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Metal & Masonry Sets
metal-masonry-sets
Metal and Masonry Drill Bit Sets Built for the Toughest Jobs
One wrong bit can snap mid-job or leave a ragged hole. That costs time and money. Metal and masonry sets give you the right bit for steel, brick, concrete, and stone. All in one kit, ready to go. These sets suit trade professionals and home improvers across the UK. Pick a set that matches your work and your tools.
Why a Metal and Masonry Drill Bit Set Makes Sense
Drilling into different materials needs different bits. Metal needs sharp HSS bits. Masonry needs carbide-tipped bits.
Buying a mixed metal and masonry set saves you time. You get the right bit without searching for it. It also saves money compared to buying bits one at a time.
Most sets include a range of sizes. This means you are ready for most tasks straight away. From small pilot holes to larger clearance holes in concrete.
Good to know: Always match the bit to the material. Using a wood bit on metal will blunt it fast. Using an HSS bit on masonry will damage the tip. A proper metal and masonry set removes all guesswork.
What Is Included in a Metal and Masonry Set
Most metal and masonry sets come with two types of drill bits. Here is what each one does.
HSS Jobber Drill Bits for Metal
HSS stands for High Speed Steel. Jobber drill bits are the standard length most tradespeople use daily. They cut cleanly through mild steel, aluminium, copper, and brass. They also work on hard plastics and some composites. Jobber drill bits sets are the most common bit type found on UK job sites.
Masonry Drill Bits for Brick and Concrete
Masonry drill bits have a hardened carbide tip. This tip smashes through brick, block, stone, and concrete. They are designed for use with a hammer drill. The fluted shank removes dust as you drill. They come in sizes to suit wall plugs and fixings.
Storage Case or Indexed Wallet
Good sets come with a case or wallet to keep bits organised. An indexed case labels each slot by size. This makes finding the right bit fast on a busy site. It also protects tips from damage during transport.
Mixed Size Range
Sets usually include sizes from around 1mm up to 10mm or 13mm. This covers the most common hole sizes for fixings and bolts. Larger sets may include bits up to 16mm. Check the size range before buying to match your work.
Types of Metal and Masonry Drill Bit Sets Available
Not all sets are the same. Here is a breakdown of the main types you will find.
Jobber Drill Bit Sets for Metal
These sets focus on HSS jobber bits in a range of sizes. They are ideal for drilling into steel, iron, and non-ferrous metals. A jobber drill bits set is a must-have for any metalwork or fabrication task. Sizes typically run from 1mm to 10mm or 13mm.
Masonry Drill Bit Sets
Pure masonry sets contain carbide-tipped bits only. They are built for use with a hammer drill on walls and floors. Common sizes match standard wall plug diameters such as 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, and 8mm. Essential for any fixing work in brick or concrete.
Combined Metal and Masonry Sets
These kits include both HSS bits and masonry bits in one case. They are perfect for general trade work or home improvement projects. You are covered for drilling into walls, metal frames, pipes, and fittings. One set does it all.
Multi-Material Drill Bit Sets
Some sets also include wood bits or titanium-coated bits. Titanium coating reduces heat and extends bit life in metal. Multi-material sets suit tradespeople who work across many surfaces daily.
How to Pick the Right Drill Bit Set for Your Work
Picking the wrong set wastes money. Use this guide to get the right one first time.
For Site and Trade Use
You need durable bits that last under heavy use. Look for fully ground HSS bits rather than rolled bits. Fully ground bits hold their edge much longer. Cobalt HSS bits are even stronger for cutting hard steels.
For Home DIY Use
A general combined metal and masonry set covers most jobs. Sizes between 3mm and 10mm handle most household tasks. Look for a set with a case so bits stay safe between uses.
For Fixing Work in Brick and Block
Focus on masonry drill bits matched to your wall plugs. A 5mm masonry bit suits a red wall plug. A 6mm bit suits a brown plug. A 7mm bit suits a yellow plug. Always check the plug size before drilling.
For Metal Fabrication and Engineering
A dedicated jobber drill bits set is the right choice here. Cobalt or titanium-coated HSS bits cut stainless steel and hardened alloys. Make sure the set includes a 135-degree split point tip. This reduces bit wander on smooth metal surfaces.
For Plumbers and Electricians
You need both masonry bits for walls and HSS bits for pipework. A combined metal and masonry set saves you carrying two kits. Look for sets that include 16mm to 25mm sizes for larger cable or pipe runs.
For First Fix and Second Fix
First fix needs masonry bits for drilling into walls and floors. Second fix needs HSS bits for fixings, hinges, and ironmongery. A combined set handles both stages with no swapping between kits.
Metal vs Masonry Drill Bits at a Glance
This table shows the key differences between the two main bit types in these sets.
| Feature | HSS Jobber Bits (Metal) | Carbide-Tipped Bits (Masonry) |
|---|---|---|
| Best Used On | Steel, aluminium, copper, brass, plastic | Brick, block, concrete, stone, screed |
| Drill Type Needed | Standard rotary drill | Hammer drill (rotary hammer for larger sizes) |
| Tip Type | Ground steel, often 118° or 135° point | Hardened tungsten carbide insert |
| Common Sizes | 1mm to 13mm (jobber length) | 4mm to 16mm (standard masonry length) |
| Speed Setting | Higher speed, lower torque | Lower speed, hammer action on |
| Cutting Action | Rotary shearing | Percussion and rotary combined |
Never use a masonry bit in rotary-only mode. It will not cut properly. Always switch on hammer action when drilling into brick or concrete.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most From Your Drill Bit Set
Good bits last longer when used correctly. Follow these simple tips on site or at home.
Keep Bits Cool
Heat is the main enemy of HSS drill bits. When drilling metal, let the bit cool between holes. You can also use a small amount of cutting oil. This extends bit life and gives cleaner holes.
Use Steady Pressure
Too much force blunts bits fast and can snap them. Too little pressure means the bit rubs rather than cuts. Apply firm, consistent pressure and let the bit do the work.
Start With a Centre Punch
When drilling into metal, use a centre punch first. This creates a small indent for the bit to sit in. It stops the bit from wandering across the surface. This is especially important on smooth steel.
Clear Dust From Masonry Holes
Dust builds up fast when drilling into brick or concrete. Pull the masonry bit out every few seconds to clear the flutes. This keeps the bit cutting rather than grinding against loose debris.
Use the Right Speed
Larger bits need lower speeds. Smaller bits can run faster. Drilling metal at too high a speed burns the tip. Most cordless drills have two speed settings. Use low for larger bits.
Store Bits Properly
Tossing bits loose in a toolbox damages the tips. Always return bits to their indexed case after use. This keeps edges sharp and makes finding the right size easy.
Who Uses Metal and Masonry Drill Bit Sets
These sets are used daily by a wide range of tradespeople and home users.
Builders and groundworkers rely on masonry drill bits sets for fixing frames, bolts, and brackets to concrete and block. They need carbide-tipped bits that hold up to heavy hammer drilling all day.
Plumbers and heating engineers use HSS jobber bits to drill through copper pipe, steel brackets, and boiler housings. They also need masonry bits for fitting pipework into walls.
Electricians need masonry bits for back boxes in brick walls and HSS bits for metal consumer units and trunking. A combined metal and masonry set is ideal for first and second fix electrical work.
Home DIY users benefit from a compact set that covers shelving, picture rails, curtain tracks, and flat-pack furniture. Most home jobs only need a handful of sizes, so a smaller combined kit works perfectly.
Tip for home use: A 19-piece or 25-piece metal and masonry set covers almost every domestic task. You get masonry bits for walls and HSS bits for screws, hinges, and light metalwork. It is the most cost-effective starter kit for any household toolkit.
Get the Right Metal and Masonry Set for Your Next Job
Use the filters above to narrow by set size, bit type, or brand. Check individual product pages for shank type, size range, and compatible drill models before ordering.
Need help with fixings to go alongside your drill bits? See our masonry and concrete fixings for wall plugs, frame fixings, and masonry screws that pair perfectly with these sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a metal and masonry drill bit set?
Most sets include HSS jobber drill bits for metal and carbide-tipped bits for masonry. They come in a range of sizes, usually 1mm to 13mm, stored in a labelled case or wallet. Some sets also add titanium-coated or cobalt bits for harder materials.
What are jobber drill bits used for?
Jobber drill bits are standard-length HSS bits used mainly for drilling metal. They cut through mild steel, aluminium, copper, brass, and hard plastics. A jobber drill bits set is the go-to choice for any metalwork or fabrication task.
Can I use an HSS bit to drill into brick or concrete?
No. HSS bits are not designed for masonry. The tip will blunt very quickly on brick or concrete. Always use a carbide-tipped masonry drill bit with hammer action for these materials.
Do I need a hammer drill for masonry bits?
Yes. Masonry drill bits work best with a hammer drill. The hammering action breaks up the material as the bit rotates. Using masonry bits without hammer action is slow and wears the tip quickly.
What size masonry bit do I need for a standard wall plug?
Red wall plugs need a 5mm masonry bit. Brown plugs need a 6mm bit. Yellow plugs need a 7mm bit. Always check the plug size stated on the packaging before you drill.
What is the difference between HSS and cobalt drill bits?
HSS bits suit mild steel and general metalwork. Cobalt bits contain a cobalt alloy that handles higher heat. They cut stainless steel and harder alloys that blunt standard HSS bits quickly. Cobalt bits cost more but last longer in tough materials.
How many drill bits should a good metal and masonry set have?
For home use, a set of 19 to 25 pieces covers most tasks. For trade or site work, a set of 50 pieces or more gives better size coverage. The key is having a full range from 3mm up to at least 10mm in both bit types.
Can I sharpen blunt drill bits to reuse them?
HSS jobber bits can be resharpened with a bench grinder or bit sharpener. Masonry carbide-tipped bits are harder to sharpen at home and are usually replaced. Keeping bits stored properly and used correctly extends their working life significantly.
Related Drill Bits and Cutting Tools
Drill bit sets work best alongside the right fixings and accessories. See our masonry and concrete fixings for wall plugs and frame fixings to use with your masonry bits.
For cutting tools used alongside drilling, visit our full drill bits range for specialist bits including flat wood bits, hole saws, and step drill bits.