Australian Diamond Core
Drill Bit Sizing Guide
Choosing the correct diamond core drill bit is essential for creating a clean penetration through concrete, brick and masonry.
MOR-LEC HIRE supplies professional diamond core drill bits from 32mm to 250mm for electricians, plumbers, builders, HVAC installers and maintenance professionals throughout Bermagui and the Far South Coast.

Important Sizing Information
Australian pipe and conduit sizes are not all measured the same way. Before selecting a core bit, always check:
- The actual outside diameter (OD) of the pipe or conduit
- The pipe manufacturer’s specifications
- Required clearance for installation
- Sealant or fire-stopping requirements
A core hole is normally made larger than the service being installed to allow for positioning, sealing and protection.
Electrical Conduit Core Bit Guide
Electrical conduit sizes are based on the outside diameter of the conduit.
| Conduit Size | Outside Diameter | Recommended Core Bit |
|---|---|---|
| 20mm Conduit | 20mm OD | 32mm |
| 25mm Conduit | 25mm OD | 38mm |
| 32mm Conduit | 32mm OD | 52mm |
| 40mm Conduit | 40mm OD | 52mm–65mm |
| 50mm Conduit | 50mm OD | 65mm–82mm |
Common applications:
- Electrical cable penetrations
- Consumer mains
- Communications cabling
- NBN conduits
- Control wiring
Stormwater PVC Core Bit Guide
Stormwater pipe must be sized using the manufacturer’s actual outside diameter.
| Nominal Size | Approx. OD | Recommended Core Bit |
|---|---|---|
| 90mm Stormwater | 90mm OD | 102mm |
| 150mm Stormwater | 160mm OD | 180mm |
| 225mm Stormwater | 250mm OD | 250mm+ |
Applications:
- Downpipe penetrations
- Stormwater connections
- Drainage services
- Civil drainage installations
DWV Plumbing Core Bit Guide
DWV pipe sizes differ from stormwater sizing and must be selected from the actual pipe dimensions.
| Nominal Size | Approx. OD | Recommended Core Bit |
|---|---|---|
| 40mm DWV | Check manufacturer specification | 65mm |
| 50mm DWV | Check manufacturer specification | 82mm |
| 65mm DWV | Check manufacturer specification | 92mm |
| 100mm DWV | Approx. 110mm OD | 127mm–132mm |
| 150mm DWV | Approx. 160mm OD | 180mm |
Common applications:
- Sewer penetrations
- Waste pipes
- Plumbing services
- Bathroom renovations
Air Conditioning Core Drill Sizes
| Application | Recommended Core Bit |
|---|---|
| Small split systems | 65mm |
| Standard residential split systems | 82mm |
| Larger split systems | 92mm |
| Multiple services / commercial systems | 102mm+ |
Suitable for:
- Refrigeration lines
- Condensate drains
- Electrical feeds
- Communication cables
Common Diamond Core Bit Applications
Suitable for:
- Small electrical penetrations
- Data cables
- Small conduits
- Fixing anchors
Suitable for:
- 25mm conduit
- Small service penetrations
Suitable for:
- 32mm conduit
- Electrical service penetrations
- Small plumbing services
Suitable for:
- 40mm conduit
- Small plumbing penetrations
- Air-conditioning drains
Suitable for:
- 50mm services
- Larger conduits
- Split-system installations
Suitable for:
- 90mm stormwater
- Larger service penetrations
Suitable for:
- 100mm DWV plumbing
- Larger drainage penetrations
Suitable for:
- Commercial services
- HVAC ducting
- Large plumbing penetrations
Materials Suitable for Diamond Core Drilling
MOR-LEC HIRE diamond core bits are suitable for:
- Reinforced concrete
- Concrete slabs
- Brickwork
- Double brick
- Blockwork
- Masonry
- Stone
Need Help Selecting the Correct Core Bit?
Not sure which size you require? Contact MOR-LEC HIRE and we can help you choose the correct diamond core bit for your project.
Available core bit sizes:
32mm | 38mm | 52mm | 65mm | 82mm | 92mm | 102mm | 112mm | 127mm | 132mm | 152mm | 162mm | 180mm | 200mm | 225mm | 250mm
Diamond Core Bit Hire Pricing
All prices include GST. The 24 hour hire rate is for the diamond core bit only; the core drill and stand are hired separately. Diamond wear is measured before and after hire.
| Core Bit Size | 24 Hour Hire | Diamond Wear Charge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32mm | $20 | $15/mm | |
| 38mm | $20 | $15/mm | |
| 52mm | $25 | $18/mm | |
| 65mm | $30 | $20/mm | |
| 82mm | $35 | $25/mm | |
| 92mm | $40 | $28/mm | |
| 102mm | $45 | $30/mm | |
| 112mm | $50 | $35/mm | |
| 127mm | $55 | $40/mm | |
| 132mm | $60 | $40/mm | |
| 152mm | $70 | $45/mm | |
| 162mm | $75 | $50/mm | |
| 180mm | $85 | $55/mm | |
| 200mm | $95 | $60/mm | |
| 225mm | $110 | $65/mm | |
| 250mm | $120 | $70/mm |
Diamond Core Bit Hire Terms
These terms apply to the hire of diamond core bits in addition to the general Mor-Lec Hire Terms & Conditions.
- Hire Period: 24 hours.
- Diamond wear is charged per millimetre of segment wear measured before and after hire.
- Excessive damage, overheating, broken segments, steel exposure or misuse will incur repair or replacement costs.
- Water cooling must be used unless the bit is specifically designed for dry coring.
- Bits must not be used on materials they are not designed to cut (e.g. heavy reinforcing steel unless specified).
- Cleaning charges may apply if bits are returned full of slurry or concrete.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What size core bit do I need for 90mm stormwater?
- A 90mm stormwater pipe has an outside diameter around 90mm. A 102mm core bit is commonly used where a close penetration is required.
- What size core bit do I need for 100mm DWV pipe?
- 100mm DWV pipe is approximately 110mm outside diameter. A 127mm or 132mm core bit is commonly selected depending on the required clearance.
- Why can’t I use the pipe size to choose a core bit?
- Because Australian pipe systems use different standards. The same nominal size can have different outside dimensions depending on whether it is stormwater, DWV, pressure pipe or conduit.
Hire a Core Drill Today
Professional diamond core drilling equipment available for hire in Bermagui and the Far South Coast. All prices include GST. Contact us for bit availability, pricing and delivery.