Core Drill Bits

About Core Drill Bits

Core drill bits are specialist diamond-tipped cutting tools designed to bore precise, clean holes through tough materials including concrete, brick, stone, tiles, and reinforced masonry. Unlike standard twist drill bits that grind away material, core drill bits cut an annular ring, leaving a cylindrical core that can be removed intact. This method is far more efficient for larger diameter holes, reducing drilling time, minimising vibration, and producing less dust on site.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of both wet and dry diamond core drill bits from leading manufacturers including Marcrist, Bosch Professional, Makita, Coreplus, and Faithfull. Available in individual sizes from 6mm up to 150mm diameter, or as convenient multi-piece sets like the popular Bosch 11 Piece and Makita 10 Piece kits, these professional-grade tools are essential for tradespeople who need to create apertures for pipes, cables, ventilation ducts, and extraction systems. Most feature standard 1/2" hex shank or M14 threaded connections, making them compatible with standard rotary drills, angle grinders, or dedicated core drilling rigs.

Applications

• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Drilling holes for pipework, radiator feeds, boiler flues, and waste pipes through walls and floors
• Electricians: Creating apertures for cable runs, conduit, consumer units, and exterior electrical installations
• HVAC and Ventilation Specialists: Installing extractor fans, air conditioning units, and ventilation ducting through masonry
• Kitchen and Bathroom Fitters: Drilling for waste pipes, water supplies, cooker hood vents, and utility connections
• Builders and General Contractors: All-purpose masonry drilling for new installations, renovations, and structural modifications
• Satellite and Aerial Installers: Creating clean entry points for coaxial cables through external walls
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners tackling major renovation projects requiring professional-quality results

Choosing The Right Core Drill Bits

Material Being Drilled: Standard diamond core bits suit brick, block, and concrete. For reinforced concrete or engineered stone, opt for specialist bits like the Marcrist CCU850X range which feature more aggressive diamond segments to cut through rebar and aggregate.

Wet vs Dry Operation: Dry diamond core bits are convenient for quick jobs where water supply is problematic, typically suitable for holes up to 50-60mm deep. For deeper drilling, larger diameters, or multiple holes, wet core bits with water cooling deliver faster cutting speeds and significantly extended bit life.

Diameter Requirements: Common sizes for trade work include 20mm, 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, and 52mm for standard pipe and cable installations. Multi-piece sets from Bosch, Makita, Faithfull, and Coreplus offer excellent value if you regularly need various sizes.

Connection Type: Check your drill's connection. Most standard rotary drills accept 1/2" hex shank bits. Larger core bits typically use M14 threaded connections suitable for angle grinders or dedicated core drilling machines.

Brand Quality: Professional brands available at MyToolShed.co.uk including Marcrist, Bosch Professional, and Makita use superior diamond quality and bonding technology, resulting in cleaner cuts, faster drilling, and longer lifespan.

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear approved safety glasses, hearing protection, and FFP2 or FFP3 rated dust masks when dry drilling to prevent inhalation of harmful silica dust, in compliance with HSE guidance on respirable crystalline silica.

COSHH Compliance: Core drilling through masonry creates respirable crystalline silica (RCS) which is a known health hazard. Where possible, use wet drilling methods to suppress dust at source, or connect dust extraction systems when dry drilling.

Electrical Safety: When drilling through walls, use a cable and pipe detector to identify hidden electrical cables, water pipes, and gas lines before drilling. Ensure all 240v power tools are PAT tested and in good working order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a core drill bit in a standard rotary drill?
Yes, smaller diameter core bits (typically up to 50mm) with hex shanks work well in standard rotary drills or hammer drills. For larger diameters or heavy-duty applications, an angle grinder with appropriate adaptor or a dedicated core drilling machine provides better power and control.

What's the difference between wet and dry diamond core bits?
Wet core bits require water cooling during operation, which increases cutting speed, extends bit life, and eliminates dust. Dry core bits can be used without water, making them more convenient for quick jobs and indoor work, but they generate more heat and dust, and typically have a shorter working life.

How long should a diamond core bit last?
Lifespan depends on material hardness, drilling technique, bit quality, and whether wet or dry drilling. A quality professional core bit drilling standard masonry might complete 20-50 holes or more before the diamond segments wear down. Wet drilling significantly extends life compared to dry drilling.