You might want to hang something on the wall but realize that it is concrete. This makes it harder to drill a hole in. Let’s take a look at what method you can use to get a hole in a concrete wall.
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Using a rotary drill and a masonry drill bit, you can drill into concrete. This combination works with softer concrete. However, in cases where a rotary drill is not adequate, it calls for a professional machine. It’s easier to use a hammer drill with a carbide drill bit to drill into concrete for hard concrete.
I will share what I learned about drilling into concrete throughout this post.
How Do You Drill Into Concrete?
Concrete can be difficult to drill or cut, especially in older buildings and structures. However, the quality standards have changed over the years, and as a result, concrete has become more manageable over the last two decades. This section will discuss drilling concrete with a rotary drill and drilling with a hammer drill.
How To Drill Into Concrete With A Rotary Drilling Machine
A rotary drilling machine is widely used in many households, and although it can drill into soft concrete, it will have a hard time drilling through thick and solid concrete. In addition, many people burn out the motor on a rotary drill when trying to get through rigid concrete. Here is how to drill into the concrete using a rotary drilling machine:
- It is essential to plan out the location of the holes that you need to drill. Do this carefully and mark the areas with a pencil. Check if no rebar, plumbing, telecom cables, gas, or electricity is in this area before you begin.
- Your next step would be to select the correct drill bit for the job. It would be better to start with a thinner drill bit as a guide hole to evaluate the strength of the concrete.
- Insert a masonry drill into the drilling machine and inspect the machine for safety. Then, plug the drilling machine in and ensure that the speed and the direction settings are correct.
- Decide how far you need to drill the holes into the concrete and set the deepness rod on the drilling machine; if the machine does not have a rod, you can use a strip of painter’s tape on the drill bit.
- The drilling can begin by holding the drill bit against the surface that you need to drill. Do not apply too much pressure. You can make a small indent on the pencil marks you marked before.
How to get drill bit out of concrete
- Once the guide hole is formed, you can apply more pressure to the drilling machine. If the machine struggles to drill into the concrete, stop and increase the speed setting and ensure that the direction is correct. You can also adjust when the drill stops working if it slips too much. Make sure that your machine doesn’t overheat.
- If the hole from the thinner drill bit is drilled into the concrete, you can now insert the correct size drill bit. Or you can drill all the holes first and then go over each one with the thicker drill bit.
- You use a thinner drill bit because it drills into concrete better as there is less friction; if you drill with a thick drill bit first, you probably won’t be able to drill into the concrete, especially not with a rotary drill.
You will need to find a hammer drill if you cannot get through the concrete with a rotary drill and masonry drill bit. If you are lucky enough to own one, it is a bonus. Otherwise, you will have to purchase or rent one.
How To Drill Into Concrete Using A Hammer Drilling Machine
A Hammer drilling machine is the preferred option when you need to drill into concrete because the motor is stronger, and the hammer action pushes forward in a pulse action adding more torque as it pulsates. Here is how the professionals use a Hammer drilling machine to drill into concrete:
- The professionals will first do their planning on where they want to drill, including checking for water pipes, electrical cables, or gas lines using special equipment. Then, they will mark out the locations.
- Next, you need to select the correct carbide-tipped drill bit. The hammer drill will have enough power, so you may not need a thinner drill bit. Instead, you will use a masonry carbide-tipped bit
- You need to inspect all the tools and equipment before starting, which you did. You have set the drilling machine at the correct speed and direction setting; in most cases, the professionals will drill a pilot hole in the rotary setting.
- You have set the depth guide and set the drilling machine to hammer action. It is where a person can see and hear the difference between the rotary and the hammer function.
- If a Hammer drill struggles to drill into the concrete, you can increase the speed setting, and you can use a thrusting action and increase the pressure followed by constant pressure. Repeat this until you have the result you were looking for.
- If that does not get it done, then first try a thinner drill bit that will drill into the concrete easier. Then, gradually increase the diameter using thicker drill bits.
If you rent a Hammer drilling machine, you will be able to follow the points and drill into concrete by yourself.
Conclusion
I am much more experienced in drilling into concrete now, and I have learned a lot from the experts at the tool hire depot. I hope that the information in the post will assist you in also being able to drill into concrete. If you struggle to get through concrete with the rotary drill you have at home, then get your hands on a Hammer drilling machine.
Drilling near a window needs special care as you can break it quite easily.
Use a drilling machine with a masonry drill bit and start with a thinner drill bit if you struggle to drill into concrete. Do not drill too deep; the fastener will wear out, so use the depth rod or tape on the drill bit.
We have discussed how to drill a hole in a ceramic pot here.
Resources
https://www.wikihow.com/Drill-Into-Concrete
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-drill-into-concrete/
