you often find bundled with household tool kits are usually made from basic hardened steel without a proper tungsten carbide tip. While they may look the part, these bits quickly show their weaknesses once you start drilling into brick or concrete.

After just a few holes, the tips can overheat, round off, or even chip away entirely. Once the cutting edge is gone, the bit just polishes the surface rather than biting into it, which means more heat, more frustration, and very little progress.

I learned this quickly with a budget Black & Decker set. Below you can see a few of the worn and damaged bits after only light use. The bit on the left is a new budget bit, whilst the others, from the same set, show significant wear and damage. One piece is missing the tip altogether!

Using poor-quality bits not only wastes time but can also strain your drill and leave messy, oversized holes. It is far better to invest in a reliable set with a carbide tip that will last for many jobs to come.

Final Thoughts

The difference between a cheap masonry drill bit and a quality one is night and day. I have wasted hours (and plenty of money) on poor-quality bits in the past. Now, with the right drill and a decent bit, whether that is a Bosch CYL-9 for multi-material jobs, a DeWalt Extreme 2 for everyday brickwork, or a Makita SDS-Plus for heavy concrete, I can tackle any project with confidence.

If you want to make your life easier, start with the right tools. A good masonry drill bit will last longer, drill cleaner, and help you get the job done without the frustration. And remember, pair it with the right drill for maximum performance.