It is useful to drill a hole in concrete.You can put up shelves, hang paintings, and install lights quickly and safely.The process is easy, but selecting the right tools and knowing how to use them will save you a lot of time.
Step 1: You can buy or rent a hammer drill.
A regular drill is fine if you're just drilling a few holes.It is much easier to drill concrete with a hammer drill.The tools break the concrete through hammering and drilling.Since concrete is not shaved away in layers the same way wood and metal are, a normal drill makes the job much slower and more difficult.Pay extra for a hammer drill rental if the job is larger than a few holes drilled through non-structural concrete, such as the softer mix found in modern countertops.It is usually worth paying more for a more powerful hammer drill from a well-known brand.Speed setting, depth stop, comfortable grip, and a second handle for your other hand are some of the beneficial features.
Step 2: You should get to know your tool.
You can read the user's manual to find out what the knobs and controls are for.Before moving on to the next step, make sure you are comfortable with your tool.Follow the instructions.Heavy gloves, hearing protection, and safety goggles are included to protect your eyes and hands.For larger projects that create a lot of dust, a respirator is recommended.Simply turn the collar, and the hammer drills can be switched to a non-hammering drill setting.
Step 3: A high quality masonry drill bit is needed.
The masonry bits intended for hammer drills are designed to resist the force of hammering and drilling dense concrete.The flutes of the drill bit are important for the removal of dust from the hole.Specialty drill bits are required for holes up to 5/8" in diameter and larger.If you need to drill deeper than the steel rebar, reinforced concrete is more difficult.Once the drill hits metal, switch to a special rebar-cutting bit.Slow down to prevent overheating.
Step 4: Set the depth.
There is a depth control bar in some drills.You should read the user manual to learn how to use it.Measure and mark the required depth on the drill bit with a pencil or masking tape if your machine doesn't have depth control.If you're not sure how deep to drill, follow these guidelines: Because concrete is a hard, dense material, screws embedded 1 inch ( 2.5 cm) deep are sufficient for hanging light-weight objects.The minimum embeddedment should be listed on the packaging foravier-duty projects.There is room for the dust that accumulates during drilling if you add an additional 12" to the embeddedment.If you plan to remove the dust afterwards, you can reduce this length.Check the specifications for hollow concrete blocks.If you drill through the other side of the anchor, it will fall out.
Step 5: Hold the drill in your hand.
With your index finger on the "trigger", hold the drill with one hand.If the drill has a handle, use it.Put your other hand at the back of the drill.
Step 6: The drilling spot should be marked.
Use a soft pencil with a small dot or cross to mark the point on the wall where you want to drill.
Step 7: There is a pilot hole.
If your machine has speed control, place your drill on the mark and drill briefly, using a low speed or in short bursts.To help guide your drill for the real hole, make a shallow hole.If the project requires a large diameter drill bit, use a smaller one for the pilot hole.This will make the drill more stable.
Step 8: Continue drilling with more power.
If your drill has a hammer function, turn it on.Place the drill in the pilot hole to keep it straight.Start drilling with firm pressure to push the drill forward.Make sure the drill is stable and under your control at all times if you want to increase drill speed and force.If the drill bit hits an air pocket or pebble, it can easily skate.Apply enough pressure to hold the drill in place, but don't force it forward, this can cause wear on the bit and even break it.Practice will teach you the right amount of pressure.
Step 9: The drill should be pulled out periodically.
If you want to press the drill back in, bring it back slightly.Dust is pulled out of the hole.If you stop the drill, pull it out and let it cool down.This is important for ordinary drills since they can easily get overheated during a long drilling process.You might feel a little bit of recoil from the drill.
Step 10: A masonry nail can be used to break through obstructions.
Sometimes a drill doesn't go as expected.If you hit a hard piece of concrete, you can use a masonry nail to break it up.Don't drive the nail too deep to be easy to remove.Continue drilling after you insert your drill back.Rebar can be hit if you see sparks or metal.When you are past the obstruction, stop drilling immediately and switch to a rebar-cutting drill bit.
Step 11: Take out the dust.
The strength of concrete anchors is improved by removing dust.To remove concrete dust from a hole, use a squeeze bulb or can of compressed air.Leave your goggles on while you do this.Make sure you wear a mask when you breathe in concrete dust.Dust can be removed by using a damp cotton swab.