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Chetan, Ghosh, S. & Rao, P. V. Application of sustainable techniques in metal cutting for enhanced machinability: A review. J. Clean. Prod. 100, 17–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.03.039 (2015).

The following drill bits are well suited for drilling into concrete and other masonry materials. They withstood rigorous hands-on testing, and each set of bits performed well enough to make our list. You’ll find different sizes and types that fit different drills. There’s sure to be one for your concrete-drilling project.

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Khani, S., Shahabi Haghighi, S., Razfar, M. R. & Farahnakian, M. Improvement of thread turning process using micro-hole textured solid-lubricant embedded tools. Proc. IMechE Part B J. Eng. Manuf. 235, 1727–1738. https://doi.org/10.1177/09544054211019929 (2021).

This paper investigates the impact of surface texturing and the use of CNT-enriched nanofluid lubrication on the cutting performance of cemented carbide cutting tools during the turning process of aluminum 7075 alloy. Aluminum 7075 is widely utilized in various industries due to its exceptional properties, including high corrosion resistance, a favorable strength-to-weight ratio, and good formability. However, this alloy tends to excessively adhere to the cutting tool at the tool-chip interface, which negatively affects the machining process. Previous research has proposed different solutions, but the current study focuses on implementing the two most effective approaches to minimize adhesion phenomena. The first approach involves modifying the contact area by creating a pattern on the tool's rake face, while the second approach utilizes CNT-enriched nanofluid lubrication to reduce friction in the tool-chip interface. Various types of surface textures were fabricated on the rake face, and experimental tests were conducted to identify the most effective texture. The findings showed that using textured tools with micro-grooves perpendicular to the chip flow direction, with CNT-enriched nanofluid lubrication, resulted in significant reductions in main cutting force, built-up edge, and surface finish. The decreases were up to 32%, 37%, and 19%, respectively, compared to dry turning conditions.

Khani, S., Haghighi, S. S., Razfar, M. R. & Farahnakian, M. Optimization of dimensional accuracy in threading process using solid-lubricant embedded textured tools. Mater. Manuf. Process. https://doi.org/10.1080/10426914.2021.1926492 (2021).

Several research studies have focused on investigating the impact of surface texturing on the cutting performance of cemented carbide cutting tools. Also, there are several research works that investigated CNT-nanofluid application in machining processes26, however, there is a limited number of studies that have explored the combined effect of nanofluid lubrication and surface texturing. Consequently, there exists a research gap in this particular domain. In order to enhance the cutting performance of cemented carbide turning tools, this study proposes the implementation of micro-textured tools, along with CNT-enriched nanofluid lubrication, for the turning process of Aluminum 7075 alloy. Laser micromachining was employed to engrave four different types of textures, including linear and circular arrays, on the rake face of the carbide cutting inserts. Turning tests were subsequently conducted on Aluminum 7075 bars, utilizing both non-textured and textured tools, to determine the optimal texture. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was conducted by employing the selected textured tool under dry conditions and varying concentrations of CNT-enriched nanofluid lubrication.

Khanali, M., Farahnakian, M., Elhami, S. & Khani, S. Tribological properties of vibro-mechanical texturing during face turning processes. Int. J. Lightweight Mater. Manuf. 5, 91–101 (2022).

Furthermore, the experimental findings using the T-Pe textured tool revealed that increasing the concentration of CNT nanoparticles in the base cutting fluid within the range of 1–3% resulted in significant reductions in the main cutting force (Fc) by approximately 21% and 32%, reductions in built-up edge (BUE) sizes of approximately 22% and 37%, and surface roughness reductions of approximately 15% and 19% respectively.

Khani, S., Razfar, M. R., Haghighi, S. S. & Farahnakian, M. Optimization of microtextured tools parameters in thread turning process of aluminum 7075 aerospace alloy. Mater. Manuf. Process. https://doi.org/10.1080/10426914.2020.1772485 (2020).

Prabhu, S. & Vinayagam, B. K. AFM investigation in grinding process with nanofluids using Taguchi analysis. Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol. 60, 149–160 (2012).

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In actual testing, we drilled through concrete, stone, and brick to see how well the drill bits fared. We used a standard DeWalt drill and a Milwaukee rotary hammer drill (depending on the individual drill bit shanks), and we drilled dozens of holes. We noted how well the bits performed and awarded points based on a rubric. After testing, we averaged the points to determine our best overall pick, and then we categorized the rest of the drill bits by their best usage.

The decrease in the main cutting force when using micro-textured tools can be elucidated as follows:

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Conradi, M., Drnovšek, A. & Gregorčič, P. Wettability and friction control of a stainless steel surface by combining nanosecond laser texturing and adsorption of superhydrophobic nanosilica particles. Sci. Rep. 8, 1–9 (2018).

Figure 8 illustrates the impact of using CNT-enriched nanofluid lubrication on the main cutting force. The experimental results revealed that compared to dry cutting with the T-Pe textured tool, the main cutting force decreased by up to 21% and 32% when utilizing 1% and 3% CNT nanofluid, respectively. Consequently, an increase in the concentration of nanoparticles improved the lubrication capability of the nanofluid. Figure 9 schematically demonstrates that carbon nanotubes dispersed in the nanofluid penetrate between the tool and chip, functioning as nano-bearings, as discussed in several articles 41,42,43,44. This alteration in the relative motion between the tool and chip, from sliding to rolling, accounts for the reduction in friction and cutting force. In essence, the decrease in friction and cutting force can be attributed to the nano-bearing effect, which is based on the rolling motion of carbon nanotubes.

Figure 10 displays the surface roughness (Ra) of machined workpieces using T-Pe textured tools under various lubrication conditions. As previously mentioned, surface texturing on the rake face had an insignificant impact on surface finish. However, when the T-Pe textured tool was utilized with CNT-enriched nanofluid lubrication, an improvement in surface finish was observed. The chart illustrates that Ra was enhanced by 15% and 19% when employing 1% and 3% concentration nanofluids, respectively, compared to dry machining with the T-Pe textured tool. This improvement can be attributed to the stable cutting conditions achieved during the turning process with the T-Pe tool under nanofluid lubrication. Figure 11 exhibits dynamic force profiles for different tools. It is evident from the figure that the fluctuation of cutting force was reduced when using the T-Pe tool with CNT nanofluid lubrication compared to dry conditions. This reduction in fluctuation resulted in a more stable cutting environment, leading to a superior surface finish.

Spending money on specialty concrete bits that see infrequent use may not be the most economical way of expanding one’s collection of drill bits. This EZArc multipurpose bit set offers an excellent alternative. The bits’ design and carbide tips make them suitable for drilling through tile, concrete, and stone plus metal, wood, and even plastic.

If you have additional questions about how to drill into concrete or choosing a drill bit for concrete or a drill bit for brick, you’ll find answers here.

For future studies, it would be beneficial to investigate the online application of ultrasonic probe homogenizer during the turning process to enhance the stability of the nanofluids. This could provide more control and consistency in the lubrication process, leading to further improvements in cutting performance.

As depicted in Fig. 4, the utilization of textured tools led to a slight reduction in the main cutting force. Among the various textured tools, the T-Pe tool with linear micro-grooves perpendicular to the chip flow direction exhibited the lowest cutting force. The results indicate that, on average, the main cutting force of the T-Pe tool was reduced by 7%, 10%, and 14% at cutting speeds of 33 m/min, 47 m/min, and 66 m/min, respectively, compared to the non-textured tool. The performance of the T-Pe tool in reducing cutting forces was observed to be superior to that of the T-Pa, T-CH, and T-C tools. This can be attributed to the fact that in the T-Pa, T-CH, and T-C tools, there was a higher degree of plastic deformation in the chip material compared to the T-Pe tool, which led to greater adhesion of the work material on the rake face, resulting in higher cutting forces.

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Research has been conducted on cutting fluids based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to examine their impact on machining performance. For instance, Prabhu27 investigated the grinding of AISI D2 tool steel using dry conditions, conventional cutting fluid, and a nanofluid containing CNTs as a lubricant. The experimental results demonstrated that the utilization of a CNT-enriched nanofluid led to a significant improvement in surface finish, achieving a nano-level quality as opposed to a micro-level finish. In a separate investigation by the same author28, the addition of carbon nanotube particles to SAE20W40 oil was found to enhance the heat-absorbing capacity of the lubricant. The research findings demonstrated that the utilization of a cutting fluid based on carbon nanotubes resulted in improved surface finish and reduced occurrence of micro-cracks during the grinding process of D3 tool steel. Experimental research was conducted by Rao et al.29 to assess the cutting temperature and tool wear in the turning process. The results of the research indicated that the inclusion of CNT particles resulted in a reduction in nodal temperatures, leading to improved surface finish and increased tool life. The experimental results also indicated that the addition of CNT nanoparticles to conventional cutting fluid increased its thermal conductivity. Furthermore, it was observed that the thermal conductivity of the nanofluid increased with rising temperatures. These properties collectively highlighted the superior performance of CNT-based nanofluids in comparison to conventional coolants30. The application of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) in hard turning of AISI H13 steel showcases the effectiveness and productivity of using nanofluid-MQL in conjunction with carbide tools for machining hot work tool steel in industrial applications31, 32.

The results indicate that the fabrication of microtextures on the rake face of cemented carbide tools does not have a substantial impact on the surface roughness.

Wang, X. et al. Nanofluids application in machining: a comprehensive review. Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol., 1–52 (2023).

In the Eq. (6), the contact length is represented by l, the effective contact length is denoted as le, wg signifies the width of the microgrooves, pg represents the spacing of the microgrooves, and n indicates the number of grooves in the contact area. According to Eq. (6), the effective contact length decreases with the generation of microgrooves on the rake face. Consequently, the contact area (Aw) and friction force (Ff) decrease. On the other hand, there is a correlation between the main cutting force and the friction force, which can be expressed as follows39,40:

We tried out a 1-inch hole bit, although these bits are available in several sizes to suit your specific needs from just under 3/4 inch to 4 inches in diameter. This is a diamond-coated drill bit; tiny diamond shards are laser welded to the tip, making it easy to drill through concrete and other types of masonry.

Sharpening drill bits manually with a file or bench grinder is a complicated process. You need a machine specially designed for drill-bit sharpening to do it yourself. It’s usually easier to buy new drill bits.

Khani, S., Farahnakian, M. & Razfar, M. R. Experimental study on hybrid cryogenic and plasma-enhanced turning of 17–4PH stainless steel. Mater. Manuf. Process. 30, 868–874. https://doi.org/10.1080/10426914.2014.984200 (2015).

The frictional force between the chip and the rake face during the turning process can be described by Eqs. (4) and (5)39,40:

Khani, S. Experimental study on the effect of CNT-enriched nanofluid lubrication on the performance of textured cutting tool in the turning of aluminum 7075 alloy. Sci Rep 13, 22584 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48796-w

Mahapatra, S., Das, A., Jena, P. C. & Das, S. R. Turning of hardened AISI H13 steel with recently developed S3P-AlTiSiN coated carbide tool using MWCNT mixed nanofluid under minimum quantity lubrication. Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng. Part C J. Mech. Eng. Sci. 237, 843–864. https://doi.org/10.1177/09544062221126357 (2022).

Arumugaprabu, V. et al. Performance of surface-textured end-mill insert on AISI 1045 steel. Mater. Manuf. Process. 34, 18–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/10426914.2018.1512119 (2018).

Bits like this are often used to drill through granite or marble countertops when installing faucets.

Sharma, A. K., Tiwari, A. K. & Dixit, A. R. Progress of nanofluid application in machining: A review. Mater. Manuf. Process. 30, 813–828 (2015).

These are slotted drive shaft (SDS) bits, meaning they will fit SDS-plus hammer drills, so we used a cordless Milwaukee rotary hammer drill for testing. This set has five pieces, including a 3/16-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch bit and two 2¼-inch bits of different lengths. The carbide tips are rugged, and we could easily drill through concrete, brick, and stone.

To cover all bases, we tested bits that fit standard drills and impact drivers, as well as rotary hammer drills. We also tested a hole bit that fits a grinder. Ahead, learn which factors to consider when shopping for a cement drill bit, and find out how the following products earned a spot in our lineup of the best drill bits for concrete.

In Eq. (4), Aw represents the contact area between the tool and chip, τc denotes the shear strength of the tool-chip interface, l represents the contact length between the tool and chip, and aw represents the chip width. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the effective contact length of the tool chip can be determined as follows19,39:

The application of surface texturing on cutting tools is acknowledged as a technique to improve the effectiveness of dry machining practices. This approach aims to enhance the tribological conditions between mating surfaces14. By introducing surface textures on cutting tools, the friction coefficient can be reduced through increased lubrication capacity and a decrease in the length of tool-chip contact. Researchers have successfully implemented various types of textures on cutting tool surfaces in drilling15, milling16, turning17, and thread turning18,19,20.

Furthermore, the micro-grooves positioned perpendicular to the chip flow direction serve as chip breakers, facilitating the chip's swift and effortless detachment from the rake face. Consequently, the tool-chip contact area is diminished. According to Eq. (4), a decrease in the contact area results in a reduction of the frictional force, thereby leading to a decrease in the total cutting force. As a result, the micro-grooves oriented perpendicular to the chip flow direction exhibited a smaller tool-chip contact area compared to other tools, resulting in a greater reduction in cutting force.

In a study conducted by Xie et al.21, a range of micro-grooves with depths ranging from 7 to 149 μm and aspect ratios between 0.14 and 0.5 were fabricated on the rake face of cutting tools using micro-grinding techniques. The results demonstrated that as the depth of the micro-grooves decreased, the cutting temperature decreased and the shear angle increased. Furthermore, their findings indicated that for improved cutting tool performance, it was necessary for the width of the grooves to be narrower than the chip width. In another study conducted by Fang and Obikawa22, five different types of micro-textures were created on the flank face of carbide inserts. These textures had depths/heights ranging from 10 to 20 μm and widths of 50 μm. The purpose of the micro-textures was to enhance the cooling effectiveness of high-pressure jet coolant during the turning of Inconel 718 alloy. The findings of the study demonstrated that the use of micro-textured tools resulted in reduced flank and crater wear compared to traditional tools. The tool with a micro-pit array with a depth of 10 μm exhibited the best performance, reducing flank wear by 50% compared to the plain tool. Dry turning experiments were performed by Liu et al.23 on green alumina using tools with textured flank faces, and the wear resistance was investigated. The micro-groove dimensions were set at a width of 35 μm, a depth of 20 μm, and a spacing of 200 μm between the grooves. The results revealed a significant reduction in flank face wear when using textured tools compared to conventional tools. Furthermore, it was observed that the micro-grooves on the flank face aligned parallel to the main cutting edge, exhibited superior resistance to flank wear. The researchers concluded that the mechanism responsible for the reduction in flank face wear was the derivative-cutting phenomenon occurring on the flank face. In a separate investigation conducted by Khani et al.18, 20 the effectiveness of textured tools filled with various solid lubricants was evaluated during the threading of Al 7075 alloy. The textured tools featured microholes with a depth, diameter, and pitch distance of 13, 70, and 200 μm, respectively. The study revealed that the use of a microhole textured tool filled with CNT (carbon nanotube) powder enhanced the performance of the thread-cutting process. The results indicated a reduction in cutting forces, built-up edge formation, and tool-chip contact length.

Fang, Z. & Obikawa, T. Cooling performance of micro-texture at the tool flank face under high pressure jet coolant assistance. Precis. Eng. 49, 41–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precisioneng.2017.01.008 (2017).

Niketh, S. & Samuel, G. L. Surface texturing for tribology enhancement and its application on drill tool for the sustainable machining of titanium alloy. J. Clean. Prod. 167, 253–270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.08.178 (2017).

Xie, J., Luo, M. J., Wu, K. K., Yang, L. F. & Li, D. H. Experimental study on cutting temperature and cutting force in dry turning of titanium alloy using a non-coated micro-grooved tool. Int. J. Mach. Tools Manuf. 73, 25–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2013.05.006 (2013).

The main limitation of the study is the current delivery method of the nanofluid to the cutting zone, which is in the splash mode. We acknowledge that better results could be achieved by designing a more effective nozzle that ensures the efficient delivery of the fluid directly to the cutting area.

Masonry drill bits are specifically designed to tackle stone and can bore through these hard surfaces with ease. Often featuring tungsten carbide tips that can endure drilling through hard stone surfaces, masonry drill bits have wide flutes that allow them to pull away large amounts of material as they drill to prevent debris from jamming the bit. Some bits even use diamond-encrusted blades to cut through this material. They come in a wide range of sizes to suit different needs.

Xing, Y., Deng, J., Wang, X., Ehmann, K. & Cao, J. Experimental assessment of laser textured cutting tools in dry cutting of aluminum alloys. J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. 138, 071006. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4032263 (2016).

You can drill as soon as the concrete is completely hardened, but pros often wait a couple of days to ensure the concrete is ready. Unlike needing to wait before painting or applying a sealer, you don’t have to wait 28 days to drill.

While there is no single chuck or drill head for concrete bits, many concrete bits have a slotted drive system (SDS), which means they have slots on the ends of the shanks for use in rotary hammer drills. SDS bits came out decades ago, and today, an improved version (SDS-plus) is standard on bits for hammer drills. You can still find smooth-shank bits for standard drills and hex-shank bits that will fit standard drills and impact drivers.

With carbide tips and a fluted design that bores through masonry, these Bosch Bulldog drill bits are some of the best on the market. Their four-flute design brought concrete dust up and out of the holes as we drilled, making the process smooth and quick.

Hasin, F. et al. Impact of nanoparticles on vegetable oil as a cutting fluid with fractional ramped analysis. Sci. Rep. 13, 7140. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-34344-z (2023).

Kharanzhevskiy, E. V., Ipatov, A. G., Makarov, A. V. & Gil’mutdinov, F. Z. Towards eliminating friction and wear in plain bearings operating without lubrication. Sci. Rep. 13, 17362 (2023).

Pradhan, S., Das, S. R., Jena, P. C. & Dhupal, D. Investigations on surface integrity in hard turning of functionally graded specimen under nano fluid assisted minimum quantity lubrication. Adv. Mater. Process. Technol. 8, 1714–1729. https://doi.org/10.1080/2374068X.2021.1948706 (2022).

In material removal processes, traditional cutting fluids have been employed to lubricate the interfaces between the tool and chip as well as the tool and workpiece, dissipate heat generated within the cutting zone, and facilitate the removal of chips from the machining area. The utilization of cutting fluids has resulted in enhanced productivity in manufacturing. However, the costs associated with cutting fluids and the health risks associated with exposure to cutting fluid mist have prompted researchers to explore approaches aimed at reducing or eliminating the reliance on these fluids. Some of these methods include the utilization of textured tools and the incorporation of nanofluids.

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Danish, M. et al. Environmental, technological and economical aspects of cryogenic assisted hard machining operation of inconel 718: A step towards green manufacturing. J. Clean. Prod. 337, 130483 (2022).

Kamel, B. M., El-Kashif, E., Hoziefa, W., Shiba, M. S. & Elshalakany, A. B. The effect of MWCNTs/GNs hybrid addition on the tribological and rheological properties of lubricating engine oil. J. Dispersion Science and Technology 42, 1811–1819 (2021).

In the case of the cross-hatch pattern, significant chip deformation occurs as the chip traverses the rake face of the tool. This leads to the bending of the chip towards the micro-grooves. Consequently, the actual contact area between the rake face and chip back increases, diminishing the effectiveness of micro-texturing in reducing forces.

Masonry drill bits come in several variations, including rotary percussion, double flute, and saw drill bits. All bit types use large carbide tips that can penetrate stone. Some bits have spear-shaped tips that allow for precision drilling, while others feature a crown-shaped tip that can efficiently grind through masonry.

A durable hard-plastic carrying case keeps the bits organized and easy to transport to the worksite. It was one of the better cases we saw, as it held the bits securely and came with a sliding lock. This is an all-around great little set of drill bits for anyone who regularly needs to drill into concrete or other masonry materials.

The bits feature SDS-plus shanks, and users will need a hammer drill to use them. The set comes with seven bits, ranging in size from 3/16 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter, making this a highly versatile set of masonry bits.

Figure 7 illustrates the size of the built-up edge (BUE) for different tools. It is evident that the textured tools exhibit a lower BUE compared to the non-textured tools. The height of the BUE for the non-textured tool (T0) was measured as 567 μm, whereas it was reduced to 460 μm, 363 μm, 326 μm, and 284 μm for the T-C, T-Pa, T-Ch, and T-Pe tools, respectively. This reduction corresponds to a decrease of 19%, 36%, 43%, and 50%, respectively. Therefore, the use of micro-textured tools results in a reduction in the adhesion of work material on the rake face. As discussed earlier, surface texturing of the rake face reduces the friction force between the tool and chip, leading to decreased heat generation and subsequently minimizing the adhesion of work material on the rake face.

When buying any type of drill bit, it’s important to consider its compatibility with the drill. Not all drill bits fit all drills. A 1/2-inch-size drill will fit drill bits with a shank up to 1/2 inch in diameter, while a 3/8-inch-size drill will only fit drill bits with shanks up to 3/8 inch in diameter.

Nanofluids refer to a mixture of solid particles with nanometer-scale dimensions suspended in a conventional fluid, forming a solid–liquid composite25. Recently, nanofluids have gained prominence in various engineering applications, such as heat transfer systems and machining processes, owing to their exceptional heat transfer capabilities and tribological properties25. A review of the available literature reveals that the utilization of nanofluids in metal cutting processes enhances heat transfer, resulting in decreased cutting forces, cutting temperature, power consumption, and tool wear26.

Sayuti, M., Sarhan, A. A. & Salem, F. Novel uses of SiO2 nano-lubrication system in hard turning process of hardened steel AISI4140 for less tool wear, surface roughness and oil consumption. J. Clean. Prod. 67, 265–276 (2014).

When purchasing and using a drill bit for masonry, there are several important guidelines to follow to ensure a successful outcome.

This is the second set of Bosch drill bits to make our lineup, and we found these bits highly efficient. Their four-flute design excelled at ejecting dust and debris as we drilled, which made the drilling process smooth and quick. Their pointed tips kept the bits centered as we started the holes. We were able to drill clean holes in concrete, brick, and even dense stone without problems.

Therefore, it can be inferred that the main cutting force, Fc, decreases when the friction force, Ff, is reduced.

This kit includes eight bits, ranging from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter. The bits have SDS-plus shanks, so the user will need a rotary hammer drill to use them.

The experimental findings indicate that increasing the nanoparticle concentration from 1 to 3% leads to a greater decrease in BUE size compared to dry cutting with the T-Pe textured tool. Specifically, the decrease in BUE size increased from 22 to 37%. This can be attributed to the influence of nanoparticle concentration on the thermal characteristics of nanofluids. The thermal conductivity (k) and convection coefficient (h) of nanofluids increases with higher nanoparticle concentrations 33,34. Hence, additional heat can be effectively transferred away from the cutting zone, thereby reducing adhesive wear.

Haddadzade, M., Razfar, M. & Farahnakian, M. Integrating process planning and scheduling for prismatic parts regard to due date. Int. J. Industrial and Manuf. Engineering 3, 248–251 (2009).

With extra-wide U-shaped flutes, these drill bits from WorkPro effectively ejected masonry dust as we drilled in concrete, brick, and stone. The bits have Luxembourg carbide tips that are made to be tough, hard, and durable, and they drilled quickly in our tests.

Recent advances in turning with textured cutting tools: A review Journal of Cleaner Production 137701–715 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.07.138 (2016).

Ramón-Raygoza, E. et al. Development of nanolubricant based on impregnated multilayer graphene for automotive applications: Analysis of tribological properties. Powder Technology 302, 363–371 (2016).

Sivaiah, P., Ajay Kumar, G. V., Singh, M. M. & Kumar, H. Effect of novel hybrid texture tool on turning process performance in MQL machining of Inconel 718 superalloy. Mater. Manuf. Process. 35, 61–71. https://doi.org/10.1080/10426914.2019.1697444 (2020).

In Fig. 6, the surface roughness (Ra) of workpieces machined using various textured and non-textured tools is presented. The chart demonstrates that the surface roughness of the machined workpieces improves as the cutting speed increases. This improvement can be attributed to the reduction in built-up edge size and the increased stability of the machining conditions at higher cutting speeds. As a result, the surface finish is enhanced 40.

Start by drilling a small guide hole at a low-speed setting for very hard concrete. Once you’ve established a 1/8-inch hole, remove the bit, blow the dust out of the hole, and use a larger bit at medium speed while applying steady pressure. It’s also a good idea to wear hearing protection—concrete drilling can be loud.

Derakhshan, M. M. & Akhavan-Behabadi, M. Mixed convection of MWCNT–heat transfer oil nanofluid inside inclined plain and microfin tubes under laminar assisted flow. Int. J. Therm. Sci. 99, 1–8 (2016).

Prabhu, S. & Vinayagam, B. Nano surface generation of grinding process using carbon nano tubes. Sadhana 35, 747–760 (2010).

Like higher-end bits, this set of Owl Tools bits comes with pointed tips to help keep the bit positioned when starting the hole. We tested the bits by drilling into brick, concrete, and stone, and they fared well. We felt they were just slightly slower than some of the other bits we tested, but drilling into masonry isn’t something to hurry along. We mainly wanted to see if they could withstand repeated drilling without breaking, and they did.

Elhami, S., Razfar, M., Farahnakian, M. & Rasti, A. Application of GONNS to predict constrained optimum surface roughness in face milling of high-silicon austenitic stainless steel. Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol. 66, 975–986 (2013).

Rawat, S. S., Harsha, A., Das, S. & Deepak, A. P. Effect of CuO and ZnO nano-additives on the tribological performance of paraffin oil–based lithium grease. Tribology Transactions 63, 90–100 (2020).

Gupta, M. K. et al. Measurement and analysis of machining induced tribological characteristics in dual jet minimum quantity lubrication assisted turning of duplex stainless steel. Measurement 187, 110353 (2022).

Some drill bits have coatings to improve their performance. Black oxide coatings are more durable than high-speed steel, as they resist rust and corrosion. Tungsten carbide coatings enhance the drill bit’s strength, enabling it to bore through stone and concrete.

Masonry drill bits need to be hard enough to endure the rigors of drilling through concrete. With that in mind, most masonry drill bits have steel shafts with a cutting tip made of tungsten carbide, which is much harder than steel and can grind through stone without dulling quickly. Some drill bits use diamond particles, which are welded to the cutting edge to chew through hard surfaces such as marble and granite.

We liked the pointed tips on this set of bits as they kept the bit from skittering across the material when we started drilling, which made the process much easier. If you need to drill different size holes in masonry, these Bosch Bulldog bits are just the ticket.

Sharmin, I., Gafur, M. A. & Dhar, N. R. Preparation and evaluation of a stable CNT-water based nano cutting fluid for machining hard-to-cut material. SN Appl. Sci. 2, 1–18 (2020).

Mbambo, M. C. et al. Thermal conductivity enhancement in gold decorated graphene nanosheets in ethylene glycol based nanofluid. Sci. Rep. 10, 14730. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-71740-1 (2020).

The remarkable properties of aluminum alloys, such as their impressive strength and stiffness-to-weight ratio, high corrosion resistance, excellent electrical and heat conductivity, and favorable formability, make them widely utilized in industries such as machinery manufacturing, aerospace, marine, and automobile1. While aluminum alloys possess favorable cutting properties attributed to their low strength, they tend to exhibit adhesion between the tool and chip on the rake face during machining operations2. Traditionally, cutting fluids have been employed to mitigate friction and adhesion in the machining process. However, the use of cutting fluids poses risks to machine operators, leads to damage to machine tool rails, and contributes to environmental pollution. In light of these concerns, there is a growing demand to minimize or eliminate the use of cutting fluids and transition towards dry machining methods that align with environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. To address these concerns, optimization studies have been conducted3, 4 and various sustainable approaches have been adopted in manufacturing to promote greener and cleaner production and mitigate the limitations associated with dry machining5,6,7.

Most masonry drill bits are used in hammer drills or standard drills, but not all. The SHDIATool core bit is designed for use with an angle grinder, and we were impressed at how well it drilled.

For most standard bits, you don’t need to use water. However, if you’re using a large hole bit, spraying the surface of the concrete with water can reduce friction and help keep the bit cool as you drill.

where β is the friction angle, and α is the rake angle. By substituting Eq. (1) into Eq. (2), we obtain the main cutting force relation expressed in Eq. (3)39,40:

Khajehzadeh, M., Moradpour, J. & Razfar, M. R. Influence of nanofluids application on contact length during hard turning. Mater. Manuf. Process. 34, 30–38 (2019).

Repeated drilling through dense concrete and stone puts drill bits to the test, often wearing them down quickly. While these drill bits from Makita are more expensive than some masonry drill bit sets, in our tests, their thick tungsten carbide tips held up well for drilling several holes.

This set from Owl Tools includes 10 drill bits at an affordable price point. With its broad range of sizes, this set can handle most concrete drilling needs; bit sizes range from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter, and we found them all to be durable and of good quality.

Before selecting the concrete drill bit sets we wanted to test, we researched more than 20 sets, looking for high-quality bits made from steel with carbide tips. We considered brand to an extent—after all, manufacturers like Bosch and Makita have top reputations for producing high-end power tools and accessories. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate smaller or niche manufacturers if their masonry drill bit sets were highly rated by customers.

In this equation, As represents the shear plane area, Ac denotes uncut chip cross-section area,  τs signifies the shear strength of the workpiece material, and φ represents the shear angle.

We’re committed to testing and reviewing products so you can make an informed decision. Advertising does not influence our product reviews and it never will. We always focus our coverage on standout products and never hesitate to mention their flaws and quirks. By using our affiliate links, you’re supporting our work and helping us continue to provide expert analysis. Find out more about our product evaluation process.

Khajehzadeh, M., Moradpour, J. & Razfar, M. R. Influence of nanolubricant particles’ size on flank wear in hard turning. Mater. Manuf. Process. 34, 494–501 (2019).

Figure 4 illustrates the main cutting force observed at various cutting speeds for both non-textured and textured tools. Each bar in the chart represents the average cutting force measured during the turning of Al 7075 alloy. The chart clearly demonstrates that cutting speed exerts a significant influence on the main cutting force. It was observed that as the cutting speed increased, the main cutting force decreased. This phenomenon can be attributed to the thermal softening of the material at higher cutting speeds, resulting in a reduction in shear strength within the shear zone 38. Additionally, the shear angle tends to increase with cutting speed. Consequently, the main cutting force can be effectively reduced by increasing the cutting speed during the cutting process, as further discussed below:

Rao, S. N., Satyanarayana, B. & Venkatasubbaiah, K. Experimental estimation of tool wear and cutting temperatures in MQL using cutting fluids with CNT inclusion. Int. J. Eng. Sci. Technol. 3, 2928–2932 (2011).

The performance of the cutting process was enhanced by using the T-Pe tool with linear microgrooves arranged perpendicular to the direction of chip flow, as indicated by the outcomes of dry turning tests comparing various textured tools and a conventional tool. To assess the impact of nanofluid lubrication on cutting performance, experimental turning tests were conducted using the chosen tool while employing nanofluid lubrication. The subsequent results are provided below.

Liu, Y. et al. Wear resistance of carbide tools with textured flank-face in dry cutting of green alumina ceramics. Wear 372–373, 91–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wear.2016.12.001 (2017).

The Owl Tools bits have standard smooth shanks to fit a regular drill. We didn’t notice any of the bits slipping as we applied pressure while drilling, as some smooth-shank bits tend to do.

The cutting tools in the experimental tests were cemented carbide CNMA120408 inserts. To engrave microtextures, an Nd: YAG laser from Jinan Xinchu Laser Inc. was employed, operating at a wavelength of 1064 nm, a repetition rate of 20 kHz, and a pulse duration of 10 ns. In order to generate microtextures on the rake face of the tools, the cutting insert was fixed on a computer-controlled translation table, and the laser beam was focused on the rake face perpendicularly and scanned to generate microgrooves. After the laser micro-machining, ultrasonic cleaning was applied to clean the inserts. Following the laser micro-machining, ultrasonic cleaning was performed to ensure the cleanliness of the inserts. In this research, a Fiber laser with a maximum power output of 30 W was utilized for the purpose of texturing the tools. Figure 1 provides a visual representation of the tools in both their plain and textured states, as observed through SEM images. The dimensions of the textures were determined based on a thorough review of relevant literature sources22,23, as well as a series of preliminary experiments. Previous research conducted by other scientists has demonstrated that micro-grooves with depths ranging from 10 to 100 μm, widths between 20 and 50 μm, and spacing of 100–300 μm have yielded favorable outcomes in terms of cutting performance. Hence, the selected dimensions for the microgrooves were as follows: a width of 50 μm, a spacing of 150 μm, and a depth of 10 μm. The tool configurations used in this study included linear textures perpendicular to the chip flow direction, linear textures parallel to the chip flow direction, circular textures, and linear cross-hatch textures, referred to as T-Pe, T-Pa, T-Ch, and T-C, respectively. The non-textured plane tool was denoted as T0. Figure 2 provides a depiction of the cross-section profile of a single microgroove generated on the rake face of the carbide insert. The tool with linear textures perpendicular to the chip flow direction, linear textures parallel to the chip flow direction, circular textures, and linear cross-hatch textures were nominated T-Pe, T-Pa, T-Ch, and T-C, respectively, while, the non-textured plane tool was named T0. Figure 2 shows the cross-section profile of an individual microgroove created on the rake face of the carbide insert.

In addition to drilling through masonry, we tried out this set of bits on dimensional lumber and 8-gauge sheet metal. They were slightly slower on masonry than some of the dedicated bits we tried, but they still did the job. They excelled as drill bits for metal as long as we drilled nice and slow. It’s not every day you can pick up a set of good metal drill bits and use them to drill a hole in brick or concrete, but it’s possible with the EZArc bits.

Drilling through masonry can be tough, requiring special drill bits for concrete that will hold up to the job. We recently tested seven different types of concrete drill bits in various sizes—using them to drill holes in concrete, brick, and stone.

According to Eq. (3), a decrease in shear strength (τs) and an increase in shear angle (φ) result in a reduction in the main cutting force.

Some of the methods employed to address the challenges associated with cutting fluids include the development of new tool materials, optimization of cutting fluid application through techniques like minimum quantity lubrication machining8, cryogenic machining9, and hybrid machining10, as well as the modification of traditional cutting fluid properties using nanofluids11, and the modification of cutting tool surfaces through approaches like surface texturing12, 13.

A durable hard-plastic storage case keeps the bits organized and protected when in a tool box or on the workbench. Thanks to the visual holes in the holder that show the exact size hole each bit will drill, we found it easy to pick the correct-size bit at a glance. If you regularly drill into any type of masonry, you won’t go wrong with this set.

Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.

You can use a regular drill to drill through concrete, although it will be slower than using a rotary hammer drill.

This set comes with five bits, ranging in size from 3/16 inch to 1/2 inch. An included plastic bit case provides convenient storage.

In addition to carbide tips, the EZArc bits have multigrind sharp edges and double-flute design, which make them well suited for drilling in various materials. A hex shank adds even more versatility—these bits are compatible with standard drills and impact drivers. The kit includes five bits: 5/32 inch, 3/16 inch, 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, and 3/8 inch.

Tatiana et al.24 conducted a study to assess the performance of straight and zig–zag patterns created on the rake face of carbide tools using ultrashort laser pulses during the turning process of martensitic stainless steel. The research aimed to compare the performance of these patterns in terms of cutting forces, power consumption, and workpiece cylindricity deviation. The findings indicated that the straight pattern demonstrated superior performance compared to the zig–zag pattern across the evaluated parameters.

The relationship between the main cutting force, denoted as Fc, in the turning process and the total cutting force FR can be expressed by the Eq. (2)39,40:

Srivyas, P. & Charoo, M. A Review on Tribological Characterization of Lubricants with Nano Additives for Automotive Applications. Tribology in Industry 40 (2018).

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Masonry drill bits come in a variety of sizes to suit a broad range of needs. The smallest masonry bits are around 3/16 inch in diameter, with larger bits topping out at the 1/2-inch size. Hole saw bits have sizes that go up to 4 inches or more.

Our favorite, thanks to its four-flute design and carbide tips, is the five-piece Bosch Bulldog Carbide Set for use in hammer drills, which are often used as masonry drills.

Figure 12 presents the impact of surface texturing and nanofluid lubrication on the size of the built-up edge (BUE). The results demonstrate a significant reduction in BUE size when CNT-enriched nanofluid coolant is used during the turning process with the T-Pe textured cutting tool. As previously mentioned, the addition of CNT nanoparticles to the base coolant enhances the tribological performance of mating surfaces. Consequently, the friction coefficient between the chip and tool decreases, leading to a reduction in friction force at the rake face. This decrease in friction force results in reduced heat generation, which helps mitigate the adhesion of work material to the rake face.

To create the nanofluid, the process involved introducing CNT particles into an emulsion-type cutting fluid (AMIX: combined ratio with water of 5%). The concentration of CNT particles in the base fluid was set to 1% and 3% based on previous studies on nanofluid applications in machining processes26, 29, 33,34,35,36. Nanofluids were prepared by dispersing a specific amount of CNTs in the base fluid by using an ultrasonic processor for 6 h generating pulses of 400 W at 24 kHz. This method guarantees the stability of the nanofluid for 24 h37. Table 1 provides an overview of the properties of the nanoparticles.

Each bit has a wide spiral flute that bores evenly through stone, concrete, and brick. These bits will easily handle tough concrete-drilling jobs, but you’ll want to use a good drill for concrete—and it will need to be a rotary hammer drill with a minimum 7/8-inch chuck. We drilled several holes in quick succession, and the Makita bits performed flawlessly.

In conclusion, this study aimed to investigate the impact of surface texturing and the application of CNT-enriched nanofluid lubrication on the cutting performance of cemented carbide cutting inserts during the turning of Al 7075 alloy. The results clearly demonstrated that the use of CNT-enriched nanofluid has significant potential in reducing cutting force and surface roughness and minimizing the size of the built-up edge.

Santana, T. D., de Rossi, W., Barbosa, P. A. & Bertolete, M. Performance of cutting-tool patterns textured via ultrashort laser pulses in the turning of martensitic stainless steel under dry and lubricated conditions. Proc. IMechE Part B J. Eng. Manuf. https://doi.org/10.1177/09544054231166461 (2023).

In summary, the findings of this study demonstrate that the creation of appropriate micro textures on the rake face of the turning tool can significantly enhance the machining performance of Al 7075 alloy. Moreover, the use of CNT nanofluid further enhances the performance of the turning process by reducing cutting force, minimizing the size of the built-up edge, and improving surface roughness. These results highlight the potential of surface texturing and the application of CNT-enriched nanofluid lubrication as effective strategies for optimizing cutting processes and achieving improved machining outcomes.

The SHDIATool core bit excelled in our tests. To extend its useful life, users can spray the surface of the material they’re drilling with water, which will help keep the bit cool and reduce friction. This is the bit to have for drilling larger holes in concrete.

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The turning experiments were carried out using a TB50NR Lathe equipped with cemented carbide CNMA120408 inserts. Workpieces made of cold-rolled Al 7075 alloy bars with a diameter of 30 mm and a length of 450 mm were employed. The cutting tests were conducted at three cutting speeds (Vc), 33 m/min, 47 m/min, and 66 m/min, with a fixed depth of cut (ap) of 0.75 mm and a feed rate (af) of 0.14 mm/rev. To measure cutting forces, a KISTLER Company turning dynamometer 9272-type with three components was employed. A piezoelectric dynamometer was mounted on the tool post and a tool holder was attached to it. As the cutting operation took place, mechanical forces exerted on the cutting tool were converted into electrical signals by the piezoelectric sensor and then transferred to the charge amplifier. After amplification, the signals were transmitted to the data acquisition system and subsequently transferred to a PC for analysis using the Dyno-Ware software. In every experiment, the PCE-RT Roughness Tester was utilized to measure the surface roughness (Ra). To accomplish this, three specific areas on the machined surface were selected for measurement. The measurements were taken in these regions, and the average of the three measurements was recorded as the Ra value. The tracing velocity and the sampling length were consistently maintained at 0.5 mm/s and 0.8 mm, respectively. The height of the built-up edge was measured using an optical Dino-Lite AM-413ZT microscope with DinoCapture 2.0 software. Tool images were captured, and measurements were taken using calibration tools for precise evaluation of the built-up edge size. SEM analysis was employed to examine the texture patterns on the rake face. The experimental setup for the cutting tests is depicted in Fig. 3.

The total cutting force, denoted as FR, is determined during the turning process using Eq. (1) 39,40:

Baskar, N., V. H. & Sankaran, R. Performance of cutting tool with cross-chevron surface texture filled with green synthesized aluminium oxide nanoparticles. Sci. Rep. 9, 1–9 (2019)

For drilling jobs that require drilling through concrete or other stone surfaces, it’s important to use a drill bit that’s strong and sharp enough to bore through especially hard, dense material. Read on to learn about materials, bit type, drill compatibility, and other crucial factors to consider when choosing a masonry drill bit.

Specifically, when comparing the non-textured tool to the application of the T-Pe tool under dry cutting conditions, a decrease of up to 14% in the average main cutting force was observed. Among the investigated textures, the T-Pe texture exhibited superior performance in terms of surface roughness. The implementation of surface textures led to a reduction in friction force, resulting in a decreased height of the built-up edge (BUE). In the absence of lubrication, the height of the BUE was reduced by 19%, 36%, 43%, and 50% for the T-C, T-Pa, T-Ch, and T-Pe tools respectively, in comparison to the non-textured tool.

And to keep the bits organized for storage or transport, the Owl Tools bits come with a carrying case.