How to Nail Into the Studs in a Cement Wall

Set a stud finder to normal scan mode, if available. Place the stud finder flat against the surface of the cement wall, then move the tool from left to right until it finds a stud behind the cement surface. Mark this location with a pen.

Switch the stud finder to deep scan mode, if available. Scan the marked area to verify the change in density discovered is due to a wood stud and not plumbing or other objects.

Ensure each screw mark is no closer than 5 inches from the edge of the concrete or another screw mark.

Get an anchor to insert into the predrilled hole that is compatible with the size of the screw or fasteners you will need. Use a lead screw anchor to secure light-to-medium loads; a plastic wall plug to secure light loads such as a towel bar; sleeve anchors to secure a handrail, deck or shelves; or a wedge anchor to secure heavy-duty loads such as machinery or framing members.

Insert a carbide-tipped masonry bit into the head of the rotary hammer drill. Select a drill bit, such as the hammer bit, spline hammer bit or SDS bit. Make sure it is a size compatible with the anchor selected. The drill bit should be 1/16 inch larger than the anchor.

Mark the bit with masking tape at the length you want the hole. When the tape touches the drilled hole, the drill has dug deep enough.

Place the tip of the drill bit on the mark. Apply enough pressure to prevent the bit from bouncing while drilling. Drill slow through the concrete until you've created a starter hole, then speed up the drilling until the hole has reached its preferred depth.

Suck concrete dust from the hole using a vacuum with extension.

Tap the selected concrete anchor into the predrilled hole with a hammer.

Line the object screw hole to the predrilled hole in the concrete. Secure that object to the concrete wall with the appropriate screw. Drive the screw into the preinserted anchor in the predrilled hole with a Phillips screwdriver or electric drill.