5 min. read, May 2025
How to maintain your drill bits
We love helping trade professionals on site. That’s why we want to share these tips on drill bits!
Profit margins in construction are slimmer than ever as costs in the sector go up. The latest forecast from the Building Cost Information Service* in March 2025 shows that contractors should expect their costs to increase 17% by 2030. That makes it more important than ever to get every penny of value from your tools.
Drill bits are a great example of the benefits of proper maintenance and regular checks for wear and tear. If they’re worn, chipped or damaged then they will lead to lower quality work and pose a health and safety risk. However, if you choose the right drill bits and look after them properly, they will work for longer, save you money and increase your efficiency on the job site.
Here are 3 tips for maintaining the longevity and durability of your drill bits
1) Clean your drill bits thoroughly
Routine cleaning is one of the most effective ways to maintain your drill bits and ensure you don’t need to replace them unnecessarily.
After use, remove dust and debris, then use a brush or a cloth to wipe them down. If dirt or residue still lingers then you may need to use cleaning fluids and give them a stronger scrub to get rid of it.
In all cases, make sure that your drill bits are dried to prevent rust or corrosion. It’s the simplest and most cost-effective way to prevent wear and tear.
2) Use the right bits for the job
Just as important as regular cleaning is to make sure you’re always using the best drill bit designed for your application.
Each type of drill bit is designed for a specific base material. Using your drill bits for a material it’s not suited to drill or drive though can lead to them getting dull, damaged or even outright breaking. They can also overheat if you use the wrong bit for the job and try to force it into a material that it isn’t designed to penetrate.
3) Choose quality drill bits with a warranty
Sometimes breaks are unavoidable and you will need to replace your drill bits even if you have been taking great care of them. However, if you choose drill bits from Hilti’s range, replacing them doesn’t have to add to the cost.
Hilti offers a 20-year material and workmanship warranty and a two-year wear and tear warranty on selected drill bits. If you purchase qualifying drill bits, they will be considered for replacement as long as the wear mark on the helix is still visible. An example of this mark can be seen on our TE-YX (SDS Max) Metric Hammer Drill Bit.
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