There’s a reason masonry work requires a specific set of tools, tips, and applications. If you’re an absolute beginner, here are tips and tricks for masonry drilling so you don’t make a mistake.
Choosing the Right Drill Size
If you want to prevent damage or cracking, working with the right drill and drill bit can help. You’ll want to use a hammer drill when cutting into a brick surface.
There are two types of hammering drills, rotary and standard. A standard hammer drill will suffice for producing half-inch holes or smaller ones. Otherwise, rotary hammer drills work for holes that exceed half an inch in size.
Proper Masonry Tools
Masonry work requires specific tools and equipment for practical and safety reasons. The two most important tools are a hammer drill and masonry bits to help penetrate brick or mortar with little struggle. You’ll also want to consider picking up the following:
- Cool water
- Pencil
- Dustpan
- Compressed air
- Shop vacuum
- Wall anchor
- Putty
Masonry Drilling Techniques
As a beginner, one of the tips for masonry drilling is to perform the proper techniques for successful drilling. One of the essential tools you can use is a hammer drill, which acts like a traditional drill with linear percussion action, making masonry work much more straightforward. However, it’s common for users to push too hard, preventing the vibration mechanism from working optimally.
Practice moderate pressure without wearing your tool down when using a hammer drill. Moreover, proper pressure can help extend its battery life. Once you’ve drilled through, ensure that you clean up after. OSHA requires drill holes to get vacuumed out with a HEPA-rated dust extractor.
Following Safety Procedures
When working with power tools, safety should always be your priority. To practice proper safety when performing masonry drilling, it’s crucial that you wear the appropriate safety gear, including goggles, gloves, a respirator, and protective earmuffs.
When you’re about to perform masonry drilling, apply the correct pressure so your hammer drill does the work for you; too much or too little pressure can cause the drill to slip. You should also wear well-fitted clothes, drill pilot holes for straight drilling, use a center punch to create an indentation, and work with a drill stand to help guide your tool to prevent slipping.
If it’s your first time going into masonry work, our guide will help you feel more confident with your project. So, take a deep breath and take your time; you’ll get the job done.
