How to Drill Into Concrete

If you're drilling into your basement floor (or walls, depending on what type of house you have), chances are you'll be drilling into concrete. Drilling into concrete is different than drilling into wood. You'll need a special bit and even a different type of drill.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer drill
• Carbide-tipped masonry bits
• Safety goggles or glasses
• Dust mask

Instructions

1. Insert a small carbide-tipped masonry bit into a hammer drill. Adjust the clutch to the highest setting. Drill a pilot, or starter, hole into the desired spot in the concrete wall or floor. Place a small piece of masking tape around the drill bit to match the depth of the hole you need to drill. This will prevent you from drilling too deep.

2. Drill slowly. There is no need to push hard against a hammer drill; allow the drill to do the work. Withdraw the bit from the hole often to allow concrete dust to be removed from the hole.

3. Keep the drill as straight as possible as you work. Do not hold the drill too high or too low or off to one side.

4. Replace the small bit with a bigger masonry bit and drill hole as before, pulling the bit out often to clear dust and to prevent overheating the drill.

5. Use an air hose or vacuum to clean concrete dust from the hole when you're finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprinkle a small amount of cool water on the drill bit each time you withdraw it to remove debris if it appears the bit is overheating.

• If it seems you aren't making any progress, you've likely hit a dense area, or aggregate, of the concrete. Hammer in a masonry nail to break the aggregate and proceed with drilling.

• It will be harder to drill into older concrete.

• Do not drill into concrete without wearing safety glasses or goggles and a dust mask. Do not touch the masonry bit with bare hands after using it. It will be extremely hot.