10 Easy Tips To Drill Into Brick Without A Hammer Drill

Whether you’re framing your walls, putting a television, or attaching a closet to your brick wall, you’ll need to drill into it. This is pretty simple if you have a hammer drill, but what if you don’t have one or don’t want to spend money on something you’ll only use once. How to Drill into Brick Without a Hammer Drill?

Without a hammer drill, it is possible to drill through a brick wall. You can dig into a brick with a standard routine, but you will need more challenging bits than you would typically use. Additionally, it will require additional effort and time.

On the other hand, what if you already own a drill that is not a hammer drill? Does this lead us to the subject at hand, How to Drill into Brick Without a Hammer Drill?

While drilling into masonry is more challenging without a hammer drill, it is not impossible.

Keep in mind our suggestions as you progress through this procedure.

Are Masonry Drill Bits Work?

Yes, masonry drill bits are practical and are frequently used in conjunction with a hammer drill. This is where the drill bit’s spinning action is utilized to hammer away at the concrete, clear out the openings, and penetrate the brick material.

However, we lack a hammer drill in our scenario and wish to drill through masonry without it. As a result, we must use the twisting action of the drill bit to our advantage and drill into brick.

This is a how-to guide for drilling into masonry without a hammer drill. So let’s get started.

Required Tools and Materials:

• Masonry drill bits
• Leatherwork gloves
• Tape measure
• N95 respirator
• Measuring tape
• Hearing protection
• Protective eyewear
• Mop (optional)
• Adequate water
• Wall anchor
• Broom
• Dustpan
• Canned compressed air
• Shop vacuum (preferably with prefilter)

Check Also: Best Drills for Concrete.

Is a Hammer Drill Required to Drill a Brick?

Can drill most bricks with a standard power drill, but only if tungsten carbide masonry drill bits are used.

However, drilling brick with a standard power drill will be more complex, and hitting more large holes will take longer.

If you’re having difficulty drilling larger holes, say 12″, you can try predrilling with a 14-inch hammer bit as a pilot hole.

When using a standard power drill, it’s a good idea to keep a few resharpened or new masonry drill bits on hand. Because sharpening tungsten requires a specialized grinding wheel, new bits may be a better option for you.

You can use water to help protect the bits from damage caused by excessive heat. They may continue to become blunt, but they can reshape them.

Additionally, if you want to drill into brick without using a hammer drill, it is a good idea to have a hand star drill bit with a diameter between the central hole and the pilot size. This may be required to hand hammer into the hole or to break away additional hard material in the hole’s depth.

Read More: How to Drill a Hole in Wood Without a Drill?

What Is Concrete Brick?

Concrete brick is primarily composed of sand that has been firmly adhered together. Since it is mainly composed of tightly packed sand, drilling a hole through it may require effort.

A hammer drill appears to be the optimal tool for this task. This type of drill is designed to drill through bricks, concrete, stones, and other hard surfaces.

Read More: What Size Drill Bit for 1/2 Concrete Anchor?

What Other Tools Can You Use To Drill Into Brick?

Perhaps you’re wondering what other tools you can use to drill into masonry than a hammer drill. While most people consider just utilizing a hammer drill while drilling into brick, other instruments achieve the same objectives at a much slower rate.

Without a doubt, hammer drills are unique and highly durable drills ideal for these situations. However, there are times when these tools are unavailable, and they must complete the job regardless.

We’ll focus on drilling into brick without using a hammer drill in this guide. To dig into brick without using a hammer drill, you can use masonry or concrete drill bits. Additionally, you can use it if an impact driver is within your reach.

Read More: How to Drill a Hole in Plastic Without a Drill?

Step-By-Step Guide to Drilling Into Brick without a Hammer Drill

Step 1 – Stock Up on Several Different Sizes of Masonry Drill Bits.

Before you start, it’s a good idea to have a variety of different-sized masonry drill bits on hand. A standard drill is not as effective at penetrating the concrete as a hammer drill. As a result, you’ll need to start with smaller masonry drill bits and work your way up.

Step 2: Measure and Mark the Hole Locations

Once you’ve gathered a selection of high-quality masonry bits in a variety of sizes, mark the locations of the holes you wish to drill. Three considerations must be made: the hole’s location, the size, and the depth of the hole to be prepared.

To ensure precision, it’s best to mark the drill location on the brick with a tape measure and a pencil or a marker. You must measure and mark the hole locations according to the purpose of using the hole.

Hold the shelf unit, artwork, TV mounting brackets, or other templates right over the marks to double-check the hole positions. By doing so, you’ll better understand your hole placement accuracy.

Step 3 – Equip Yourself With Protective Gear

Naturally, when drilling into the brick with any power equipment, safety comes first. Before you begin, put on your leather gloves, safety goggles, N95 respirator, and hearing protection equipment.

Dust generated by brick and mortar contains an aerosolized component called crystalline silica. Even inhaling a trace amount of this can be harmful to your health.

An N95 respirator, which filters up to 95% of airborne particles, will benefit the drilling and cleanup operation. These airborne particles can wreak havoc on the lungs, causing scarring.

Step 4 – Slowly Start Drilling With a Smaller Masonry Bit.

Perpendicular to the brick wall, position your pilot drill bit and turn the drill to low speed while holding it with two hands. Should clasp one hand around the pistol grip and the other around the auxiliary handle.

Ascertain that the drill is level and perpendicular to the wall. If you drill at an angle, you risk causing mounting alignment issues, which will significantly affect the hole’s holding power.

Begin drilling your brick slowly, without applying excessive force, to allow the drill bit to perform its job. First, we propose penetrating the concrete with a bit of masonry with a sharper point.

Slowly starting is critical because it keeps the drill from being too hot, which can cause it to become dull or blunt. If your training has one speed, it’s best to drill in small bursts to avoid the drill overheating.

Step 5 – Keep a Supply of Water or Lubricant Nearby.

A standard drill is not suited for drilling through concrete due to the friction generated by spinning round and round against the brick material. This means that in the absence of the hammering action of a hammer drill, the masonry or concrete drill bit will grow too hot.

Excessive friction and heat may finally result in drill bit damage. Thus, you must safeguard your masonry drill bit against any damage to ensure that it lasts longer and is more vital.

To accomplish this, regularly add water or lubrication to the drill site. Apply it both in the hole and on the drill bit to avoid overheating the equipment. If your drill bit’s motor begins to splutter, immediately apply water to it.

Step 6 – Gradually Increase the Size of the Masonry Bits

Once you’ve drilled a beginning hole or pilot hole in your brick wall, it’s time to upgrade to more significant masonry drill bits. Swab your drill bits and align the drill bit parallel to the pilot hole generated in the preceding step.

Ascertain that the drill is level and perpendicular to the wall to avoid future mounting alignment concerns. Increase the size of the masonry drill bits progressively if necessary to widen the scope of the hole. Re-drill the spot using these larger pieces.

Even as you get to larger masonry pieces, how you intend to use the hole is critical. If you’re going to embed a bolt in the brick to secure something, consider the item’s weight, as this will dictate the length and size of the hole.

Additionally, the bolt you wish to place will dictate the drill’s size and depth. However, in general, begin with the drill bit and gradually increase in size until you achieve the desired outcome. This will also simplify and expedite the task for you.

Step 7: Dig Through the Blocks.

At some point, your masonry tools may become resistant to further advancement or possibly become stuck before reaching the correct depth. In that situation, you must first destroy any obstructions (such as stones in the concrete) with a nail and hammer.

Then, grasp the drill handle firmly with both hands and maintain an upright position. Assure that your two feet are firmly planted on the ground and slightly apart to maintain stability if the tool kicks back.

Pull the trigger on the drill’s innermost segment with your dominant hand’s index finger. Then, using the training, apply a continuous amount of pressure to the actual block.

This procedure requires you to use all of your bodily strength to drive the masonry drill bit into the brick as far as possible. Nonetheless, never use excessive power on your drill bit since this may break the instrument.

Step 8 – Lift the Drill Continuously Out of the Hole

While drilling into brick without using a hammer drill, it is critical to frequently raise the masonry drill bit out of the hole.

Can accomplish this by increasing the drill bit’s speed and pushing it straight back and forth to blow any excess dust and debris out of the hole.

By spinning the drill bit and lifting it forwards and backward, you may effectively remove excess dust and other material from the hole, preventing the flutes of the drill bit from clogging.

Clearing the hole of extra dust and debris cleans the flutes and enables the masonry drill to operate more efficiently and with less friction.

Read More: What is a Hammer Drill?

Step 9 – Arrange for the Installation of Your Wall Anchor

After drilling a hole or holes in the brick, it’s time to insert the wall anchors capable of supporting the item’s weight. Assemble the wall hanging or outside fixture properly using long-lasting screws.

Step 10 – Thoroughly Clean the Work Area of Any Remaining Garbage

The final stage entails using a broom and a dustpan to sweep away any remaining mortar or brick particles. While performing this task, you should continue to wear your eye and respiratory protection.

Utilize a shop vac (one equipped with a prefilter is highly recommended) to suck up any dust accumulated on your work surface. Alternatively, clean the floor of your work area with a mop and then rinse it.

Once your work area is clean and clutter-free, remove your shoes and use compressed air to blow away any leftover dust. As soon as you’re finished, take a shower and wash your clothes to avoid spreading the deadly silica dust around your home.

Check Also: Best Hammer Drills You Will Love.

Safety Precautions

• Wear Safety Gear: Protect your eyes, hands, and respiratory system with safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask.
• Secure the Area: Ensure the area around you is clear to prevent accidents while drilling.
• Check for Electrical Wiring: Before drilling, ensure there are no electrical wires or pipes behind the brick.

FAQs About How to Drill into Brick Without a Hammer Drill

How to maintain a tungsten carbide drill bit’s sharpness?

Without a hammer drill, drill bits wear out quickly and can be resharpened to save money.

Re-cutting the tips with a bench grinder or a sharpening tool can create a beautifully clean, cutting edge.

Set the drill at 60 degrees to the face of the grinding wheel and apply light pressure.

Gloves, eyewear, and hearing protection are required when using a grinder.

Keep a minor open pitcher of water nearby to cool the drill bit.

Turn the drill over and grind the other side after a clean edge on one side.

Using a steel rule, check that both sides are the same length.

It’s possible to sharpen drills without a bench grinder by using a drill sharpening tool like this one from Amazon.

Beginners can use drill sharpening tools, requiring a level surface and a power source to set up.

Install the sharpener on your bench, plug it in, and tighten the drill into the guide.

How to screw into a brick?

What do you screw into brick holes once you’ve drilled them? Plastic wall plugs will fasten screws and bolts in small holes in household masonry.

Choose the correct diameter and length wall plug for the weight you want to hold against the wall.

Drill a hole the size of the wall plug, as shown on the pin or box.

Ensure the hole is clean and free of dust or debris that could obstruct the wall plug.

Hammer the wall plug into place, ensuring it is flush with the brick surface.

Fix the shelf, bracket, or cupboard with the correct screw and tighten it with a combi-drill or a screwdriver.

Can I use a regular drill for drilling into brick?

Yes, a regular power drill can be used with a masonry drill bit. However, it requires patience and the right technique.

What if the drill bit gets stuck in the brick?

If the drill bit gets stuck, stop the drill and gently reverse the direction to remove it. Avoid forcing it out.

Should I apply more pressure for faster drilling?

Applying too much pressure can overheat the bit and damage the brick. Use steady, controlled pressure.

Can I use a regular drill bit for masonry?

Masonry drill bits are designed for brick drilling. Using a regular drill bit may not be effective or safe.

Can I use an impact driver instead of a regular drill?

Impact drivers are generally not recommended for brick drilling. They’re better suited for driving screws.

Is water the only lubricant I can use?

Water is a common lubricant for brick drilling. You can also use a specialty masonry lubricant.

Final Opinion

As you can see, drilling into masonry without a hammer drill requires a great deal of pounding, flushing, drilling, and cooling.

While this method is more time-consuming than using a hammer drill, the process is perfectly achievable in the end. When a hammer drill is not readily available, you can drill into hardened brick materials using the masonry drill bits.

Therefore, if someone asks how to drill into brick without a hammer drill, explain that may accomplish this activity perfectly well without one. The most efficient method of preparing through brick walls without using a hammer drill is masonry or concrete drill bits.