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You want a hole in concrete block, brick, or cement — and you want it clean, quick, and without wrecking the bit on the first hole. The catch most buyers hit is the shank: an SDS-Plus bit will not fit a standard keyed chuck, and a hex-shank bit will not lock into an SDS-Plus rotary hammer. Getting that match right is 90% of the job.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Match the shank to your drill first, then pick your sizes and carbide tip — that order saves you a wasted purchase and a lot of frustration. This breakdown of the best cement drill bit sets covers both shank types so you land on the right one.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Cement Drill Bit
The single decision that makes or breaks your purchase is the shank — the end of the bit that locks into your drill’s chuck. After the shank, you are choosing carbide tip quality, size spread, and how many spares you want in the case.
Shank type comes before everything else
SDS-Plus is a slotted shank that locks into a rotary hammer’s spring-loaded chuck. It hammers harder and transfers force more efficiently than a plain round shank. If your tool has an SDS-Plus chuck, this is the type you want — a Makita SDS-Plus bit driven by a matching rotary hammer clears old hard concrete noticeably faster than a standard hammer drill can manage.
Hex shank is the universal-fit option. A 1/4-inch hex shank slots into impact drivers, hammer drill/drivers, and corded hammer drills, and it will not spin in the chuck the way a smooth round shank can. If your drill has a keyed or keyless jaw chuck, hex is your path.
Carbide tip grade and flute design
The carbide tip does the cutting, and it is the first part to dull or chip. Premium carbide — the kind that holds up under the heat and shock of hammer mode — is what separates a bit that bores a dozen holes from one that quits on the second. Look for a ground, asymmetric carbide tip rather than a pressed one.
Flutes are the spiral grooves that carry dust out of the hole. Two flutes clear debris faster than one, and cleared debris means a cooler tip. Heat dulls masonry bits faster than anything else, so clearing dust from the hole is the main durability mechanism.
Sizes and how many bits you actually need
Most household jobs need 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch for anchors and wall plugs, plus 5/16-inch and 3/8-inch for heavier fixings. A 5/32-inch bit handles pilot holes for tile or ceramic. Buying a set with duplicates of your high-use sizes (1/4-inch especially) keeps you working when the first bit dulls.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Shank Type | Pieces | Material | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita 5 Piece SDS-Plus Drill Bit Set★ Best Overall | Rotary hammer owners doing serious concrete work | SDS-Plus | 5 | Carbide | Amazon |
| Diablo Fast Concrete Drill Bits 5-PackTop Performer | Fast, clean starts in concrete and stone | Hex | 5 | Carbide | Amazon |
| Bosch LBHXS7U 7 pc. Hex Shank SetMost Versatile | Widest size range for mixed masonry jobs | Hex | 7 | Carbide | Amazon |
| Bosch 5 pc. 3/16 in. Hex Shank Bits | One-size repeat jobs with fresh bits on hand | Hex | 5 | Diamond | Amazon |
| GRENPRO Concrete Drill Bit Set 12Pcs | Big multi-project sets with duplicate high-use sizes | Hex | 12 | Tungsten Steel Carbide | Amazon |
| toolant 6″ Shockproof Masonry Drill Bits | DIY concrete and cinder block drilling | Hex | 7 | Carbide | Amazon |
| DEWALT Masonry Drill Bit Set (DW2571) | Light masonry and mortar touch-ups | Round | 3 | Carbide | Amazon |
| Concrete Drill Bit Set 7 Pcs (UBESTHS) | Budget starter set for tile and block | Hex | 7 | Carbide | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Makita 5 Piece – SDS-Plus Drill Bit Set For SDS+ Rotary Hammers – Aggressive Drilling For Concrete & Masonry – Carbide Tipped Bits
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 700+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The SDS-Plus set that turns old hard concrete into a quick, clean hole.
This is the pick for anyone running an SDS-Plus rotary hammer. The shank locks into the spring-loaded chuck of that tool, so the hammer force travels straight into the tip instead of being lost through a slipping round shank. Five bits cover the range you actually use: 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, and 1/2″, all 6-1/4″ long, built for deep drilling into concrete, masonry, and block.
The tip is hardened tungsten carbide (a super-hard metal that stays sharp in stone), and the taper point is ground to bite on contact. For hard material, the flute design (the spiral grooves that clear dust) matters as much as the tip — as buyers report, using these on 1/4″ holes in old hard concrete runs “much faster than a standard hammer drill, no visible wear after cleanup.” That is the point of SDS-Plus (a slotted shank that locks into a rotary hammer): the rotary hammer does the work, and the bit is built to take it. The set is meant for occasional to regular use, not all-day production drilling.
Before you buy, check your chuck (the part that grips the bit). The SDS part is not optional — as owners put it, they “most certainly will not work in a regular Key Based Chuck system.” If your drill has jaws you tighten by hand, this set is not for you; look at a hex-shank option instead. If it takes a slotted SDS-Plus bit and clicks in, you are set.
What earns its keep
- Genuine SDS-Plus shank — transfers hammer force efficiently, so hard concrete drills faster than with a standard hammer drill
- Hardened tungsten carbide tips resist wear and reduce bit replacement on tough surfaces
- Special flute design clears debris quickly for smoother holes and less vibration
- Covers 3/16″ through 1/2″ at 6-1/4″ length for deep drilling in concrete, masonry, and block
The trade-off to accept
- SDS-Plus only — will not fit a standard keyed or keyless jaw chuck
- Built for the rotary hammer workflow, not hand-drill use
- Five bits with no duplicate of your high-use size
Solid buy if: you own an SDS-Plus rotary hammer and drill concrete or block regularly — this set is engineered for exactly that.
Keep looking if: your drill has a standard jaw chuck, because the SDS shank simply will not seat in it.
2. Diablo Fast Concrete Drill Bits – 5/32″ x 6″ x 3″, 5-Pack
A Grip Point tip built for one purpose: no walking, no wandering, straight down into stone.
Diablo’s exclusive Grip Point Tip is the standout here — it bites where you place it, so the bit stops skating across a smooth concrete face before it catches. If you have ever had a bit walk a half inch off your mark into a wall, this is the fix. Five identical 5/32″ x 6″ bits with a 3″ working length give you real depth for anchoring into block, brick, granite, or marble.
The heat story is what separates this from cheaper bits. Diablo brazes its own carbide tip into the body through a precision process that raises heat tolerance and bit strength — heat being the thing that turns a sharp masonry bit into a dull one mid-job. The u-flute dust channel keeps the tip cooler as chips clear out. Owners find the reliability the thing they keep coming back to, and one buyer’s note that it drills through “6 inches of concreat” and would be bought again matches the pattern.
Here is the fit question: every bit in this pack is 5/32″. If your job leans on 1/4″ or 3/8″ anchors, you will want the Bosch 7-piece below with its wider spread. For a single pilot size you drill often, a five-pack of identical bits means you always have a fresh one waiting.
Straight-line accuracy: The Grip Point tip is the whole pitch — it reduces walking and gets you a cleaner, more precise entry into concrete and stone than a standard point.
The honest footnote: The pack is all one size and Diablo bits sit at the higher end for price, so this is a specialist pick, not a full-coverage set.
Pick this when: you keep drilling the same pilot hole in stone or block and want consistent starts with spares ready.
Look elsewhere if: you need a range of sizes — this is a five-pack of one 5/32″ bit, not a variety set.
3. Bosch LBHXS7U 7 pc. Hex Shank Hammer Drill Masonry Bit Set
Seven bits across every size you’ll reach for, from a 1/8″ pilot to a 3/8″ anchor hole.
Where the Makita set is SDS-Plus only, this Bosch set gives you the same idea in a universal hex shank — it slots into impact drivers, hammer drill/drivers, and corded hammer drills without spinning. The kit spreads seven bits across the sizes that matter: one 1/8″ x 3″, two each of 5/32″ x 6″ and 3/16″ x 6″, plus one 1/4″ x 6″ and one 3/8″ x 6″. That duplicate 5/32″ and 3/16″ is the smart bit — those are the two sizes that dull first, so you get a spare before you need one.
Bosch’s asymmetric diamond-ground carbide tip (a cutting edge shaped and sharpened with diamond abrasives) is engineered for fast drilling and longer bit life, and the deep-cut spiral u-flutes (curved grooves that pull dust out) keep the tip cooler. Owners describe it as slicing through material without hesitation — one buyer’s phrase that has stuck is that these “go through concrete like hot knife and butter” — and the bits stay sharp through stucco and CBS block too.
The catch is the expected one for hex-shank masonry bits: durability is the split opinion. Most owners find them strong, but a few report breakage under hard use. Run them at the right RPM in hammer mode, let the tool do the biting, and they hold up. This is the set to grab if you want one box that covers nearly every hole in a house.
Where it wins
- Seven bits across 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″, and 3/8″ — the widest spread in this roundup
- Duplicates of the two high-use sizes (5/32″ and 3/16″) keep you working
- Impact-rated hex shank fits impact drivers and hammer drills without slipping
- Exclusive Bosch-made carbide tip and milled u-flutes for fast material removal
Where it asks patience
- Durability is the split note — most hold up, a few break under hard use
- Hex shank hammers less efficiently than SDS-Plus in a true rotary hammer
- No 1/2″ bit for large-diameter work
Best home set: one box that covers pilot holes through anchor holes, driven by whatever chuck your drill has.
Not the one for: a rotary hammer owner wanting maximum hammering force, or anyone needing a 1/2″ hole.
4. toolant 6″ Shockproof Masonry Drill Bits, 5/32″-3/8″, 7-Piece Set
The set that keeps working when the price tag says it shouldn’t.
Seven 6-inch bits, five sizes from 5/32″ to 3/8″, a YG8X tungsten carbide tip, and a shockproof hex shank rated for hammer mode. That is the spec sheet, and it carries a set that punches well above its tier. Where the Bosch LBHXS7U spreads its seven bits across five sizes too, the toolant relies on sharpened side edges that boost carbide surface contact for faster drilling.
What wins people over is plain longevity. One owner drilling I-beam-grade rock reports these bits keep “going and going” — for a budget-tier set, that run-out is the story.
The honest caveat: durability is the split note. Most owners find these long-lasting, but some report they are not built for marathon production drilling. Treat them as home and DIY tools that reward a steady speed, not an all-day commercial bit. Run them correctly and they earn their place.
The value play: Seven bits with a proper YG8X carbide tip and shockproof hex shank, at a budget-friendly tier, for concrete, brick, glass, ceramic, tile, and cement.
Who outgrows it: Pros running continuous hammer work who want a bit engineered for punishing daily duty.
Reach for this if: you are a DIYer drilling block, brick, and rock around the house and want a set that lasts without a premium outlay.
Step up if: your job is non-stop concrete production work where bits get hammered hour after hour.
5. GRENPRO Concrete Drill Bit Set, 12Pcs 5/32″-1/2″ Masonry Drill Bits
Twelve bits, six sizes, and four 1/4″ duplicates — the set that stops you mid-job for nothing.
This is the biggest kit here: twelve pieces across six sizes, with four of the 1/4″ bit that does most of the anchor work. It also reaches further than most, topping out at a 1/2″ bit for larger fixings while still covering 5/32″, 3/16″, 5/16″, and 3/8″. The bits run 6″ total with a 4″ working length, which is enough for deep holes behind surface material.
Two build details earn the “complete kit” tag. The shank is 40Cr steel at 50HRC hardness (a hard, springy steel that resists bending and breaking in hammer mode), so the hex end holds tight in the chuck and does not slip under load. The tip is premium YG6X carbide (a tough tungsten-carbide grade) with sharp edges built to boost contact and drill faster than many regular bits. Owners put it to work mounting outdoor lights and drilling solid concrete block, and the last hole drilled as easily as the first.
The quirk that comes up: the plastic storage case per channel is laid out for two bits, and some owners find the case stiff to open at first. It is a minor gripe on an otherwise strong kit, and worth knowing so you are not surprised when the latch resists. Durability overall is the split note — most owners mention no dulling, a few treat them as the throwaway tier they are.
Why it covers the most ground
- Twelve pieces across six sizes, including four 1/4″ bits for the highest-use anchor work
- Extends to a 1/2″ bit for large fixings — many sets stop at 3/8″
- 40Cr steel shank at 50HRC hardness resists bending and breaking in hammer mode
- YG6X carbide tips with sharp edges for fast bites into concrete and brick
- 6″ total, 4″ working length for deep drilling
What to know going in
- The plastic case fits two bits per channel and can be stiff to open at first
- Durability is the split note — great for home jobs, not marathon commercial drilling
Buy this for: a renovation or a home with every size of anchor and fixing job — the near-complete spread means fewer switches mid-project.
Overkill if: you just need one size and want to keep the case simple.
6. Bosch 5 pc. 3/16 in. X 6 in. Hex Shank Hammer Drill Masonry Bits LBHX0035
When 3/16″ is the hole you keep drilling, five of the same great bit beats a drawer full of sizes.
Five identical 3/16″ x 6″ hammer drill bits, each with an asymmetric diamond-ground carbide tip and an upgraded hex shank you can run in an impact driver or a hammer drill/driver. The tip is engineered for fast drilling and longer life, and the milled u-flutes with a deep-cut spiral are there to pull material out fast. This is the repeat-job specialist of the group.
Owners who drill a lot of the same hole treat this pack like a consumable stash. Crews working concrete report buying them several times a year and getting long life per bit — often losing a bit before it actually wears out. In hammer drills they sink fast and keep going; the point of the five-pack is that you always have a fresh one on the shelf.
The critical caveat, and it is a real one: these belong in a hammer drill, not an impact driver, despite the hex shank fitting either. In an impact driver they barely penetrate hard concrete; in a hammer drill they perform at their best. Match the tool to the bit and this pack is flawless for its one job.
Built for repetition: A diamond-ground carbide tip and milled u-flutes tuned for fast removal in the 3/16″ size you use most.
The tool rule: Pair them with a hammer drill/driver — in an impact driver they stall out on hard concrete.
Made for you if: 3/16″ pilot holes are your workhorse and you want a standing reserve of sharp bits.
Wrong pick if: your jobs call for a range of diameters — you would be buying five of one size.
7. Concrete Drill Bit Set 7 Pcs (5/32″-3/8″), Masonry Drill Bits
The entry-level seven-piece that covers tile, block, and stucco without stretching the wallet.
Seven 6-inch bits across five sizes — 5/32″, two 3/16″, two 1/4″, 5/16″, and 3/8″ — with a YG6X alloy carbide tip (a tough tungsten-carbide grade) and a 1/4″ hex shank (a six-sided shank that grips without slipping) that slots into most common drills, electric drills, hand drills, and bench drills. It comes in a portable plastic case that keeps the bits visible and organized. For a starter set at the budget tier, the spread is right.
The double U-type groove slot is the working detail: two channels move dust out fast and reduce heat, which is what lets a bit hold its edge. Owners drill bathroom ceramic tile with very little pressure, punch through stucco walls, and work cement blocks, and the sharpness right out of the case is the common thread. On cleaning up concrete-filled block, one owner clocks a two-second punch-through in the hammer-drill setting.
The honest catch: durability is the mixed note here. Some owners find them long-wearing, while a few report the tips wear down to a nubbin under hard use. If you drill marble, glass, or ceramic continuously, the maker’s own guidance is to add water or coolant to keep the tip cool. Treat these as a value starter set for tile and light block, not a commercial-grade bit that takes endless abuse.
Right for starting out: YG6X carbide tips, two flute channels for dust clearing, and a size spread that handles tile, block, and stucco.
Where it taps out: Use water or coolant on continuous ceramic, glass, or marble work, and expect the tips to be the wear point under heavy duty.
Worth it for: a first masonry set for tile, block, and small home fixes when budget is the deciding factor.
Not the match for: continuous professional drilling in the hardest concrete, where a premium bit pays off.
8. DEWALT Masonry Drill Bit Set, Rotary, 3-Piece (DW2571)
A three-piece rotary set that drills mortar and cinderblock cleanly — brick is its limit.
Three carbide-tipped rotary bits with a 135-degree tip angle and two flutes, sized for light masonry work. The job it does well is drilling cinderblock and mortar — customers note a 1/4″ bit drilling around twelve 1.5″-deep holes in cinderblock easily, even for a first-timer, with the bit staying intact and reusable. For unglazed pots, mailbox posts, and mortar joints, it does the job.
Where it draws a clear line: this is a rotary bit, not an SDS-Plus or hex bit, so it fits a standard jaw chuck. It is not the pick for hard brick — owners found it would not touch brick even in an impact gun, though it cut mortar cleanly right beside it. Run it with water lubrication and clean off the cement buildup between holes and it stays sharp.
The thing to weigh honestly: this is a three-piece set from the budget tier, and wider kits here give you more sizes for the same kind of outlay. If your work is genuinely light — mortar, block, occasional pots — the small count is fine. If you are taking on a range of anchor sizes, a seven- or twelve-piece set covers more ground.
Where it performs: Cinderblock, mortar joints, and light masonry, with a 135-degree tip angle that starts cleanly and stays reusable with water lubrication.
Where it stops: Hard brick and heavy concrete are outside its comfort zone — you will want a premium carbide tip or an SDS-Plus bit for those.
Suits this job: light touch-ups in cinderblock and mortar, plus smaller DIY tasks where three bits is all you need.
Better served elsewhere if: you are drilling hard brick or a full range of anchor sizes across a project.
Understanding the Specs
Shank type (SDS-Plus vs hex vs round)
The shank is the tail end of the bit — the part that goes into your drill. SDS-Plus is a slotted shank that locks into a rotary hammer, and it delivers hammer force more efficiently than a plain round shank. Hex shank is the universal-fit option: a 1/4-inch hex slots into impact drivers, hammer drill/drivers, and corded hammer drills without spinning in the chuck. Round shank is the traditional bit that fits a standard jaw chuck. Match the shank to your chuck before anything else — an SDS-Plus bit will not seat in a jaw chuck, and a hex bit will not lock into a rotary hammer.
Carbide tip and flute count
The tip does the cutting, and the flute clears the dust. A carbide tip is graded for wear resistance — premium grades hold their edge longer in the heat and shock of hammer mode. Flutes are the spiral channels that carry debris out of the hole; two flutes clear material faster than one, and a cooler tip lasts longer because heat is the main killer of a masonry bit. Look for a ground carbide tip and a flute design built for fast dust removal, then run the bit at a steady speed rather than forcing it.
Bit diameter and working length
Diameter is measured across the cutting tip, and it must match your anchor or plug. The common sizes are 5/32″ for pilot holes, 3/16″ and 1/4″ for anchors and wall plugs, and 5/16″ through 1/2″ for heavier fixings. Working length is the usable drilling depth below the flutes — a 6-inch bit with a 4-inch working length reaches deeper into a wall than a shorter bit. Choose the diameter your fixing needs, then the length your hole depth needs.
Material suitability and cooling
Masonry bits are built for concrete, brick, block, mortar, stone, tile, and ceramic. Some handle glass and light metal too. Harder materials drive up friction and heat, so continuous drilling in tile, glass, or marble calls for water or coolant to keep the tip cool — the maker of one set here spells that out. Letting the tip overheat is what dulls it fastest, so watch for heat and clear the dust from the hole as you go.
FAQ
Will an SDS-Plus bit fit my regular hammer drill?
What size cement drill bit do I need for a wall plug?
Can I use a masonry bit in an impact driver?
Why does my concrete drill bit go dull so fast?
How deep can a 6 inch masonry bit drill?
Do I need water or coolant when drilling tile and ceramic?
What is the difference between SDS-Plus and hex masonry bits?
Can a masonry bit drill through brick and hard concrete?
Should I keep spare bits of the same size?
How do I stop a drill bit from walking on a smooth surface?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
The best cement drill bit for your job depends on your chuck type, not your budget. If you run an SDS-Plus rotary hammer, the Makita 5 Piece SDS-Plus Set is the clear winner — it transfers hammer force efficiently for fast, clean holes in hard concrete and block. If your drill takes a hex shank, the Bosch LBHXS7U 7-Piece Set covers the widest range of sizes from a pilot hole up to a 3/8″ anchor. And for the most surface coverage on a single budget, the GRENPRO 12-Piece Set gives you six sizes plus duplicates of the 1/4″ bit you will reach for most. Match the shank to your chuck, pick the size spread your job needs, and any of these will drill clean.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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