I used this to cut through brick to install a new 4 inch vent. When purchasing this core drill, you should keep in mind that it does not have a shank, so you will have to buy it separately. To use it directly on masonry, you must support it with a piece of plywood in which a hole has been cut of the same diameter as the drill, so it stays still, because unlike a hole in a tree, the saw doesn't have a center drill to keep it from wobbling. Once the drill has penetrated about 1/2 inch, you can remove the plywood guide and continue drilling. You must follow the instructions on the packaging regarding the maximum speed and the use of a dust mask as it generates a lot of dust. This bit cuts through hard brick, but you must be calm and take your time or the tips will snap and worse, injure you in the process. Overall very satisfied. This was for the tool I'm using, so I'm not sure how it will hold up in commercial use.