I needed to install a new outlet on an existing chimney which required drilling horizontally above the chimney. This bit went through the cinder block with ease. Also went through the brick with a little more effort. I have a 1/4" shank which is great and flexes a little but obviously not as much as the smaller shank. I have a wood drill bit with a 3/16" shank and this thing can bend 90 degrees and still drill a hole. Maybe you can get a 45 degree angle with a 1/4" shank! But since I was drilling through brick I was glad I got a larger shank as it required a lot more forward pressure and the small shank too when drilling severely bent and creased.