For DIY projects, it is often necessary to drill into concrete. However, this can probably be hard because, as we all know, concrete is challenging to drill. Several DIYers and craft hobbyists may decide not to jump into this kind of project or may develop elaborate workarounds. But with the right tools and some helpful techniques and tips, you can drill into concrete successfully and with less trouble than you may imagine. In this article, we will provide you with the right steps, techniques, and tips so you can achieve the wanted result without much effort.
What are the necessary safety measures to consider taking?
Like any other DIY project requiring power devices, you need to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from potentially dust when drilling through glass. It is recommended to cover up the rest of your body. Try also to wear a thick pair of work gloves. When drilling, do not wear baggy clothing or long, dangling accessories like necklaces or shirts with long fringes. It is important that you not wear anything that can be caught in a power tool.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Hammer drill.
- Masking tape.
- Tungsten carbide masonry drill bit.
- Masonry nail (3 inches plus).
- Canned compressed air.
How to Drill Into Concrete
1- Mark the spot
Take the pencil and mark the spot where you want the hole. Think about how deep you want it to be. You can use a stop bar to fix the wanted depth. If you don’t have it in hand, band some masking tape around the drill bit to designate the depth.
2-Prepare the drill
Wear your goggles. Then, inject the appropriate-sized carbide masonry drill bit inside the hammer drill. Ensure it is locked tight, so it does not slip while piercing.
3- Take the position
Settle your feet shoulder-width distant and grip the drill. If you have a supporting handle, use your free hand to have greater control.
When you tend to make the hole, the carbide drill bit must be perpendicular to the concrete. At this point, you should expect some kickback from the hammer action.
4- Drill a pilot hole
With the drill at a slow speed, make a pilot hole. Operate it in short bursts until the hole is approximately ¼-inch deep.
5- Drill the wanted hole
Maintain a firm but moderate grip. It allows you to react to any pockets of stones or solid material in the concrete. You can lose control of your drill while drilling through concrete.
Thanks to the pilot hole, your drill will be more convenient to control. As you get trust, boost the speed of the hammer drill until the hole is finished.
6- Overcoming obstacles
When you tap an obstacle, please do not force the drill through it because it can destroy your bit and the drill. You should remove the drill and implant the masonry nail so it reaches the hard spot. Then, with the hammer, give the nail some sharp taps. Remove the nail and begin drilling again, at a moderate speed, until you pass the obstacle.
7- Clean the dust as you go
Every 20 seconds, retire the drill bit to remove the trash from the hole. It helps the drill bit to work on the solid concrete without the over effort of grinding into the concrete dust.
8- Attach anchors
Once your hole is at the wanted depth, as shown by the stop bar or the tape on the drill bit, withdraw the drill. Then, use compressed air to remove the dust from the hole. At this point, you should still be putting on your safety glasses to protect your eyes. Then implant your anchors inside the hole, tapping them with a hammer.
Some tips on how to drill into concrete perfectly and easily.
- Try to do it with the drilling bit because concrete drill bits are made special for it.
- Mark the spot precisely.
- Do not forget to use the right speed.
- You should use coolants like water or oil, so the drill bit does not become extremely hot and also to avoid dust.
- Consider keeping things clean by withdrawing the drill every 20 seconds and remove dust.
- Always be ready for obstacles because as long as you are drilling in concrete, you may face substantial and hard parts, for example, rocks and stones. If you face this situation, just remove the drill, put it down, and use the hammer and the nail, as we mentioned earlier.
- Never forget protecting yourself by wearing special glasses and gloves while working.
FAQ about drilling into concrete
Can we use any drill to drill in concrete?
There are various kinds of concrete, with different levels of hardness. Screwing into concrete requires a special drill. Pick your drill carefully. For beautifying concrete interior walls, which are usually softer, you can get away using a revolving hand drill and a masonry drill bit. The method is to slow and ensure you do not burn out the motor or destroy the drill bit.
Can we drill in concrete without a hammer drill?
If you want to drill through concrete, you will need a hammer drill. Older concrete is more solid and strong. Hammer drills use a fast hammer effort to push the drill bit in the material.
How quickly to drill into new concrete?
New concrete requires at least two days to set before you consider drilling within it. Concrete needs between six and seven days to set to 60 percent of its overall force. That is why, if you are putting anchors, it is best to give them at least seven days. Some expanding anchors exercise a lot of pressure on the matter.
Drilling inside concrete is all about well-regulated working. Get the appropriate tools, think about what and where you want to drill the hole and take it in simple steps. If you face challenges on your way, take stock, use the right tools, and move on.