Concrete core drilling may be needed if you want to run new plumbing pipes through your basement walls or foundation, or even through your garage floor. You might hire a concrete cutter to do this for you, but you can also rent the right equipment and do this work on your own if you're comfortable handling a heavy-duty drill. Note a few quick tips for choosing concrete core drilling equipment so you know you get the job done right.
1. Choosing a rig versus handheld drill
If you're drilling a smaller hole, usually just a few inches across, you can often use a handheld drill for concrete. However, don't make the mistake of assuming you can still use the handheld drill for larger holes; you'll want a rig, or something that attaches to the wall or floor and holds the drill for you, for larger and wider cuts. If you're thinking of investing in this tool rather than renting, consider a drill that offers the flexibility of both handheld and a rig attachment. This will allow you to use it for a wider variety of jobs while still keeping it firm and level for larger cuts.
2. Choosing power
If you're cutting something at home, you still need to consider your power outlets before you rent any drill and work with it. When cutting your garage floor or driveway, you might not want a long extension cord that could get in the way, and if you're cutting a lot of concrete that will create more dust than average, you might not want an electric cord that would sit in a puddle of water. A hydraulic tool or air-powered drill can be the better option in these cases.
3. Hammer drill and rotary hammer
A standard concrete drill spins the drill bit so that it chisels away at the concrete. A rotary hammer actually uses a pounding action to push the drill bit through the concrete, and it works faster than a standard concrete drill since this pounding force is much harder than a standard drill. A hammer drill works even faster as it pounds the drill bit and chisels away at the concrete. Both of these tools make for quicker work of drilling into concrete than a standard masonry drill. If you just have a simple hole or two to drill, you might opt for a standard concrete drill, but if you have several holes to drill that would otherwise take all day to get done, invest in the hammer drill or rotary hammer.
Share3 March 2016
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