The best drill bit for drilling through stone depends on the type of stone, hole size, and drilling equipment. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on the search results:
1. Carbide-Tipped Masonry Bits
- Design: Feature tungsten carbide tips for durability and resistance to wear. Suitable for small to medium holes (e.g., 1/4″ to 5/16″) in materials like concrete, brick, and hard stone .
- Compatibility: Work best with rotary hammer drills or standard drills with a hammer mode. Ensure the shank (hex or SDS+) matches your drill’s chuck .
- Use Case: Ideal for tasks like anchoring screws or mounting objects on stone walls. Avoid using standard drill bits, as they may shatter under hammer action .
2. Diamond-Coated Bits
- Design: Diamond grit or diamond-encrusted tips for extreme hardness. Effective for dense materials like granite, porcelain, or thick stone slabs .
- Types:
- Diamond Core Bits: Hollow design for large holes (5–55mm) in stone tiles or granite. Use with rotary drills (no hammer action to avoid damage) .
- Cross-Type Bits: Chisel-shaped tungsten carbide tips for abrasive rock formations .
- Advantages: Long lifespan and clean cuts, but require slower drilling speeds to prevent overheating .
3. SDS-Plus Professional Bits
- Design: Built for heavy-duty drilling with SDS drills. Feature profiled tungsten carbide tips for hammer-and-rotary action, making them efficient for tough stone like granite .
- Compatibility: Require an SDS drill or an adapter for rotary hammers. Not suitable for standard drills .
4. Button-Type Bits
- Design: Carbide buttons on the tip deliver high impact force, ideal for shallow to medium-depth holes in hard rock. Use with hammer drills .
Key Considerations
- Drill Type: A rotary hammer or SDS drill is essential for stone drilling. Standard drills lack the power and mechanism (e.g., hammer action) needed .
- Safety:
- Wear a dust mask/respirator (stone dust contains harmful silica) and goggles .
- Use hearing protection due to noise levels .
- Technique:
- Drill at slower speeds to reduce heat.
- Periodically withdraw the bit to clear debris and cool it .
Top Recommendations
| Stone Type | Recommended Bit | Drill Type |
|---|---|---|
| Granite, Thick Stone | Diamond Core Bit | Rotary Drill (no hammer) |
| Medium-Hard Stone | SDS-Plus Carbide Bit | SDS/Rotary Hammer |
| Small Holes (Anchors) | Carbide-Tipped Masonry Bit | Hammer Drill |
For value and performance, brands like Bosch Blue Granite , Adiseal Ultimate (carbide masonry bits) , and Ruwag SDS-Plus are highly rated. Always prioritize high-quality bits to avoid breakage and ensure safety.
