Which Drill Bits to Use for Reinforced Concrete? Here Are the Technical Features

Anyone who is about to carry out a series of technical work for their own home, or for that of possible clients, must always evaluate the characteristics of a drill bit for drilling reinforced concrete. Because in this way we can drill a wall, a pillar, a concrete wall. Maybe even with metal rods. Because this is one of the recognizable features of reinforced concrete

In the middle there are steel bars that make the structure very resistant but also difficult to penetrate with standard drills and low-quality drill bits. If you want to make a hole in a reinforced concrete wall you must have drill bits with unique characteristics. Which we can summarize like this: they must be resistant, durable and capable of withstanding very particular stresses.

Before the bits: the best drill to use

Drill bits for drilling reinforced concrete and concrete masonry are fundamental. Before proceeding with purchases, however, it's worth evaluating the drill you've decided to use to make this hole. You can't rely on a simple rotation model, you need a solution with impact motion. This means that, in addition to rotating, the chuck performs vertical movements due to internal percussion. Which is essential for drilling stone, walls and, precisely, reinforced concrete.

How to recognize drill bits for reinforced concrete?

We know that cutting concrete is difficult work to perform but drilling it is also difficult. Especially if you don't have a rotary hammer but a simple percussion drill. The first ones are tools designed to drill only concrete masonry, the second ones adapt but need specific help. Which can come right from drill bits for reinforced concrete. What are the characteristics?

Material of realization

An always essential point when evaluating the metal used to create the drill bit dedicated to reinforced concrete. In this case, the best solution is tungsten carbide: this solution is very hard, it allows you to cut and drill even resistant materials. Including concrete with metal rods inside. The hardness of this metal translates into high resistance to wear. Drill bits for reinforced concrete made of tungsten carbide maintain their shape and sharpness.

Even after prolonged use, these bits don't fear demanding and long-lasting work. Therefore, they are also the most economical solution if you want to work well and for a long time. Tungsten carbide drill bits last much longer than those made of high speed steel (HSS) or hardened steel, and are precise even after intensive use, an essential condition for work requiring minimal tolerances. A titanium nitride (TiN) coating can increase resistance and longevity.

Head plaquette

One of the first points to comply with to have a suitable drill bit for drilling reinforced concrete and concrete: the hard metal head, with 4 cutting edges and treatments based on brazing with solder alloy at 1100 degrees. This system guarantees power transfer from drill to object to be drilled, maximum efficiency on harder building materials and great precision.

If we add the L-shaped geometry of the chip removal we have excellent ejection of the resulting material. To guarantee maximum solidity of the bit, at least on Krino models, the head is welded to the main body to guarantee always high performance.

Some models from the Krino catalog have M.D. plaquettes to resist the impact that occurs in the new generation of heavy hammers 5 kg and over. We thus have a more streamlined but compact head for easy penetration into concrete. Results: +30% efficiency in drilling, longer tool life, more impact resistance, less vibration, deeper and more precise holes.

Drill bit attachment type

Another fundamental characteristic is the shank for attachment to the chuck. Some bits, in fact, have a smooth end part while other solutions have an SDS attachment. Namely the specific solution for rotary hammers. SDS bits can be inserted and removed without the need for keys or other tools, but most importantly they are able to transmit force more effectively.

The movement is imposed from the machine to the concrete wall. Moreover, it's an attachment that imposes stability and this increases the bit's ability to drill quickly and with precision. So, this is another reason to use a rotary hammer. Especially since, in this case, you can also use long bits for drilling reinforced concrete or with a large diameter.