Drilling into concrete is nothing to be afraid of, even for the novice DIYer. Like many home improvement tasks, you simply need to ensure that you have the right tools and techniques to make it happen.
The type of drill and drill bit you use are the main steps to success. Choose the right combination, and drilling holes in concrete will be quick and straightforward. Select the wrong combination and you could end up taking far too long to drill a hole that simply isn’t fit for purpose.
But don’t panic, this guide will help you make the right choices so that the job is one you can complete safely and effectively.
Safety gear for drilling into concrete
Drilling into concrete can be dangerous, so before you start, you need to make sure that you have suitable protection, as it's not recommended to attempt drilling without essential safety gear. A point reiterated by Thomas Goodman, construction expert at MyJobQuote.
“Drilling into concrete creates a lot of dust and noise, so it’s important to wear an FFP2 respirator dust mask, some flexible safety goggles (like these Mustbau Clear Safety Glasses from Amazon) and ear defenders or plugs like these 3M E-A-R Classic Earplugs from Amazon," says Thomas.
Thomas Goodman has worked in the construction industry for over twenty years. Thomas continues to work on building projects while providing expert construction and property advice to industry professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Choosing drill and drill bits
The drill and drill bits you need for drilling into concrete will depend on the type of concrete you are dealing with.
"You can use a standard combi drill to drill into concrete, providing it has a hammer function and the concrete isn’t reinforced,” advises Thomas Goodman, but denser concrete will need the help of a more powerful drill.
“It will be easier to drill into dense concrete slabs with a mains-powered SDS drill,” says Thomas, “but if you plan to use it only once, it will be cheaper to hire a heavy-duty drill than to buy one. You’ll also need a sharp, masonry or concrete drill bit with a tungsten carbide tip.”
Jack Middleton, technical product specialist at Sunopy Pergolas adds, “for beginners buying online in the UK, Bosch and Makita make reliable SDS drills. These have a beefier motor that will cope with the hardness and density of concrete.”
Once you have drilled your holes, you will need secure screws or fixings. These may or may not need more than a standard drill, says Thomas. “A combi drill should suffice if you’ve already made a pilot hole and you’re using suitable screws or bolts.”
“Concrete screws have a serrated thread that’s designed to cut through concrete, making the job easier to do," he says, "but it's also a good idea to vacuum the hole after drilling to make sure it’s clean and free from debris. This will give your screw more room to turn,” he adds.
However, if a combi drill is not up to the job, Jack says, “an impact driver is not used for the drilling itself but can be useful for driving in the fixings once the holes are made.” They offer more torque, making the process quicker and easier.
Thomas suggests a few options for drilling into concrete, “Bosch’s EasyImpact (available from Amazon) is a good, entry-level combi drill for DIY projects around the home and has a hammer action for drilling into masonry.”
“If you’re planning to take on a lot of big DIY and home improvement projects, you might prefer a DEWALT or Makita 18V Brushless Combi Drill or an SDS drill," he suggests.
Try these tools for drilling into concrete
These Dewalt FFP2 disposable respirators provide good protection against fine dust when drilling into concrete, thanks to their cup-shaped design, soft foam face seal, and preformed nose bridge.
If you want industrial-strength protection against noise, these ear defenders are a must. A low-profile headband helps keep them securely in place.
Perfect for DIYers, this corded SDS drill is a step up from a combi drill for heavy-duty tasks. Featuring three drilling modes, it is ideal for drilling holes into concrete/masonry up to 26 mm in diameter.
Jack Middleton has over 16 years of experience in designing and delivering outdoor shade solutions, specialising in aluminium pergolas, sail shades, and retractable awnings. His background in product design and installation ensures technical precision paired with a practical understanding of homeowners’ needs.
Checks to make before drilling into concrete
Before you start any drilling, "you need to determine what type of concrete you are drilling into and how deep you need to drill,” advises Thomas Goodman.
If the concrete is structural or reinforced, you will struggle to drill with a combi drill and will need an SDS drill. But be careful, he says. “Making more than a few small holes in lintels and other structural elements can compromise their strength.” If in doubt, call in a professional to assess the situation.
Jack Middleton adds, “do a quick check of the area for pipes, electrical cables, or rebar using a multi-detector, as you do not want to hit anything hidden in the wall or floor.”
Finally, assess the condition of the concrete. “If the surface isn’t sound or there’s noticeable cracking and other defects, you’re unlikely to get a clean hole and you could cause more damage,” warns Thomas. To sort, fix the issue or drill elsewhere if possible.
Steps for drilling into concrete
Once you’ve assessed the state of the concrete and have your drill and bits ready, you can start drilling. Thomas Goodman advises the following:
1. Mark drill hole
The first step is to mark where you want to drill. Once you’ve marked the spot where you plan to drill, use a centre punch and hammer to make a small dent in it, as this will stop your drill from wandering off the mark when you first start.
2. Ensure correct depth
Drilling to the right depth is important, especially if using Rawl plugs. Too deep and the fixing may not be as secure. Use circular drill stop indicators that slot over the bit, or wrap a piece of coloured tape around the bit.
3. Drill a pilot hole
To help the drilling process, drilling a pilot hole is a smart move, as you don’t want to apply a lot of pressure to your drill, as pushing too hard can crack the concrete. To make the going easier, create a pilot hole using the smallest drill bit you have. This should also prevent your drill bits from getting stuck or overheating.
4. Start drilling
With a pilot hole in place it's time to start the drilling process. Keep the drill speed slow to begin with, and then gradually increase the speed. But don’t go too fast, as this will generate excess heat and will make the drill harder to control.
To stop heating the drill bit, and to reduce friction, move the drill back and forth to remove the dust from the hole. If you have someone who can give you a hand, ask them to hold a builder's vacuum underneath where you’re drilling to catch the dust. If not, throw a dust sheet down beforehand.
FAQs
How do you stop concrete cracking when drilling?
When drilling into concrete, you want to ensure a clean hole and avoid cracking. “Keep the drill at a right angle to the surface," says Thomas Goodman. "Avoid putting too much pressure on the concrete. Go slow and steady and never force the drill.”
“Pressure and temperature changes can crack concrete, so you want to avoid generating a lot of friction and heat.”
“Make sure you are using a sharp masonry bit," adds Jack Middleton, "as worn bits can snag and cause fractures. And, avoid drilling too close to edges and keep at least 50 mm away if you can. Start slowly and increase bit sizes gradually rather than forcing a large bit through in one go," he adds.
The best cordless drills are typically a good choice for drilling into masonry and standard concrete. This makes them for putting up fittings. To put your new drill to good use, check out our bathroom shelf ideas and how to build pantry shelves so you can start your next project once you've mastered drilling into concrete.
