Best (easiest) way to drill into poured concrete wall

Todd-sta

I am trying to drill a pilot hole for a masonry screw into my basement concrete wall.

I purchased a 3/16" masonry drill (with carbide tip) and after some serious effort, was able to drill the first of four holes approximately 2 1/4" deep.

Got the other three started... but then they sort of quit making progress....

First hole, I used a DeWalt 14 XRP cordeless drill motor.... then, because the subsequent holes were wearing me out... I switched to a corded drill motor...much faster rpm, but still making little to no progress in deepening the holes.

Suggestions??

Thanks.

nap

a hammer drill

CrpntrFrk

Hammer drill and maybe a little water to cool the bit down.

downunder

A funny thing happened on the way to the forum-
OK, so that was a movie.

Here's the story:
I tried for several years to convince my boss we needed a hammer drill in the shop. I do parks maintenance. We have a mechanic but I am involved in the parks aspect, i.e. playgrounds, etc. For example, one day I was installing a park bench onto a sidewalk. I needed four holes for lag bolts. Burned up a "good" bit per hole, even with watering to keep cool. Same story many times on different projects. A few weeks later the boss stops by HD one Friday and gets a Bosch hammer drill. Takes it home to drill some holes in the concrete wall in his basement to put up some studs. Where have I heard this before? Oh yeah. He comes in Monday morning grinning like a cat with a bird. "Now I know why you wanted a hammer drill!" Thirty seconds of him using it convinced him better than my two years of nagging.

'Nuff said.

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If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. If you wouldn't put your name on it, it ain't done right!

Marvin Gardens

You probably hit a rock dead center. Hard to drill through those.

As others have said the only way to fly is a hammer drill. It will get through that in no time at all.

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My idea of a perfect day: No where to go and all day to get there.

nap

maybe after a couple "idiot"s under my breath along with a slap upside his head.

bjbatlanta

Ditto on the hammer drill!

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Marvin Gardens

Sometimes it is hard to learn unless you actually use the equipment.

I keep nagging my brother in law to get a cordless hammer drill for those little jobs like putting a few screws in the cement to secure water lines. He said they were worthless and kept getting the Bosch, extension cord, and hunting for an outlet. I brought my cordless hammer drill to work one day and we had to drill a few holes. He went to get the Bosch. I pulled out my cordless and drilled the holes and had the screws in before he got back.

Being the guy that I am I let him set it all up before he saw that the water lines were all secured.

He bought a cordless hammer drill the next day.

__________________
My idea of a perfect day: No where to go and all day to get there.

Todd-sta

Thanks Guys!! Man - - wish I would have known this earlier!!!

I rented a hammer-drill from Home Depot and it drilled right through the concrete easier than a wood drill going through wood!!

I could have saved my back and hernia a heck-of-a-lota strain if I'd have visited here first.

Thanks again everyone! Have a great Thanksgiving.

downunder

"Sometimes it is hard to learn unless you actually use the equipment."

Twenty years supervisor with college degree ought to know. But, I know what you mean.

MG,
I am hoping a good deal will come out during the shopping season on a cordless hammer drill. My use would be similar to the one you described. In other words, a few holes at a time, not an all day project. Which is why I have corded and cordless tools in most other categories. About how many holes can you get on a battery with hammer mode compared to similar sized holes normal drilling? I know thats a little stretch, but since you have one already, just thought I'd ask.

Now, if I can convince you know who to get the DeWalt hammer drill/ impact driver combo for twenty ? dollars more than the regular (18v) drill that needs replacing..... Promo deal at HD.

__________________
If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. If you wouldn't put your name on it, it ain't done right!

Marvin Gardens

I get about half the time per charge drilling concrete. Mostly because it just takes longer especially if you hit a rock. I don't use it for anything big like 1/2" and 6 inch holes. Just small holes for doing Tapcons that are up to 2" or so.

My neighbor needed his shed secured to the concrete. It's not a big shed just for his lawnmower and a few tools. I got about 10 3 1/2" Tapcons in about 30 minutes on one charge. The holes were only 2" as the rest was in the sill plate.

Just made a call to HD and they will be putting the DeWalt cordless hammer drill on sale just for you for $50 and there is a $100 rebate....

__________________
My idea of a perfect day: No where to go and all day to get there.

Wildie

In the days of yore, when hammer drills were a very expensive proposition, I had to do with my 3/8" Black and Decker.
I found that carballoy drill bits cut better if they are sharpened before being used for the first time.