Brick & masonry

Which drill bit should you use for brick?

The wrong impact setting can damage brittle or hollow units. Identify the brick type before choosing the method.

Quick answer

A carbide masonry bit is the usual tool family, but brick structure changes the drilling mode. Sound solid brick may allow impact/hammer drilling with a suitable system; brittle hollow brick generally calls for rotary-only drilling.

Check your exact situation ↓

Interactive selector

Find a bit for your setup

Answer only the questions that change the selection. If the combination is not documented, the tool will say so.

Which type of brick?

What drill or chuck do you have?

Anchor / safety details (important for wall drilling)

This hole is for an anchor / fixing Electrical cables, water pipes or other hidden services may be in the drilling path This drilling affects a structural or safety-critical element

Loading documented selection rules…

This does not verify workpiece condition, bit stock length, chuck capacity, structural loads or exact cutting speed. Follow the chosen manufacturer’s specification and use appropriate eye, hearing, workpiece and dust protection.

What changes the bit choice?

Solid or hollow comes first

The wrong impact setting can damage brittle or hollow units. Identify the brick type before choosing the method.

Match bit to drill

SDS-plus masonry bits require a compatible SDS-plus rotary hammer. Cylindrical-shank masonry bits use a compatible three-jaw chuck. Both selections have tool-specific limits.

A good hole is not proof of fixing strength

Fixing capacity also depends on brick condition, mortar, anchor system and load. A bit selector cannot certify an anchor or structural fixing.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using hammer mode in brittle hollow brick.
Choosing an SDS-plus bit for a three-jaw-only drill.
Assuming the substrate is sound without checking.

Source-bound guidance

Technical references

Bosch Professional: SDS plus-1 hammer drill bit
Carbide SDS-plus bit for rotary hammers, concrete and solid brick; SDS-plus chuck interface. Not compatible with a basic three-jaw chuck without the appropriate tool/system
Bosch Professional: CYL-1 masonry bit FAQ
Full brick: impact mode; brittle/hollow brick: rotary-only mode; Cylindrical carbide masonry bits for solid brick. Hollow masonry substrate and fixing integrity are separate from choice of bit
OSHA: 1926.1153 respirable crystalline silica, Table 1
Handheld drilling of silica-containing concrete/masonry requires appropriate exposure controls in covered occupational settings; Shrouds/dust collection and HEPA cleaning called out in Table 1. US workplace regulation; non-US local rules differ and required controls depend on activity

Manufacturer guidance applies within the relevant product and material scope. A listed source is not proof that all bits of the same category are interchangeable.

Frequently asked questions

Do I use hammer mode for hollow brick?

Generally avoid it on brittle hollow units; Bosch documents a rotary-only approach for hollow brick.

Can I use the same masonry bit in concrete?

Only if that exact bit and drill combination is rated for both materials.

Need a different material? Browse all ten material guides. Interested in wall fixings? Read our anchor-size warning and workflow.