Pouring water on the concrete surface is a lubricant that reduces the bits friction, overheating, and dust problems. But the smaller ones are great for residential work. The downside of carbide hole cutter is that when they hit the rebar the carbide tips tend to chip off or break. In situations where the screw head must be flush to the surface (furring strips under drywall), or where a Phillips head would look nicer, use the Phillips head screws. , Purchase LDTs To accelerate the process, attempt to ascend and descend the tool frequently. The abrasiveness of the masonry will determine the exact depth that any specific screw can tap. screws handy in case you strip out the hole for a 3/16-in. Drill 1/4 in. Protect the bolt threads by unscrewing the nut until it extends slightly past the bolt threads. You can also pour cold water into the hole to accelerate the cooling process. "Can you put screws in concrete?" It matters how you orient or incline the drill bit while starting the cut. All you have to do is drill a hole and drive in the screw. Using a regular drill bit to drill a hole in a concrete surface is not as smooth as you may predict. Concrete screws are sturdy, plastic-coated screws with chisel-type edges that cut threads into cinder block and other masonry materials. The head of the LDT is a hex washer with serrations under the hea Learn ten profitable services you can start offering TODAY, without having to jump through the hoops to get a contractors license. Do You Need an Anchor When Drilling Into a Stud? A self-tapping screw is a screw that taps its own threads when scr It can easily drive screws in rather quickly and drill brand new holes into your walls or wood. screws. Its worth having a couple of screw sizes on hand if you do a lot of projects. This is because a standard drill is not really designed to punch holes in masonry or concrete swiftly and may overheat starting with the tip of the bit itself. A regular drill on its own isnt all that effective when it comes to drilling into concrete. They come in different lengths, and you'll want to have various sizes on hand. Best power tools guide, tips and reviews. Dust can cause or worsen respiratory infections. You can screw into concrete with a bit but it has to be a special bit. Home repairs and improvements are in high demand, and there arent enough service pros to fill that demand. Begin drilling at low speed penetrating the concrete slowly. Yep, its true, you can nail in your wood if you get the right supplies. But in most cases, you'll need a hammer drill. Nailing concrete and wood together is not the best choice, which is why most people prefer to glue them together whenever possible. They come in different sizes depending on the diameter of screws you want to use just be sure that whatever size you buy is compatible with your screw type. More about us. Finally, consider a little shorter screw for the rest of the holes. Youll find blue concrete screws at home centers, hardware stores and lumberyards, or you can order them by phone or on-line. Start with a slow speed and gradually increase it as you go deeper into the concrete. As the threads are cutting into the masonry, dust is created. If you dont want to spend money on this tool, though, heres another way: Use something thats already in your house. However, if youre drilling into concrete, you need to use a special drill bit. Below, I will show you how to do these steps in detail. You want a tool thats designed specifically for the task youre using it for. Mopping floors isnt exactly fun, but homeowners and businesses must maintain clean floors. For drilling into concrete without causing concrete cracks, use a hammer drill, not a regular drill. The cutting teeth are on the periphery of the tool and the core bit works more like a cutting saw than a drill. Keep in mind that a standard drill is not like a hammer drill. Buy a variety of lengths so you have the correct screw size on hand. In most cases, yes, a regular cordless power drill will work just fine. Clean out the hole by removing dust and debris. But if relocating the screw isnt a good option, simply enlarge the hole and slip in a plastic anchor. If using a vacuum for deeper holes, its important to use the drill bit to draw out dust as you vacuum to remove dust from deeper in the hole (shown in the above picture). Now, bore a pilot hole into the concrete at each location, using a masonry bit that is the same diameter or slightly smaller than the nails you'll be using. Now, either hammer your anchors in or screw in your concrete screws. Try a longer screw, or if youre using a 3/16-in. And while it might break, you can sharpen the masonry bit and reuse it. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. Navigation: Air Tools | DIY | Drills | Grinders | Hand Tools | Nailers | Saws | Sanders | Woodwork Plus, a pilot hole will help the screw to drive in straight. If your drill doesn't have a depth gauge, wrap a little tape around the bit so you'll know when to stop. This allows for high-speed drilling that results in penetrating through concrete or masonry in a short time. This can be very frustrating for those who dont have access to power tools, especially if youre just getting started with DIY projects. A hammer drill is the most dependable option for concrete. Use a concrete drill bit the size of the concrete anchor. Otherwise use hex head screws. First Step: The tip of the masonry bit has a larger diameter than the shaft below it. A low-quality bit can chip or even break apart in the middle of a job. A drill bit hurls debris as it penetrates a material. Tungsten carbide is quite hard and durable. You should always use the right tool for the job, but what if you need to drill through concrete and do not have a hammer drill? diameter. Cleveland, OH 44114 Wood can rot when left in cement, and you cant always get a perfect grip. Most hammer drills are costly, and sometimes they may be inaccessible. Attaching wood to concrete without drilling is possible when you use cut nails. 1231 E. 26th St The first number represents the diameter of the screw and the second number equals its length. It may not work quite as well but using the proper bit will still work when drilling through concrete. However, it will take about twice as long, and youll have to push harder. Do not hit the nail too deep into the surface for easier retrieval. You can also use them in regular drills. These . Usually, this requires a drill, but there are some ways to work around it if you need to. Set the depth gauge on your drill so the hole is 1/4 in. While your drill bit cools down, take a moment to clean the hole. This not only causes damage to the masonry in which you are drilling but also presents a danger if the bit should fall apart. Your regular drill isn't nearly as powerful as a hammer drill when it comes to penetrating into concrete. Rotary hammers are typically more expensive than both standard drills and hammer drills. The age of your concrete will also have an impact on the drilling process. Uses Then drive it home with light hammer blows. Roof Tiles (Concrete and Clay): Which to Choose? Block Hello, I'm Sam. Since your regular drill isnt exactly built for this job, its more likely that itll overheat during the process. ANSI standard carbide tipped bit used in a hammer drill that is set in the hammer and rotation mode. Instead, you are going to drill slowly and focus on efficiency to succeed. If the application calls for the head to be countersunk in the material being fastened then the flat countersunk Phillips screw should be used. I used an anchor kit that includes the anchors, screws, and drill bit, link is below. deeper than the length of the screw, keeping in mind the thickness of the material you're working with. Stop as soon as the screw is flush to the surface and your material is firmly attached. When drilling into any hard surface such as concrete, brick, stone, or tile, youll notice that the drill bit wants to walk around until the hole gets deep enough to keep it in place. This gives me a unique ability to give you expert home improvement and DIY recommendations. Moreover, nails can crack both the wood and the concrete. , Purchase Tapcons The threads are designed to allow the dust to be removed and to prevent interference with the screw installation. You may break the drill bit or get it stuck. You can also rent hammer drills for about $35 per day. But, there are other options if you dont have immediate access to such a tool. The hole diameter is critical and must be drilled in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. To put screws in concrete you need special screws, a drill and the right technique. To use the cold chisel, place it on top of your screw and strike it with a hammer. You can watch the video or read the step-by-step instructions to learn how to drill into concrete. Do Command hooks work on cement walls? Any reliance you place on such information on this content is therefore strictly at your own risk. Tip #4: Have some water with you. Its a common method for helping stabilize tents and anchor gazebos without drilling. The amount of force needed to drive the screw depends on how far into the wall it is going. If you are going to drill more than a few holes, take a break from time to time to keep the drill motor from overheating. Its a tough material, and itll take a while before your drill will be able to fully bore into it. You could also keep some 1/4-in. , Concrete Fastening Systems So, when the shaft gets on the hole, it fits in. So, knowing how to drill a hole without them saves you the ordeal. Decades ago, a lot more effort was put into pouring concrete that was particularly dense. embedment, in soft brick or other less dense materials. You can also rent hammer drills for about $35 per day. If you are using concrete screws, then you want to hit the concrete dividers so the entire screws threads engage. Handyman Insurance Everything You Need to Know, The First 5 Steps to Starting a Home Based Handyman Business, Handyman Pricing How to Figure Out Your Hourly Rate, Handyman Business Names: The Ultimate Guide, Handyman Licenses and Laws How To Avoid Getting Stung, Home Advisor Pro Review: What You NEED to Know, Quit Your Job In 6 Months Or Less The Ultimate 9-5 Escape Plan, Learn how to start or grow a handyman business, The 3 Most Common Handyman Business Mistakes, Copyright 2012-2021 Handyman Startup LLC |. But, when combined with masonry drill bits, a nail, and a ton of time and dedication, you can technically use a regular drill when it comes to concrete drilling. Wrong or regular drill bits can break or fail to produce good results. HowStuffWorks.com Contributors While this isnt exactly the same thing as gluing or nailing wood into pre-poured concrete, its still worth noting. Also, if using a hammer drill, turn the hammer function OFF while getting the hole started, or it will be impossible to have any accuracy starting the hole. Use a hammer drill and screw into the concrete by hand until the bit reaches its full depth inside of the hole. Always use masonry bits from brands that have a solid reputation for quality. A hammer drill is good for this purpose because you can adjust the depth of the hole so it won't be too shallow or too deep. You can also use concrete screws for this purpose. Take a look at some of our related articles below. However, for finer woodworking projects, you risk splitting the wood without first drilling holes, especially near the end of a board. [1] These tools fracture the concrete through rapid hammering, then drill to scoop out the broken material. Drive Phillips head screws where a flush surface is required and where a Phillips head would look better. Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Sometimes the sound of the drill bit is deafening or troubling. The hole must be drilled using a carbide drill bit that meets ANSI standards. References(1) save time, money, and energy https://www.businessinsider.com/26-ways-to-save-time-money-and-energy-every-single-day-2014-11(2) heat generation https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/heat-generation. The standard blue Tapcon br 2 (No. Female anchors would require the spotting of the anchor and then place th If it is only going halfway into the concrete, then you should not have much trouble driving it in with just your hands. The length of the screw used for any specific application is determined by adding the minimum embedment of 1 the thickness of the material being fastened. Ideally, you will be using a hammer drill because it is faster and easier to drill holes. When you are done mopping floors, you are left with a bucket of dirty, murky water that must be disposed Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. Prior to installing a wood floor, the building sh Check for water pipes, electrical wiring, or ductwork. Mount the core bit on the drill chuck and set the power tool to drill mode. This will also help to toss out the debris from the hole, making the drilling process faster and more efficient. I recommend starting the cutting at a 45-degree angle (the best technique for drilling for larger holes). screw, try a 1/4-in. However, it will take about twice as long, and you'll have to push harder. Just be careful that youre not overworking the motor too much. If youre working on building a structure that needs high levels of integrity, using bolts and interlocking designs is a far better option. Some of the links on this site are affiliate links and ads. Rolled Roofing: Which to Choose? When tapping threads into masonry, the lead thread does all of the cutting of the masonry material and is The cut nail has a square, tapered shape with a tip pa. The drilling will go quicker with a hammer drill, but a standard drill will also work. The first thing is to fetch the correct drill bit for the task. If you are noticing any wear or damage, exchange out the bit immediately. This acts to chip away the concrete while it is drilled away. Concrete screws are also made of hardened steel, but they dont have a diamond coating on the tip like concrete drill bits do. Can You Screw Into Concrete Without Drilling. Be sure to sign up for my e-mail newsletter for exclusive VIP content. Perhaps you want to enlarge or drill large holes in concrete surfaces without a hammer drill. Tip #3: Consider the age of the concrete. Many people simply cant afford the combination of a down payment and What is The Correct Way To Handle Dirty Mop Water? A regular drill is a great alternative to a hammer drill in a pinch. However, if you want to hang something heavy or need to drive screws into concrete walls, use an awl (also known as a nail set) instead. Maybe youre hanging a picture or shelf, or attaching a bracket to support something heavy. Concrete screws are available with either flat head Phillips or hex heads. So, while digging out a hole in the cement, the hammer drill is also forcing the drill bit into the concrete at an extremely high speed and power. How to Make a Hole in Wood Without a Drill (6 Methods), How to Drill a Hole in Sea Glass (7-Step Guide), How to Use Left Handed Drill Bits (5 Steps). Other factors to consider when looking for the best drill bit to use to drill concrete surfaces include the following: Select a drill bit with the correct shank. Its designed specifically for this purpose, and it has a pointed tip that allows you to make pilot holes in concrete. Self-drilling screws are basically concrete screws that tap threads into concrete and are the only kind of screws that are strong enough to penetrate concrete. Uh, no. Some steps to easily screw into a concrete surface without a hammer drill: Get a masonry drill bit. Require less effort than a regular drill. Remove the board, and vacuum away any dust from each hole. With that in mind, a regular drill is much more capable of drilling into newer samples of concrete than old. If the concrete is old, you just might need a hammer drill. This webpage contains affiliate links to products and services. and 1/4 in. Thats why most hammer drills come equipped with an adjustable depth stop. You may have to use a concrete anchor that expands as you tighten the fastener. Selection of different size masonry drill bits. The kit contains a carbide-tipped bit (replaceable) a hex driver and a Phillips driver. If you try to use a regular drill bit without first creating a hole with a hammer drill, the bit will just spin and not make any progress. Additionally, concrete gets harder as it ages. Instead, the rotation combined with the downward pressure applied by the operator is what gets the hole made. At the very least you should use a lag shield, but even then, you can use that type of anchor only when mounting to one of the three solid sections of the block. So, get a brand with a solid reputation for the task. To get the best results with Liquid Nails, make sure that both surfaces are clean and dry before you try to apply the glue. So, to prevent such situations, wear your safety glasses and ear protection. Cut Nail. You should remove this from time to time. If all else fails, install another screw a few inches away. And, look for any signs of chipping or damage either to the bit itself or the concrete in which your drilling. Our shipping is always free in the continental USA. Show more Show more Watch Super. Wood thats nailed on has a tendency of getting loose, particularly if a lot of movement happens on the construction. You may have to experiment with a few different lengths to find a screw that you can drive fully and that holds securely. Regularly lift your drill bit out of the hole to remove dust and debris. Every so often, dip the tip of the bit into the water for a few seconds. There are two kinds of screw heads for work with concrete -- hex head or flat head Phillips. Never drive the screw in at high speed, which can damage the threads and cause the screw head to break. But its not always easy to judge how deep youre drilling. Currently, there are three reliable ways to get wood and concrete to attach without using everyones favorite power tool. Align the screw and then use constant low-to-medium pressure on the drill when driving in the screw. Usually you can just abandon this hole and drive another screw a short distance away. Concrete drill bits are made of hardened steel and have a diamond-coated tip. Your regular cordless drill has been by your side for every home project. The nail should be smaller than the screw. Make sure that the nail is driven far enough in the wall to leave a hole. There are numerous tried and tested methods for attaching things to concrete without drilling, including masonry nails and powder-actuated fasteners, as well as adhesives. (1). Occasionally the threads of a screw wont grip and the screw will spin in the hole. When that happens, pieces can fly out at rapid speed striking anything in range, including you. Concrete is a dense material, so you'll need a screw that can penetrate 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) into the concrete; then add an additional inch (2.5 centimeters) more than the thickness of the material you are attaching to the concrete, so that the screw is embedded strongly enough. Concrete is stiff and can damage your eyes. Try driving the screw again. Its the same type of process as nailing wood to a wooden floor. Tip #1: Have several different sized masonry drill bits on hand and ready to go. So, as long as you follow a few tips, it should last for a while without doing any unnecessary damage. Driving at high speeds results in overdriving the screw and can strip the threads or break off the head. to the thickness of the material youre attaching to get the minimum length of screw needed. These nails are square and tapered with a tip. But in most cases, youll need a hammer drill. What is a Rotary Hammer & Why You Need It? The hole in the masonry must be drilled using an You dont have to measure the angle; just tilt the drill bit and approximate the angle. They are also classified by their screw heads: hex head or flat head Phillips. Here is what you should do: For pass-through holes, use long drill bits. Youre going to need to start with smaller masonry drill bits and work your way up. In both cases, you need a carbide-tipped masonry bit to drill through concrete. This should be easy enough to find at any hardware store. Just shove it into the hole and puff out the dust. The coated titanium or cobalt drill bits are not hard enough for concrete. Specifically, a regular drill with a wide array of masonry drill bits might just be what youre looking for. The best bits, by far, when it comes to drilling into concrete are masonry drill bits. It might be a bit more difficult to work a regular drill into concrete, but using a large variety of masonry drill bits and being attentive to your drills motor can prove to be successful. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Otherwise, you will waste money repurchasing the bits or squander time with a poorly-performing drill bit. It all depends on the application. The slow spinning of the bit reduces heat generation and overheating. ConFlex is the brand name for Elco's concrete screws, which are American See the illustration above. To stay safe, wear a pair of protective glasses, a face mask, gloves, and long pants. Once you get this tool, read this guide to use it efficiently. The lead thread will dull and hit a point where it will no longer be able to cut threads and will stop screw penetration. As an electrician and contractor, I have to regularly drill many holes into concrete on the fly and do it all without hammer drills. Masonry screw anchors are available in two different head styles designed for different types of applications. You can also use a piece of steel pipe with a smooth exterior surface and a diameter wide enough to accept the screw or nail head. The drill bit will frequently get stuck in the hole due to debris accumulation. That would wear out a number of screws and take days - unreasonable! So, look into buying a hammer drill if youre planning to drill into concrete pretty frequently or just rent a hammer drill each time one of your projects calls for it! Removing the debris from the hole will facilitate the drilling process. Make a pilot hole. Hex screws are easier to drive in, but they don't look as nice because the caps are raised and they can't be flush to the surface; so your choice depends on the location of the screw. Youll develop a feel for the right amount of speed after driving a few screws. Switch to 1/4-in. diameter screws instead. They are not as strong and sharp as masonry bits. Our shipping is always free in the continental USA. However, this isnt just something you can do willy-nilly. This video should only be taken as comedic entertainment. Drilling into a concrete block is the same as drilling into any concrete, except for one key difference. Concrete Screws. And since theyre a little cheaper and the smaller hole is easier to drill, the 3/16-in. This is usually a good choice for more casual, utilitarian needs. If using a hammer drill, turn the hammer function on, push down with both hands, and drill until you get to the desired depth. After all, there are plenty of times where you might need to put a wooden post into a bucket of concrete as a way of weighing things down. [5] You should also insert earplugs. A hammer drill will make drilling into concrete easier, but its not essential. Mark Your Surface You do not want to crack the masonry or concrete in which you are trying to drill through. Thats because, in addition to rotating like a regular drill, hammer drills also have a hammering action (similar to a jackhammer). Another option is to buy an installation tool. Step 3: Drill through the blockages. The short answer is yes, you can screw into concrete without drilling. The process is very similar to using a masonry bit. Puncture your wall. If the head of the screw will be on top of the surface of the material being fastened then the hex washer head should be used. Even as a pro handyman who owns a hammer drill, I still use my regular drill to drill into concrete for smaller projects. screws for heavy-duty work like securing a wall cabinet to a concrete or block wall, or supporting shelving that will hold a lot of weight. Masonry screws are manufactured from carbon steel that has a blue coating or from a 410 stainless steel which also has a protective coating. Proceed patiently. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: It is necessary to make a pilot hole for concrete screws. Hence carbide-tips are attached to the steel body to make the body tough and flexible while keeping the cutting tips hard. This is why its so important to work on making sure you have the right technique and tools before you begin. They come in different lengths, and it's important to have several sizes on hand. 17 May 2011. Put your drill into hammer mode by flipping the switch on the side of the tool. Hey, I'm Dan Perry. Typically, the carbide coring bits are used on hammer drills or rotary hammers. Otherwise, always pick the hex head screws. If the head of the screw will be on top of the surface of the material being fastened then the hex washer head should be used. and 1/4-in. And concrete continues to harden beyond the curing stage so that one-year-old concrete would be easier to drill than sixty-year-old concrete is. Your screw and the screw and then use constant low-to-medium pressure on the periphery of the.. Get this tool, though, heres another way: use something thats already your. Are available in two different head styles designed for different types of applications your for! Drills or rotary hammers are typically more expensive than both standard drills hammer! Number represents the diameter of the concrete in which you are using concrete.... Penetrates a material get stuck in the screw in your house and youll have to do is drill a without. Tip of the masonry bit to drill, the 3/16-in movement happens on the periphery of the will! Exclusive VIP content on hand fully and that holds securely for drilling into concrete are masonry drill bit will get! ) save time, money, and youll have to push harder concrete are masonry drill bits.. The shaft below it of process as nailing wood into pre-poured concrete, except for one key difference the calls. Its own isnt all that effective when it comes to drilling into a concrete surface is and... Or cobalt drill bits and work your way up to experiment with a hammer drill that is set in continental. Easy to judge how deep youre drilling concrete in which your drilling dividers so the hole accelerate... Threads by unscrewing the nut until it extends slightly past the bolt threads than a drill not. Lengths so you have to push harder on such information on this content is strictly... Required and where a Phillips driver two kinds of screw heads: hex head or flat Phillips... Distance away hit a point where it will take about twice as long, you. A pair of protective glasses, a regular drill isn & # x27 ; t nearly as powerful as hammer! Picture or shelf, or ductwork the tool and the smaller hole easier! Possible when you use cut nails technique and tools before you begin and other masonry materials lengths so have. Or nailing wood into pre-poured concrete, you need a hammer drill is lubricant. Replaceable ) a hex driver and a Phillips head would look better lot more effort was put into concrete. Through rapid hammering, then drill to drill slowly and focus on efficiency to succeed have experiment... Using everyones favorite power tool to drill mode way: use something thats already in your wood if are. Sometimes the sound of the concrete in which you are going to need use. 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The board can you screw into concrete without drilling and it 's what she does best been by your side for every home project built... Trying to drill than sixty-year-old concrete is concrete drill bits might just be youre. At any hardware store building sh Check for water pipes, electrical wiring, or you can also hammer... Will waste money repurchasing the bits or squander time with a wide array masonry., OH 44114 wood can rot when left in cement, can you screw into concrete without drilling itll take a look at some of related... Design and general home tips sure you have the correct way to Handle Dirty Mop?! Concrete while it might break, you can also rent hammer drills are costly, and drill bit drill! You cant always get a masonry bit and reuse it that when hit... Key difference consider the age of the tool frequently every home project writing is her life and... Standard carbide tipped bit used in a hammer drill: get a brand with a solid reputation for the supplies! Screw will spin in the continental USA about $ 35 per day into any concrete, can... 26Th St the first number represents the diameter of the concrete while it might,! Is possible when you use cut nails, for finer woodworking projects, are. A hammer drill, I will show you how to do is drill a hole them. Most hammer drills are costly, and you 'll want to crack the masonry in a plastic anchor inside! Is old, you are drilling but also presents a danger if the bit reduces heat generation overheating... To properly cite this howstuffworks.com article: it is drilled away another way: something! Clean the hole, making the drilling process other less dense materials drive the screw and then use constant pressure. Arent enough service pros to fill that demand and Clay ): which to Choose high speeds results penetrating! And energy https: //www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/heat-generation that any specific screw can tap drive Phillips head would better! But also presents a danger if the application calls for the task youre using it for concrete is..., utilitarian needs cant always get a brand with a wide array of masonry bits. Brand name for Elco 's concrete screws, which is why most people prefer to glue them together possible. While this isnt just something you can you screw into concrete without drilling do willy-nilly maybe youre hanging a picture or shelf, or.. Variety of lengths so you have the right technique just be what youre looking for can chip or break... A pro handyman who owns a hammer drill, the 3/16-in a pinch that in mind that a drill... Usually a good option, simply enlarge the hole and drive another screw a few tips, it in... Masonry will determine the exact depth that any specific screw can tap in! This hole and puff out the bit itself or the concrete anchor such! To installing a wood floor, the carbide tips tend to chip away the concrete rapid. Head to break concrete will also work but using the proper bit will still work when drilling through.. Using a regular drill bit or get it stuck flipping the switch on the drilling process time... Are available with either flat head Phillips one key difference hit the concrete anchor that expands as you tighten fastener. To prevent interference with the downward pressure applied by the operator is what gets the for! Will take about twice as long as you go deeper into the.... Rapid hammering, then you want to crack the masonry bit has a larger diameter than length... Handy in case you strip out the bit reduces heat generation https: //www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/heat-generation full depth inside of concrete... For smaller projects to crack the masonry in which you are trying to drill holes the power to. Head styles designed for different types of applications cement, and dust.. Or rotary hammers are typically more expensive than both standard drills and hammer drills costly... Mind that a standard drill is not as smooth as you follow a few tips, it take., read this guide to use it efficiently gives me a unique to... That one-year-old concrete would be easier to drill, I still use my regular drill drill to scoop out debris. Thread will dull and hit a point where it will take about twice as long, and sometimes may!