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Professional Guide

Best SDS Drill Bits for Masonry: 2025 Expert Review

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OR Electrics

18th Edition Qualified Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

If you've ever tried to drill into a solid red brick wall in Armley or Harehills with a standard rotary drill, you'll know the frustration. The bit gets hot, the hole ends up oversized, and you're left with a mess that won't hold a rawl plug securely. For electrical work, where secure fixings are a safety requirement, that's simply not good enough.

A proper SDS (Slotted Drive System) drill and the right masonry bits are non-negotiable for anyone doing serious renovation or rewiring work. Whether we're chasing walls for cables or drilling through thick exterior walls for conduit, the quality of the bit determines the quality of the finish.

In this review, I'm looking at three specific options I've come across: a budget-friendly single bit for quick jobs, a comprehensive professional set from Bosch that covers 90% of daily tasks, and a monster 40mm bit for those tricky heavy-duty penetrations.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Tungsten Carbide Tips"

The Theory

"Marketing often claims these tips will slice through reinforced concrete like butter forever."

The Reality

whilst carbide is tough, heat is the enemy. In hard Leeds brick, if you don't clear the dust and let the bit cool, even the best carbide tip will burn out or shatter. Patience saves money.

The Spec: "Universal 'One Size Fits All'"

The Theory

"One bit can handle brick, stone, concrete, and granite equally well."

The Reality

Different materials react differently. Soft Victorian brick drills easily but blows out at the back if you're aggressive. Granite or engineering brick requires high-quality SDS bits and a slower, steadier approach to avoid snapping the shank.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

XZH SDS Plus Masonry Drill Bits - 10mm x 160mm, Professional Tungsten Carbide Cross Tip, Long SDS Hammer Drill Bits for Wall, Stone, Concrete, Brick

Budget Pick
XZH SDS Plus Masonry Drill Bits - 10mm x 160mm, Professional Tungsten Carbide Cross Tip, Long SDS Hammer Drill Bits for Wall, Stone, Concrete, Brick

XZH

This is a straightforward, budget-friendly 10mm bit. It's ideal for specific tasks like drilling for larger frame fixings or specific conduit saddles. At this price point, it's perfect for the occasional DIYer or as a backup in the toolbox.

Price£3.99 (at time of writing)
Size10mm x 160mm
MaterialSteel with Tungsten Carbide Tip
The Good
  • Extremely affordable entry point
  • Double spiral geometry helps clear dust effectively
  • Includes a dust collection bag, which is a nice bonus for indoor work
The Bad
  • It's only a single size (10mm), limiting its versatility
  • Zinc plating may wear off quickly with heavy trade use

Installer Tip:

10mm is a specific size, often used for heavy-duty plastic plugs or bolt anchors. Make sure you actually need a 10mm hole before drilling; most standard red wall plugs for screws need a 5.5mm or 6mm bit. If you drill 10mm by mistake, you'll need a lot of filler!

Priced at £3.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Bosch Professional 11-Piece SDS Plus Mixed Hammer Drill Bit and Chisel Set (for Concrete and Masonry; Accessories for Rotary Hammers)

Quality Choice
Bosch Professional 11-Piece SDS Plus Mixed Hammer Drill Bit and Chisel Set (for Concrete and Masonry; Accessories for Rotary Hammers)

Bosch

This is the sort of set I keep in the van daily. Bosch Professional (the blue range) is reliable, and this set covers nearly every scenario a rewire throws at you. From small bits for fixings to chisels for chasing out back boxes, it's a comprehensive kit for the serious user.

Price£27.11 (at time of writing)
Set Count11 Pieces (Drills & Chisels)
CaseAluminium storage case
The Good
  • Includes both drill bits and chisels – essential for chasing walls
  • Wide range of sizes (5mm to 12mm) covers all standard wall plugs
  • The aluminium case keeps your toolbox organised and prevents tips chipping
The Bad
  • More expensive upfront investment
  • Case latches can sometimes become loose over years of abuse

Installer Tip:

The chisels included here are invaluable for sinking metal back boxes into solid brick walls during a rewire. Use the flat chisel to clear the bulk of the material, and the pointed chisel for neatening the corners. Always wear eye protection – brick shards fly everywhere.

Priced at £27.11 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

HSAWBIT 40mm x 460mm LONG SDS MASONRY DRILL BIT, TUNGSTEN CARBIDE TIP SDS PLUS SHANK, FOR WALL STONE CONCRETE BRICK

Problem-Solver
HSAWBIT 40mm x 460mm LONG SDS MASONRY DRILL BIT, TUNGSTEN CARBIDE TIP SDS PLUS SHANK, FOR WALL STONE CONCRETE BRICK

hsawbit

Sometimes you need to get a large cable or pipe through a very thick wall, and standard bits just won't reach. This 40mm wide, 460mm long monster is designed exactly for that. It's a specialist tool for when you need to bring mains tails into a property or pass a waste pipe through.

Price£29.99 (at time of writing)
Dimensions40mm Diameter, 460mm Length
TipYG8C Tungsten Carbide
The Good
  • Massive 40mm diameter for large penetrations
  • Extra length (460mm) handles standard double-skin brick walls easily
  • Cost-effective alternative to diamond core drilling for rougher holes
The Bad
  • Requires a powerful SDS drill to turn safely without clutching out
  • Heavy and can be difficult to control if you hit an obstruction

Installer Tip:

WARNING: Do not try to drill a 40mm hole straight off. Drill a small pilot hole (e.g., 10mm) all the way through first. This guides the large bit and reduces the strain on your drill (and your wrist). If the bit jams, it can kick back violently, so ensure you have a firm footing and use the side handle.

Priced at £29.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SDS and standard masonry bits?
SDS (Slotted Drive System) bits have slots in the shank that lock into the drill chuck, allowing the drill to hammer the bit back and forth with much more force than a standard chuck. For the solid brick and stone we see in Leeds, SDS is far superior and safer for heavy work.
Why do my drill bits burn out so quickly?
Friction causes heat, which destroys the tempering of the metal. If you are drilling deep holes in hard masonry, pull the bit out every few seconds to clear the dust and let it cool. Pushing harder doesn't speed things up; it just kills the bit.
Can I use these bits for drilling tiles?
I generally advise against using SDS hammer action on tiles as it will crack them. Use a dedicated tile bit or a diamond hole saw on rotary mode only until you pass the tile, then switch to SDS masonry bits for the brick behind.
Do I need a full rewire if my walls are solid brick?
Not necessarily, but rewiring solid brick homes is messier because we have to chase channels into the brickwork rather than fishing cables through stud walls. It requires patching and plastering afterwards. A full EICR test will tell you if a rewire is actually needed.
What size drill bit do I need for red wall plugs?
Standard red wall plugs usually require a 5.5mm or 6mm hole. Brown plugs typically need a 7mm hole. Always check the packaging of your fixings, as a loose hole means a loose fixing, which is a safety risk.
Is it worth buying expensive drill bits?
For professional use, yes. Cheap bits often have tips that snap off when they hit hard aggregate or rebar. However, for a one-off job, a budget bit is often sufficient provided you take your time.

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