Best Masonry Drill Bits for Hard Brick and Concrete: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
18th Edition Fully Qualified Electrician
If you live in a solid brick property, you know the struggle. You try to drill a simple hole for a new outside light or a shelf, and five minutes later you're sweating, the drill is screaming, and you've barely scratched the surface. The notorious red brick found in Leeds' Victorian terraces eats cheap drill bits for breakfast.
As an electrician, I drill thousands of holes a year to mount back boxes, consumer units, and conduit saddles. I need bits that bite immediately, clear dust efficiently, and leave a precise hole so the rawl plug sits tight. A loose fixing on a socket faceplate isn't just annoying; it's a potential electrical hazard.
In this review, I'm cutting through the marketing noise to show you three sets of masonry bits I've assessed. We'll look at a budget 'multi-material' option for light work, a PGM-certified set for when accuracy matters, and a reliable Bosch set that's a staple in many toolbags.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Universal / Multi-material Claims"
"One bit can drill through wood, steel, glass, and concrete with equal ease."
Whilst convenient for a quick bathroom fixture through tile and plaster, these jack-of-all-trades bits often dull quickly on hard engineering brick. For serious masonry, a dedicated tungsten carbide masonry bit is always superior.
The Spec: "Drill Bit Lifespan"
"Carbide tips last forever."
Heat kills drill bits. If you drill too fast without pulling back to clear the red dust, the tip overheats and melts the brazing. In hard Leeds brick, even the best bit will fail if you don't control your speed.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
QWORK® 5 Pcs Multi-Material Drill Bits Set
QWORK
This set is less of a heavy-duty masonry tool and more of a versatile problem solver for bathrooms and kitchens. The spear-point design is excellent for getting through ceramic tiles without cracking them, which is perfect if you are fitting a shaver socket or bathroom cabinet.
The Good
- Incredible value at just over £1 per bit
- Spear tip prevents 'wandering' on slippery tiles
- Cutting edge slices through plaster cleanly without blowout
The Bad
- Not designed for heavy hammer action on concrete
- Dust removal is slower than spiral flute bits
Installer Tip:
Use these on 'rotary only' mode (no hammer action) when starting a hole in a tiled wall. Once you pierce the tile and hit the brick behind it, swap to a standard masonry bit if the going gets tough. Keep the speed slow to preserve the tip.
Priced at £5.98 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonBULLITT Masonry Drill Bits, PGM Certificated Drill Bit Sets
BULLITT
When safety is critical—like mounting a heavy external floodlight or a consumer unit—precision is key. These bits are PGM certified, meaning the hole they drill is guaranteed to be the exact tolerance required for the wall plug to hold its maximum load. They are robust, straight, and built for the trade.
The Good
- PGM certification ensures tight anchor fit (safety critical)
- Tri-flat shank prevents the bit spinning in the drill chuck
- Includes 7mm size (rare but essential for brown rawl plugs in old crumbly mortar)
The Bad
- Higher commitment for a DIYer, but cheaper than a failed fixing
- Requires a decent combi drill to get the best out of them
Installer Tip:
The tri-flat shank is a brilliant feature. On cheaper bits, the round shank can slip in the chuck when you hit a hard spot in the brickwork. These lock in solid, transferring all the torque to the tip where it's needed.
Priced at £13.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonBosch Professional 7-Piece CYL-3 Concrete Drill Bit Set
Bosch Professional
Bosch is a staple in my van for a reason. Values durability over gimmicks. The CYL-3 offers excellent dust removal thanks to its U-shape flute design, which is vital when drilling deep holes in damp Leeds brickwork to prevent the bit from jamming. A fantastic all-rounder for any homeowner's toolkit.
The Good
- Excellent dust extraction keeps the hole clean
- Compatible with all standard impact drills
- Hammer-proof carbide tip withstands heavy use
The Bad
- Slightly more expensive than non-branded options
- Case is functional but basic
Installer Tip:
The 'pumping' technique is key with these. Drill in 20mm, pull the bit out (whilst spinning) to clear the dust, then go back in. This prevents the dust from compacting at the tip, which is the main reason drill bits overheat and fail.
Priced at £14.80 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Why does my drill bit get so hot when drilling brick?
What size drill bit do I need for standard wall plugs?
Can I use these bits in an SDS drill?
Why is PGM certification important?
Do I really need a professional to install a socket?
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