What are the models of Four-edge cross drill bit for tiles?

Four-edge cross drill bits, also known as four-flute cross-tip drill bits, are specialized tools designed for drilling into tile surfaces with precision and minimal risk of cracking or chipping. Unlike standard drill bits, their unique four-edge cross geometry—featuring four cutting edges arranged in a cross pattern—distributes pressure evenly across the tile surface, reducing stress concentrations that often lead to damage. These bits are typically constructed with high-quality materials such as tungsten carbide or diamond-infused alloys, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance even when drilling through hard, dense tile materials like porcelain, ceramic, marble, or granite.

The key advantages of four-edge cross drill bits lie in their design: the cross-shaped tip allows for quick centering, preventing slippage during the initial drilling phase, while the four flutes (or cutting edges) efficiently remove debris, keeping the drill path clear and reducing heat buildup. This design not only enhances drilling speed but also extends the lifespan of the bit by minimizing wear and tear. Whether for professional tilers, contractors, or DIY enthusiasts, choosing the right four-edge cross drill bit model is crucial for achieving clean, accurate holes in various tile types. Below is a detailed overview of prominent brands and their specific models, highlighting their features, specifications, and ideal applications.

Bosch, a globally renowned manufacturer of power tools and accessories, offers a range of high-performance four-edge cross drill bits tailored for tile drilling. Known for their precision engineering and innovative designs, Bosch bits are trusted by professionals for consistent results in demanding applications.

Model: Bosch Professional 2608587237 Four-edge Cross Tile Drill Bit
The Bosch Professional 2608587237 is a top-tier four-edge cross drill bit designed for heavy-duty tile drilling tasks. Constructed with a tungsten carbide tip bonded to a high-speed steel (HSS) shank, this bit combines hardness and flexibility, making it suitable for drilling through ceramic, porcelain, and even glass tiles. The four-edge cross tip is precision-ground to ensure sharp cutting edges, enabling quick penetration without slipping, while the flutes are optimized for efficient chip removal, preventing clogging and reducing friction.

This model is available in multiple diameters, ranging from 4mm to 12mm, catering to various hole size requirements—from small fixture installations (e.g., towel bars, soap dishes) to larger applications like pipe or conduit openings. The shank features a hexagonal design, which provides a secure grip in drill chucks, minimizing slippage during high-torque drilling. Additionally, the bit is coated with a black oxide finish, which enhances corrosion resistance and reduces heat buildup, extending its service life.

Users praise the 2608587237 for its versatility, noting that it performs equally well in both wet and dry drilling conditions. Wet drilling (using water as a coolant) is recommended for harder tiles like porcelain to further reduce heat and dust, and this bit’s design accommodates such use seamlessly. Its durability is another standout feature; professional tilers report that the bit maintains its sharpness even after drilling dozens of holes in dense porcelain tiles, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent use.

Model: Bosch Expert for Tile & Stone 2608587250 Four-edge Cross Drill Bit
The Bosch Expert 2608587250 is part of Bosch’s premium Expert line, engineered for extreme durability and performance in the toughest tile and stone materials. This bit features an enhanced carbide tip with a higher tungsten content, making it harder and more wear-resistant than standard carbide bits. The four-edge cross geometry is refined with a sharper angle, allowing for faster penetration into hard tiles like granite and sintered stone, which are notoriously difficult to drill.

Available in diameters from 6mm to 16mm, this model is ideal for larger projects, such as installing shower systems, vanity units, or heavy-duty fixtures that require larger holes. The flutes are deeper and wider than those on the 2608587237 model, improving debris evacuation and reducing the risk of overheating during prolonged use. The shank is designed with a SDS-plus adaptor option, compatible with rotary hammer drills, which is particularly useful for drilling through thick tiles or tile-and-mortar combinations.

A unique feature of the 2608587250 is its special anti-vibration design, which reduces hand fatigue during extended drilling sessions—a critical benefit for professionals who spend hours on the job. The bit also undergoes rigorous testing, including repeated drilling cycles in high-density porcelain, to ensure consistent performance. Users note that this model is particularly effective for precision work, as it produces clean, burr-free holes with minimal chipping, even in brittle materials like marble.

DeWalt, a leading brand in professional power tools, is celebrated for its rugged, job site-tested accessories, and their four-edge cross drill bits for tiles are no exception. Built to withstand heavy use, DeWalt bits focus on durability, speed, and user safety.

Model: DeWalt DW5574 Four-edge Cross Tile Drill Bit Set
The DeWalt DW5574 is a comprehensive set of four-edge cross drill bits, including multiple diameters (5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm) to cover a wide range of tile drilling needs. Each bit in the set features a diamond-infused carbide tip, which offers superior hardness compared to standard carbide, making it highly effective for drilling through ultra-hard tiles like porcelain and glazed ceramic. The diamond particles embedded in the tip enhance abrasion resistance, ensuring the bit stays sharp longer even when used on abrasive materials.

The four-edge cross tip is designed with a self-centering point, eliminating the need for pre-drilling or marking with a center punch—this saves time and reduces the risk of errors, especially for DIY users. The flutes are spiral-shaped and optimized for maximum chip removal, with a smooth internal surface that allows debris to flow out freely, preventing jams and maintaining consistent drilling speed.

Each bit in the DW5574 set has a 1/4-inch hex shank, compatible with most cordless and corded drills, impact drivers, and rotary tools, providing versatility across different power tools. The shank is also marked with clear size indicators, making it easy to select the right bit for the job. The set comes in a durable storage case, keeping the bits organized and protected from damage when not in use.

Users highlight the DW5574’s reliability in high-stress applications, such as drilling through thick porcelain tiles used in commercial kitchens or bathrooms. The diamond-infused tip ensures that even after repeated use, the bits do not dull, and the self-centering design reduces the likelihood of tile cracking, a common concern with less precise bits. This set is particularly popular among contractors who need a versatile, all-in-one solution for various tile drilling tasks.

Model: DeWalt DWA1614 Four-edge Cross Premium Tile Drill Bit
The DeWalt DWA1614 is a premium single-bit option, designed for professionals who require a high-performance tool for specific, demanding applications. This bit features a titanium-coated carbide tip, which combines the hardness of carbide with the lubricity of titanium, reducing friction and heat buildup during drilling. The titanium coating also enhances corrosion resistance, making the bit suitable for use in damp environments like bathrooms or outdoor tiling projects.

Available in diameters from 8mm to 16mm, the DWA1614 is engineered for large-hole drilling in thick tiles, such as those used in floor installations or wall cladding. The four-edge cross tip is precision-machined with a chamfered edge, which helps to minimize chipping around the hole perimeter—a critical feature for visible tile surfaces where aesthetics matter. The flutes are longer than those on standard bits, allowing for deeper drilling without compromising debris removal.

The shank of the DWA1614 is a 3/8-inch round shank, compatible with larger drills and rotary hammers, providing stability and power for heavy-duty tasks. DeWalt’s proprietary ToughCase® design ensures that the bit can withstand accidental drops and impacts, a common hazard on construction sites. Users report that this bit excels in drilling through reinforced tiles, which contain glass fibers or other additives to increase strength, as the titanium coating and sharp edges cut through these materials with ease.

Makita, a Japanese manufacturer known for its precision tools, offers a range of four-edge cross drill bits that blend cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design, making them popular among both professionals and DIYers.

Model: Makita D-03743 Four-edge Cross Tile Drill Bit
The Makita D-03743 is a versatile four-edge cross drill bit designed for general tile drilling applications, balancing performance and affordability. Constructed with a high-grade carbide tip and a hardened steel shank, this bit is suitable for drilling through ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles. The four-edge cross tip is ground to a sharp point, ensuring quick centering and reducing the need for excessive pressure, which can cause tile damage.

This model is available in diameters from 4mm to 10mm, making it ideal for small to medium-sized holes, such as those needed for mounting brackets, electrical outlets, or plumbing fixtures. The flutes are designed with a variable helix angle, which adjusts the chip removal rate based on drilling speed, optimizing performance across different tile densities. This feature prevents overloading the bit and ensures smooth, consistent drilling.

The shank of the D-03743 is a round shank with a hex base, providing compatibility with both standard drill chucks and hex-driven tools, adding to its versatility. The bit is also treated with a corrosion-resistant coating, which protects it from moisture and rust when stored in damp toolboxes or used in wet drilling conditions.

Users appreciate the D-03743’s ease of use, noting that it requires less effort to start drilling compared to other bits, making it a good choice for DIY enthusiasts with less experience. Its affordability, combined with reliable performance, has made it a staple in home improvement projects, from bathroom renovations to kitchen backsplash installations.

Model: Makita B-65399 Four-edge Cross Professional Tile Drill Bit
The Makita B-65399 is a professional-grade four-edge cross drill bit, engineered for heavy-duty use in commercial and industrial tiling projects. This bit features a super-hard carbide tip with a unique grain structure, enhancing its resistance to wear and ensuring long life even when drilling through the hardest porcelain and granite tiles. The four-edge cross geometry is optimized with a wider tip angle, distributing pressure more evenly and reducing the risk of tile cracking under high torque.

Available in diameters from 6mm to 16mm, the B-65399 is designed for large-scale applications, such as drilling holes for pipes, drains, or structural supports in commercial buildings. The flutes are deep and aggressive, with a chip breaker design that breaks up large debris into smaller particles, making removal more efficient and preventing clogging. This design also reduces heat buildup, allowing for continuous drilling without overheating the bit.

The shank of the B-65399 is a SDS-max shank, compatible with heavy-duty rotary hammers, which deliver high impact energy—essential for drilling through thick tile layers or tile bonded to concrete substrates. The bit also includes a laser-etched size marker, ensuring quick and accurate selection on the job site.

Professionals praise the B-65399 for its consistency, noting that it produces uniform holes with minimal chipping even after hundreds of uses. Its ability to handle high-speed drilling without losing sharpness makes it a valuable tool for time-sensitive projects, where productivity is key. The bit’s durability also translates to cost savings, as it requires less frequent replacement compared to lower-quality alternatives.

Hilti, a leader in construction tools and accessories, is known for its innovative solutions for challenging construction tasks. Their four-edge cross drill bits for tiles are designed with advanced technology to deliver precision and reliability in professional settings.

Model: Hilti 345223 Four-edge Cross Tile Drill Bit
The Hilti 345223 is a high-performance four-edge cross drill bit designed for use with Hilti’s range of power tools, though it is also compatible with most standard drills. This bit features a diamond grit-infused carbide tip, which provides exceptional cutting power on hard, abrasive tiles like porcelain and natural stone. The diamond particles ensure that the tip maintains its sharpness, even when drilling through materials that quickly dull conventional carbide bits.

The four-edge cross tip of the 345223 is engineered with a self-sharpening design, meaning that as the bit wears, new cutting edges are exposed, extending its effective lifespan. The flutes are designed with a progressive helix angle, which starts with a gentle slope near the tip for quick penetration and steepens toward the shank to enhance debris removal—this dual-action design improves drilling efficiency and reduces the risk of jamming.

Available in diameters from 5mm to 12mm, this model is suitable for a variety of applications, from installing light fixtures to creating openings for plumbing lines. The shank is a Hilti-specific hex shank, which locks securely into Hilti drills to prevent slippage, though it can also be used with standard hex adapters. The bit is coated with a special heat-resistant layer, which protects it from high temperatures generated during prolonged drilling, ensuring consistent performance.

Users of the Hilti 345223 highlight its precision, noting that it produces clean, accurate holes with minimal effort, even in the hardest tiles. The self-sharpening feature is particularly valued by professionals, as it reduces the need for frequent bit changes, saving time and increasing productivity on the job site.

Model: Hilti TE-CX 4/6 Four-edge Cross Drill Bit
The Hilti TE-CX 4/6 is part of Hilti’s TE-CX line, designed for use with their TE series rotary hammers, offering high impact resistance and performance in demanding tile drilling applications. This bit features a double-carbide tip—two layers of high-grade carbide bonded together—providing superior durability and wear resistance compared to single-layer tips. The four-edge cross geometry is reinforced with additional material at the tip, preventing chipping or breakage when drilling through uneven or thick tile surfaces.

Available in diameters from 6mm to 14mm, the TE-CX 4/6 is ideal for drilling through tile-and-mortar combinations, a common scenario in renovation projects where tiles are installed over concrete or brick substrates. The flutes are designed with a wide channel to accommodate larger debris, such as mortar fragments, ensuring that the drill path remains clear even when drilling through multi-layer materials.

The shank of the TE-CX 4/6 is a TE-CX shank, which is specifically engineered for Hilti rotary hammers, providing a secure, vibration-free connection that maximizes power transfer. This design minimizes energy loss, allowing the bit to deliver full impact force to the tile surface, speeding up drilling time. The bit also includes a depth stop marker, enabling users to drill to precise depths, which is crucial for applications like installing anchors or fasteners where consistency is key.

Professionals in the construction industry rely on the TE-CX 4/6 for its ability to handle tough, multi-material drilling tasks with ease. Whether drilling through porcelain tile over concrete or ceramic tile over brick, this bit maintains its performance, producing clean holes with minimal damage to surrounding materials. Its durability and compatibility with Hilti’s powerful rotary hammers make it a top choice for large-scale construction and renovation projects.

Four-edge cross drill bits for tiles are essential tools for achieving precise, damage-free holes in various tile materials, and the models offered by leading brands like Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, and Hilti set the standard for performance, durability, and versatility. Each brand and model caters to specific needs: Bosch excels in precision and adaptability for both professionals and DIYers; DeWalt focuses on rugged durability and diamond-infused tips for ultra-hard tiles; Makita offers a balance of performance and affordability, with professional-grade options for heavy use; and Hilti delivers innovative, tool-specific designs for high-impact, multi-material drilling.

When selecting a four-edge cross drill bit, factors such as tile type (ceramic, porcelain, stone), hole size, power tool compatibility, and frequency of use should be considered. For small DIY projects, a set like the DeWalt DW5574 provides versatility and ease of use, while professionals tackling large-scale commercial projects may opt for heavy-duty models like the Makita B-65399 or Hilti TE-CX 4/6. By choosing the right model, users can ensure efficient, accurate drilling results, minimizing tile damage and maximizing productivity. With ongoing advancements in material science and design, four-edge cross drill bits continue to evolve, offering even better performance and durability for the ever-changing demands of tile installation and renovation work.