Beautiful, Strong and Compelling Concrete: Ideas, Tips and More

Tips for a Successful DIY Core Drilling Project

Having the expertise to undertake projects around your home is a cost-saving option to hiring contractors every time you need something done. Core drilling is one of those simple projects you may be planning to undertake. It could be to accommodate utilities such as plumbing or electric wiring, or to create a drain hole in your garage or driveway. Whatever the reason, you want to ensure that your core drilling project runs smoothly. Here are some tips to guide you.

Choose the right drill bit

Diamond is the most common materials used in core drill bits. It is strong and can drill into any material without breaking. There are two types of diamond drill bits based on diamond bond specifications, so you should choose one that matches your applications.

  • A hard diamond bond or matrix is ideal for drilling into softer material such as brick, limestone, sandstone, and marble.
  • A soft diamond bond should be used for harder material such as concrete, reinforced concrete,  granite, and basalt.

If you use the hard diamond matrix for drilling hard material, the diamond will prematurely wear away. Always match the diamond bond to your applications. If you are renting a core drill, make it known the type of material you will be drilling.

Wet Vs. Dry drilling

Wet drilling is the use of water with a core drill and is ideal when drilling into harder materials. Dry drilling uses no water and is usually used in softer materials. When using a wet diamond drill bit, less water is preferable. With too much water, the water pressure will wash away the concrete grit and prevent new diamond bits from being exposed. Water cools the diamond drill bit, leading to better drilling performance.

Never use a dry diamond drill bit on concrete and other hard materials, as the excessive heat generated may blunt the diamond drill bits and lead to inefficiency.

Have adequate power

A consistent supply of power is required to sustain the correct drilling speed and ensure efficiency. If a core drill is underpowered, it can easily overheat and get damaged. To ensure that your source of power is not limited, you can plug in a core drill directly into an outlet instead of using power extensions with lower voltage.

Mark drilling depth

If you are not drilling all the way through concrete or other material, mark the depth you want to cut on the drill bit. If your drill has a depth gauge, you can set it to the appropriate depth. Also, you should occasionally pull back on the drill during the process for better performance.


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