DeWalt 3/16 in x 4-1/2 in x 6-1/2 in Rock Carbide SDS+ Hammer Bit (Bulk 25), 2 Cutter

Why I reached for this bit

On jobs where I’m hanging strut, setting sill plates, or running conduit, a 3/16-inch hole is a daily driver. I picked up the DeWalt 3/16-in SDS+ bit in a bulk 25-pack to keep my kit stocked and my crew moving, and I’ve put it through enough concrete, brick, and block to have a clear sense of where it shines and where it doesn’t.

Design and build

This is a straightforward, jobsite-friendly SDS+ masonry bit with a few thoughtful touches:

• Rock carbide tip: A robust tip that holds an edge longer than standard carbide in cured concrete.
• Two-cutter head: A common choice at this diameter; it strikes a good balance of speed and hole quality for anchors.
• Four-flute spiral: The flutes evacuate dust well, which matters for speed, bit life, and anchor performance.
• Wear mark indicator: A handy visual cue that tells you when the bit has worn past the acceptable diameter for anchor work.
• SDS+ shank: Positive engagement in any SDS+ rotary hammer; no spinning in the chuck like smooth-shank bits.
• Length and size: 3/16-in diameter, 6-1/2 in overall length with approximately 4 in working length. It’s the right reach for most shallow embedments and Tapcon-style anchor holes for 1/4-in anchors.

The bulk pack format is practical. Bits at this diameter are consumables, and having 25 on hand prevents downtime and keeps hole size consistent across a project.

Setup and compatibility

I ran the bit in two SDS+ hammers: a compact 18V brushless model and a corded 1-inch class rotary hammer. The shank fit was precise in both, with no wobble. As a reminder, SDS+ bits are not for standard three-jaw chucks; they’re for rotary hammers in hammer-drill mode. This bit length is well-suited to typical anchor depths; if you need deeper holes or long embedments, reach for a longer bit.

Drilling performance

In cured, 3,500–4,000 PSI slab, the bit starts cleanly and tracks straight. The two-cutter geometry bites quickly without skating, especially if you let the hammer’s percussion do the work and avoid leaning into it. The four flutes move dust up and out reliably; I rarely had to back the bit out to clear chips unless I was drilling into very dry, dusty block. In CMU and clay brick, it’s fast and controlled with minimal blowout when you ease off the trigger as you break through.

Hole quality is the metric that matters for anchors, and this bit produces round, true holes. My 1/4-in mechanical anchors and 1/4-in concrete screws seated to spec with consistent torque. I didn’t see the early oversizing that cheaper bits can cause after just a few dozen holes.

In terms of speed, the bit is right in the pocket for its class. With the compact SDS+ hammer, I averaged quick, repeatable holes in slab and masonry without pushing the tool. With the larger corded hammer, it felt even more efficient, and the bit kept up without chattering.

Durability and heat management

Longevity is where rock carbide earns its keep. In my runs:

• In CMU block and brick: I routinely saw 100+ clean holes per bit before the wear mark came into play.
• In cured, aggregate-rich slab: 50–80 holes per bit was typical before I noticed slower progress and increasing effort.

Those ranges assume you’re not hitting rebar and you’re using a reasonable technique—steady pressure, periodic dust clearing, and no side-loading. The wear mark indicator is genuinely useful; once it’s gone, so is anchor reliability. I replaced bits when the mark told me to, and torque consistency on fasteners stayed predictable across the job.

I didn’t experience overheating with normal pacing. The four-flute design helps; it clears dust efficiently, which reduces friction and heat. If you keep drilling in a packed hole, any bit will cook. A quick withdraw to clear chips and a vacuum on the hole go a long way.

Accuracy and anchor fit

This bit holds diameter well through its useful life. I verified with pin gauges early on and spot-checked later with anchors themselves. Concrete screws cut threads cleanly, and sleeve anchors set without spinning. If you’re doing structural anchoring, follow your manufacturer’s hole cleaning procedure—brush, blow, vacuum—or use a hollow dust-extraction bit when specs require it. For general mechanical fastening, vacuuming or blowing out the hole was enough to get reliable embedment and torque.

Where it’s not at its best

A two-cutter head is not a rebar bit. If you hit rebar, you’ll feel chatter, and you risk chipping the tip. When I encountered reinforcement, I repositioned. If you regularly drill through mesh or bar, consider a four-cutter or full carbide-head design specifically rated for rebar contact.

Also, the 6-1/2-in overall length is the practical limit for many anchor depths. For deeper holes, grab the longer version to maintain flute engagement and chip ejection. And, as with any 3/16-in bit, avoid prying or side-loading; the small core will snap if you treat it like a lever.

Dust control

The flutes do their job, but dust control is still on you. My best results came from:

• Hammer on, rotation on; let percussion break the material.
• Pump the bit slightly in deeper holes to keep the flutes fed with chips.
• Pause to withdraw and clear dust on long runs.
• Vac the hole before setting anchors; it increases holding strength and reduces torque scatter.

These steps also extend bit life by keeping abrasives out of the cutting edges.

Bulk value and replacement policy

The 25-pack makes sense for maintenance departments and trades that run multiple anchors daily. It standardizes the hole quality across a project and minimizes the temptation to “squeeze a few more holes” out of a tired bit—just swap it and move on. The wear mark simplifies that decision, and DeWalt’s replacement policy—coverage if the bit fails while the wear mark is still visible, with typical exclusions—adds a layer of assurance. I didn’t need to use it, but it’s a useful backstop for a consumable.

Tips for best results

• Let the hammer do the work; too much feed pressure reduces cutting efficiency.
• If progress slows suddenly, clear the flutes and check for embedded aggregate rather than forcing it.
• Avoid dry firing at breakthrough; ease off to reduce blowout.
• Keep a dedicated blow bulb or vacuum handy; clean holes make better anchors and happier bits.

Who it’s for

• Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs setting 1/4-in mechanical anchors and concrete screws.
• Carpenters fastening bottom plates and ledger accessories.
• Facility maintenance teams doing routine fixtures and repairs.
• Any crew that benefits from consistent, ready-to-go SDS+ bits in bulk.

If your work is heavy on structural anchoring in reinforced concrete, upgrade to a 4-cutter or full carbide head and keep a few 3/16-in long-reach bits in the kit.

The bottom line

This DeWalt 3/16-in SDS+ bit is a solid, workmanlike performer. It drills fast, tracks straight, holds diameter, and the four-flute design keeps the hole clean enough that anchors seat reliably. The rock carbide tip gives it a respectable lifespan for a two-cutter, and the wear mark takes guesswork out of when to retire it. The bulk 25-pack format is the right way to buy at this size—you’ll use them, and consistency across the job matters.

Recommendation: I recommend this bit for everyday anchor drilling in concrete, brick, and block, especially if you’re equipping a crew or maintaining a shop stock. It offers dependable speed and hole quality at a sensible per-bit cost, and the wear mark plus replacement policy add practical confidence. If you frequently drill through rebar or need deeper reach, choose a 4-cutter or longer bit for those scenarios, but keep these on hand for the bulk of your 3/16-in holes.