The 10 Best Core Drill Bits
Special Honors
McMaster-Carr Whatever trade you specialize in, this selection from McMaster-Carr should include a piece that will make your life easier. Some bits are designed for specific materials, such as masonry, glass, or wood, while others offer special features, like dust containment mechanisms or built-in pilot guides. mcmaster.com
Diamax Cyclone Ultra Ideal for use with an angle grinder or a pneumatic machine, the Cyclone Ultra is both versatile and aggressive. Its relatively short length affords the user plenty of control, and its beveled segments make it easy to get the hole started. diamaxinc.com
Dynatech O.D. Premium When it comes to drill bits, the term “one size fits all” does not apply, so it’s nice that this line from Dynatech is available in such a huge variety of sizes. They all have a 13-inch depth capacity, and they’ll operate smoothly on anything from hard concrete to soft asphalt. dynatech.com
Editor's Notes
February 24, 2021:
After considerable time spent researching the core drill bits on the market, we have determined that our current recommendations still represent the best on offer, and cover enough materials that no changes should be made at this time. All of these bits produce clean and accurate holes, and hold up as well as can be expected considering the extreme conditions they are subjected to during use. Whether you need something to use wet or dry, on concrete, marble, granite, ceramic, bricks, or even glass, there is an option here to fit your needs.
August 16, 2019:
In reviewing the list, we noted that while the Concord Blades CBD0400HP is certainly a functional bit, there were minor issues associated with it that led us to move it out of the top spot. Reports suggest that it wears out somewhat quickly when used extensively and lacks a pilot bit, which can cause skidding when working on concrete.
Given its price and effectiveness, users seem to find great value in the EDiamondTools Grit. We noted its ability to bore through both bricks and concrete blocks with speed and fluidity, leading us to give it a bump in the rankings.
Each of the three new additions to the list brings something a little bit different to the table. While the Baban Ceramic is designed for precision jobs on materials like glass, ceramics, or porcelain, the Shdiatool Laser can be used on just about anything, from concrete to hard marble. On the other hand, the Bosch Max is tailor-made for a hammer drill, capable of producing large holes in thick concrete or brick. We noted this model’s exceptional efficiency.