Tungsten steel alloy impact drill bits, also known as carbide-tipped impact drill bits, are engineered for high-performance drilling in tough materials such as concrete, masonry, stone, and even reinforced concrete. Their durability stems from the tungsten carbide tip, which is extremely hard and resistant to wear, while the steel shank provides strength and flexibility to withstand the high-impact forces of power drills. Below is a detailed overview of popular models from leading brands, categorized by their design, application, and key features.

Bosch is a globally renowned brand in power tools and accessories, and their tungsten steel alloy impact drill bits are trusted by professionals for their precision and longevity.

The Bosch Professional SDS-plus-5 X is a top-tier model designed for heavy-duty drilling in concrete, masonry, and stone. The “SDS-plus” designation refers to the shank type, which is compatible with most mid-range impact drills and rotary hammers, featuring a quick-change system that allows for tool-free bit changes. The tungsten carbide tip is reinforced with a special grade of carbide (WC-Co alloy with 90% tungsten carbide content) to resist chipping and wear, even when drilling through hard aggregate or lightly reinforced concrete.

This model comes in a wide range of diameters, from 4mm to 25mm, and lengths from 110mm to 450mm, making it versatile for various applications—from small DIY projects to large construction jobs. The flutes (the spiral grooves on the shank) are designed with a “5 X” geometry, which enhances dust removal during drilling. Efficient dust extraction prevents clogging, reduces friction, and extends the bit’s lifespan. Additionally, the shank is heat-treated to withstand high torque, ensuring it won’t snap under heavy use. The tip is precision-ground to ensure centered drilling, minimizing wandering and improving hole accuracy. This model is ideal for professionals in construction, renovation, and electrical installation who need reliable performance in demanding conditions.

For even more heavy-duty applications, the Bosch Professional SDS-max-9 is designed for use with large rotary hammers and impact drills. The SDS-max shank is larger and more robust than SDS-plus, making it suitable for drilling large-diameter holes in reinforced concrete, thick masonry walls, and industrial-grade stone. The tungsten carbide tip here is formulated with a higher cobalt content (8-10% Co), which increases toughness and shock resistance—critical for drilling through steel rebar embedded in concrete.

Diameters for this model range from 12mm to 50mm, with lengths up to 1000mm, catering to large-scale projects like foundation work or structural drilling. The flutes feature a “9” design, which optimizes dust removal at high drilling speeds, reducing heat buildup. The shank is made from high-quality chromium-molybdenum steel (Cr-Mo), known for its strength and resistance to corrosion. A special wear mark on the shank indicates when the bit is approaching the end of its useful life, helping users replace it before it fails. This model is a favorite among industrial contractors, civil engineers, and demolition teams who require maximum power and durability.

DeWalt is synonymous with ruggedness and innovation, and their Extreme series of tungsten steel alloy impact drill bits are built to handle the toughest drilling tasks.

The DeWalt Extreme 2 SDS-plus is engineered for professionals seeking high performance in concrete, brick, and block. The tungsten carbide tip is treated with a proprietary “Tough Coat” finish, which reduces friction and heat buildup, extending the bit’s life by up to 50% compared to standard carbide bits. The carbide grade used here is a fine-grained tungsten carbide (WC) with a cobalt binder, ensuring sharpness retention even after prolonged use.

This model is available in diameters from 5mm to 20mm and lengths from 160mm to 340mm, covering most common drilling needs in construction and renovation. The SDS-plus shank is compatible with DeWalt’s own rotary hammers as well as other leading brands, offering universal fit. The flutes feature a variable helix design—with a steeper spiral near the tip for quick dust removal and a shallower spiral near the shank for stability. This design reduces vibration, making drilling more comfortable and precise. The tip is also self-centering, eliminating the need for a pilot hole and reducing the risk of slipping, which is crucial when working on hard, smooth surfaces like polished concrete.

While many impact drill bits are designed for masonry, the DeWalt Extreme 4 is a multi-material model that excels in tungsten steel alloy construction for drilling through concrete, wood, metal, and plastic. This versatility makes it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts and professionals who need a single bit for diverse tasks. The tungsten carbide tip is ground to a special angle that allows it to 切入 (cut into) both hard and soft materials effectively—sharp enough for metal, yet robust enough for concrete.

Diameters range from 3mm to 13mm, with lengths from 65mm to 150mm, making it suitable for small to medium-sized holes. The shank is a standard round shank with a hex base, compatible with both impact drills and regular drills with a chuck. The hex base prevents slipping in the chuck during high-torque drilling, a common issue with round shanks. The flutes are designed with a 3-flute geometry, which balances dust removal and stability—important when switching between materials. For example, when drilling from concrete into wood, the flutes efficiently clear wood chips without clogging. The bit also features a reinforced shank-to-tip junction, preventing breakage when transitioning between hard and soft materials. This model is ideal for home renovation projects, where users might need to drill through walls, studs, and pipes with minimal tool changes.

Makita, a Japanese brand known for precision engineering, offers a range of tungsten steel alloy impact drill bits designed for both professional and consumer use.

The Makita D-03734 is a popular SDS-plus model tailored for drilling in concrete, brick, and stone. Its tungsten carbide tip is made from a high-density alloy (WC-Co with 92% tungsten carbide) that provides exceptional hardness, ensuring long life even in abrasive materials. The tip is brazed to the steel shank using a high-temperature process, creating a strong bond that resists separation under impact.

This model is available in diameters from 6mm to 22mm and lengths from 160mm to 350mm, suitable for a wide range of applications, from installing shelves to running electrical conduits. The shank is made from S2 steel, a high-strength alloy that offers excellent toughness and resistance to bending. The flutes feature a spiral design optimized for dust evacuation, with deep grooves that carry debris away from the drilling zone, reducing heat and friction. Makita’s “Centering Point” technology ensures the tip stays on target, even on uneven surfaces, minimizing the need for rework. The bit is also compatible with Makita’s XPT (Extreme Protection Technology) rotary hammers, which are dust and water resistant, making it a reliable choice for outdoor or messy job sites.

For users with standard drills (not rotary hammers), the Makita D-46283 features a super hex shank, which provides a secure grip in drill chucks, preventing slippage during high-impact drilling. The tungsten carbide tip is designed for masonry and concrete, with a sharp, chisel-like edge that penetrates hard materials quickly. The carbide grade here is formulated for general-purpose use, balancing hardness and toughness to handle both soft and hard concrete.

Diameters range from 5mm to 16mm, with lengths from 100mm to 250mm, making it suitable for DIY projects and light professional use. The shank is hexagonal in shape, which fits snugly in 3-jaw chucks, ensuring maximum power transfer from the drill to the bit. The flutes are shorter and wider than those on SDS-plus bits, designed to clear dust efficiently in standard drills, which typically operate at lower speeds than rotary hammers. The steel shank is heat-treated for durability, and the tip is precision-ground for consistent performance. This model is ideal for homeowners and handymen who need a reliable bit for occasional concrete drilling without investing in specialized rotary hammer tools.

Hilti is a leader in professional construction tools, and their tungsten steel alloy impact drill bits are engineered for extreme durability and performance in the most demanding environments.

The Hilti TE-CX is a premium SDS-plus model designed for heavy-duty drilling in reinforced concrete, masonry, and stone. It features Hilti’s proprietary “Carbide 4” tip, which is made from a high-performance tungsten carbide alloy with enhanced wear resistance and toughness. This tip is designed to withstand the impact of drilling through steel rebar, a common challenge in construction.

Available in diameters from 5mm to 32mm and lengths from 120mm to 600mm, the TE-CX is versatile enough for everything from small anchor holes to large utility penetrations. The SDS-plus shank is compatible with Hilti’s TE series rotary hammers, which are known for their power and reliability. The flutes incorporate Hilti’s “X-Power” geometry, a unique spiral design that increases drilling speed by up to 30% compared to standard bits. The flutes also feature a wear-resistant coating that reduces friction and prevents material buildup. The shank is made from high-strength steel with a corrosion-resistant finish, ensuring long life even in harsh job site conditions. A special “Rebar Cutter” tip design allows the bit to slice through steel rebar without deflection, reducing the risk of tip damage and ensuring clean, accurate holes. This model is a staple for professional contractors, structural engineers, and infrastructure developers who demand the highest performance.

For the most extreme drilling tasks, the Hilti TE-YX SDS-max drill bit is built to handle large-diameter holes in reinforced concrete, industrial masonry, and hard rock. The SDS-max shank is designed for use with Hilti’s largest rotary hammers, capable of delivering high impact energy for fast, efficient drilling. The tungsten carbide tip is formulated with a coarse-grained structure, which provides superior toughness for drilling through thick rebar and hard aggregate.

Diameters for the TE-YX range from 14mm to 65mm, with lengths up to 1200mm, making it suitable for projects like bridge construction, tunnel boring, and foundation work. The flutes are designed with a “Double Spiral” pattern, which doubles the dust removal capacity, preventing clogging and reducing heat buildup during extended use. The shank is reinforced with a thick-walled design to withstand the high torque and impact forces generated by large rotary hammers. Hilti’s “Duratec” coating on the shank reduces friction and protects against corrosion, while the tip features a “Centering Arrow” marker to ensure precise alignment before drilling. This model also includes a built-in “Wear Indicator”—a color-coded band that fades as the bit wears down, alerting users when it’s time for replacement. The TE-YX is trusted by industrial contractors and heavy construction teams for its ability to deliver consistent performance in the toughest conditions.

Milwaukee Tool is known for its rugged, professional-grade tools, and their tungsten steel alloy impact drill bits are no exception, designed for durability and speed.

The Milwaukee Red Helix SDS-plus is a high-performance model engineered for fast drilling in concrete, masonry, and stone. Its name comes from the distinctive red coating on the shank, which is a wear-resistant, friction-reducing finish that extends the bit’s life. The tungsten carbide tip is made from a premium alloy with a high tungsten content, ensuring sharpness and durability even in abrasive materials.

This model is available in diameters from 4mm to 25mm and lengths from 115mm to 400mm, covering a wide range of applications from residential construction to commercial renovation. The SDS-plus shank is compatible with Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel rotary hammers, as well as other leading brands. The “Red Helix” flute design features a steep spiral angle that increases drilling speed by up to 20% compared to standard bits, while efficiently evacuating dust to keep the tip cool. The tip is precision-ground with a 135-degree point angle, which allows for fast penetration and reduces the need for excessive force. The shank is made from high-strength steel, heat-treated to resist bending and breaking under heavy use. Milwaukee’s “Centering Tip” technology ensures accurate drilling, even on rough surfaces, making it a favorite among electricians, plumbers, and HVAC installers who need precise hole placement.

The Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Duty is a versatile multi-material bit that combines tungsten steel alloy construction with a design optimized for impact drills. Unlike dedicated masonry bits, this model is engineered to drill through concrete, metal, wood, and plastic, making it ideal for users who need a single bit for mixed-material projects. The tungsten carbide tip is ground to a universal angle that works across materials, while the steel shank is reinforced to withstand the high torque of impact drills.

Diameters range from 3mm to 10mm, with lengths from 65mm to 150mm, suitable for small to medium holes in home improvement and light construction. The shank features a 1/4-inch hex base, which fits securely in impact drill chucks, preventing slippage during high-speed drilling. The flutes are designed with a “3-Flute” geometry that balances dust and chip removal across different materials—efficiently clearing wood chips, metal shavings, and concrete dust. The bit also includes Milwaukee’s “Shockzone” technology, a reinforced area near the tip that absorbs impact forces, reducing the risk of breakage when drilling through hard materials. This model is perfect for DIYers, handymen, and professionals who need a versatile, durable bit for everyday drilling tasks.

Tungsten steel alloy impact drill bits are essential tools for anyone working with tough materials, and the models highlighted above represent the best in performance, durability, and versatility from leading brands like Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Hilti, and Milwaukee. Whether you’re a professional contractor needing to drill through reinforced concrete or a DIY enthusiast tackling home renovation projects, there is a model designed to meet your specific needs—from SDS-plus and SDS-max shanks for rotary hammers to hex shanks for standard impact drills, with features like enhanced carbide tips, optimized flutes, and wear-resistant coatings ensuring long life and reliable performance. By choosing the right model for your application, you can ensure efficient, accurate drilling and minimize tool wear, ultimately saving time and money on the job.