Drilling in brick is not a hard task at all. It is true that it may have a tough surface and that it needs more than a hammer and nail to do it. But this should not deter you from fixing a flat TV, a nice mirror, artwork, or any other decoration on it. You do not have even have to ask for professional help to hang them. You need the tools, a calm approach, and the right technique for drilling into a brick. All you have to do is read this article and follow our step by step guide to achieving your goal.
What are the necessary safety precautions to take before working on the project?
Before starting working on your DIY project, you need to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any dust when drilling. You also need ear defenders because hammer drills can be extremely noisy. Moreover, it is highly recommended to cover up the rest of your body. Try also to wear a thick pair of work gloves to stay clean. It is important that you not wear anything that can be caught in a power tool.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Tape rule and marker.
- A hammer drill.
- A masking tape.
- A High-Speed Steel masonry drill bits (You need two ones; a small one and the desired size for the hole one).
- Can of concentrated air.
- Wall anchors or anchor pins.
- Dustpan and brush.
- A vacuum cleaner with a pre-filter.
How to drill into brick
1- Put a clear mark on the wall
Mark the exact spot where you want the holes to be by using the tape rule. Mark the point with the pencil. Then try up the bracket or decoration, or whatever you are fixing on the wall, to see that the marks are right. Maybe you should consider measuring twice and drill once. It is more useful to know a measurement mistake before you drill a hole, double-check.
2- Mark the wanted profundity of the hole
Think about how deep you want it to be. You can use a stop bar to fix the wanted depth. If you do not have it in hand, band some masking tape around the drill bit to designate the depth.
3- Safety first, do not forget that!
This may be new information for you, but you should know that brick dust holds Crystalline Silica, which is a dangerous substance when sniffed. Some respirators remove around 90% of toxic pollutants, like Crystalline Silica, limiting long term damage to lung tissue. That is why you have to take personal protection seriously. Put the glasses on, along with ear defenders, the gloves, and the respirator. Do not try to ignore these precautions because drilling into brick can be critical.
4- Fix the reference hole
Enter the pilot drill bit in the hammer drill, fix the speed to slow, and position the drill perpendicular to the surface. This is necessary because if you drill at an incline, it will change the anchor’s grip and make the task difficult when you are done and ready to hang the wanted stuff. Do not exercise excessively significant downward force on the drill bit at this stage. You have to keep it slowly turn until it starts to bite inside the surface of the material. When you start to feel resistance, press harder using constant force until the reference drill reaches the wanted depth. If the drill does come with a single one speed, work in short rounds to reduce the drill bit bending off the hole’s pathway.
5- Now change to the larger drill bit
Change the smaller bit for the larger one that suits the diameter of the hole you want to make. Again, utilizing the same methods of placing the drill perpendicular to the wall and using a constant downward force, begin turning the drill bit slowly as it begins to bite.
Once you have arrived at the bottom of the hole, remove the drill bit.
6- Remove the Debris from the hole
Use the can of concentrated air to evacuate away any brick dust and ruins from the hole. Put your face at a distance while you do this. Make sure all the dust is removed. Oppositely it will endanger the integrity of your wall anchors.
7- Implant the Anchor
Implant the wall anchor, making sure it is at the same level as the wall’s surface. Offer up the object you are fixing and insert the screws. Please make sure they are strong and be careful not to overtighten them. Wall anchors are made of plastic and can be easily broken if overtightened. This degrades their grip on your object. If you do not want to utilize anchors, utilize anchor screws rather. They grip solid surfaces. Make sure you drill a hole somewhat smaller than the diameter of the screw so it can gain some gain.
8- Clean up the craft space
Keep your glasses and special respirator on, but you can remove the ear defenders at this stage. Clear away the biggest debris pieces, then take the vacuum cleaner to absorb the resting brick dust off. If you have a compact floor, use the broom. Once finished, get yourself outside with the can of concentrated air and dust off your shoes and clothes. After that, wash your clothes and take a bath.
FAQ about drilling into brick
What kind of drill to get for a brick?
If you want to make just a small hole, you can do it using a rotary drill. However, you should know that the type of drill depends on the type of brick you have. Usually, older bricks are weaker and more accessible to drill into, but new ones can be solid and challenging. Consequently, under this circumstance, you will need something that can do the job. The tool you need is a hammer drill because it is excellent for drilling into masonry. It is what it was made for. The drill bit’s rotation is improved by the hammer action, pushing the bit up and down simultaneously.
What kind of drill do I have to get in order to drill into brick?
Hammer drills, also known as force drills or blow drills, are a powerful choice suitable for hard drilling surfaces like concrete and brick. A hammer drill is ideal for those more heavy-duty tasks around the house, from setting up shelves to securing gutters in position.
Can we drill into brick without a hammer drill?
Yes, it is possible. The best way for drilling into brick without utilizing a hammer drill is to use masonry drill bits in an alternative strength tool. While this power tool can be any sort of regular power drill, the best choice will be an influence drill if you can get one.
Conclusion
Drilling within brick is manageable, not something to be feared at all. Once you finish the first hole, you will be questioning what all the confusion was about. Yes! It is that simple. With the appropriate tools, precise guidance, and a strategy to accomplish the job (making double-sure you keep yourself protected and secure), you will be hanging mirrors, brackets, cabinets, shelves, or any other items in no time. So get yourself ready and start working.