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Drill Bits by Material & Type

The right drill bit depends on what you're drilling into — concrete and masonry need carbide-tipped or SDS bits, metal needs cobalt or titanium-coated bits, and wood, tile, and glass each have their own specialized options. Below are buying guides and comparisons for every material, plus how to size bits correctly for anchor pilot holes.

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Latest Guides

Expert Articles

12 articles

Jun 27, 20268 min read

Best Concrete Drill Bits 2026: Top Carbide & SDS Picks for Every Job

The best concrete drill bits in 2026 — carbide-tipped SDS-Plus and standard shank options from Bosch, Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Hilti. Which bits last an

Drill bit speed RPM chart - correct speed for every material

Jun 23, 20267 min read

Drill Bit Speed Chart: Correct RPM for Steel, Wood, Concrete & Tile (2026)

Complete drill bit speed guide - correct RPM for wood, mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, tile, glass, and concrete by bit size. Includes chip col

An assortment of blue Tapcon concrete screws in different sizes laid out next to matching masonry drill bits on a concrete surface

Jun 12, 202617 min read

Tapcon Drill Bit Size Chart (2026): Diameter, Length, Pilot Hole & Load Rating

Tapcon and concrete screw sizing by diameter: pilot hole sizes, embedment depth, length selection, torque, and coating choices — plus when a Tapcon is

A close-up of a masonry drill bit held next to a concrete screw anchor for size comparison, ruler in the background

Jun 11, 202621 min read

Drill Bit Size for Concrete Anchors: Chart for All 6 Types (Tapcon, Wedge, Sleeve, Drop-In)

Drill bit sizing for concrete anchors depends entirely on the anchor type — wedge and sleeve anchors need a 1:1 match, concrete screws need an undersi

A row of carbide-tipped masonry drill bits of different diameters laid out on a concrete surface with dust

Jun 4, 202616 min read

Best Masonry Drill Bits (2026 Guide): Selection, Technique & Top Picks

Choosing the right masonry drill bit comes down to matching the carbide head, shank type, and cutter design to your substrate. Here's how to pick the

A close-up of a drill bit with a discolored blue overheated tip and another snapped drill bit lying next to it on a workbench

Mar 15, 202610 min read

Why Drill Bits Burn or Break (And How to Stop It Happening)

Why drill bits burn or break is one of the most common problems DIYers face when drilling into materials like steel, concrete, or hardwood. Burnt or b

A gold titanium-coated drill bit and a darker cobalt drill bit placed side by side on a metal workbench, close-up

Mar 15, 202612 min read

Titanium vs Cobalt Drill Bits: Which Is Actually Better?

For general use across wood, plastic, and mild steel, titanium-coated bits are the smart, affordable choice. For stainless steel, hardened fasteners,

Two sets of drill bits laid out side by side for comparison, one set with carbide tips and one standard set, on a concrete surface

Mar 14, 20269 min read

Masonry vs Concrete Drill Bits: Is There Actually a Difference? (2026)

Understanding masonry drill bits vs concrete drill bits is important when drilling into brick, block, or dense concrete materials. Many DIYers and hom

A carbide spear-point tile drill bit drilling through a ceramic floor tile with light dust visible

Mar 14, 20269 min read

Best Drill Bit for Tile and Porcelain (Clean Holes Without Cracking)

Drilling into tile and porcelain can be challenging because these materials are extremely hard but also very brittle. Using the wrong drill bit or dri

A spade drill bit boring a clean hole through a wooden board with wood shavings curling out

Mar 13, 20269 min read

Best Drill Bits for Wood (2026): Brad-Point, Forstner & Spade Bits Compared

Drilling into wood may seem simple, but choosing the right drill bit can make a huge difference in the quality of the hole. The best drill bits for wo

A cobalt drill bit drilling into a steel plate with metal shavings curling away, slight smoke visible

Mar 13, 20269 min read

Best Drill Bits for Steel and Metal (2026): Cobalt vs Titanium vs HSS

Drilling into metal requires stronger drill bits than those used for wood or masonry. Using the wrong drill bit can cause overheating, dull edges, or

An organized case of drill bits showing different types side by side - wood spade bits, metal twist bits, masonry bits, and glass bits

Mar 12, 202611 min read

Best Drill Bit for Every Material: Complete Comparison & Selection Guide (2026)

Choosing the Best Drill Bit For Every Material isn’t just about making a hole; it’s a high-stakes game of metallurgy, thermal management, and ma