How to Drill Into Masonry: The Complete Guide

Are you struggling with drilling into brick walls? Many DIY enthusiasts damage their tools or create messy holes because they use the wrong approach.

Drilling into masonry requires specific tools and techniques different from wood drilling. You’ll need a hammer drill, masonry bits, and proper speed settings to create clean holes without damaging your walls or tools. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Let’s explore the essential equipment and step-by-step process to help you drill into brick and masonry like a professional. Whether you’re hanging a picture frame or installing fixtures, these tips will save you time and prevent costly mistakes.

The Right Drill for Masonry Work

Struggling with broken bits and incomplete holes? Using a regular drill on brick is like trying to cut steak with a butter knife – frustrating and ineffective.

A hammer drill is essential for masonry work because it combines rotational movement with rapid hammer thrusts to pulverize hard materials as it drills. This dual action allows the bit to penetrate brick, concrete, and stone efficiently without excessive wear.

When drilling into masonry, your choice of drill makes all the difference between success and failure. Regular drills simply spin the bit, which isn’t enough to penetrate dense materials effectively. The hammer function is what sets masonry drills apart from standard models.

How Hammer Drills Work

The hammer mechanism in these specialized drills delivers rapid, short thrusts along the drilling axis while the bit rotates. This hammering action breaks up the masonry material at the contact point, allowing the rotating bit to remove the debris and continue deeper into the surface.

A good hammer drill will have:

• A dedicated hammer mode that can be activated when needed
• Variable speed settings for different materials
• A sturdy construction to handle the vibration
• An ergonomic design for better control during use

For occasional DIY projects, a combi drill with hammer function will suffice. These versatile tools can switch between normal drilling mode for wood and metal, and hammer mode for masonry. For more frequent or heavy-duty masonry work, consider an SDS (Special Direct System) drill, which is specifically designed for masonry and concrete.

Preventing Drill Damage

Using the wrong drill for masonry work doesn’t just result in poor holes – it can permanently damage your tools. The motor and gears in standard drills aren’t designed to handle the resistance of brick and concrete, leading to overheating and potential burnout. The hammer function distributes this stress more effectively, protecting your investment while delivering better results.

The Importance of Drill Speed

Have you ever had a drill bit get too hot and become useless in the middle of a project? This common problem happens when drilling masonry at high speeds.

When drilling into brick or masonry, always use the lowest speed setting on your drill. High speeds create excessive friction that overheats and damages bits. Slow drilling with periodic pauses to clear dust allows for cleaner holes and extends the life of your drill bits.

Controlling your drill’s speed is crucial when working with masonry materials. Unlike softer materials like wood, masonry generates significant friction during drilling, which translates to heat. This heat can quickly build up and cause several problems if not managed properly.

Finding the Right Speed Balance

The ideal drilling speed for masonry is much slower than what you might use for other materials. As a general rule:

• For soft masonry (like some bricks or limestone): Use the lowest speed setting without hammer action
• For medium-hard masonry (like most bricks): Use low speed with hammer action
• For hard masonry (like concrete): Use medium-low speed with hammer action

The key is to let the hammer action do most of the work while the rotation removes the debris. Pushing too hard or drilling too fast only increases friction and heat without improving efficiency.

Cooling Techniques During Drilling

Even at the correct speed, bits can still overheat during extended drilling. To prevent this:

1. Use a “peck drilling” technique – drill for a few seconds, then withdraw the bit slightly while still spinning to clear dust
2. Take breaks during longer drilling sessions to allow the bit to cool naturally
3. For deeper holes, periodically remove the bit completely to clear accumulated dust
4. In extreme cases, a small amount of water can help cool the bit (ensure your drill is suitable for this)

Remember that a good quality drill will have features to prevent motor overheating, but it’s your responsibility to manage the bit temperature through proper technique and speed control.

Choosing the Right Drill Bit for Brick

Ever wasted time with a drill bit that just won’t cut through brick? Using the wrong bit is like trying to cut bread with a spoon – you might eventually get through, but the results won’t be pretty.

Masonry drill bits feature tungsten carbide tips and specialized flute designs that effectively cut through brick and concrete while removing dust. These bits stay sharper longer than standard bits and create cleaner holes without cracking the surrounding material.

Selecting the appropriate drill bit is just as important as choosing the right drill. Masonry bits are specifically engineered to withstand the rigors of drilling through hard, abrasive materials while maintaining their cutting edge and accuracy.

Anatomy of a Masonry Drill Bit

A quality masonry bit has several distinctive features:

1. Tungsten Carbide Tip: This extremely hard material maintains its edge when cutting through abrasive masonry materials
2. Specialized Flute Design: The spiral channels are wider and deeper than standard bits to efficiently remove dust and debris
3. Reinforced Shaft: Provides strength to withstand the hammering action without bending
4. Appropriate Shank: Must match your drill’s chuck type (cylindrical or SDS)

Bit Sizes and Applications

Choosing the correct bit size depends on your specific project:

Bit Diameter	Common Applications
5-6mm	Light fixtures, small wall anchors
8-10mm	Medium wall anchors, electrical boxes
12-14mm	Large anchors, plumbing fixtures
16mm+	Conduit, pipe passages

For projects requiring you to drill through a cavity wall, look for extra-long masonry bits that can reach through both layers of brickwork without needing to change bits midway.

Maintaining Your Masonry Bits

Proper maintenance extends the life of your masonry bits:

• Clean bits after use to remove dust and debris
• Store in a dry place to prevent corrosion
• Sharpen or replace bits when they show signs of dulling
• Use the appropriate bit for the material hardness

Remember that masonry bits are material-specific tools. While they excel at drilling brick, concrete, and stone, they’re not suitable for wood, metal, or plastic. Using the right bit for each material ensures better results and longer tool life.

How to Drill Through Brick Step by Step

Have you tried drilling into brick only to create a cracked, messy hole? Many DIYers rush the process and end up with poor results that require costly repairs.

Successful brick drilling requires proper preparation and technique. Mark your spot precisely, start at low speed to create a pilot indentation, gradually increase speed with hammer action, and periodically clear dust. This methodical approach ensures clean, accurate holes without damaging the surrounding brick.

Drilling into brick requires patience and attention to detail. Following a systematic approach will help you achieve professional results, even if you’re a beginner. Let’s break down the process into manageable steps.

Preparation Before Drilling

Before you even power up your drill, proper preparation is essential:

1. Safety First: Always wear safety glasses to protect from flying debris and a dust mask to avoid inhaling brick dust
2. Mark the Spot: Use a pencil to clearly mark where you want to drill
3. Create a Starting Point: For smooth brick surfaces, use a center punch or nail to create a small indentation that will prevent the bit from wandering
4. Position Yourself: Ensure you have a stable stance and can apply even pressure to the drill

The Drilling Process

Now for the actual drilling:

1. Starting the Hole

Begin with your drill on the lowest speed setting. Place the bit tip in your marked spot and gently squeeze the trigger. Allow the drill to create a shallow starting hole before applying more pressure. This prevents the bit from skidding across the surface.

2. Building Momentum

Once you have a stable starting hole:

• Increase the speed slightly
• Activate the hammer function if not already on
• Apply moderate, consistent pressure
• Keep the drill perpendicular to the wall

3. Managing Dust and Debris

As you drill deeper:

• Every 10-15 seconds, pull the bit back slightly (while still spinning) to clear dust
• For deeper holes, periodically withdraw the bit completely to remove accumulated debris
• This prevents the bit from binding and overheating

4. Completing the Hole

When you reach the desired depth:

• Keep the drill spinning as you withdraw it
• This helps clear remaining dust from the hole
• Blow or vacuum out any remaining debris

Installing Wall Anchors

For most brick drilling projects, you’ll need to insert a wall anchor (rawl plug) to secure screws:

1. Select the appropriate size anchor for your screw and hole diameter
2. Insert the anchor until it’s flush with the brick surface
3. Tap gently with a hammer if needed, but avoid damaging the anchor
4. Insert your screw, which will expand the anchor against the sides of the hole

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Bit wandering	Smooth surface, no starter hole	Use center punch to create starting point
Cracking brick	Too much pressure or wrong bit	Use sharp masonry bit, apply even pressure
Bit overheating	Too high speed, insufficient clearing	Reduce speed, clear dust more frequently
Hole too large	Bit wobbling, drill not perpendicular	Use drill guide, maintain perpendicular position

Top Tips for Masonry Drilling Success

Frustrated by slow progress and poor results when drilling brick? Many DIYers miss crucial details that professionals know by heart.

Successful masonry drilling depends on patience and technique rather than force. Use the slowest effective speed, let the drill’s weight do the work, create starter indentations on smooth surfaces, and clear dust frequently. These professional practices ensure clean holes and prevent tool damage.

Even with the right equipment, masonry drilling requires specific techniques to achieve professional results. These expert tips will help you overcome common challenges and complete your projects more efficiently.

Speed and Pressure Management

Finding the right balance of speed and pressure is critical:

• For soft masonry (like some bricks or limestone), use the slowest speed setting without hammer action
• For medium-hard masonry (like most bricks), use low speed with hammer action
• For hard masonry (like concrete), use medium-low speed with hammer action
• Let the drill do the work – excessive pressure causes overheating and potential bit breakage
• Use the side handle on your drill for better control and to distribute the force evenly

Creating Clean, Accurate Holes

Precision matters when drilling masonry:

Surface Preparation Techniques

For smooth surfaces, creating a starting point prevents bit wandering:

• Use a nail punch to make a small indentation
• Start with a smaller pilot hole, then switch to your final size bit
• For glazed tiles or very hard surfaces, apply masking tape first to prevent slipping

Depth Control Methods

When you need holes of specific depth:

• Mark your desired depth on the bit with tape
• Use a depth stop if your drill has one
• Count seconds while drilling at a consistent rate to estimate depth

Dealing with Special Situations

Some masonry drilling scenarios require additional considerations:

Drilling Near Edges

Brick can crack when drilling too close to edges:

• Stay at least 1-2 inches from the edge of any brick
• Use slower speeds and less pressure near edges
• Consider using a smaller diameter bit if possible

Working with Old or Fragile Masonry

Older brickwork requires extra care:

• Use rotation-only mode (no hammer) for very old or soft bricks
• Drill at extremely slow speeds
• Consider hand-drilling for historically significant masonry

Drilling Through Cavity Walls

Modern homes often have cavity walls with two brick layers:

• Use extra-long masonry bits designed for cavity walls
• Be prepared for the bit to “fall through” when it reaches the cavity
• Maintain control when the bit contacts the second layer

Tool Care and Maintenance

Proper tool maintenance ensures consistent performance:

• Clean bits after each use to remove dust and debris
• Check for bit wear regularly and replace when dull
• Keep your drill’s air vents clear to prevent overheating
• Lubricate moving parts according to manufacturer recommendations

Conclusion

Drilling into masonry doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right drill, bit, speed, and technique, you can create clean holes in brick without damage. Remember to work slowly, clear dust often, and let the tools do the work.

FAQ

Can I use a regular drill for brick?

No, regular drills lack the hammer action needed for masonry. They’ll likely damage the drill motor and create poor results. Always use a hammer drill or combi drill with hammer function.

How do I know what size drill bit to use for wall plugs?

Check the wall plug packaging for recommended drill bit size. Generally, the drill bit should be the same diameter as the wall plug for proper fit and holding power.

Why does my drill bit get stuck in the brick?

This usually happens when dust builds up in the hole. Pull the bit out regularly while drilling to clear debris, and don’t push too hard on the drill.

How do I drill into brick without cracking it?

Start with a smaller pilot hole, use sharp masonry bits, drill at slow speeds, and don’t apply excessive pressure. Create a starter indentation on smooth surfaces to prevent wandering.

Can I drill into mortar instead of brick?

Yes, mortar is softer and easier to drill, but provides less holding strength. For light items, mortar is fine, but for heavier objects, drilling into the brick is more secure.

How long should masonry drill bits last?

Quality masonry bits should last through 10-30 holes depending on material hardness. Bits will dull faster in concrete than in softer brick. Replace when drilling becomes difficult.

Do I need to use water when drilling into brick?

For most DIY projects, water isn’t necessary. For deeper holes or when drilling multiple holes, occasional water can help cool the bit, but ensure your drill is suitable for wet conditions.

What’s the best way to remove a broken drill bit from brick?

Try gripping the exposed portion with locking pliers and turning counterclockwise. If completely embedded, drill around it with a larger bit, or use a masonry chisel to carefully chip away surrounding material.