How to Punch a Hole in a Brick

Drilling through a single brick is much different than drilling through a wall.

There are many tools designed to punch a hole in a brick wall. These tend to be highly powerful, smashing their way through forcefully. If you are drilling through a single brick, however, you must use much more finesse to prevent the brick from shattering. To do this, begin with a small hole and gradually widen it until you have the hole you need.

Things You'll Need

• Wood block
• Brick
• Clamps
• Drill and masonry bits

Instructions

1. Set the brick onto a block of wood and clamp it in place.

2. Insert a small masonry bit into your drill.

3. Set your drill's clutch as high as it can go.

4. Begin drilling into the brick, keeping the drill perpendicular to the brick's surface.

5. Pull back on the drill slightly every 10 seconds as you work. This allows the bit to eject excess dust and gives it a fresh bite into the brick on the downstroke.

6. Continue drilling until you pierce the other side of the brick.

7. Switch to a larger drill bit and repeat this process.

8. Continue moving to larger drill bits, gradually and gently widening the hole, until it has reached the desired diameter.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a helper periodically mist the hole and bit with a water sprayer to help keep the bit from overheating.

• Do not use a hammer drill or a single large drill bit. There is a good chance of shattering the brick.

• Wear goggles, a dust mask, earplugs and leather work gloves while you drill.

References

• Concrete Basics: Drill into Concrete
• "Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual"; Reader's Digest; 2005