Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Carbide Multi-Material Drill Bit Set - 5PC

Navigating the world of drill bits can be overwhelming, especially when faced with a myriad of options for different materials. That’s why I was particularly intrigued by the Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Carbide Multi-Material Drill Bit Set. Designed to tackle a variety of materials, from brick and concrete to steel and wood, this set promises versatility and efficiency. After putting these bits to the test, I’ve gathered some insights that might help you decide if they deserve a spot in your toolbox.

One of the first things that caught my attention was the 1/4" hex shank design. Unlike traditional round shanks, the hex shank offers a more secure grip in the drill chuck, reducing the likelihood of slippage. This feature also makes the bits compatible with 1/4" impact driver collets, adding to their versatility. The design of the flutes is another standout feature; the wider grooves are engineered to clear out material more efficiently, which is particularly useful when drilling into dense materials like concrete.

Speaking of concrete, these bits perform admirably when paired with a hammer drill. I used my Milwaukee 2804 hammer drill, a powerful tool that complements the bits well. Drilling into cured concrete, CMU block, and even 3000 psi grout was smooth and relatively fast. The carbide tip maintained its sharpness through multiple drill sessions, effectively removing material and clearing holes as I progressed. However, it’s worth noting that the bits tend to wander a bit when starting holes in non-masonry materials like wood and metal. They lack the sharp point of a twist bit, which can make precise starting a bit challenging.

The multi-material capability truly shines when dealing with stacked materials. For instance, drilling through a wooden ledger board into a masonry substrate became a one-step process, eliminating the need to switch bits. This is a significant time-saver and boosts productivity, especially on complex projects. However, for single-material tasks, especially when starting in wood or metal, I found that traditional twist bits still hold an edge in terms of precision.

Durability is a mixed bag. On one hand, the bits have shown impressive longevity when used in masonry and concrete. Even after numerous holes, they maintained their cutting efficiency. On the other hand, performance in harder materials like steel can be hit or miss. While some users have reported excellent results drilling through steel, others found that the bits dulled quickly or even broke. My experience falls somewhere in the middle; the bits worked well initially but showed signs of wear after multiple uses on steel.

The packaging is another point of contention. The bits come in a plastic case that needs to be cut open, which can be frustrating. While the case can still be used to hold the bits if you’re careful, it doesn’t offer the convenience of a reusable storage solution. Given the quality and versatility of the bits, a better-designed case would have been a nice touch.

In terms of value, the bits are reasonably priced for what they offer. They hold up well in most materials and can replace several different sets, simplifying your tool collection. However, if your primary tasks involve drilling into very hard materials like dense steel or thick masonry, you might want to invest in specialized bits for those particular applications.

Overall, I’m satisfied with the performance of the Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Carbide Multi-Material Drill Bit Set. They offer a versatile solution for a wide range of materials and are particularly useful for projects involving multiple material types. While they may not completely replace specialized bits for certain tasks, they come close and offer a convenient all-in-one solution for many common drilling needs.

Would I recommend this set? Yes, with some caveats. If you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional who frequently encounters a variety of materials, these bits are a solid addition to your toolkit. They perform well in masonry and concrete, and their multi-material capability can save you time and effort. However, if you primarily work with very hard materials or require precise starting points in wood and metal, you might still need to keep some specialized bits on hand. Overall, the Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE bits are a versatile and durable option that can handle most of the tasks you throw at them.