When you need to drill dozens or even hundreds of holes, use a bit with replaceable carbide inserts. Once the cutting edges wear down, just change the inserts instead of sharpening or throwing the bit away. The holes in the bit channel coolant through the tool for more efficient chip evacuation. Each drill bit requires two inserts—one on the inner cutting edge and one on the outer cutting edge. Replacement inserts are sold separately.

Cut large holes with drill presses and portable drills that have a standard-size chuck. The shank on these bits has a smaller diameter than the cutting tip. Also known as Silver and Deming bits.

Drill multiple hole sizes using only one bit. These have steps with progressively larger diameters—the deeper they drill, the bigger the hole. Count the steps as you drill to achieve the proper size. These bits also deburr as they cut, so they're good for thin materials like sheet metal and plastic panels.

Crush rather than cut material so bits don’t jam or overheat while drilling masonry and concrete. The ultra-hard carbide tip breaks masonry into pieces and the widely spaced flutes channel them out of the hole. These bits stay sharp, resisting wear and heat that will dull or break other bits.

Core out large holes in concrete, even if it's reinforced with rebar mesh. No need to switch bits, these have a diamond-coated edge that keeps on cutting and resists wear to stay sharp.

No need to move the hole when you encounter rebar in concrete—swap out your masonry bit for one of these cutters. They have a carbide tip that resists wear to stay sharp. Once you're through the rebar, resume drilling with the masonry bit.

Connect these hollow bits to a vacuum system, and they'll suck up dust while drilling. Use them to meet OSHA standards for silica dust exposure when drilling in concrete, brick, and other powdery masonry material. These bits are especially useful for cutting holes for adhesive anchors—you don't need to clean out the hole before installing. They have a titanium nitride (TiN)-coated carbide tip that resists wear and heat to stay sharp.

Pair an inner and outer insert with a compatible drill bit body (sold separately) to drill a large number of holes with high precision. When the cutting edges dull, replace the carbide inserts instead of the entire bit.