Drilling concrete
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
Drilling concrete
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?
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?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Franklin, GA
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!
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 1
From: None of your business
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
I'll also second the take multiple cuts. Even with our gas saws, cutting concrete can be slow going.
Mike
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: Florida Hill Country
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.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
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?............
"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?............
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 156
Likes: 1
From: rockville, md
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
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
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
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
dave
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 156
Likes: 1
From: rockville, md
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.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
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
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
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 691
Likes: 0
From: Eau Claire, WI
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
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
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Torque1st
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?