Drilling
We stock a wide selection of drill bits and cutting tools suited to every construction, trade, and maintenance application. Our range covers HSS drill bits and sets, auger bits, SDS Plus shank bits, SDS Max drill bits, SDS Max points and chisels, masonry drill bits, hex shank drill bits, spear drill bits for tile and glass, and jigsaw blades. Every drill bit type is available in a variety of diameters, allowing you to select the most suitable size for your project for greater accuracy and precision.
Read more Read less
Selecting the correct drill bit for the material and machine is essential for drilling performance, accuracy, and tool life. Using a masonry bit on metal, or an HSS bit on concrete, will damage the bit and produce poor results. Our range covers the full scope of materials and drilling systems used across UK construction and trade, with each drill bit type matched to its correct application.
- ✓ HSS drill bits and sets for metal, steel, and general-purpose drilling
- ✓ SDS Plus and SDS Max drill bits for concrete, brick, and blockwork
- ✓ SDS Max points and chisels for breaking and demolition work
- ✓ Auger bits for deep drilling in timber and structural wood
- ✓ Spear drill bits for clean, chip-free drilling in tiles, glass, and stone
- ✓ Hex shank drill bits for quick-change systems and impact drivers
- ✓ Jigsaw blades for timber, sheet materials, and curved or access cuts
- ✓ Multiple diameters available across all bit types for precise hole sizing
- ✓ Bulk supply with same-day and next-day UK delivery available
Choosing the Right Drill Bit for the Job
The most important decision in drill bit selection is matching the bit to both the material and the drilling machine. The three main material categories are metal, masonry, and timber, and each requires a different bit design and often a different drilling action. HSS (high-speed steel) bits are designed for metal and rotate without hammer action. Masonry bits and SDS bits are designed for concrete, brick, and blockwork and work best with hammer or rotary hammer action. Auger bits are designed for timber and use a screw-tip and spiral flute action to draw the bit through the wood and clear waste efficiently.
The drilling system also determines which bit type is compatible with your machine. SDS Plus bits fit SDS Plus chucks, which are standard on most site rotary hammers. SDS Max bits fit the larger SDS Max chuck, used on heavier-duty breakers and rotary hammers for demanding structural work. Hex shank bits fit quick-change systems and impact drivers. Spear drill bits are designed for tile, glass, and stone drilling using a standard drill in rotation-only mode without hammer, which prevents cracking delicate materials. Selecting the correct combination of bit type, material rating, diameter, and shank system ensures efficient drilling, accurate hole sizes, and maximum bit life.
Drill Bits and Cutting Tools by Type
Each bit and tool type is matched to its correct material and drilling system for the best results on site.
Matching Drill Bits to Materials and Machines
Using the correct drill bit for the material and machine is the single most important factor in drilling performance. An HSS bit will blunt immediately if used on concrete. A masonry bit used without hammer action on dense concrete will drill slowly and wear quickly. An SDS Plus bit will not fit an SDS Max machine and vice versa. Getting these basics right avoids wasted time, damaged bits, and poor-quality holes.
Diameter selection is equally important. All bit types in our range are available in multiple diameters. For fixings and anchors, the hole diameter must match the fixing manufacturer's specification. For cable and pipe installation, the hole must provide sufficient clearance for the service being installed. For core drilling, the diameter is typically specified by the M&E engineer. Our team can advise on the correct diameter for your application if you are unsure.
| Material | Correct bit type | Machine action required |
|---|---|---|
| Steel, metal, aluminium | HSS drill bit | Rotation only, no hammer |
| Brick and concrete block | Masonry bit or SDS Plus | Hammer drill or rotary hammer |
| Reinforced concrete, structural | SDS Max drill bit | SDS Max rotary hammer |
| Timber, joists, structural wood | Auger bit | Rotary drill, rotation only |
| Ceramic tile, glass, stone | Spear drill bit | Rotation only, no hammer |
| Breaking and demolition (concrete) | SDS Max chisel or point | SDS Max hammer |
Professional Drill Bits and Cutting Tools for UK Construction and Trade
Drill bits and cutting tools are fundamental across construction, engineering, maintenance, and installation work. From drilling anchor holes in reinforced concrete to running cable routes through timber joists, cutting access holes in tile walls, and carrying out demolition with SDS chisels, the correct tool for the material and machine makes the difference between a job done efficiently and one that wastes time and consumables.
CMT Group supplies contractor-grade drill bits and cutting tools across all bit types and material categories, with multiple diameters available in each range to match your precise application. Strong UK stockholding and same-day and next-day delivery support contractors, M&E installers, and procurement teams who need reliable consumable availability to keep work on schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SDS Plus and SDS Max?
SDS Plus and SDS Max are two different shank systems for rotary hammer and breaker tools. SDS Plus has a smaller shank and is used with standard site rotary hammers for general concrete and masonry drilling. SDS Max has a larger, heavier shank designed for bigger machines used in demanding structural drilling and demolition work. The two systems are not interchangeable: SDS Max bits will not fit SDS Plus machines and vice versa. For most standard site drilling in brick and block, SDS Plus is the correct system. For heavy structural concrete drilling and breaking, SDS Max is required.
What are HSS drill bits used for?
HSS (high-speed steel) drill bits are used for drilling metal, steel, aluminium, and general-purpose materials in a standard rotary drill without hammer action. They are not suitable for concrete or masonry. HSS bits are available individually and in sets covering multiple diameters, making them a versatile choice for metalwork, fabrication, and general drilling tasks.
What are auger bits used for?
Auger bits are used for deep drilling through timber, floor joists, and structural wood, primarily for running cables, conduit, and pipes through timber-framed structures. The screw-tip draws the bit into the wood while the spiral flute pulls waste out of the hole efficiently, allowing clean deep holes without the bit jamming. They are used with a standard rotary drill in rotation-only mode.
What are spear drill bits used for?
Spear drill bits are designed for drilling clean, chip-free holes in ceramic tiles, glass, and natural stone. They must be used in a standard rotary drill in rotation-only mode without hammer action, as percussion would crack or shatter these delicate materials. The spear-shaped tip geometry reduces surface sliding when starting the hole and minimises the risk of cracking during drilling.
What materials can masonry drill bits cut?
Masonry drill bits are used for drilling brick, concrete block, and general masonry materials with a standard hammer drill. They use a carbide tip to cut through hard masonry under hammer action. For reinforced concrete or demanding structural masonry, an SDS Plus or SDS Max bit with a rotary hammer machine will give faster and more consistent results than a standard masonry bit with a hammer drill.
Why buy drill bits from CMT Group?
CMT Group supplies contractor-grade drill bits across all types including HSS, masonry, SDS Plus, SDS Max, auger, hex shank, and spear bits, with multiple diameters available in each range. Our strong UK stockholding and same-day and next-day delivery options ensure urgent site requirements are fulfilled without delay. Our team can advise on the correct bit type, diameter, and shank system for your specific material and machine.
SDS Plus vs SDS Max: Which System Do You Need?
SDS Plus and SDS Max are the two most commonly used rotary hammer shank systems in UK construction, and choosing the right one depends on the scale of the drilling task and the power of the machine being used. SDS Plus is the standard system for site rotary hammers in the 2kg to 5kg class, used for routine masonry drilling in brick, block, and light concrete for fixings, anchors, and service installation. SDS Plus bits are available in diameters from around 4mm up to 40mm and are the correct choice for the majority of site drilling tasks.
SDS Max is a heavier-duty system for machines in the 5kg to 10kg class and above, including heavy rotary hammers and dedicated demolition hammers. SDS Max bits start at larger diameters and extend up to 65mm or more, and the larger shank transmits significantly higher impact energy into the material. SDS Max is the correct system for drilling large-diameter holes in reinforced concrete, breaking out concrete slabs and walls, channel cutting for services in structural concrete, and other high-energy drilling and demolition tasks where an SDS Plus machine would be underpowered. The two systems are physically incompatible and cannot be interchanged, so the machine you are using determines which bit system you require.
Accreditations and memberships
BSI ISO 9001:2015
Achilles Building Confidence
ConstructionOnline Gold
CHAS Elite
Avetta Member
Shop Drill Bits and Cutting Tools by Type
Drilling
We stock a wide selection of drill bits and cutting tools suited to every construction, trade, and maintenance application. Our range covers HSS drill bits and sets, auger bits, SDS Plus shank bits, SDS Max drill bits, SDS Max points and chisels, masonry drill bits, hex shank drill bits, spear drill bits for tile and glass, and jigsaw blades. Every drill bit type is available in a variety of diameters, allowing you to select the most suitable size for your project for greater accuracy and precision.
Read more Read less
Selecting the correct drill bit for the material and machine is essential for drilling performance, accuracy, and tool life. Using a masonry bit on metal, or an HSS bit on concrete, will damage the bit and produce poor results. Our range covers the full scope of materials and drilling systems used across UK construction and trade, with each drill bit type matched to its correct application.
- ✓ HSS drill bits and sets for metal, steel, and general-purpose drilling
- ✓ SDS Plus and SDS Max drill bits for concrete, brick, and blockwork
- ✓ SDS Max points and chisels for breaking and demolition work
- ✓ Auger bits for deep drilling in timber and structural wood
- ✓ Spear drill bits for clean, chip-free drilling in tiles, glass, and stone
- ✓ Hex shank drill bits for quick-change systems and impact drivers
- ✓ Jigsaw blades for timber, sheet materials, and curved or access cuts
- ✓ Multiple diameters available across all bit types for precise hole sizing
- ✓ Bulk supply with same-day and next-day UK delivery available
Choosing the Right Drill Bit for the Job
The most important decision in drill bit selection is matching the bit to both the material and the drilling machine. The three main material categories are metal, masonry, and timber, and each requires a different bit design and often a different drilling action. HSS (high-speed steel) bits are designed for metal and rotate without hammer action. Masonry bits and SDS bits are designed for concrete, brick, and blockwork and work best with hammer or rotary hammer action. Auger bits are designed for timber and use a screw-tip and spiral flute action to draw the bit through the wood and clear waste efficiently.
The drilling system also determines which bit type is compatible with your machine. SDS Plus bits fit SDS Plus chucks, which are standard on most site rotary hammers. SDS Max bits fit the larger SDS Max chuck, used on heavier-duty breakers and rotary hammers for demanding structural work. Hex shank bits fit quick-change systems and impact drivers. Spear drill bits are designed for tile, glass, and stone drilling using a standard drill in rotation-only mode without hammer, which prevents cracking delicate materials. Selecting the correct combination of bit type, material rating, diameter, and shank system ensures efficient drilling, accurate hole sizes, and maximum bit life.
Drill Bits and Cutting Tools by Type
Each bit and tool type is matched to its correct material and drilling system for the best results on site.
Matching Drill Bits to Materials and Machines
Using the correct drill bit for the material and machine is the single most important factor in drilling performance. An HSS bit will blunt immediately if used on concrete. A masonry bit used without hammer action on dense concrete will drill slowly and wear quickly. An SDS Plus bit will not fit an SDS Max machine and vice versa. Getting these basics right avoids wasted time, damaged bits, and poor-quality holes.
Diameter selection is equally important. All bit types in our range are available in multiple diameters. For fixings and anchors, the hole diameter must match the fixing manufacturer's specification. For cable and pipe installation, the hole must provide sufficient clearance for the service being installed. For core drilling, the diameter is typically specified by the M&E engineer. Our team can advise on the correct diameter for your application if you are unsure.
| Material | Correct bit type | Machine action required |
|---|---|---|
| Steel, metal, aluminium | HSS drill bit | Rotation only, no hammer |
| Brick and concrete block | Masonry bit or SDS Plus | Hammer drill or rotary hammer |
| Reinforced concrete, structural | SDS Max drill bit | SDS Max rotary hammer |
| Timber, joists, structural wood | Auger bit | Rotary drill, rotation only |
| Ceramic tile, glass, stone | Spear drill bit | Rotation only, no hammer |
| Breaking and demolition (concrete) | SDS Max chisel or point | SDS Max hammer |
Professional Drill Bits and Cutting Tools for UK Construction and Trade
Drill bits and cutting tools are fundamental across construction, engineering, maintenance, and installation work. From drilling anchor holes in reinforced concrete to running cable routes through timber joists, cutting access holes in tile walls, and carrying out demolition with SDS chisels, the correct tool for the material and machine makes the difference between a job done efficiently and one that wastes time and consumables.
CMT Group supplies contractor-grade drill bits and cutting tools across all bit types and material categories, with multiple diameters available in each range to match your precise application. Strong UK stockholding and same-day and next-day delivery support contractors, M&E installers, and procurement teams who need reliable consumable availability to keep work on schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SDS Plus and SDS Max?
SDS Plus and SDS Max are two different shank systems for rotary hammer and breaker tools. SDS Plus has a smaller shank and is used with standard site rotary hammers for general concrete and masonry drilling. SDS Max has a larger, heavier shank designed for bigger machines used in demanding structural drilling and demolition work. The two systems are not interchangeable: SDS Max bits will not fit SDS Plus machines and vice versa. For most standard site drilling in brick and block, SDS Plus is the correct system. For heavy structural concrete drilling and breaking, SDS Max is required.
What are HSS drill bits used for?
HSS (high-speed steel) drill bits are used for drilling metal, steel, aluminium, and general-purpose materials in a standard rotary drill without hammer action. They are not suitable for concrete or masonry. HSS bits are available individually and in sets covering multiple diameters, making them a versatile choice for metalwork, fabrication, and general drilling tasks.
What are auger bits used for?
Auger bits are used for deep drilling through timber, floor joists, and structural wood, primarily for running cables, conduit, and pipes through timber-framed structures. The screw-tip draws the bit into the wood while the spiral flute pulls waste out of the hole efficiently, allowing clean deep holes without the bit jamming. They are used with a standard rotary drill in rotation-only mode.
What are spear drill bits used for?
Spear drill bits are designed for drilling clean, chip-free holes in ceramic tiles, glass, and natural stone. They must be used in a standard rotary drill in rotation-only mode without hammer action, as percussion would crack or shatter these delicate materials. The spear-shaped tip geometry reduces surface sliding when starting the hole and minimises the risk of cracking during drilling.
What materials can masonry drill bits cut?
Masonry drill bits are used for drilling brick, concrete block, and general masonry materials with a standard hammer drill. They use a carbide tip to cut through hard masonry under hammer action. For reinforced concrete or demanding structural masonry, an SDS Plus or SDS Max bit with a rotary hammer machine will give faster and more consistent results than a standard masonry bit with a hammer drill.
Why buy drill bits from CMT Group?
CMT Group supplies contractor-grade drill bits across all types including HSS, masonry, SDS Plus, SDS Max, auger, hex shank, and spear bits, with multiple diameters available in each range. Our strong UK stockholding and same-day and next-day delivery options ensure urgent site requirements are fulfilled without delay. Our team can advise on the correct bit type, diameter, and shank system for your specific material and machine.
SDS Plus vs SDS Max: Which System Do You Need?
SDS Plus and SDS Max are the two most commonly used rotary hammer shank systems in UK construction, and choosing the right one depends on the scale of the drilling task and the power of the machine being used. SDS Plus is the standard system for site rotary hammers in the 2kg to 5kg class, used for routine masonry drilling in brick, block, and light concrete for fixings, anchors, and service installation. SDS Plus bits are available in diameters from around 4mm up to 40mm and are the correct choice for the majority of site drilling tasks.
SDS Max is a heavier-duty system for machines in the 5kg to 10kg class and above, including heavy rotary hammers and dedicated demolition hammers. SDS Max bits start at larger diameters and extend up to 65mm or more, and the larger shank transmits significantly higher impact energy into the material. SDS Max is the correct system for drilling large-diameter holes in reinforced concrete, breaking out concrete slabs and walls, channel cutting for services in structural concrete, and other high-energy drilling and demolition tasks where an SDS Plus machine would be underpowered. The two systems are physically incompatible and cannot be interchanged, so the machine you are using determines which bit system you require.
Accreditations and memberships
BSI ISO 9001:2015
Achilles Building Confidence
ConstructionOnline Gold
CHAS Elite
Avetta Member
