Carbide vs Diamond Drill Bits: Which One Should You Choose?

The appropriate drill bits hold significant importance in the completion of your project. They can fulfil or completely damage your project goals. It is especially true when you are dealing with tough materials in your cutting tasks. These materials include granite, concrete, or steel alloys. The majority of users ask dealers and manufacturers a common question about the better working of drill bits. They ask: Which drill bits show the best performance? Diamond drill bits or carbide ones? 

In this article, you will learn about the detailed comparison between carbide vs diamond drill bitscarbide vs diamond. This includes how they are different from each other in performance, composition, and applicable cutting materials. So, at the end, you will be able to decide the right one for your upcoming mega project. 

What Are Diamond Drill Bits?

The manufacturing of Diamond core bits involves professional-level engineering. Manufacturers use top-class diamond grades. They then embed these particles on the cutting surface. They work by grinding through the raw material. This grinding helps achieve remarkable accuracy because grinding reduces the applied force. Thus, it will help maintain the sharpness of drills and the surface of cutting materials. 

You can apply these diamond tools on the toughest materials where fine cutting is mandatory for a perfect finishing look. These hard materials include tile, marble, glass, fiberglass, granite, and tough concrete. 

You must remember to moisten or dip your drills in water before and after using. It will allow Diamond drills to stay cool, heat-free, and dust-free. In the long run, this cooling precaution will increase the lifespan of your drill bits. 

Compared to the carbide bits, diamond bits are expensive when you buy them. Their long-term performance masks their higher buying cost. When you focus on their features, you will admit that they are worth investing in for a contractor, a constructor, or a dealer. In particular, industries who deal with hard and tough materials must have a stock of diamond tools for achieving project deadlines efficiently.  

Best Applications for Different Materials 

Cutting Material	Working Performance
Granite	Very Good
Porcelain Tile	Very Good
Rebar Concrete	Very Good
Glass/Fiberglass	Very Good
Stone	Very Good

Industries who deal in plumbing, fabrication, designing, and construction should prefer diamond drills to make holes in some soft materials and the toughest materials. 

What Are Carbide Drill Bits?

The composition of diamond core bits includes the hardest and durable materials that modern users apply in drilling. These materials are called tungsten carbide. 

The tungsten and carbon accumulate together to form tungsten carbide. Professionals in complex industries use this metal to achieve their long-term goals due to its several benefits. This metal doesn’t damage easily in heat resistance and frequent usage. Moreover, it forms a perfect cutting surface ready to make accurate cuts.

It has a major difference from diamond bits in the methodology of cutting materials. The diamond ones grind the raw material, whereas the carbide bits chip the material with its accurate drill surfaces. Moreover, the carbide drills accomplish cutting at a faster speed. 

You can use carbide drills for soft cutting materials and optimal hard materials. These surfaces need to maintain their surfaces after being cut. These materials demand on-point cutting accuracy and long-term performance of cutting tools.

Pros

• Show resistance to wear and tear and long-term performance. They maintain their cutting accuracy under tough conditions (high temperature and high pressure) also.
• They are affordable and cost-effective in offering durable performance with minimal replacements.
• Make perfect cuts on tough materials, like wood, metal, and concrete.
• Demand less sharpening and maintenance; users can efficiently apply for multiple and hectic uses.

Cons 

• Not applicable for the toughest as well as easily breakable materials, such as ceramics, granite, and porcelain.
• Can be damaged or strain easily if used on the hardest materials, as the carbide drills are not suitable for this hardness.
• Can accumulate excessive heat if you do not cool them properly after using; otherwise, heat accumulation will cause safety hazards.

Best Applications for Different Materials 

Cutting Material	Working Performance
Brick/Cement	Very Good
Concrete- soft and optimal hard surfaces	Very Good
Wood	Very Good
Steel	Good

In short, professionals who work in construction, renovation, and manufacturing industries must prefer carbide bits. They will help you accomplish complex tasks with accuracy and long-term performance within a reasonable budget. You won’t have to spend on diamond bits for your drilling tasks; you can simply use efficient carbide bits. 

Carbide vs Diamond Drill Bits – A Detailed Comparison

When you get confused between the choice of diamond drills and carbide drills, you must consider several factors. These considerations include the cutting material, price, quality of accuracy required, and the methodology adopted for cutting materials. Both carbide and diamond bits are suitable for specific materials and particular conditions. Carbide tools are more prone to breaking, but their design helps protect them from impacts more effectively.

If you apply carbide bits, they will help in overall drilling aims for soft and hard materials. Industries involved in plumbing, renovation, construction or manufacturing can incorporate these bits in their working. On the other hand, diamond drills are perfect for ultra-hard materials for a fine finish and on-point accuracy. The industries such as professional construction and manufacturing industries can employ diamond bits for a top-notch performance. 

Let’s discuss the comparison between diamond tools and carbide drill bits in the table note given below. This table shows how both differ in characteristic features which are essential for the industries to consider.

Carbide vs diamond drill bitscarbide vs diamond

Characteristic Features	Carbide Drill Bits	Diamond Drill Bits
Composing Material	Tungsten Carbide (Combination of Tungsten and Carbon)	Industrial diamonds / synthetic diamonds
Cutting Methodology	Chip through materials to achieve accuracy	Grind the materials to get fine cuts
Longevity	Normal	Extended; even more long life when you maintain it by the cooling
Price Range	Less (and also replaced very easily)	Higher (but give long-term performance with appropriate maintenance)
Dry/Wet Method	Involved dry drilling of materials	Involves mixing or dipping in water to maintain coolness and avoid heat buildup
Best Applications	Soft and hard materials, like metals, brick, cement, soft concrete, and wood.	Ultra-hard and abrasive materials like stones, tiles, glass/Fiberglass, Rebar Concrete, and Granite.

Key Points

• Go for carbide drills when you are dealing with soft and slightly hard materials that require efficient speed and reasonable budget.
• Incorporate diamond drills when you cut hard and tough surfaces that require accurate cuts and long-term performance of the drills.
• Diamond tools embedded with diamond grades are suitable for those complex industries who prefer durable tools with minimal replacements.

Sometimes, it becomes difficult to choose between the two. The key message is that if you deal with the hardest and toughest materials that require smooth cuts, prefer diamond drills which resist wear and tear during usage and maintain their performance. 

What Is a Diamond Carbide Drill Bit?

A modern innovation in cutting tools is a diamond carbide drill bit. It combines strong tungsten carbide and high-grade diamond molecules to form a diamond carbide drill. It exhibits a core and an edge. The core is made of tough carbide, whereas the edges consist of sharp diamond molecules. This tool enables complex industries to use this for mixed material cutting. For this, they won’t have to use tools alternatively and they can work speedily in one go. 

They keep a positive edge to simple carbide bits and the simple diamond bits. The carbide bits are suitable for chipping to cut materials. In contrast, diamond tools allow for grinding for smooth cuts. Diamond carbide bits allow for both methodologies in a perfect, optimal way. They offer resistance to heat, hectic usage, and friction. Thereby, they offer long-term performance for various industrial projects.

Major Advantages 

• On-point Cutting Accuracy: Offers smooth and fine cuts and holes with fewer tool and material waste on tough surfaces.
• Resistance to Heat, Friction, and  Wear: Offers top-notch resistance to multiple, hectic usage. It does not strain, dull, or break easily.
• Long-term Diverse Performance: Offers long-term performance for several materials, like marble, stone, concrete, granite, metal, wood, and other mixed materials.

In the modern era, the diamond carbide bits are getting popular. Many industries have incorporated the usage of these bits rather than using the simple diamond bits or the simple carbide bits. These industries include designing, fabrication, construction, manufacturing, renovation, plumbing, and engineering. These all prefer quality and accuracy in projects. 

Which Drill Bit Should You Prefer; Carbide and Diamond Bits

When you have to select between the carbide drills, diamond drills, and carbide diamond drills, you must consider several factors. These factors include the cutting material, budget, accuracy requirements, and durability. Each bit offers advantages specific to the materials and conditions. Let’s discuss each bit one-by-one. 

Apply Diamond Core Bits for Hard and Brittle Materials

When your project includes ultra-hard and abrasive materials, apply diamond bits. These materials usually include granite, tiles, stones, marble, porcelain, and rebar concrete. These bits involved diamond molecules in manufacturing which grind the materials and make perfect holes and avoid breaking of the surface. 

Why professionals go for diamond bits:

• Suitable for marble, tile, granite, stone, glass, and rebar concrete.
• Perfect for making accurate, smooth, and fine holes with its sharp edges and lead to reduced material and tool waste.
• Applicable for wet type of drilling, which keeps the bit cool, maintains its sharpness, and minimizes heat accumulation.
• Appropriate for professional tasks in industries, such as plumbing, stoning, manufacturing, and construction.

Diamond drills are a bit heavier on your pocket. But, when you focus on their long-term features, you admit that they are worth investing in. They perform their functions for a long time and thus are suitable choices for professional industries.

Apply Carbide Bits for Softer Materials and General-Use Drilling Tasks

If your industry deals with general drilling tasks, go for carbide bits. They are suitable for materials such as soft steel, soft concrete, wood, and brick. For your daily, hectic tasks, carbide tools are your go-to solution. 

They are made of tungsten which is a tough metal and can withstand daily wear. These carbide bits chip the softer materials and perform your tasks at higher speed. Thus, you are able to complete your project deadlines efficiently. 

Benefits of carbide bits:

• Available at low buying cost; also easy to replace with new, optimized ones.
• Resist daily wear and tear and offer long-term performance in dry drilling methods.
• Maintain sharp edges and continue to work efficiently; don’t strain easily.
• Applicable for industries, such as fabrication, construction, and manufacturing which require reliable daily tasks within a reasonable budget.

Cutting short, carbide drills are suitable for day-to-day general drilling tasks for industries which require efficient daily performance. 

Apply Diamond Carbide Drill Bits for Multi-Functionality and Multi-Material Work

If your project involves mixed materials, go for diamond carbide drill bits. When you use this, you won’t have to switch between different bits. You will simply use this modern innovative tool and drill your multiple materials efficiently in one go.

Why modern hybrid bits steal the spotlight:

• Offer strength of tungsten and fine cutting of diamond molecules in one tool.
• Suitable for both soft and hard materials without switching between different drills.
• Perform efficiently for a long period, with fewer requirements for maintenance and replacements.
• Applicable for industries, such as complex manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, and civil engineering. These industries require top-notch performance in challenging conditions.

The new invention in cutting tools is the diamond carbide drill bits. They prove to be a quality investment for a long period because of their performance, accuracy, and protection to the tools and materials.

Decision Guide Between Drill Bits

Type of Bit	Suitable For	Benefits	Applicable Industries
Diamond Drill Bit	Stone, Tile, Marble, Rebar Concrete, and Granite	Accuracy, fine holes, long-term performance	Plumbing, Stone-dealing, Fabrication, Construction
Carbide Drill Bit	Wood, Metal, Brick, Cement, Soft steel and Soft Concrete	Reasonable price, durable, and fast working speed	Manufacturing, Metal-dealing, and construction
Diamond Carbide Drill Bit	Several materials, complex tasks	Diverse, strain- resistant, and top-notch performance in complex conditions	Civil engineering, construction, and infrastructure

Tip

If you deal with daily drilling tasks, use carbide bits. They will perform your everyday tasks at a higher speed and fulfil your daily deadlines efficiently.

On the other hand, if you deal in hard materials, use diamond bits. They are worth investing in for complex manufacturing industries. 

If your project involves several materials of different toughness, use diamond carbide bits. They will save you time by drilling multiple materials with one tool.  

Conclusion

When you have to determine and select between carbide and diamond drill bits, consider several factors. These factors include cutting material, accuracy demands, methodology, budget, and the professional industry. Diamond drill suits for hard and tough surfaces, such as rebar concrete, granite, stone, and tile. Whereas, the carbide drills are best to purchase for cement, wood, and brick for faster working. 

Do you require high-quality drill bits for your multiple projects? Request a Custom Quote today at Johnson Tools where you will find a wide range of drills, specific to your job requirements. Contact us today to know about the custom pricing range. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do diamond and carbide drill bits differ?

The diamond and carbide drill bits differ in two major factors, i.e., the cutting methodology and the composing material. Carbide bits consist of a tough metal tungsten. They chip soft and optimal hard materials with the sharp sides of metal. In contrast, diamond bits consist of top-grade diamond molecules. They grind hard materials to make fine holes and perfect appearance.  

Are carbide and diamond the same materials?

A big no! Both are different materials. Carbide, also known as Tungsten carbide is a metal suitable for long-term performance, protection against heat, and affordable budget. In contrast, Diamond is a material made up of natural or artificial diamond molecules. It is more tough than carbide. Thus, the diamond offers quality drilling performance in brittle as well as hard materials. 

Which of the two materials is harder, carbide or diamond?

When both materials are compared, carbide is less hard than diamond. Given technical reasoning, when they are checked on Mohs hardness scale, diamond’s rating is 10 and carbide’s rating is around 8.5-9. Both can handle different materials, specific to their hardness. Diamond drills handle tough materials, like granite, tile, stone, and rebar concrete Whereas, carbide bits are suitable for softer materials like brick, metal, and soft concrete.

Which of the two materials is better, carbide or diamond?

It depends on your project precision goals and cutting materials. If you require daily drilling tasks at a higher speed and within an affordable budget, go for carbide bits for drilling cement, brick, metal, wood, or soft concrete. Whereas, for precise work in hard materials, such as stone, tile, reinforced concrete, apply diamond bits for long-term performance. 

Which of the two blades performs better, carbide or diamond blade?

Both blades are suitable for specific materials and conditions. For instance, diamond blades handle hard materials, such as rebar concrete, ceramics, stones, and granite. They grind these materials and make smooth cuts. On the other hand, carbide blades handle softer materials, such as metal, wood, brick, cement, and plastic. They chip these materials at a faster speed. If you are employed in a professional industry, you must carefully select between the two blades according to your project goals.

How do diamond and carbide blades differ?

Diamond blades incorporate tough diamond molecules that drill materials through grinding. Grinding minimizes tool and material waste. In contrast, carbide blades consist of tungsten carbide having aggressive teeth to chip softer materials. You must prefer diamond blades for accuracy and long-term performance and carbide blades for affordable budget and fast working speed.

Do both carbide and diamond blades have the same accurate tips?

No, both blades have different tips with different accuracies. The tip of carbide blades has a tungsten carbide embedded at the edges. These carbide edges give protection against heat and offer long-term performance. On the other hand, the tip of diamond blades incorporate tough diamond molecules at the edges, giving sharpness. This sharpness grinds materials and makes fine, accurate holes. Carbide tips are available in an affordable budget, whereas diamond tips give quality performance under complex conditions.