If you’ve ever drilled through concrete, metal, or even tough wood and wondered “why does this bit work so well?”—chances are you were using a tungsten carbide bit. As someone who’s worked with tungsten carbide products for years, I get asked all the time: “What even is a tungsten carbide bit? Is it just a fancy drill bit?” Spoiler: It’s more than just “fancy”—it’s a workhorse tool that solves the biggest headache of drilling: dulling too fast. In this guide, I’ll break down what a tungsten carbide bit is, why it’s better than other bits, the types you’ll actually use, and even clear up a few myths I hear every week. No confusing jargon—just what you need to know to pick the right bit for your project.
First: What Exactly Is a Tungsten Carbide Bit?
Let’s start with the basics: A tungsten carbide bit isn’t a single piece of metal. It’s a hybrid tool made of two key parts that work together—think of it like a sandwich where each layer has a job:
- The Cutting Tip (Tungsten Carbide): This is the “business end” of the bit—the part that actually grinds through concrete, metal, or stone. Tungsten carbide itself is a super-hard composite (made of tungsten powder and carbon, bonded with a little cobalt). It’s one of the hardest materials you’ll find in everyday tools—only slightly softer than diamonds.
- The Shank (Steel): The long, cylindrical part that fits into your drill. We use steel here because it’s strong and flexible—tungsten carbide alone is too brittle (it would snap if you dropped it), so the steel shank adds durability and lets you clamp the bit securely in your drill.
Here’s a quick analogy I use with clients: If the tungsten carbide tip is the “sharp teeth” that chew through tough materials, the steel shank is the “jaw” that holds those teeth in place and gives them leverage. You can’t have one without the other—together, they make a bit that’s both hard and tough.
Why Tungsten Carbide Bits Beat Other Drill Bits (3 Big Reasons)
I’ve had clients swap from regular steel bits to tungsten carbide and say, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” The difference is night and day, and it all comes down to three key advantages:
1. It’s Insanely Hard (So It Doesn’t Dull Fast)
On the Mohs Hardness Scale (the scale we use to measure how hard materials are), tungsten carbide scores an 8.5–9. Steel bits? They usually score a 5–6. That means tungsten carbide can grind through materials that would turn a steel bit into a useless nub in minutes.
- Real example: A friend of mine who does home renovations used to go through 3 steel bits just to drill 5 holes in concrete. Now he uses a tungsten carbide bit—he drills 20+ holes before he even thinks about sharpening it.
2. It Handles Heat (Critical for Tough Jobs)
When you drill through hard materials like concrete or metal, friction creates heat. Steel bits soften when they get hot—they’ll “burn” or warp, making them useless. Tungsten carbide? It stays hard even at temperatures over 1,000°C (that’s hotter than a campfire!).
- Pro tip: I always tell DIYers: If you’re drilling through something that makes your bit smoke, stop—you’re either using the wrong bit (steel instead of tungsten carbide) or going too slow. A good tungsten carbide bit shouldn’t smoke if you’re using it right.
3. It’s Versatile (One Bit for Multiple Jobs)
You don’t need a different bit for concrete, brick, and metal—most tungsten carbide bits work for all three. Steel bits? They’re only good for wood or soft metal. This saves you money (no need to buy a whole set of specialized bits) and space in your toolbox.
- My go-to: I keep a 4-piece set of tungsten carbide bits in my truck—they handle 90% of the jobs I run into, from drilling anchor holes in brick to making pilot holes in steel brackets.
The 4 Most Common Types of Tungsten Carbide Bits (And When to Use Each)
Not all tungsten carbide bits are the same—they’re designed for different jobs. Here’s a simple breakdown of the types you’ll see in stores, and which one to pick for your project:
| Bit Type | Best For | Key Feature | Mistake to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masonry Tungsten Carbide Bit | Concrete, brick, stone, cinder block | Pointed tip (to “start” the hole) and fluted sides (to clear dust) | Using it on metal—The tip will wear down fast. |
| SDS Plus Tungsten Carbide Bit | Large holes in concrete (≥10mm) or deep holes (≥100mm) | Special shank that fits into SDS drills (which hammer while rotating) | Using it in a regular drill—It won’t work (the shank won’t clamp right). |
| Titanium-Coated Tungsten Carbide Bit | Metal (steel, aluminum) or hard plastic | Thin titanium coating that reduces friction | Using it on wet concrete—The coating can peel off. |
| Tile Tungsten Carbide Bit | Ceramic tile, porcelain tile | Smooth, rounded tip (to avoid cracking tile) | Drilling too fast—Go slow, or the tile will chip. |
Quick hack: If you’re not sure, look at the tip—masonry bits have a sharp, pointed tip, while tile bits have a blunt, rounded tip. That’s the easiest way to tell them apart.
3 Myths About Tungsten Carbide Bits (That I Hear All the Time)
I’ve heard a lot of wrong info about these bits—let’s set the record straight:
Myth 1: “Tungsten Carbide Bits Never Break”
False! Tungsten carbide is hard, but it’s also brittle. If you drop a small tungsten carbide bit on concrete, it might snap. I once dropped a 6mm masonry bit—it broke into two pieces. The fix? Handle them carefully (don’t toss them in your toolbox) and use a steel shank bit (not a solid tungsten carbide bit—those are even more brittle).
Myth 2: “You Need a High-Powered Drill to Use Them”
Not true! You can use a regular cordless drill with a tungsten carbide bit—just go slow. High-powered drills (like SDS drills) are better for big holes or hard concrete, but they’re not required for small jobs (like drilling 6mm holes in brick for picture hangers).
Myth 3: “They’re Too Expensive”
Yes, tungsten carbide bits cost more upfront (usually $10–$20 per bit, vs. $2–$5 for steel bits). But they last 10x longer. Let’s do the math: If you buy 5 steel bits for $10 (total) to drill 20 holes, that’s $0.50 per hole. A single tungsten carbide bit costs $15 and drills 200 holes—That’s $0.075 per hole. You save money in the long run.
How to Pick the Right Tungsten Carbide Bit (3 Simple Steps)
Not sure which bit to buy? Follow these steps—they work for DIYers and pros alike:
- Figure out what you’re drilling: Concrete/brick = masonry bit; metal = titanium-coated bit; tile = tile bit.
- Choose the right size: Measure the hole you need (e.g., if you’re using a 8mm anchor, get an 8mm bit). Don’t guess—too big, and the anchor won’t hold; too small, and you’ll crack the material.
- Check your drill: If you have a regular drill, stick to bits under 10mm. If you have an SDS drill, go for SDS Plus bits (they’re faster and easier).
Wrapping Up
A tungsten carbide bit is the most useful tool in any DIYer or pro’s toolbox—it’s hard, durable, and versatile enough to handle most tough drilling jobs. The next time you’re staring at a pile of concrete, brick, or metal and wondering “how do I get through this?”, reach for a tungsten carbide bit—you won’t regret it.
If you’re still not sure which tungsten carbide bit to pick, or if you need bulk bits for a big project, reach out. We’ve got everything from small masonry bits to industrial-grade SDS Plus bits, and we can help you find exactly what you need.
If you’ve used tungsten carbide products or have questions about it, feel free to contact us! Whether you’re a fellow industry professional looking to consult about products or discuss technologies, or just curious about “why this drill bit is so tough,” we’re here to help answer your questions.
