How to Drill Screws Into Concrete

Create holes in concrete using a number of specialty tools.

When hanging or fastening an object to a masonry surface such as concrete, use specialty screws. Tapcon screws are the most common brand of concrete screws and are blue in color. The screws are available in an assortment of lengths and two diameter widths. Hammer drills are used for concrete applications, as they operate in a back-and-forth motion, which helps the drill bit chip and penetrate the hard concrete surface, unlike conventional drills. These drills are outfitted with carbide drill bits to make the pilot holes for concrete screws.

Things You'll Need

• Marking tool
• Hammer drill with hammer off option
• Carbide drill bit
• Measuring tool
• Tape
• Bristled pipe cleaning brush
• Concrete screw fasteners
• Phillips or hex bit

Instructions

1. Make marks on the concrete where the screw fastener will be used. Insert a carbide-tipped bit that is 1/16 inch smaller in diameter than the screw fastener you are using into the hammer drill.

2. Measure the length of the screw fastener that will penetrate the concrete. Add 1/4 inch to this measurement. If your hammer drill is equipped with a depth stop, adjust the depth stop of your hammer drill so each hole drilled is to this measurement. If your hammer drill does not have this feature, wrap tape around the shaft of the bit to represent this depth so that when you're drilling, you do not over- or under-drill the hole.

3. Rest the tip of the hammer drill bit against the mark on the concrete. Hold the hammer drill at a 90-degree angle from the wall to prevent it from slipping. Apply firm pressure to the back of the hammer drill housing and squeeze the trigger to power the drill motor. Keep firm pressure on the back housing until the hammer drill depth-stop or tape that was wrapped around the carbide bit reaches the concrete surface.

4. Remove the hammer drill bit from the hole. Clean out the hole using a bristled pipe brush to remove excess dust and debris, which may bind the screw.

5. Insert a Phillips or hex bit into the hammer drill, depending on which type of screw you are using. Turn off the drill's hammer option by turning the dial located on the side of the drill. Place the screw through the object being fastened and set the screw tip into the drilled hole. Thread the screw into the hole using the drill.

References

• Concrete Fasteners: Concrete Screws, Their Uses & Other Important Information
• The Family Handyman: Drilling Concrete and Installing Fasteners