How to Drill Into a Concrete Slab
When drilling into a concrete slab, you'll need a hammer drill and a masonry bit. A hammer drill is a drilling tool with a moving piston inside. The piston's back-and-forth motion inside the drill causes a hammering affect at the tip of the bit, which allows the bit to chip into the concrete. Choose a hammer drill according to how large the holes in the concrete need to be. You may be able to rent large hammer drills for one-time projects. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Mark the concrete slab with a felt tip marker to indicate where you will be drilling. Assess the area to ensure no utilities are in the drilling location. Determine if you want to drill completely through the slab or to a certain depth.
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2
Attach the masonry bit to the drill motor you will be using. Inspect the drill motor settings to make sure it is set for hammer drilling. Measure the masonry bit and set the depth gauge on the drill motor. Wrap tape around the bit at the desired depth if the drill motor isn't equipped with a depth gauge.
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3
Set the tip of the masonry bit on the mark. Hold the drill motor at a 90-degree angle from the slab to prevent the bit from slipping.
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Hold the drill motor steady with both hands and squeeze the power trigger slightly. Allow the masonry bit to slightly penetrate the concrete slab before bringing the motor to full power. Apply enough pressure to the back of the drill motor to keep the hammer piston engaged when drilling into the concrete slab.
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5
Prevent debris buildup in the hole by pulling the masonry bit in and out of the hole while drilling. Allow the shaft fluting to remove dust and debris.
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Remove the masonry bit from the hole and stop the drill motor once the desired depth is reached.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear protective gear, such as safety glasses and ear plugs, when using power tools.
References
- Photo Credit Paul Edmondson/Photodisc/Getty Images
