I'm using a hammer drill with a smaller bit and it seems to be taking forever to get through the brick/concrete. The bit keeps getting stuck, and I'm not sure if it's normal. Does anyone have tips on what I might be doing wrong? Also, I suspect I might be hitting rebar because the color of what I see is red. I'm thinking of switching to an SDS drill for better results.
3 Answers
You really should consider a rotary hammer instead of a standard hammer drill. They pack way more impact power and can go through brick or concrete in no time. Also, keep a trickle of water handy while drilling to cool down the bit and avoid overheating.
Is your bit spinning in the right direction? It's an easy mistake to make! Plus, if you're using a cheap masonry bit, those tend to warp or wear out quickly. Investing in a solid carbide bit really pays off in the long run. Sometimes, patience is key as well; it can take a bit to get used to the right pressure and speed.
For sure, I had the same issue when I was learning! Figuring out the right balance of force and speed made all the difference for me.
It sounds like you might be hitting rebar, which would definitely slow things down. If you can, try using a masonry drill bit designed for hard surfaces. Also, pulling the bit out every few inches to clear the debris can help.
Yeah, when I hit rebar once, it was seriously frustrating! Using a better-quality bit made a huge difference for me.
Totally agree! A good quality rotary hammer makes this job a breeze. I switched recently and never looked back.