DeWalt 1/4" x 6" 2-cutter carbide drill bit, SDS+

Why I reached for this bit

On small anchor installs and repetitive fastening days, I gravitate toward a simple, dependable setup: a compact SDS+ rotary hammer and a stack of 1/4-inch bits. This DeWalt SDS+ bit in the 1/4 x 6 size has become a frequent choice because it hits the balance I want—fast enough in concrete, clean holes for anchors, and durable without being precious.

Design and build

The bit uses a two-cutter carbide tip brazed to a tapered core. That taper matters: it adds meat behind the cutting head so the flutes don’t feel fragile, and it resists torsional snaps when the bit binds. The tip is “rock carbide,” which in practice translates to good wear resistance in cured concrete and block, assuming you’re not ramming it into rebar all day.

Fluting is a four-flute layout with a variable helix. In the tool, that delivers two things I noticed:

• Better dust ejection than typical two-flute economy bits, especially as the hole deepens past an inch.
• Less pulsing during drilling—chips don’t stack up at the head as quickly, which reduces the start-stop feel and keeps RPM steadier.

The SDS+ shank locks in crisply. It’s exactly what you expect from SDS+: positive engagement, no chuck slip, and fast bit swaps.

Specs you should care about:

• Diameter: 1/4 inch
• Overall length: 6 inches
• Usable flute length: 4 inches
• Four flutes, two cutting edges, SDS+ shank

That 4-inch usable length is enough for most 1/4-inch wedge anchors and sleeve anchors while leaving space for dust. If you need deeper embedment or thick fixtures, you’ll want a longer bit in the set.

In the field

I ran the bit in both a corded SDS+ rotary hammer and a compact 18V model. Concrete was a mix of newer 4,000 psi slab and older block. In both, the bit bites quickly. The two-cutter head gives a distinct “chisel” feel on initial contact, and with hammer mode engaged it tracks straight without skating. On smooth, hard-troweled slab, a quick countersink with a light tap or starting at a slight angle helps avoid walk, which is normal for two-cutter tips.

Speed is solid for a 1/4-inch bit. It’s not the absolute fastest I’ve used, but what stood out was consistency: as holes get deeper, I didn’t have to feather the tool as much. The variable helix flutes move dust well, so I could maintain pressure without clogging, and the motor didn’t bog as often on the cordless hammer. That’s where the fluting earns its keep.

Hole quality and anchor fit

For anchor work, the question is simple: do you get round holes within tolerance that grip properly? With wedge anchors and sleeve anchors sized for 1/4-inch holes, I got tight fits without needing to ream. The two-cutter geometry can occasionally leave a slight oval in very aggregate-rich concrete, but I didn’t see blowouts or oversized holes that cause anchors to spin. For plastic anchors in masonry, the holes stayed clean enough that the anchor sleeves didn’t mushroom on insertion.

If you regularly drill near rebar or across mortar joints, you’ll notice a difference versus a four-cutter premium head. Two-cutters can chatter when the tip rides a hard inclusion. For straight concrete and CMU, this bit does the job cleanly.

Durability

In terms of wear, the rock carbide tip holds its edge respectably. I ran multiple batches of holes before noticing the usual dulling of the cutting lips and an increase in pressure required. The tapered core helps—there’s less flex under load, and I didn’t see chips at the flute roots, which is where some budget bits fail.

Hitting rebar is the usual stress test. This bit isn’t designed for rebar drilling, and when I clipped steel, the cutting lips blunted quickly—as expected for a two-cutter masonry bit. If your work puts you in rebar frequently, a four-cutter head or a dedicated rebar-rated bit pays off. For general anchor installation in concrete and block, this DeWalt holds up better than many value-tier options I’ve used.

Compatibility and sizing

SDS+ makes life easy. In both corded and cordless rotary hammers, engagement was snug, with no perceptible wobble beyond typical SDS+ play. The 1/4-inch size is a staple:

• Wedge anchors: drill size equals anchor size, so this bit is ready for 1/4-inch wedge anchors.
• Sleeve anchors/plastic anchors: commonly require a 1/4-inch hole for 1/4-inch hardware; check the anchor spec.
• Tap-style concrete screws: note that 1/4-inch concrete screws often use a smaller pilot (commonly 3/16). This bit is not the right match for those; keep the correct pilot on hand.

Dust management and efficiency

The variable helix four-flute design does real work here. With a vac attachment, dust clears so efficiently that I could keep steady feed pressure to full depth. Without dust extraction, a quick pump of the bit at mid-depth sent debris out reliably. Less clogging means less heat and cleaner hole walls, which both help anchor performance. On the cordless hammer, that efficiency translated into longer battery life—fewer stalls and less time feathering the trigger.

What I like

• Strong core with predictable bite: The tapered core and two-cutter tip make for a sturdy, straightforward drilling feel.
• Clean anchor holes: For 1/4-inch anchors, hole tolerance felt right—no sloppy fit, minimal ovaling in typical concrete.
• Efficient flutes: Four flutes with variable helix clear dust better than many basic bits, especially in deeper holes.
• SDS+ versatility: Snaps into any SDS+ rotary hammer, corded or cordless, and just works.
• Box quantity and storage: The 25-pack comes in a container that actually helps on site—fewer loose bits rolling in a bucket.

Where it could be better

• Rebar encounters: Like most two-cutter heads, this bit dulls fast when it meets steel. Not the right choice if you expect to cross rebar frequently.
• Initial skating on slick surfaces: The chisel tip benefits from a marked start point on very smooth concrete.
• Depth limitations: The 4-inch usable length covers common anchors, but deeper embeds or thick fixtures will need a longer bit on hand.

Tips for best results

• Use hammer mode with moderate feed pressure; let the bit do the cutting and avoid overheating the carbide.
• Clear chips periodically on deeper holes if you’re not using dust extraction—back the bit out halfway and re-engage.
• Brush-blow-blow (or vacuum) holes before setting anchors to get consistent holding strength.
• If you suspect steel, switch to a rebar-rated bit rather than forcing a masonry tip through metal.

Value and who it’s for

As a 25-pack, the cost per bit is typically favorable, and the performance sits above basic economy bits. For crews doing recurring 1/4-inch anchor installs—sill plates, bracketry, electrical clamps, light-duty wedge anchors—this bit’s combination of speed, hole quality, and durability makes sense. If your work is specialized (rebar-heavy structural drilling, precision doweling), you’ll want to step up to a different head design, but for day-to-day anchor work, this DeWalt is a reliable consumable.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt SDS+ 1/4 x 6 bit for general concrete and masonry anchor installation. It drills clean, appropriately sized holes, clears debris efficiently, and holds up well in typical concrete and block. The two-cutter head isn’t built for rebar, and you’ll want a longer bit for deep embeds, but as a go-to 1/4-inch SDS+ option—especially in a 25-pack that stays organized—it delivers dependable performance at a good value.