Posted on May 13, 2024 3:31 PM EDT
8 minute read Estimated Cost: $50 to $100
Before You Begin
Before you start drilling into brick, consider safety. Equip yourself with eye protection and gloves. Depending on the tool you plan to use, hearing protection can be a good idea. Also, an N95 respirator can help protect you from brick and mortar dust that contains crystalline silica, which will be airborne when you start to drill into brick. Inhaling just a small amount is enough to create a health hazard. Wearing an N95 respirator during the entire drilling and cleanup process can help prevent serious lung scarring and other damage, as this type of product will filter at least 95 percent of airborne particles.
Also, if there are plantings or other delicate areas underneath or around the area, lay down a drop cloth or tarp before you begin.
How to Drill Into Brick
Photo: Theresa Clement, MyFixItUpLife
Drilling into brick starts with selecting the right tool, marking the proper locations, and working steadily and carefully. Follow these steps to drill into brick.
Step 1: Mark the holes where you intend to drill.
Measure and mark the locations of the holes you’ll drill into brick or mortar using a pencil. Then, hold the TV mounting brackets, artwork, shelving unit, or template for whatever it is you intend to hang directly over the marks to double-check the hole locations.
Pro tip: “The most important thing to do is to mark the spot with a pencil and start drilling slowly to create a stable guide hole,” says DiBara.
Step 2: Set up a stop on your drill/hammer drill corresponding to the desired hole depth (optional).
Make sure to measure the depth that you need to achieve with the hole by measuring the fastener you intend to use. Refer to the product’s instruction sheet for recommended hole depth and set the stop guide on the hammer drill.
Step 3: Position the ladder.
If you’re using a ladder, make sure it’s level and the legs are on a solid surface. Then get into a position that’ll allow you to apply a significant pushing force to the end of the hammer drill while maintaining your stability.
Step 4: Position the pilot drill bit perpendicular to the wall and drill on low speed.
Insert the ⅛-inch drill bit into the hammer drill to drill a pilot hole. Set the drill on low speed and hold the drill with two hands, one on the pistol grip and the other on the auxiliary handle. Make sure the drill is level and perfectly perpendicular to the wall. (Drilling at an angle will cause mounting alignment issues and can greatly reduce holding power.)
Start drilling the pilot hole using just enough force to start the drill bit. If the pilot bit starts to “walk” away from the marked location, use a nail set or steel punch—a nail might even work—with a hammer to tap a dimple into the brick so you can re-start in the right location.
Vary the pushing force until you find the point where the bit bites into the brick. Then drill the pilot hole to the recommended depth using a steady pushing force. Let the tool do the work. Hold the tool firmly. Don’t force it.
”If you are drilling into bricks, you must periodically wash the drill bit to clear away brick dust and prevent overheating,” says DiBara. “The speed should be increased gradually for a clean entry.”
Tip: If the drill/hammer drill has only one speed, drill in short bursts to prevent overheating the bit.
Step 5: With a larger masonry bit, drill into the pilot hole created in the previous step.
If you want to drill a larger hole with a drill/hammer drill, you need to drill a series of holes to prevent the bits from melting and to gradually make the hole larger. After drilling your pilot hole, swap in a larger bit. Again, check your drill/hammer drill to make sure it’s level and perpendicular, then place the drill bit into the pilot hole and continue drilling to the proper depth.
Step 6: Use compressed air to clear out the drilled hole.
Remove all traces of brick or mortar dust from the hole using compressed air. Leaving dust in the hole will reduce the holding power of the wall anchors and screws you insert.
Step 7: Install the wall anchor.
Insert wall anchors or other fasteners designed to support the full weight of the item, and mount the wall hanging or exterior fixture with screws.
Step 8: Carefully clean up the work area.
With your eye protection and respirator still in place, clean up any large mortar or brick chips with a broom and dustpan. Suck up the remaining dust with your shop vacuum fitted with a pre-filter. Or, mop the floor and rinse the mop.
After cleaning up the worksite, remove your shoes outside and use compressed air to blow off the dust. Then wash your clothes and shower to avoid spreading the silica dust through your house.
Final Thoughts
Drilling into brick isn’t difficult with the right tools. After successfully creating a hole in a brick wall, you can use this technique to drill into concrete block or concrete, as well. This skill opens up the opportunity to create the backyard oasis that may have seemed impossible before. So mount that outdoor TV and create that water fountain feature wall you’ve been dreaming about.
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