Hammer drill is the power tool to drill into brick quickly, but what’s the idea if you don’t have immediate access to hammer drill? So, let’s learn how to drill into brick without a hammer drill.
Drilling holes into brick is a common task for DIY enthusiasts as it is used for multiple purposes. But brick is a quite solid material compared to wood and plastic, where you can’t apply ordinary tools. It needs two different actions, including hammering and drilling, to create a hole in the brick. Therefore, the hammer drill is suitable for such a tough job as it has both specifications. But how to continue the project if there is no hammer drill available?
Easiest way to Drill into Brick without a Hammer Drill
Before we dig in too deep, let’s clear up the concept. A Hammer drill isn’t the only way you can drill through brick or concrete. There is some way that may put you in a bit of difficulty, but at least it allows you to continue the project if there is no hummer drill close to the hand.
A regular drill is an appreciated alternative drilling into a brick but only combined with a masonry drill bit, a nail, and ample time with enthusiasm. So it’s all about drilling technically into a brick when you need to use a regular drill. Let’s learn how to drill through the brick with the regular drill:
Tools required:
- A marker pen or pencil
- Measurement tape
- Masonry drill bit
- Pilot drill
- Regular drill
- Vacuum cleaner
- Dusk mask and safety goggles
Mark the centre of the holes
Did you hear the adage ‘measure twice, cut once? It appropriately goes with the drilling process of brick. Though brick is a tough material, drilling into the wrong place can cause disaster. So take a marker pen earlier than a drill to make a center mark correctly on the brick. Then check the position twice using a measurement tape.
Set the drill
You can’t use a normal HSS drill bit on a brick oven with a hammer drill as the drill bit will become dull quickly. Thus, most enthusiasts appreciate a tungsten carbide masonry drill bit for such a job. These drill bits are designed with hardened tips, especially making them suitable for drilling into brick.
Unfortunately, masonry drill bits can also become blunt when drilling into brick without a hammer drill since they use crushing force. So you can consider Bosch masonry drill bits as they are cost-efficient and offer reliable services.
Start with a pilot hole
Usually, a pilot drill includes smaller cutting faces and needs less force to drill. So, using a pilot drill will let you drill a pilot hole in brick easily and appropriately.
Enlarge the hole size
Once drilling a pilot hole, gradually increase the hole size using different diameter drill bits. But don’t forget to wear a dust mask and safety goggles before starting drilling. Masonry drill bits come in different diameters, so it will make the job easier. During the drilling process, the drill bit can generate extreme heat, which can cause tips to burn and end up with a blunt drill bit.
Thus, periodically use water to reduce the heat of the drill bit and keep it cool. You can use a bottle of water and frequently dip the drill bit in the water. Keep drilling until you find the hole at the desired depth.
Scour through the blockages
Sometimes, masonry bits can’t go deeper and get stuck before being offered the desired depth hole. At this time, you have to break up the blockages if there are any, by hitting them with a hammer and nail.
Hold the drill handle strongly using both hands and take a position with a solid upward posture. Place your two feet faithfully on the ground and extend them a little bit so you can remain stable when the tool kicks back.
Now pull the trigger of the drill with the index finger of your principal hand. Then consistently apply the same force to the targeted brick. You will have to apply whole body pressure to complete this process. However, don’t force the drill bit too hard as it can break without finishing the job. Follow the steps carefully if you have to drill into a very hard brick.
Constantly lift the drill out of the hole
Regularly lifting the masonry bit out of the hole will help achieve the goal safely and it is quite important, especially when you are drilling into brick without a hammer drill. You can lower the speed and move the drill bit straight backward and forward as it also takes the dust and debris out of the hole. In this way, you can prevent the flutes of the drill bit from jam up. It helps the masonry drill bit perform more effectively, creating the least friction. In this way, you can drill into brick without cracking it.
Keep the surface clear
Keeping the drilling area clean is a must needed to drill effectively and properly. You can use a vacuum cleaner to keep the surface clean all time, even while lifting the drill bit and down consistently.
Have your wall anchor installed
Once you have created a hole successfully into the brick, it’s time to fit a wall anchor into the hole so it can support the item’s weight. Use quality screws to attach exterior fixtures or wall hangings.
What’s the proper speed for drill a hole into brick?
How much speed you should set into masonry depends on the type of brick you are drilling and the diameter of the hole. Typically, you should run the masonry drill between 300 and 750 RPM, which means quite slowly. Simply set the trigger at the midpoint and you will have the desired speed to drill into brick proficiently. However, you may need some trial to figure out the most optimum speed.
FAQs on How to Drill into Brick
Luckily, there is a process that allows drilling into brick effectively and properly, and, interestingly, it doesn’t require a hammer drill. We explained the process step by step so you can successfully create a hole-in brick for further use. Now here we discussed other frequently asked questions and answer from you.
Can I use a regular drill to create a hole into brick?
You are allowed to drill a hole into a brick wall using a regular drill, but you will need to use a high-quality masonry bit. The tool has to depend on its turning speed if there is no hammer action. Moreover, the process will take a longer time than using a hammer drill. Another important thing is that you have to follow them back and forth process while using a regular drill to drill into brick.
How to make a hole in a brick wall without a drill
As an alternative to using a hammer drill for drilling into brick, a masonry drill bit with a power tool is a more appropriate option. It can be an impact drill or a pilot drill. While the pilot drill includes a smaller cutting face, the impact drill is ideal for driving efficiently.
Can a cordless drill go through brick?
Obviously, a cordless drill can go through brick as well as other tough surfaces like concrete and mortar with a quality masonry bit. The cordless drills that are currently available come with sufficient power and torque to handle any tough drilling job.
Drill into Brick without Hammer Drill
We have explained how to drill into brick without a hammer drill, step by step. The whole process involves lots of flushing, pounding, drilling, and frequently cooling. Though it’s a bit slower method than using a hammer drill, it is quite effective and offers the opportunity to continue the process if you don’t have a hammer drill.
But remember, it isn’t the top choice over using a hammer drill. Whether you are using a hammer drill or a regular drill, safety is paramount. So wear your protective gear to prevent any potential injury.
