Drilling into concrete is a fairly easy process if you know the right technique
It does not matter if you are a professional craftsman or just a casual zealot as both should know the right technique of drilling into hard concrete. This is one of the most basic things a tradesman should excel in. Sometimes you need to hang paintings in your living room and sometimes you are required to put up wall shelves in your bedroom. There are various tasks where you will have to show your expertise.
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
If you are a hobbyist and do not own a power drill, you could rent one. However, if you are a professional guy or an enthusiast who needs to perform drilling tasks regularly, you should probably buy one. You could choose from many brands, but well-known brands like Black & Decker and Bosch are great choices because their products offer reliable performance over a long period of time.
While any decent drill would do the job, for effective results you should look for the following attributes in a power drill:
• You should be able to grip the power drill firmly. If you can not hold the drill properly, you should not be using it.
• Availability of adjustable or variable speed function.
• It's also good to have a depth setting so you do not have to mark the drill bit manually.
• Hammering feature is a welcome plus.
• Power and torque.
Never go for the cheap drills as you would probably end up with underwhelming results and lots of frustration. Branded drills are expensive, but they're worth every penny.
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE WORKING WITH
Many craftsmen ignore or overlook the instructions of the manufacturer which is an erratic step to begin with. Get to know your tool as if you're meeting a new person. Make yourself aware of its strengths and weaknesses. Reading the user manual is not embarrassing and does not mean you do not know your craft. It simply means that you are a smart craftsman who respects his own safety and wants to complete the task as it is supposed to be completed.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE STARTING DRILL
If your drill has a depth setting or a depth regulator, learn to use it with the help of given instructions. It would allow you to drill an accurate hole in terms of depth.
However, if your power drill does not have a depth setting, you would need to measure and mark the drill bit manually with a tape or a thread. It's recommended to use a bold colored tape (red, yellow, navy blue) so you have a clear vision of it all the time and you know when to stop.
Using a pencil or marking pen, mark the point on the wall where you want to drill a hole. Put your power drill on the mark and apply some pressure so it does not move. Abstain from pressing the drill too hard. Now, if your drill allows variable speed, drill a small shallow hole at low-speed. If your machine does not allow variable speed, you can achieve similar results by applying short drilling bursts. This shallow hole will act as a guide for your drill.
START DRILLING
Now, hold your drill properly in a firm manner while keeping your index finger on the trigger. If your drill provides the options, set it on high-speed and enable hammering function and start drilling into the small hole you made earlier. If you are using a low power drill you may need to apply some force against the wall, but do not exert extra pressure as it will only damage the drill bit.
If your power drill does not provide the facility of hammer function, pull out the drill slightly and press it back into the hole after every few seconds. If you feel like the drill is not making its way into the concrete, pull it out of the hole completely and let it cool down for a while and then start again. Stop when you achieve the desired depth and unplug your drill immediately.