Hey everyone! I'm having a really frustrating time trying to drill into my apartment's stone walls for some shelves. The wall has plaster over stone, and while sometimes it's easy to drill, other times I hit an obstruction at about 1.5 cm and can't seem to get deeper. I've tried using a Bosch EasyImpact 600 hammer drill with concrete and metal bits, but I'm not getting anywhere.
I'm wondering if there's some uneven concrete or different hardness levels in the material, or if there might be a hidden structure or pipe running diagonally through the wall. I've managed to drill some holes in the past, but this particular wall is my last hope for shelf space.
Is there a way to safely drill deeper without renting a big industrial drill? Also, could I accidentally hit something dangerous like a gas pipe? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
Have you tried using a stud finder? You may be hitting a bolt or even a pipe. It's smart to know what's in the wall before you keep going! Drilling into a pipe could lead to some serious damage and repair costs down the line.
Using a hammer drill can be tricky, but keeping the bit cool is key. I found running a small water hose while drilling helps keep the bit sharp. If you notice any metal shavings, it could mean you're hitting rebar. If you’re really stuck, consider renting an SDS drill with the right bit; they’re supposed to work faster than standard hammer drills!
I totally get your struggle with stone walls! I faced a similar issue while drilling. What worked for me was using ceramic drill bits with a smaller size to start with, and I also dribbled some water into the hole as I worked to keep the drill cool. It helped reduce overheating and you’d be surprised how much dust it prevented! Just make sure to take your time and if you have a metal detector, use it to check for pipes before drilling in deeper.
It sounds like your drill might not be powerful enough for stone. Sometimes you hit mortar or harder spots that just stop you in your tracks. I’d suggest investing in a high-quality drill bit if you haven't already. It could make a big difference!
Thanks for the tip about the bit! I wasn’t sure if that could help, but I’ll definitely look for a sturdier one.
That’s really interesting! I hadn’t thought about using water to help with the drilling. I guess I’ll give it a try, even if it takes longer. Don’t want to annoy the neighbors too much though!