Home DIYer with one combi drill
You want small household holes in wood and brick, plus a few screwdriver bits, from one case. A mixed Bosch-style set covers that. Cable and asbestos checks matter more than the piece count.
Universal drill bits compared for home DIY in 2026
The best universal drill bits, compared.
Top pick: Bosch 34-piece X-Line Best value: Bosch 34-piece X-Line – Best value household kit: separate wood, masonry and metal bits plus screwdriver bits, at £10.63. Updated October 2026.
Charlie White (Charlie DIYte)Expert source
A universal drill bit, as UK makers use the phrase, is one carbide-tipped bit for more than one material. It is not a box of separate wood, metal and masonry bits. It either names brick, tile or concrete, or it names wood, plastic and soft metal. A titanium nitride coat does not add brick. The other listings are HSS sets, a wide-claim carbide set, or mixed cases. You separate them by the material line and the shank. Fischer UK rates the for rotary and impact drilling, including a cordless impact wrench, and claims a mark for a precise hole. B&Q, DIY and agree that a multi-material bit saves a change of bit, and that a specialist bit still cuts one material better. The trade-offs are in the [universal drill bit buying guide](/hub/drilling-and-accessories/universal-drill-bit/sub/universal-drill-bit-buying-guide). That product is the fischer 6 mm single and the five-piece set from 5 mm to 12 mm.
A universal drill bit, as UK makers use the phrase, is one carbide-tipped bit for more than one material. It is not a box of separate wood, metal and masonry bits.
36 products checked · 58 hrs invested · +18,400 readers
10 of 10: Best universal drill bits compared
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1-2 of 10Best overall
8.4/10
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∼ £11
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4.7(28,187)
4.7(16,733)
4.7(7,379)
4.7(360)
4.7(160)
4.5(2,220)
4.3(7,821)
4.2(704)
4.2(198)
4.1(3,797)
Personal buying guide
Which universal drill bit fits?
Question 1 of 2
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The best universal drill bits in detail
Our view
Reviewers keep the Bosch 34-piece X-Line for small household holes in brick and wood, and several mention years of use, including about 10 years, which is why it is the best value home kit here at £10.63. The rating is 4.7 from 28,187 reviews, and the case holds five HSS metal bits from 2 mm to 5 mm, five masonry bits from 5 mm to 8 mm, and five wood bits from 4 mm to 8 mm. You also get 13 screwdriver bits, three nutsetters, a connector, a magnetic holder and a countersink, and reviewers name a fit in DeWalt and Bosch drills. One long review describes the markings as accurate and the bits as holding an edge, and the set is called strong enough for ordinary home use. Small drill bits snap quickly, one 8 mm bit arrived bent, and one order had a part missing until a substitute piece was included. The case is bulkier than the contents for one buyer, who moved the bits elsewhere. It is not a single universal bit, the listing does not say SDS, and the wood diameters are printed both as 4–8 mm and as 4/5/6/78 mm.
Pros
- Separate metal, masonry and wood bits plus screwdriver bits and an X-Line case for £10.63
- 4.7 from 28,187 reviews, including buyers who report years of use and about 10 years
- Used for small household holes in brick, wood and general DIY, in DeWalt and Bosch drills
- Masonry bits from 5 mm to 8 mm and wood bits from 4 mm to 8 mm in the included-components line
Cons
- Not one universal tip: wood, masonry and metal are separate bits
- Small drill bits snap quickly
- One 8 mm bit arrived bent, and one order had a part missing
- The case is bulky for what is inside, and the wood-size string is printed two ways
Best for: A household kit of separate wood, masonry and metal bits, plus screwdriver bits, in one case
Less suitable: Anyone who wants one carbide tip for every material, or an SDS hammer drill
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch 34-piece X-Line
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£11
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(28,187)
- Bit type
- Mixed specialist set
- Materials claimed
- Wood, masonry, metal
- Shank
- Cylindrical and hex
- Size range
- 2–5, 5–8 and 4–8 mm
- Piece count
- 34 pieces
- Storage case
- Yes
Common questions
Is this one bit for every material?
No. The case holds separate twist bits for metal, CYL-1 masonry bits, and brad-point wood bits, plus screwdriver bits.
Does it come with a case?
Yes. The listing names a Bosch X-Line case.
Which drill does the listing say it fits?
Handheld and stationary drills. It does not say SDS. The shank field says cylindrical and hex.
Our view
Reviewers use the Bosch 50-piece X-Line for ordinary home jobs in metal, wood and masonry, including fencing that involved concrete and work on kitchen cabinets. It is £14.49, rated 4.7 from 16,733 reviews, and the first 40 UK texts praise a sturdy organised case, repeat purchases, and masonry bits that coped with hard, prolonged use. The contents run to 11 HSS titanium-nitride twist bits from 1.5 mm to 6.5 mm, six CYL-1 masonry bits from 4 mm to 10 mm for masonry, sand-lime bricks, natural stone and cast stone, plus brad-point wood bits and two spade bits at 16 mm and 22 mm. Screwdriver bits, sockets, a diameter gauge, a cutter, a magnetic holder and a 13 mm countersink are in the same case, and one blind buyer values bits that stand in a known place. Glass and fibreglass appear on the surface-recommendation field, while the bullets do not describe a glass bit. The criticism that repeats is that this is a basic starter set rather than a trade set, and one buyer thought the regular price made more sense in a sale. No repeated snap or rust theme shows in that sample of 40, and the listing prints the weight as 18.1 g for the whole set.
Pros
- A cased mix of metal, masonry and wood bits, plus spade bits at 16 mm and 22 mm, for £14.49
- Six CYL-1 masonry bits from 4 mm to 10 mm, described as coping with hard, prolonged use
- 4.7 from 16,733 reviews, with repeat purchases and use on fencing concrete and kitchen cabinets
- Countersink, diameter gauge and cutter called useful extras, in an organised case
Cons
- Described as a basic or starter set rather than a premium or trade set
- Glass and fibreglass are on the surface field, and the bullets do not describe a glass bit
- The listing prints a weight of 18.1 g for a 50-piece set
- Separate specialist bits, not one universal tip
Best for: A larger home starter kit with separate masonry bits up to 10 mm, wood bits and a case
Less suitable: A trade kit, a glass bit, or one carbide tip you leave in the chuck all day
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch 50-piece X-Line
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£14
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(16,733)
- Bit type
- Mixed specialist set
- Materials claimed
- Wood, masonry, metal
- Shank
- Cylindrical and hex
- Size range
- Metal 1.5–6.5; masonry 4–10
- Piece count
- 50 pieces
- Storage case
- Yes
Common questions
Is glass included because the surface field lists it?
Glass and fibreglass appear on the surface-recommendation field. The scope bullets describe metal, masonry and wood bits, not a glass bit.
Does the set include a case?
Yes. Included components name a case.
Why is the weight 18.1 g?
That is the figure printed on the listing for this 50-piece set. It is stored as printed.
Our view
Buyers open the Bosch 103-piece set when they want wood, metal and masonry bits plus hole saws at 32 mm, 38 mm, 44 mm and 54 mm for pipe-sized holes. At £26.99 it is rated 4.7 from 7,379 reviews, and the listing says it fits corded or cordless handheld and stationary drills with cylindrical shank systems. One review describes a masonry bit cutting concrete easily, and several praise a case that keeps pieces located, although the bullets do not name that case. Masonry diameters are listed as 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm, beside separate wood bits from 3 mm to 10 mm and metal bits from 1.5 mm to 7 mm. Some diameters are repeated, which cuts the number of distinct sizes, and the smallest drill bits are called weak. Metal bits and screwdriver bits snap on light tasks, including a metal bit that snapped within seconds and screwdriver bits that broke or twisted in timber, and one review reports rust after minimal use. The listing recommends coolant when drilling metal, others call the set DIY grade rather than professional, and the item-length field says 1 cm beside dimensions of 37.3 x 33.9 x 26.1 cm.
Pros
- Wood, metal and masonry bits plus hole saws at 32 mm, 38 mm, 44 mm and 54 mm
- Masonry bits at 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm, with one review of easy concrete cutting
- 4.7 from 7,379 reviews, and extended-length screwdriver bits called useful
- The listing names coolant for metal and cylindrical shank systems on handheld or stationary drills
Cons
- Small drill bits and screwdriver bits snap on ordinary DIY loads
- Some diameters are repeated, and one review reports rust after minimal use
- Called DIY grade, with edges that blunt sooner than a dearer set
- £26.99, and the bullets do not name the case reviewers describe
Best for: A large household mix that includes masonry bits and hole saws for occasional pipe holes
Less suitable: Daily professional use, or anyone who wants one universal tip rather than a 103-piece case
Specifications
- Model
- Bosch 103-piece mixed set
- Brand
- Bosch
- Price
- ∼£27
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(7,379)
- Bit type
- Mixed specialist set
- Materials claimed
- Wood, metal, masonry
- Shank
- Cylindrical and hex
- Size range
- Saws 32–54; masonry 4–10
- Piece count
- 103 pieces
Common questions
What drills does the listing say it fits?
Corded or cordless handheld and stationary drills with cylindrical shank systems.
Are the masonry bits a separate set of pieces?
Yes. Masonry diameters are listed as 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 mm, alongside separate wood and metal bits.
Does the listing mention coolant?
Yes. It says coolant is recommended when drilling metal.
Our view
Across 360 amazon.co.uk reviews, rated 4.7, this single 6 mm fischer D-U Hex bit is the top pick when you need one carbide bit for brick, tile, wood or concrete. Reviewers report clean holes in red brick and concrete, about 35 holes in tough brick in one account, and 10 ceramic bathroom-tile holes in 30 minutes without water, with the bit still looking unused. The hex shank is used in impact drivers as well as rotary drills, which matches the listing line for rotary and impact drilling, including a cordless impact wrench. Slow speed is what reviewers say reduced the bit walking, and one kitchen refit was described as the bit doing the job, still going after heavy use. The bullets name brick, wood, tiles, plastics, steel and concrete, while the surface-recommendation field on the same listing says only wood. One buyer burned the bit out on first use and went back to Bosch, and another has not tried it on concrete or engineered brick and still uses an SDS bit for that. You get one diameter, marked 6/60/100, at £3.48, and a case is not stated.
Pros
- One 6 mm carbide bit, title mark 6/60/100, at £3.48
- About 35 holes in tough brick in one review, and 10 ceramic tile holes in 30 minutes without water in another
- Hex shank used in impact drivers; the listing says rotary and impact, including a cordless impact wrench
- Called true to size in a 1930s house and used with fischer wall anchors
- The listing states a PGM certification for a precise drill hole
Cons
- The surface-recommendation field says wood, while the bullets list brick, tiles, steel and concrete as well
- One buyer burned the bit out on first use and went back to Bosch
- One diameter only, and a case is not stated
- One buyer still uses an SDS bit for concrete and engineered brick they have not tried this bit on
Best for: A 6 mm hole in brick, tile, wood or concrete when you want one carbide hex bit
Less suitable: Any diameter other than 6 mm, or concrete and engineered brick you already drill with an SDS bit
Specifications
- Model
- fischer D-U Hex 6 mm
- Brand
- fischer
- Price
- ∼£3
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(360)
- Bit type
- Carbide multi-material
- Materials claimed
- Brick, wood, tile, concrete
- Shank
- Hex
- Impact or hammer
- Rotary and impact
- Size range
- 6 mm
- Piece count
- 1 piece
- Carbide tip
- Yes
- Point angle
- 118 degrees
Common questions
What materials does the listing name?
The title and bullets name brick, wood, tiles, plastics, steel and concrete. The surface-recommendation field on the same listing only says wood.
Does the listing say it fits an impact driver?
Yes. It says the hex shank is for rotary and impact drilling and is particularly suited to a cordless impact wrench.
Is a case included?
The listing describes one 6 mm bit. A case is not stated.
Our view
Reviewers use these five fischer D-U Hex bits, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm, when one hole is wood and the next is concrete or flags, without a bit change. In the 18 UK review texts behind the 4.7 rating from 160 reviews, buyers describe brick and concrete with an 18 V cordless drill and little pressure, including tanalised 4x4 timber on the same bit. One repeat buyer prefers them to Bosch blue masonry bits for 30 mm fixing holes, the sizes are described as matching fischer DuoPower plugs, and one review mentions use in an impact driver. The bullets say a carbide tip with diamond-ground edges for wood, tiles, plastics, aluminium, steel, brick, concrete and limestone, and they rate the hex shank for rotary and impact drilling with cordless drills and impact drivers. The material field says Diamond while the bullets say carbide, and a case is not stated. A 6 mm bit bent almost immediately in a stud wall in one review, and several of the 18 texts are a single line, so long-term wear is thinly described. At £19.35 this is the wider set of the same bit, and it is a weak buy if you only need the 6 mm size.
Pros
- Five hex bits at 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm, rated for rotary and impact drilling
- Reviewers drilled wood, including tanalised 4x4, then concrete or flags on the same bit
- Brick and concrete with an 18 V cordless drill, with little pressure reported
- Sizes described as matching fischer DuoPower plugs, including 30 mm fixing holes
Cons
- Only 18 written UK reviews behind the 160-review total, many of them a single line
- A 6 mm bit bent almost immediately in a stud wall in one review
- The material field says Diamond while the bullets say carbide, and a case is not stated
- £19.35 is a lot if the only hole you need is 6 mm
Best for: Mixed holes in wood, brick, tile and concrete when you want 5 mm to 12 mm carbide hex bits
Less suitable: A single 6 mm hole, or anyone who needs a long written record of how these bits wear
Specifications
- Model
- fischer D-U Hex set 5-12 mm
- Brand
- fischer
- Price
- ∼£19
- Customer rating
- 4.7/5(160)
- Bit type
- Carbide multi-material
- Materials claimed
- Wood, tile, brick, concrete
- Shank
- Hex
- Impact or hammer
- Rotary and impact
- Size range
- 5–12 mm
- Piece count
- 5 pieces
- Carbide tip
- Yes
- Point angle
- 118 degrees
Common questions
Which sizes are in the set?
The listing includes one bit each of 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm.
Does the listing say these suit an impact driver?
Yes. It says the hex shank is for rotary and impact drilling with cordless drills and impact drivers.
Does it come with a case?
The bullets do not state a case. That field is n/a on the listing export.
Our view
Buyers use this five-piece toolant set, 4 mm to 10 mm, on concrete paving, precast blocks, brick walls and mortar, and on Hardie board where other bits had struggled. The listing rates 4.5 from 2,220 reviews and prices the set at £9.99, with a YG8X tungsten carbide tip and bullets that name concrete, brick, glass, ceramic, tile and cement. The surface field also lists plastic and wood, and the title calls the bits shockproof hammer drill bits. Reviews do not all follow that title: one buyer was told not to use hammer action and found that advice worked, and another prefers non-impact mode, including a comparison with Bosch multi-construction bits. Flutes clog in brick, so you have to work the bit back out to clear the dust, and one bit arrived already bent while the others still cut hard precast concrete. A buyer stitch-drilled heavy blocks until one bit snapped when it was levered sideways between holes. The shank field says Brace, not hex, and a case is not named in the bullets, though one review mentions a small case.
Pros
- Five carbide bits at 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm for £9.99
- YG8X tungsten carbide tip, with bullets naming concrete, brick, glass, ceramic, tile and cement
- Used on concrete paving, precast blocks, thick concrete walls, brick and Hardie board
- One buyer used a small DeWalt drill without an SDS drill
Cons
- The title says hammer and shockproof, while reviews include advice to stay off hammer action
- Flutes clog in brick and do not clear the dust
- One bit arrived bent, and another snapped when levered sideways
- The shank field says Brace, not hex
Best for: Concrete, brick and tile holes from 4 mm to 10 mm when you can live with the hammer-mode clash
Less suitable: A hex impact driver, or brick if you will not stop to clear packed dust from the flutes
Specifications
- Model
- toolant 5-piece carbide set
- Brand
- toolant
- Price
- ∼£10
- Customer rating
- 4.5/5(2,220)
- Bit type
- Carbide masonry set
- Materials claimed
- Concrete, brick, glass, tile
- Shank
- Brace
- Impact or hammer
- Hammer on the title
- Size range
- 4–10 mm
- Piece count
- 5 pieces
- Carbide tip
- Yes
- Point angle
- 118 degrees
Common questions
What does the listing say it will drill?
The bullets name concrete, brick, glass, ceramic, tile and cement. The surface field also lists plastic and wood.
Should you use hammer mode?
The title calls it a shockproof hammer drill bit. Reviews in the export include buyers who were told not to use hammer action, and one who prefers non-impact mode. The listing and the reviews do not match.
What shank does the specification show?
The shank field says Brace. It does not say hex.
Our view
Reviewers use the larger bits in this Amazon Basics 14-piece HSS set, from 1.5 mm to 10 mm with some diameters repeated, for shelves, garden jobs, plastic and soft wood with a cordless drill. The listing is £9.12, rated 4.3 from 7,821 reviews, and it states the bits are not suitable for glass, ceramics, masonry, heat-treated steel, high-carbon steel or stainless steel. The shank is straight, not a 1/4 inch hex, and the bullets claim soft metals such as iron, copper and aluminium, plus wood and plastic. A plastic storage box appears in several reviews even though the bullets do not name a case, and the larger sizes are described as more durable than the small ones. Small diameters snap or bend under low torque, one buyer found them poor on hardwood ply and switched to Bosch wood bits, and edges dull quickly once the job is more than plasterboard and light wood. One order arrived with a drill bit missing, and the finish field says polished while the bullets say a titanium coating.
Pros
- Fourteen HSS bits from 1.5 mm to 10 mm, including 8 mm and 10 mm, at £9.12
- 4.3 from 7,821 reviews, with the larger sizes called more durable
- The listing states what it will not cut, including masonry, glass, ceramics and stainless steel
- Several reviews describe a plastic box that keeps the sizes tidy
Cons
- Small diameters snap or bend under low torque and light pressure
- Poor on hardwood ply in one review, and edges dull beyond plasterboard and light wood
- Straight shank, so it is not a 1/4 inch hex set for an impact driver
- One bit missing on arrival in one order, and some diameters are repeated
Best for: Light DIY in soft wood, plastic and soft metal when you need sizes up to 10 mm and no masonry
Less suitable: Brick, masonry, glass, ceramics, stainless steel, or hardwood ply
Specifications
- Model
- Amazon Basics 14-piece HSS set
- Brand
- Amazon Basics
- Price
- ∼£9
- Customer rating
- 4.3/5(7,821)
- Bit type
- HSS set
- Materials claimed
- Wood, plastic, soft metal
- Not suitable
- Masonry, glass, stainless
- Shank
- Straight
- Size range
- 1.5–10 mm
- Piece count
- 14 pieces
- Carbide tip
- No
- Point angle
- 135 degrees
Common questions
Can you use this set on brick?
The listing says no. It is not suitable for glass, ceramics, masonry, heat-treated steel, high-carbon steel or stainless steel.
What shank is it?
Straight. It is not a 1/4 inch hex set.
Does it include a case?
The bullets do not name a case. Several reviews describe a plastic storage box.
Our view
The Blue Spot five-piece set covers 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm and 4.8 mm on a 1/4 inch hex, and reviewers use it in an electric screwdriver, a hex adaptor and an impact driver for wood, drywall and plastic. At £4.18 it is rated 4.2 from 704 reviews, and the listing calls the bits titanium-coated high-speed steel for iron, wood, plastics, steel, aluminium and non-ferrous metals. One buyer has used them on mild steel so far, one review says every bit is centred, and another uses them on a flexi-drive screwdriver attachment, including small holes in a model-railway baseboard. The smallest bit snapped within seconds under little pressure, another bent in 2 inch pallet wood, and bits came out of the hex housing at a slow feed. A crimped shank distorted the fit for one buyer, who ground the bits to fit, and other reviews call them useless for metals or too short-lived for a second hole. Masonry is not in the bullets, an impact rating is not stated, and a case is not stated.
Pros
- Five 1/4 inch hex sizes at 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm and 4.8 mm for £4.18
- Fits an electric screwdriver, a hex adaptor and an impact driver in the reviews
- Used for wood, drywall, plastic and, in one review, mild steel so far
- One review says all the bits are centred, with no off-centre play
Cons
- The smallest bit snapped within seconds, and another bent in pallet wood
- Bits come out of the hex housing, and a crimped shank spoiled the fit for one buyer
- Wobble shows up in other reviews, and metals are called a failure by some buyers
- Masonry is not claimed, and no impact rating or case is stated
Best for: Occasional small holes in wood, drywall or plastic with a 1/4 inch hex driver
Less suitable: Masonry, repeated holes in metal, or any job that loads the smallest diameters
Specifications
- Model
- Blue Spot 5-piece hex set
- Brand
- Blue Spot Tools
- Price
- ∼£4
- Customer rating
- 4.2/5(704)
- Bit type
- HSS set
- Materials claimed
- Wood, steel, aluminium
- Not suitable
- Masonry
- Shank
- Hex, 1/4 inch
- Size range
- 1.5–4.8 mm
- Piece count
- 5 pieces
- Carbide tip
- No
- Point angle
- 135 degrees
Common questions
Which sizes are included?
1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm and 4.8 mm, on a 1/4 inch hex.
Does the listing say it drills masonry?
No. The bullets say high-speed steel, titanium coated, and suitable for power tools. The surface list names iron, wood, plastics, steel, aluminium and non-ferrous metals.
Is impact use stated?
The listing does not state an impact rating. It says the bits are suitable for power tools and have a 1/4 inch hex.
Our view
These five Amtech bits, 1.5 mm to 4.8 mm, are the small HSS sizes reviewers use for pilot holes with a small electric screwdriver or a drill guide. The listing is £3.95, rated 4.2 from 198 reviews, and the title says titanium nitride coated HSS for metal, wood and plastic. About 37 review texts describe the larger sizes as lasting longer than the small ones, and as fitting a Bosch mini drill and other hex screwdrivers for light household jobs. The title says a 1/4 inch hex shank and the specification shank field says straight, so the chuck fit is not one clear statement. Smaller diameters break easily, bits run off-centre, including a test in two Makita drills, and two bits detached from the hex holders while drilling plastic boxes. Every bit snapped in very thin aluminium in one review, one reviewer rules them out for hardwood, and a case is not stated.
Pros
- Five small HSS sizes from 1.5 mm to 4.8 mm at £3.95
- Used for pilot holes with a small electric screwdriver or a drill guide
- Larger sizes in the set described as lasting longer than the small ones
- Reported to fit a Bosch mini drill and other hex screwdrivers
Cons
- Small diameters snap under light pressure, and bits run off-centre
- Bits detach from the hex holders, including during light drilling of plastic boxes
- The title says 1/4 inch hex and the shank field says straight
- Masonry is not claimed, hardwood is ruled out by one review, and a case is not stated
Best for: Occasional pilot holes in light household plastic or soft timber with a hex screwdriver
Less suitable: Hardwood, thin aluminium, masonry, or any job that needs a bit that runs true
Specifications
- Model
- Amtech 5-piece HSS set
- Brand
- Amtech
- Price
- ∼£4
- Customer rating
- 4.2/5(198)
- Bit type
- HSS set
- Materials claimed
- Metal, wood, plastic
- Not suitable
- Masonry
- Shank
- Hex or straight
- Size range
- 1.5–4.8 mm
- Piece count
- 5 pieces
- Carbide tip
- No
- Point angle
- 118 degrees
Common questions
Is the shank hex or straight?
The title says 1/4 inch hex. The shank field says straight. Both are printed on the listing.
What materials are claimed?
The title says metal, wood and plastic. Masonry is not claimed. The surface field says metal.
Does a case come with it?
A case is not stated. The warranty line says 1 year from the manufacturer.
Our view
Reviewers use these Amtech bits for light holes in wood with a 1/4 inch driver, across a 1.5 mm to 6.5 mm titanium-nitride HSS set priced at £5.95. Across 3,797 reviews the rating is 4.1, and the first 40 UK texts include a service engineer who kept them for light daily holes on an M12 driver when the feed stayed gentle. The title says wood, plastic and metals, masonry is not claimed, and the surface field says metal. That same sample keeps returning to bent bits out of the packet, an off-centre web or hex joint that wobbles, and a round shank that spins inside the hex body under light pressure. Small sizes, including 1.5 mm, fail quickly, and cutting in metal is a repeated complaint, including a greenhouse frame and aluminium. The listing states a 3 year manufacturer warranty, the unit count says 13 while the number-of-pieces field says 1, and it does not state an impact rating even though some buyers fit the bits to an impact driver.
Pros
- Thirteen listed sizes from 1.5 mm to 6.5 mm on a 1/4 inch hex, at £5.95
- Titanium nitride coated HSS, with a 3 year manufacturer warranty on the listing
- Useful for light wood and for a 1/4 inch driver, including an M12 driver in one review
- Some buyers report a non-slip hold in the chuck when the feed stays gentle
Cons
- Bent bits out of the packet, and run-out from an off-centre hex joint
- The twist bit spins inside the hex body, and small sizes snap or go blunt quickly
- Metal cutting is a repeated complaint, and masonry is not claimed
- No impact rating on the listing, and the piece-count fields say both 13 and 1
Best for: Light holes in wood and plastic with a 1/4 inch driver, if you check the bits are straight first
Less suitable: Brick or masonry, steelwork, or an impact drill the listing does not rate
Specifications
- Model
- Amtech 13-piece HSS hex set
- Brand
- Amtech
- Price
- ∼£6
- Customer rating
- 4.1/5(3,797)
- Bit type
- HSS set
- Materials claimed
- Wood, plastic, metals
- Not suitable
- Masonry
- Shank
- Hex, 1/4 inch
- Size range
- 1.5–6.5 mm
- Piece count
- 13 pieces
- Carbide tip
- No
- Point angle
- 118 degrees
Common questions
Will this set drill masonry?
The title says wood, plastic and metals. Masonry is not claimed. The surface field says metal.
Does the listing rate it for an impact driver?
No. It states a 1/4 inch hex shank and does not give an impact rating. Reviews disagree: one buyer says they are not suitable for an impact drill, another says they fit an impact driver.
How many pieces are listed?
The title and unit count say 13. The number-of-pieces field says 1. Both figures are on the listing.
How we compared
We compared the ten universal drill bit listings kept for this page. Prices, star ratings and review counts come from those amazon.co.uk listings. The order of criteria follows public UK guidance on materials, carbide and HSS tips, shanks, plug diameters and drilling mode. There is no lab test behind the scores.
1
Material list
25%The listing has to name the material you will drill, including any line that says the bit is not suitable. A titanium nitride coat does not add brick.
2
Tip
25%Carbide is the tip for a multi-material bit and for masonry. HSS is for wood, plastic and soft metals.
3
Shank
20%A 1/4 inch hex fits a bit holder. An impact rating is a separate sentence. fischer UK rates the D-U Hex for a cordless impact wrench. A hex HSS set does not inherit that rating.
4
Diameter and the fixing
15%Most red plugs are 6 mm. Brown plugs are often 7 mm. Some anchors need 14 mm or 16 mm, which these sets do not cover.
5
Drilling mode
10%Use the maker’s line. fischer UK says rotary and impact for the D-U Hex. ITS says rotary if you want a multipurpose tip to last, and a masonry bit for masonry all day.
6
Piece count
5%Counted last. A 103-piece Bosch case is specialist bits plus screwdriver bits. One 6 mm fischer bit is the category product.
Independent review
Last updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Universal drill bit buying guide
A universal drill bit is worth buying when one carbide tip has to move from timber to a 6 mm plug hole. It is the wrong buy when the listing is HSS, or when the case is a set of separate specialist bits. The checks below follow the material line, the tip, the shank, the plug diameter and the maker’s drilling mode.
What is a universal drill bit?
UK makers use “universal drill bit” for one carbide-tipped bit offered for more than one material. fischer UK describes the D-U Hex as a hex-shank bit for rotary and impact drilling in material combinations, including concrete. On this page that product is the fischer 6 mm single and the five-piece set from 5 mm to 12 mm. A box of separate wood, metal and masonry bits is a different product, even if a search result calls the box universal.
Best for
- A 6 mm plug hole in brick with one carbide hex bit
- A household case of separate wood, masonry and metal bits
Not ideal for
- Masonry all day on an SDS rotary hammer
- Brick if the only bits you have are titanium-coated HSS
Mistakes to avoid
- 1
Using HSS on brick
Titanium-coated HSS is for wood, plastic and soft metal. Masonry is not claimed on the Amtech, Blue Spot or Amazon Basics listings. The bit blunts or snaps, and the hole is not a fair test of a carbide tip.
- 2
Leaving hammer mode on for tile
A multi-material bit can be listed for tile, and hammer action is a separate choice. ITS favours rotary if you want a multipurpose tip to last. The toolant title says hammer, while reviews in that export include advice to stay off hammer action.
- 3
Treating a hex fit as an impact rating
A 1/4 inch hex fits a holder. Only the maker’s line rates impact. fischer UK does that for the D-U Hex. The Amtech hex sets do not. A hole wider than the plug, or side load on a bit under 3 mm, shows up in the cheap-hex reviews as snaps. No single failure rate is stated.
What to weigh up
Material list and tip
HighStart with the material list, including any line that says what the bit will not cut. Amazon Basics excludes glass, ceramics, masonry and stainless steel. Amtech and Blue Spot claim wood, plastic and metals, and masonry is not claimed. A titanium nitride coat on high-speed steel does not add brick. Screwfix treats HSS as the bit for wood, plastic and soft metals, and carbide as the tip for masonry and for a multi-material bit.
Shank, diameter and mode
HighThe shank tells you the chuck. It does not mean the bit is rated for an impact driver. A 1/4 inch hex fits a bit holder. fischer UK rates the D-U Hex for a cordless impact wrench, and both fischer listings say rotary and impact. The Amtech 13-piece listing states a 1/4 inch hex and gives no impact rating. The Amtech five-piece title says hex and the shank field says straight. The toolant shank field says Brace. Amazon Basics is straight.
Which option suits you?
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
Fitter with an impact driver
You want a hex shank the maker rates for impact, not a 1/4 inch hex HSS set. The fischer D-U Hex matches that shank and fischer’s impact wording. UK reviews mention brick, tile and timber. That is not a lab test.
Light holes in wood and plastic
You are not drilling brick. An HSS set up to 10 mm, on a straight shank, matches soft wood, plastic and soft metal if you stay inside the listing’s exclusions. Small diameters in the cheap hex sets snap under light pressure.
Common questions about universal drill bits
Which universal drill bit is the top pick for a 6 mm plug hole?
The top pick for one 6 mm hole in brick, tile, wood or concrete is the fischer D-U Hex 6 mm, about £3.48 on amazon.co.uk, rated 4.7 from 360 reviews. The bullets name brick, wood, tiles, plastics, steel and concrete, and fischer UK rates the hex shank for rotary and impact drilling. You get one diameter, marked 6/60/100. A case is not stated. Skip it if you need other sizes, or if you already use an SDS bit for concrete.
How much does a universal drill bit cost in the UK?
Shelf prices on these amazon.co.uk listings run from £3.48 to £26.99. Under about £6, only the fischer 6 mm single is a carbide universal bit. The Amtech and Blue Spot sets in that band are titanium-coated HSS. From about £9 to £15, the Bosch 34-piece X-Line at £10.63 is the best value household kit, with separate wood, masonry and metal bits. The fischer five-piece set is £19.35. These figures are the listing prices, not a live check.
What should you check before you buy a universal drill bit?
Read the material list and any “not suitable” line. Carbide is the tip for mixed materials and masonry. HSS is for wood, plastic and soft metal, and a titanium nitride coat does not add brick. Check the shank, and whether the maker rates impact or only a hex fit. Match the diameter to the plug: most red plugs are 6 mm, and brown plugs are often 7 mm. These sets do not cover 14 mm or 16 mm anchors.
Will a titanium-coated HSS set drill brick?
No. A titanium nitride coat does not make an HSS bit into a masonry bit. Amtech and Blue Spot claim wood, plastic and metals, and masonry is not claimed. Amazon Basics states that its 14-piece set is not suitable for masonry, glass, ceramics or stainless steel. For brick or concrete, use a carbide tip whose listing names that material, or a separate masonry bit in a mixed case.
Does a hex shank mean the bit is safe in an impact driver?
No. A 1/4 inch hex only means the bit can sit in a bit holder. fischer UK rates the D-U Hex for rotary and impact drilling, including a cordless impact wrench. The Amtech 13-piece listing gives a hex shank and no impact rating, and buyers report bits that spin inside the hex body. The toolant shank field says Brace, not hex. Use impact only when that listing says so.
Is a PGM mark a British Standard?
No. PGM is not a British Standard, and it is not UKCA. fischer UK claims a PGM mark for a precise hole on the D-U Hex. PGM ties ISO 5468 diameter tolerances to certain cylindrical-shank bits, not to hex or SDS. Do not read that sentence as ISO 5468 certification for the hex D-U Hex. A gold or titanium-coloured coat is not a British Standard either, and it is not proof that the bit cuts masonry.
When is a masonry bit the better buy?
Choose a masonry bit when the job is brick, block or concrete for the whole session, not one plug hole and then timber. ITS says a multipurpose tip lasts longer in rotary mode, and a masonry bit is the better tool for masonry all day. A carbide universal bit is the compromise for mixed holes. It is not an SDS-plus bit. For stone as its own comparison, see the stone drill bit page.
When should you stop and call a professional?
Stop if you suspect asbestos, if you nick a cable, or if the fixing is structural or into reinforced concrete. GOV.UK notes that a pre-2000 home may contain asbestos. Call a professional for daily masonry if you do not have HSE dust controls for respirable crystalline silica. Some cable detectors miss a low current, and the incoming supply can stay live with the main switch off.
Our verdict
For one 6 mm hole in brick, tile, wood or concrete, the top pick is the fischer D-U Hex 6 mm: a single carbide hex bit at £3.48, rated 4.7 from 360 reviews, with fischer’s rotary and impact wording. For a household kit of separate wood, masonry and metal bits, plus screwdriver bits, the best value is the Bosch 34-piece X-Line at £10.63, rated 4.7 from 28,187 reviews. HSS sets on this page stay with wood, plastic and soft metal. None of these scores is a lab test.
Best valueView offer
Bosch 34-piece X-Line
Best value household kit: separate wood, masonry and metal bits plus screwdriver bits, at £10.63.
Editorial
Editor
Drill bitsamazon.co.uk listingsUK DIY safety
Products Compared publishes British-English buying guides based on amazon.co.uk listings and public UK sources. We do not run a lab and we do not invent test scores.
Updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Guides to universal drill bits
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Best universal drill bitsWhich kept listing fits which job, and who should skip it.Universal drill bits for brick and tileBrick, block and tile, including plug diameters. HSS sets are the wrong tool.Universal drill bit buying guideHow to choose a carbide multi-material bit, an HSS set or a mixed case.How to use a universal drill bitMode, plug diameter, dust, cables, and when to stop.Universal drill bit vs masonryWhen a masonry bit is the better buy.
Related comparisons
Sources
Public UK sources and the amazon.co.uk listings for these ten ASINs. Retrieved 16 October 2026.
- fischer UK, universal drill bit D-U Hex (retrieved 16 October 2026)
- Bosch DIY, guide to drills (retrieved 16 October 2026)
- B&Q, how to choose the right drill bits (retrieved 16 October 2026)
- Screwfix, guide to types of drill bits (retrieved 16 October 2026)
- ITS, types of drill bit explained (retrieved 16 October 2026)
- HSE, CN3 construction dust and silica (retrieved 16 October 2026)
- GOV.UK, asbestos in buildings (retrieved 16 October 2026)
- Electrical Safety First, DIY and cables (retrieved 16 October 2026)
Expert source (DIY & tools): Charlie White (Charlie DIYte) (external profile) – public expert commentary used as a research source, not as a contributor to our pages.
This page contains affiliate links to amazon.co.uk with the tag pcuk26-21. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, star ratings and review counts are taken from the amazon.co.uk listings. We did not run a lab test, and a commission does not change which listing is the top pick or the best value.