How to Drill Masonry With a Regular Drill

The rotary hammer drill is the gold standard for drilling holes in masonry. Combining rotary drilling action with a percussive effect that pulverizes the masonry with impact, it's the preferred choice for drilling frequent, large diameter holes in rock-hard materials. But what about the occasional need for a small hole bored in a stucco wall or a single anchor installed in cinder block? Holes less than 1/2 inch in diameter in most masonry are doable with a standard power drill and a special masonry bit. Tungsten carbide masonry bits use the hardened outer edges of the tip to cut through masonry. Drilling a hole to install a plastic wall plug or expansion anchor to secure an item to a wall is a typical use of a masonry bit.

Standard power drill
Masonry bit
Plastic wall plug or metal expansion anchor
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Wrap a piece of masking tape around the bit to mark the desired depth of the hole according to the length of the wall plug or expansion anchor being installed. Install the masonry bit in the drill chuck.
- 2
  Make a small pilot hole in the masonry at the drilling point with a hammer and punch.
- 3
  Adjust the speed control on your drill. Many standard power drills have variable drilling speeds. Masonry is drilled most efficiently in the slow range from 350 to 750 rpm.
- 4
  Apply firm, steady pressure while drilling. Unlike wood bits with spiral blades that pull the bit into the material, masonry bits depend upon external pressure to cut. You'll have to lean into the drill slightly to maintain the cutting action of the bit.
- 5
  Keep the drill strictly perpendicular to the surface. The broad cutting tip of a masonry bit makes it easy to over-enlarge a masonry hole if the drilling angle is not consistent.
- 6
  Withdraw the bit from the hole at intervals. Make sure the flutes are not clogged with masonry dust. Brush the bit to remove clogs but don't touch it with bare hands. Due to friction, masonry bits become extremely hot.
- 7
  Blow residual masonry dust out of the hole after drilling is complete. Allow the masonry bit to cool before removing it from the drill chuck.
- 8
  Position the plastic wall plug or expansion anchor in the mouth of the drilled hole. Tap the plug or anchor into the masonry with a small hammer until it is flush with the surface.
- 9
  Place a hook or other fixture on the mounting screw. Drive the screw into the plastic plug or anchor to expand it and secure it in the masonry.

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