I'm looking to drill a couple of holes into a concrete wall for my range hood, but I feel like buying a hammer drill just for this task is overkill. Under a limited budget, would it be better to just grab some masonry bits and use what I have? Or am I really going to struggle without a hammer drill? Thanks in advance for your input!
3 Answers
You can definitely drill concrete with a regular drill and masonry bits, but it’s going to be a slow process and a bit tricky. It’s essential to apply a lot of pressure, which can be tough on walls. Honestly, it can damage your bits and really isn’t much fun. If it’s a one-off job, buying a cheap hammer drill is probably the way to go. I picked one up for just a few bucks from Amazon and it works great for small jobs!
If you're looking to save money, check if your drill has a hammer setting — many do these days. If it does, you might be able to get away with that for a couple of small holes. But if you plan to do more work in the future, a dedicated hammer drill is definitely worth the investment.
Totally! Just make sure to check your drill’s settings before you spend money. And if you do have to buy, those hammer drills can really come in handy later on.
For just two holes, you could try cheap masonry bits with your current drill. Just keep in mind you might burn those bits out without the hammer action, so go slow and spray some water to reduce heat. But honestly, if you can rent a hammer drill for a bit, it’s way better than risking smoking your bits.
Yeah, a rental could save you some hassle. Plus, you’ll get better results without worrying about ruining your bits.
I agree! A cheap hammer drill is a solid investment. If you can find room to store it, you're set for any future projects!