I bought 4 concrete bits and I'm having a hull of a time drilling holes in my driveway. I started out without water, then added water and that seemed to help, but it's still a pain.

I'm using a regular non-hammer type drill and bits concrete bits from Home Depot.
I also had a heck of a time with the concrete blade in the circular saw too, didn't use water on that.

is there a trick to this or what? should I be using water or a hammer drill or what?

 

Go ahead and rent a hammer drill with the concrete bits for a couple of hours. You'll kick yourself for not doing it to begin with. For the circular saw, don't take too deep a cut. You can make another deeper pass if you feel the need to. Keep the water away from all the electrical tools. You might get more than you bargained for. Electricity and water can get exciting sometimes!

 

hammer drill is the only way to go in concrete.

 

I second the hammer drill. I drill concrete all the time at work, and without the hammer action, you might as well scowl at the concrete until it gives in and holes itself.

I'll also second the take multiple cuts. Even with our gas saws, cutting concrete can be slow going.

Mike

 

Never buy cheap bits. I learned that one the hardway. 3 bits in 15 minutes with a regular drill. I melted them down real quick.

I'd also vote for the hammer drill.

 

Hammer drill!

 

Go to HD and rent a Hilty Hammer Drill. It is one of the better units out there in it will do your holes in about 2 minutes per hole. You can even rent the bits.

 

I move that Karljay rent a hammer drill in order that he be suitably impressed with the speed at which he will accomplish his job. is there a second?

"I second the motion!"

It has been properly moved and seconded that Karljay rent a hammer drill. Is there any further discussion?

"Silence"

Hearing none, we shall now proceed to vote: All in favor of the main motion that Karljay rent a hammer drill in order that he will be blown away by the speed with which he will accomplish his purposes, signify by saying "Aye".

"AYE" (resounding!)

All opposed say "Nay"

"nay" (weakly: there is one in every crowd)

Motion passes. Karljay will rent a hamer drill.

Next item of business?............

 

hammerdrill....

and for the saw, a circular saw and diamond blade will work fine, but you need to use a worm drive saw, not a standard circular saw. skil had hd77, made in usa and the bext circular saw there is. if youre gonna rent a hammerdrill, might as well rent a gas cut off saw for 65bux a day. cuts concrete and stone like butter. i have 2 stihl ts400 cut off saws

 

Recently had metal shed installed on 6" concrete slab and with only 2 holes remaining to be drilled the crew's hammer drill broke down. I Have a heavy duty Milwaukee hole drill, thinking it would work in a pinch, did'nt make a dent. Fortunately, neighbor had one I could borrow and it was done within minutes. Needless to say, keeping an eye out for good deal for one.

dave

 

toolking had the dewalt for half price...i would go with dewalt or boch. hilti makes good drills, but they are way, WAY over priced, thus not even close to worth it. honestly, their specs for all their tools are underpowered compared to other brands half their price.

 

didn't want to spend big bucks for one job, so bought a H-drill from HF about 2 years ago , on special for under $75
the kit included a case, drills with sds shanks, and the drill
drilled 12 1" holes, 6" deep in less than 10 minutes
I have used it several times since without problems

 

I bought a "genisis" 1/2" hammer drill at work... $15 on sale... It's usually $20, but new product, special buy... we wont continue to carry their CRAP

Anyways, the damn thing is pretty good for $15. Had enough power to drill 2 3/8" holes, 8" down into a newly pored foundation...
I barrowed a bit from my uncle... I'm positive it cost more then the drill...

Little ******* still works... Smells burnt, but it works still

2 year warentee (and I work where I bought it from... yeah...)

but yeah, if ur doing 1" holes, get the good stuff... Accually, if u want, I can send u the drill, and u can see what happens when u try to use it... What size is the shank on the 1" bit?

I'll even split shipping if u video tape it
~Nate

 

One question, when drilling large holes like 1-1/4" in concrete is it best to start with say 3/8", then 3/4" then finish with a 1-1/4" or just go with 1-1/4" from the start?

 

It really depends on what size/power drill you are using. If you are using a smaller drill (dewalt handheld for instance) then yes work your way up to 1-1/4". If you are using a Hilti or similar then you should be able to drill the full 1-1/4 from the start