Can You Drill Into Concrete?

Can You Drill Into Concrete? Yes, But You Need the Right Tools

Yes, you can drill into concrete, but you need a hammer drill and masonry bit. A regular drill will burn out its motor trying to drill concrete. Understanding the right tools and technique ensures success and prevents equipment damage.

Why Regular Drills Fail

Regular drills (non-hammer drills) cannot effectively drill concrete.

The Problem

Concrete is extremely hard:

• Harder than wood or metal: Requires different drilling method
• Hard aggregate: Contains rocks that are very hard
• Dense material: Requires percussion action, not just rotation

What Happens with Regular Drills

When you try to use a regular drill on concrete:

• Burns out motor: Motor overheats from excessive load
• Won't penetrate: Bit spins but doesn't drill
• Damages bit: Regular bits dull or break immediately
• Wastes time: You'll spend hours with no progress

The Solution: Hammer Drill

Hammer drills are designed specifically for drilling concrete and masonry.

How Hammer Drills Work

Hammer drills combine two actions:

• Rotation: Bit rotates like a regular drill
• Hammering: Bit hammers/pounds while rotating
• Combined action: Breaks up concrete while removing material

Why This Works

The hammering action:

• Fractures concrete: Breaks up the hard material
• Creates chips: Material comes out as chips, not powder
• Reduces resistance: Much easier to drill
• Protects motor: Less strain on the drill motor

The Right Bit: Masonry Bit

You also need the right bit type—masonry bits are essential.

Masonry Bit Design

Masonry bits are designed for concrete:

• Carbide tip: Hard enough to cut concrete
• Special geometry: Designed for hammering action
• Flute design: Removes chips effectively

Types of Masonry Bits

• Standard masonry bits: For general concrete drilling
• Carbide-tipped: Harder, lasts longer
• Diamond bits: For very hard concrete or frequent use

Step-by-Step: How to Drill Concrete

Follow these steps for successful concrete drilling:

Step 1: Mark Your Hole Location

1. Measure and mark exactly where you want the hole
2. Use a pencil or marker
3. Double-check location before drilling

Step 2: Select the Right Bit Size

• Choose bit size to match your anchor or fastener
• Typically same diameter as anchor (for most anchors)
• Check anchor specifications for exact hole size

Step 3: Set Up Your Hammer Drill

1. Insert masonry bit into drill
2. Tighten chuck securely
3. Set drill to hammer mode (not regular drill mode)
4. Set appropriate speed (typically slower is better)

Step 4: Start Drilling

1. Position bit at marked location
2. Hold drill perpendicular to surface
3. Start at slow speed
4. Apply moderate pressure (don't force too hard)
5. Let the hammer action do the work

Step 5: Continue Drilling

1. Maintain steady pressure
2. Pull bit out periodically to clear dust
3. Keep bit cool (don't let it overheat)
4. Continue to desired depth

Step 6: Clean the Hole

1. Remove bit from hole
2. Blow out dust with compressed air
3. Or use vacuum to remove debris
4. Hole must be clean for anchor installation

Tips for Success

Use the right size bit: Match bit to anchor size

Drill to correct depth: Too shallow = anchor won't fit, too deep = weak hold

Keep bit cool: Pull out periodically to prevent overheating

Clear dust regularly: Prevents binding and overheating

Don't force: Let hammer action do the work

Common Mistakes

Using regular drill: Won't work, burns out motor

Using wrong bit: Regular bits dull immediately

Forcing too hard: Damages bit, doesn't help

Not cleaning hole: Dust prevents proper anchor installation

Wrong depth: Hole must match anchor requirements

Renting vs Buying

Rent if: One-time project, occasional use

Buy if: Multiple projects, frequent use

Hammer drills cost approximately $50-$300+ depending on quality. Rental is approximately $20-$40+ per day. Actual costs vary.

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can drill into concrete, but you need a hammer drill and masonry bit. Regular drills will burn out their motors trying to drill concrete. Hammer drills combine rotation with hammering action that breaks up concrete, making drilling possible. Use the right tools, follow proper technique, and clean holes thoroughly for successful concrete drilling.

Don't try to use regular drills on concrete—invest in or rent the right tools. It's faster, easier, and prevents equipment damage.

Need to drill concrete? Contact Local Concrete Contractor. We have the right tools and can help with your concrete drilling needs.