How Do You Make a Hole in Concrete without A Hammer Drill? Only 2 Steps

For making holes in concrete, hammer drills are widely used. By drilling and hammering at the same time, it becomes easier to dig the sturdy concrete with ease. But what if you don’t have a hammer drill and need to make a hole in concrete?

Well, there is nothing to worry about as you can make a hole in concrete without a hammer drill without any issue. But it will be time-consuming and you will also need to do some extra work. With the help of a regular drill and masonry bits, you will be able to make holes in the concrete wall.

Read on and find out how you can make a hole in concrete without a hammer drill with ease. So, without any further ado, let’s begin!

Things Need to Keep in Mind for Using Ordinary Drill Instead of Hammer Drill for Making a Hole

While you are using an ordinary drill, you may face difficulties as it won’t be able to perform like the hammer drill. There are several things that will need to be kept in mind while using an ordinary drill for making holes in concrete. Here they are –

• You will need to have a drill that supports different drill bits and has speed and torque settings.
• Need to use masonry drill bits, other ones will fail to make holes in the concrete. Use tungsten carbide-coated masonry bits for better results.
• The bit should have the correct shank.
• Avoid using the maximum speed of the drill as it can damage the motor of the drill.
• Avoid drilling continuously, provide breaks to avoid overheating issues in the drill.

Keep these things in mind and start working on your making hole project. By considering them, you will get your job done with ease.

Steps for Making a Hole in Concrete without a Hammer Drill

For making a hole in the concrete wall or floor, you will require a few things. Here are the things that you will require –

• Safety gear.
• A drill machine.
• Different-sized masonry bit.
• Water.

Step 1: Inspect the Concrete Wall and Prepare Your Drill

First and foremost, you will have to inspect the concrete wall. As there might be rebar or electrical wire running through the inside of the wall. To avoid any potential damage, it’s important to inspect the wall.

Now, take your drill, and s small masonry drill bit. If you opt for a larger masonry drill bit then you will have difficulties while drilling and it’s not suggested as well. Using a smaller bit will help to weaken the concrete and create an entry point for the larger diameter drill bit. 

Step 2: Start Drilling in the Concrete 

Take a nail and a hammer to point out where you are willing to create a hole. It will help the bit to penetrate into the concrete wall easily.

After preparing the drill, start drilling in the concrete. Always avoid using maximum speed, and work with lower speed. Now, start drilling and once you have made a proper entry point, it’s time to change the bit.

Remove dust and debris, and start drilling again. If you find any sturdy obstacle there then you can use a hammer and nail to break the obstacle inside the wall. Repeat the drilling process until you achieve your desired hole size. Change the drill bit size if needed. And most importantly, take frequent breaks from drilling in the concrete.

NOTE: During drilling, you can use water to the drill bit and hole. Using water will help to loosen the concrete, temperature, and friction can be reduced, and help the bit to create the hole easily. By doing so, the chances of overheating and damaging the drill will be reduced. 

Always remember that while you are using an ordinary drill instead of a hammer drill, you will need to have enough patience. Work slowly and efficiently as providing too much pressure on the drill can have a negative impact. So, work slowly and efficiently to get the best result.

What If a Larger Hole Need to Create in the Concrete

If you are willing to have a larger hole in the concrete for installing lights then the process is a little bit different. If you follow the aforementioned steps then you will need to drill the surface for an eternity. To create a larger hole in the concrete, you will need to use a diamond drill bit, a collet or chuck, and a drill. Here we are using an ordinary drill and that’s why we will have to use water manually. 

• Attach the diamond drill bit (the size will vary according to your hole size) with the chuck to your drill.
• Mark the place on the concrete, start applying water, and then start drilling there.

NOTE: Applying water is a must as it will loosen the concrete bond, help the drill bit to penetrate smoothly, prevent the crack from forming on the concrete surface, and most importantly, reduce overheating. Also, avoid using maximum speed, do it at a medium speed, and take frequent breaks as well. 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers – FAQs

Why masonry a bit is better for drilling?

For drilling in concrete, masonry bits are the best ones to choose from. Its tip has a tungsten carbide coating and it is designed to withstand extreme force and is capable of pulverizing concrete. 

Is a hammer drill necessary?

Honestly, yes, a hammer drill is necessary when you are making holes or drilling in concrete. It can save a lot of time and can do the job way better than the ordinary drill. Moreover, by using it, you won’t need to do the additional work that you will need to do while using an ordinary drill.

Conclusion

Lastly, without a hammer drill, it’s quite hard to create holes in concrete but it’s not impossible to create holes in concrete. Just you will need to work with patience with the accurate drill bit. Follow the steps properly and keep the precautions in your mind and you will be able to accomplish your work with ease.