Brick and block are softer than concrete but still far too abrasive for metal-cutting bits. The best drill bits for brick are carbide-tipped masonry bits, used with a gentler touch than you would ever use on concrete. Here is how to choose the bit and match the drill action to the material.
What to Look For
Like all masonry work, brick calls for a carbide tip that resists both abrasion and impact. The difference is that brick, mortar and lightweight aerated block are far more fragile, so aggressive hammering can crack the face or blow out the back. A quality carbide-tipped masonry bit lets you dial the action to match the material: a light hammer for hard-fired clay brick and engineering brick, and often plain rotation for soft, hollow or aerated block. Deep flutes still matter for clearing dust, and a sharp, well-brazed tip lets you start on the mark without a lot of force that could shatter the surface.
The Best Type of Bit for Brick and Block
Choose a carbide-tipped masonry bit and match the drill action to the material. Hard engineering brick takes light hammer mode; soft, hollow or aerated block often drills cleanest with rotation only, so it does not crack or crumble around the hole.
- Tip: Carbide-tipped masonry bit for abrasion and impact resistance.
- Hard brick: Light hammer action clears dense fired clay.
- Soft or hollow block: Rotation only prevents cracking and blow-out.
- Mortar joints: Drill the joint when you can — it is softer and easy to patch.
Technique and Mistakes to Avoid
Start slow to seat the tip on your mark, then ease into a steady feed and withdraw often to clear dust before it packs the flutes. Do not lean on the drill — too much pressure on soft or hollow block causes the face to blow out around the hole and leaves an anchor with nothing to grip. Choose the anchor and its matching bit size before you drill, and in hollow block use a sleeve or toggle anchor suited to the void behind the face. Keep the bit square to the wall so the hole stays true. Our USA-made masonry bits handle brick, block and mortar with confidence and control.
Brick Face or Mortar Joint
Where you place the hole changes how easy the job is. The soft mortar joint drills quickly and, if a fixing ever needs to move, it patches invisibly — ideal for temporary or light fittings. The brick face itself is harder but far stronger, so it is the right choice for anything bearing real weight, such as a bracket or handrail. Match the anchor to the location: solid brick takes a standard expansion plug, while hollow block needs a sleeve or toggle that grips the thin face without crushing it.