Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Carbide Multi-Material Drill Bit

I recently had the opportunity to put the Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Carbide Multi-Material Drill Bit (model 48-20-8889) through its paces on a variety of projects. As someone who frequently works with materials ranging from brick and block to metal and ceramic tile, I was eager to see how this bit would perform in real-world conditions. Milwaukee is a brand I trust, and my expectations were high.

Versatility and Performance

One of the standout features of this drill bit is its versatility. Milwaukee advertises it as suitable for an impressive range of materials, including brick, block, concrete, steel, aluminum, ceramic tile, backerboard, wood, PVC, and drywall. I was particularly interested in how it would handle tougher materials like brick and concrete, as these can often be challenging for multi-material bits.

In my tests, the bit performed admirably on softer materials like wood, PVC, and drywall. It drilled through these substrates with ease, maintaining a clean and precise hole without any significant fraying or deviation. This was particularly useful for a project involving installing cable conduits through various walls in a residential setting. The hex shank design also ensured a secure fit in my drill, eliminating any wobble and allowing for more accurate drilling.

Durability and Edge Retention

The carbide tip is one of the primary selling points of this bit, promising enhanced durability and efficiency. My experience corroborates this claim, especially when working with materials like fiberglass and ceramic tile. The bit stayed sharp and effective, even after multiple uses, which is a testament to its build quality.

However, when it came to more demanding tasks like drilling through brick and concrete, the results were mixed. Using an impact driver, as suggested by the packaging, I found that the bit struggled more than I anticipated. It took considerable time to drill even a couple of inches into brick, and the bit showed signs of wear after just a few holes. It’s worth noting that while the bit is designed to work with impact drivers, a hammer drill might be more suitable for such heavy-duty tasks. When I switched to a hammer drill, the performance improved, but the bit still showed noticeable wear after extended use in concrete.

Specific Applications

One of the more challenging tasks I attempted was drilling through porcelain tiles to install a grab handle in a bathroom. I used a step-down approach, starting with smaller bits and working my way up to the required size. The SHOCKWAVE bit handled this task exceptionally well, cutting through the tile without any chipping or cracking. The precision and cleanliness of the holes were impressive, making the installation process much smoother.

Another notable application was drilling into stainless steel for a custom metalwork project. Stainless steel is notoriously tough on drill bits, but the SHOCKWAVE bit managed to drill cleanly and quickly, saving me a significant amount of time and effort. This experience highlighted the bit’s capability in handling hard metals, although I would still recommend using specialized bits for extensive metalwork.

User Experience

The user experience with this drill bit was generally positive. The hex shank design adds versatility, allowing it to be used with various types of drills, including standard drills and quick-change systems. The bit’s ability to evacuate material effectively kept the work area clean, which is always a bonus when working on detailed projects.

However, the bit’s performance with an impact driver on masonry was less than stellar, which could be a limitation for users who don’t have access to a hammer drill. Additionally, while the bit excelled in multi-material applications, its longevity in heavy-duty masonry work was a concern. It’s clear that while the SHOCKWAVE bit is a jack-of-all-trades, it may not be the master of the most demanding tasks.

Conclusion

In summary, the Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Carbide Multi-Material Drill Bit is a versatile and durable tool that performs well across a variety of materials. Its carbide tip ensures longevity and efficiency, especially in softer materials and metals. The hex shank design adds to its versatility, making it compatible with different types of drills.

However, for heavy-duty masonry work, the bit’s performance is somewhat limited, especially when used with an impact driver. A hammer drill is recommended for such tasks to achieve better results and extend the bit’s lifespan.

Would I recommend this drill bit? Yes, but with some caveats. If you’re looking for a versatile bit that can handle a wide range of materials for general-purpose use, this is an excellent choice. Its performance in softer materials and metals is impressive, and it offers good value for money. However, if your primary need is for heavy-duty masonry work, you might want to consider a more specialized bit or ensure you have a hammer drill on hand to get the most out of this tool.