How to use diamond core drill bit to drill concrete?

Coring and drilling a hole into concrete is different from drilling into natural stone/rock. You can use your handheld core drilling equipment. We are now introducing you how to drill concrete with a diamond core drill bit.

1. Choose right diamond core drill bit for the drilling materials.

2. Make sure right diameter of diamond core bit.

3. Set the clutch to the middle number if have in the beginning.

4. Mark the diamond core drill bit with masking tape at the length you want the hole deep.

5. Keep the core drill perpendicular to the surface.

6. If using a standard diamond core drill, pull the drill out and back in every ten seconds.

7. If progress is slow, set the clutch to the highest number.

The Tips of drilling concrete with a diamond core drill bit

Blow out any concrete debris with a large air hose or compressed air in a can or vacuum it clean.

Many core drills feature depth gauges. Use them. If your drill doesn't have one, try wrapping masking tape around the drill bit at the desired depth of penetration. When going to purchase a concrete drill bit, there are two types. Multi-purpose (for use in a standard drill), and those that are exclusively for diamond core drill equipments.

Do not bear down on the drill with all your strength. Not only will smaller bits break, but the chisel-type tip for regular, core bit type drilling will create an advantageous coring effect.

When using a diamond core drill equipment, you only need to withdraw the bit occasionally to remove concrete dust.

Running a small amount of water over the area while drilling will reduce the heat of the bit and the friction between the sides of the concrete and the drill.

A good quality diamond core drill equipment will finish a 2-inch deep, 1/4 inch wide hole in concrete with less than one minute. A standard drill will take much longer, and may not work at all in brick or poured concrete. Use a core drill equipment where at all possible.

Clean the mortar during drilling concrete blocks, if possible, as it is much easier to drill into mortar than concrete block. Always use lead anchors to hold the screws into place if you drill into the mortar, as screws set in mortar will work themselves loose over time. For some light weight applications, plastic anchors (with regular screws) are adequate. (Tapcon screws are easy to identify, as they are blue in color.) For any application where the screw will be subjected to weight (such as a bench, handrail or shelves) heavy duty lead anchors should be driven with a hammer after the holes are drilled and then screws driven into the anchors.

While it is possible to drill into concrete or brick with a standard drill, it is not advisable to try. The reason is that a standard diamond core drill acts on the principle of slicing into a fibrous material (like wood) or shaving off layers of metal (like aluminum and steel) and concrete/brick is not fibrous or composed of layers of material. Concrete/brick is a composite aggregate material (small rocks bound together with cement) for concrete, and minerals and stone bound together by heat for brick. To drill a hole in cement/brick requires two separate actions, hammering to break the aggregate, and drilling to scoop out the debris.

Protect your eyes with goggles when drilling and cleaning out the dust and debris.

The older the concrete, the harder it will be to drill.

When attempting to break aggregate with a masonry nail, take care not to drive the nail too deeply, otherwise it will be difficult to remove.

When feeding water, do not put water into the motor of your drill.

Take care not to breathe in the dust. Use a dust mask.

Be aware that stone in concrete can explode and expel chips into your face.

Be aware that masonry bits get very hot. Wear heavy gloves when drilling into concrete or brick.

Wear ear protection even if you are only drilling a couple of holes