Drilling into concrete isn’t as hard as you might think, even if you’re a first-time DIYer. You just need to ensure that you have the right tools and the techniques suggested in this guide. Follow these, and you’ll be ready to go.
The type of drill and drill bit are the real game changers here. Choose the right combination, and drilling into concrete will be much easier. And it will give you clean, precise holes. Using the wrong tools and techniques will not only waste time and effort but also damage your tools more quickly. Here you’ll find what you need to know to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Safety gear for drilling into concrete
Drilling into concrete can be dangerous and messy, so before you start, ensure you have appropriate protection; it's not recommended to drill without essential safety gear. Chris Lawson, Owner of Online Drawing UK, recommends, “Eye protection (like these Mustbau Clear Safety Glasses from Amazon) is essential because the dust from concrete is gritty and abrasive. A pair of gloves stops your hands from slipping and protects them from sharp edges.”
He adds, “Most importantly, wear a dust mask – concrete dust isn’t something you want to breathe in, and it’s surprising how quickly it fills a room, especially when drilling overhead. If you’re working indoors, open a window and move anything you don’t want covered in grey powder.”
Finally, drilling can be noisy, so investing in ear defenders or plugs like these 3M E-A-R Classic Earplugs from Amazon is a smart choice.
The founder of Online Drawing UK Chris has worked in architectural design and building planning for almost 20 years. His expertise covers planning drawings, building regulations, structural engineering, and accessibility design, with extensive experience in extensions, loft conversions, and residential projects across the UK.
Choosing drill and drill bits
The drill and drill bits you need to drill into concrete depend on the type of concrete you are working with. You can use a standard combi drill to drill into concrete walls. However, Mike Bekin, Founder of Ecochoice, says that the equipment choice depends on the strength of the concrete, “On newer extensions where mixes are harder, an SDS-plus drill is the right tool. The percussion mechanism is designed to fracture stone rather than simply spin.”
He adds, “Match it with proper masonry bits rated for SDS drills rather than adapting standard ones.”
Lawson shares, “You’ll need masonry drill bits, ideally with a carbide tip, and for most household fixings, sizes of 5mm, 6mm and 8mm cover most needs.” To finish, he recommends a simple, but smart tip, “Keep a couple of spares because they do dull.” Try these BULLITT Masonry Drill Bits from Amazon.
Once you have drilled your holes, you will need secure screws or fixings. A combi drill should do the job; however, if you need more power or are installing many concrete screws, an impact driver such as the Ryobi R18ID2 ONE+ Cordless Impact Driver Starter Kit from Amazon is a better option. They offer more torque, making the process quicker and easier.
Mike Bekin is a construction and DIY expert with over 20 years’ experience in timber and sustainable building materials. He founded Ecochoice in 2005 to provide high-quality, FSC‑certified hardwoods and other timber products for civil, marine, and residential projects.
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.
Checks to make before drilling into concrete
Before you start drilling, determine the type of concrete you are drilling into, the required depth, and whether you are drilling into any structural elements, such as a lintel. Lawson suggests, “Walls can hide water pipes and electrical runs, and you don’t want to find either the hard way. A basic cable and pipe detector is inexpensive and will give you confidence.”
Bekin adds, “Reinforcement isn’t a deal breaker if you hit it once, but repeatedly drilling into steel eats bits and can undermine the bar’s protective cover.” If in doubt, call in a professional to assess the situation.
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.
1. Mark drill hole
The first step is to mark where you want to drill. Lawson says, “To get the hole clean and straight, start by marking the position with a pencil.” Once you’ve marked the spot where you plan to drill, use a centre punch and hammer to make a small indent. This helps stop the drill bit wandering.
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. Lawson shares how, “Set your depth using the stop on the drill or a bit of tape wrapped around the drill bit.”
3. Drill a pilot hole
To facilitate drilling, create a pilot hole with a small drill bit. 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 begin drilling. Lawson says, “Start slowly to create a shallow guide, then increase power and let the drill do the work. Back the bit out occasionally to clear dust, then finish at full depth.”
Bekin shares a quick tip, “Vacuuming dust mid-way keeps the hole accurate and allows the anchor to grip properly once inserted.” If you have someone who can help, ask them to hold a builder's vacuum under the hole you’re drilling to catch the dust. If not, throw a dust sheet down beforehand.
FAQ
How do you stop concrete cracking when drilling?
When drilling into concrete, you want to ensure a clean hole and avoid cracking. To ensure this happens, there are a few simple rules to follow. Use a sharp bit and keep at least 50mm from any edges.
Keep the drill at a 90-degree angle to the surface and don’t apply excessive pressure. Go slow and steady. The more friction you generate, the more likely the concrete is to crack. If drilling a large hole, start with a small bit and gradually increase the bit size until you reach the desired size. This reduces friction, thereby reducing the likelihood of cracks.
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.
