The Do's & Don'ts of Masonry Drilling by Calvin Stephenson
Let's Start Part One with the Do's
If you want to get the most out your dollar spent for making holes in concrete stone masonry there are a few helpful hints that can increase the value received for that dollar.
The first thing is to choose a rotary hammer or hammer drill that has the capacity to do what you want to do. Most tools list the manufacturer rated capacity in the available literature. The literature form tool manufacturers states the tools maximum capacity. For instance a 1 " capacity rotary hammer could drill a 1 " hole. However it would struggle. It is reasonable to use a hammer with at least twice the capacity of the size hole that you are drilling.
Another DO is to make holes that are no bigger than what you need. The bigger the hole the slower the job. Time is Money. The bigger the hole the more wear tear on the tool wear tear is Money.
Use a bit that is no longer that you really need. When drilling through slabs walls that can be penetrated with a drilling depth of 10 inches why use a bit that has a drilling depth of 24 inches Long bits are expensive that increases the cost per hole.
There is one exception to the above Do. When vertical drilling through slabs that need no more than a 10 inch bit most people want to go longer if there are many holes to drill. The reason is the stress on the back. Workmen compensation claims for the backache can also raise the cost per hole.
Next for speed use a one piece bit which transfers all of the energy form hammer to the tip. to save money on bits don't use an adapter i. e. Taper adapters SDS adapters threaded adapters. By using adapters studies show a loss of efficiency. By using a one piece bit when the bit wears out only the drilling part of the bit has to be replaced.
For a very important safety DO Check for pipes conduit both metal PVC . There is no pain like that of hitting a natural gas water line or electrical conduit.
To locate a metal line you can use a metal detector or a tool called an interrupter. An interrupter stops the hammer before contact with metal.
Lastly please use a high quality bit. Prestline brand bits are above industry standards with increased speed longevity less wear.
Calvin Stephenson from stephensonequip. com is among the industry's superior qualified in Masonry equipment services. His focus experience with drilling masonry stephensonequip. com has brought Stephenson Equipment to the forefront of masonry equipment suppliers. The Do's & Don'ts of Masonry Drilling
