Do You Need a Special Drill Bit for Brick? A Practical Guide
Learn whether you need a special drill bit for brick, how to choose the right masonry bit, and step-by-step techniques for clean, safe brick drilling.
Do you need a special drill bit for brick? In most cases, yes—use a carbide-tipped masonry bit designed for brick and mortar. Set your drill to hammer mode, start with a pilot hole, and go slow to prevent cracking. For light brick or jointed blocks, a sharp standard masonry bit can work, but carbide tips reduce wear.
What you need to know about brick drilling
Brick is a durable yet demanding material, and the way you approach drilling it affects hole quality and wall integrity. Brick walls come in several forms: solid brick, hollow-core brick, and brick veneer, each with different resistance to drilling and varying risk of cracking at the edge. The amount of mortar around the brick also changes how you should bite into the surface. To minimize damage, understand your wall first, then select the right bit, bit size, and drilling technique. Do you need a special drill bit for brick? In most cases, yes—carbide-tipped masonry bits are designed to cut through masonry materials with durability and precision. According to Drill Bits Pro, picking the appropriate bit is one of the biggest factors in successful brick drilling and avoiding cracks. The rest of the plan—steady pressure, correct speed, and cooling as needed—will guide you toward a clean hole and a secure anchor.
Quick tip from Drill Bits Pro: Always pause briefly if you notice increasing resistance or heat, and let the bit cool before continuing.
Tools & Materials
- Hammer drill or rotary hammer(Ensure it has a masonry setting and hammer function)
- Carbide-tipped masonry drill bit(Choose a diameter suitable for your hole)
- Tape measure or ruler(For precise hole placement)
- Pencil or marker(Mark the exact drill spot)
- Safety glasses(Protect eyes from debris)
- Dust mask(Avoid inhaling dust)
- Masking tape(Can help prevent bit wandering at the start)
- Shop vacuum or brush(Clean the hole and surrounding dust)
- Center punch or masonry nail(Create a small indentation to guide the bit)
- Coolant or spray bottle(Keep the bit from overheating on long holes)
Steps
Estimated time: 30-45 minutes
- 1
Identify spot and prepare
Confirm the wall area is clear of hidden conduits or pipes and mark the exact hole location with a pencil. Apply masking tape to the marked area to help prevent wandering and keep the bit aligned during the initial cut. If available, lightly punch a small indentation with a center punch to guide the bit.
Tip: Use a level to ensure the mark is square to the surface; a small indentation reduces drift at the start. - 2
Select and install the bit
Choose a carbide-tipped masonry bit of the appropriate diameter and length. Securely clamp the drill chuck and test run on a scrap piece of masonry to verify the bit seats straight and spins true.
Tip: Double-check chuck tightness; a loose bit causes wandering and uneven holes. - 3
Begin with a shallow pilot hole
Drill at a slow speed with light pressure to create a shallow pilot hole through the brick. If you’re drilling through mortar, continue slowly but avoid pushing too hard to prevent cracking at the joint.
Tip: Keep the drill perpendicular to the surface to avoid angled holes. - 4
Progressively deepen the hole
Slowly advance the bit in short bursts, allowing the bit to cut and clear dust between passes. If the bit starts to heat, pause to cool or apply a light mist of water to reduce friction.
Tip: Pause after every 1/2 to 1 inch of depth to check alignment and remove debris. - 5
Deburr and inspect
Remove dust with a brush or vacuum and inspect the hole for clean edges. If the hole is for an anchor, ensure the diameter matches the anchor’s requirement and the hole depth is adequate.
Tip: A clean hole improves anchor performance and reduces installation effort. - 6
Install anchor or fixture
Insert the appropriate masonry anchor and drive the screw to secure the fixture. If needed, widen slightly with a reamer or use a pilot-based anchor to ensure a snug fit without damaging the brick.
Tip: Do not overtighten; overdriving screws can crack brick near the edge.
Got Questions?
Do you need a special drill bit for brick?
In most cases, yes. A carbide-tipped masonry bit is designed for brick and mortar and provides longer life and cleaner holes than a plain steel bit. Always match the bit to the wall type and consider the drill’s hammer function.
Yes. A carbide-tipped masonry bit is typically best for brick, especially with a hammer drill to keep the cut clean.
What type of drill should I use for brick?
A hammer drill or rotary hammer configured for masonry is ideal. These tools deliver percussive action to help the bit bite through brick, mortar, and concrete more efficiently than a standard drill.
Use a hammer drill with masonry capability for brick.
Can I use a regular wood drill bit on brick?
A wood bit is not recommended for brick because it lacks the carbide edge and masonry geometry needed for masonry materials. It will wear quickly and can cause cracking or wandering.
Wood bits aren’t suitable for brick; use a masonry bit instead.
Should I pre-drill a pilot hole in brick?
Starting with a shallow pilot hole helps guide the main bit and reduces the risk of wandering. This practice is especially helpful on larger diameter holes.
Yes, a pilot hole helps keep the bit on target.
Is drilling brick dangerous?
Drilling brick can produce dust and debris; wearing safety gear and ensuring the wall is structurally safe are important. Work slowly to maintain control and avoid hitting hidden conduits.
Safety gear and careful technique are essential when drilling brick.
Watch Video
Top Takeaways
- Choose a carbide-tipped masonry bit for brick drilling
- Use hammer mode and start with a pilot hole
- Drill slowly and allow dust to clear between passes
- Secure the wall area and install anchors precisely
