How to Drill Into Brick

Contents:

• Drilling into brick for beginners

• What tools do I need?

• What drill bit should be used?

• Can I use a regular drill?

• How do you drill into a brick wall?

• Tips & tricks

• FAQs

Drilling into brick is something both pros and DIYers can do. Whether you’re hanging a gate, fixing a basket to an outside wall, or putting up shelves or a TV inside, this job is doable. This guide will show you how to drill into brick using simple steps — great for beginners or anyone needing a quick refresher.

We’ll cover safety, how to prepare, which tools to use, and what to do if something goes wrong. First, we’ll look at the important things to check before you start. Next, we’ll give a clear step-by-step guide to drilling the hole. Always focus on safety and pick the right tools. Staying safe and using the correct drill and bit will make the job much easier.

Drilling into Brick for Beginners

The first thing to know is that you can’t drill a screw straight into brick. If you want to hang something heavy, like a TV mount or shelf bracket, you need to use special wall fixings made for brick or masonry. These go into a hole you drill first. The most common fixing is a wall plug (also called a rawlplug). Other types include sleeve anchors and anchor bolts, which are used for heavier items.

Check what material you are drilling into

These steps are for walls made of brick or breezeblock joined with mortar. Some parts may also work for stone or concrete, but you might need different tools or fixings for those materials.

The steps also work for plastered brick or breezeblock walls. Just make sure you drill deep enough to reach the solid brick or block under the plaster. Plaster alone is too weak to hold screws or wall plugs securely.

Essential things to consider

Here are the essential things to do when drilling a hole in brick:

1. Use the right safety equipment, check for pipes and electrical cables with a wall scanner.

2. Make sure you know what material you’re drilling into.

3. If you’re going to place fixings in the wall, make sure they’re the right type.

4. Ensure you have the right tools and equipment for the job.

5. Make sure hole locations are measured and marked correctly.

What Tools do I Need to Drill into Brick?

It’s essential to make sure you have the right tools and safety equipment before you start doing any work.

Essential safety gear

Safety is important when drilling through brick. This job can cause eye injuries, hearing damage, dust inhalation, and hand injuries.

The recommended safety gear is:

• Protective glasses - to prevent brick, mortar, or breezeblock fragments from hitting your eyes.

• Ear defenders - to protect your ears from the noise made by the drill.

• A dust mask - to stop you from inhaling harmful dust from bricks, plaster, and mortar.

• Gloves - to protect your hands from cuts from tools and equipment.

Another important safety tip is to ensure there are no electrical cables or pipes in the wall you are drilling into. You can find hidden pipes, cables, and other metalwork with a wall scanner.

Essential Tools to Drill into Brick

What Drill Bit Should be Used for Drilling into Brick?

The best drill bit for drilling into brick is a masonry drill bit.

These bits have a wide, arrow-shaped tip that helps grind through bricks and other hard materials.

Masonry drill bits usually have either a tungsten carbide tip or a diamond tip.

• Tungsten carbide bits work well for most brick jobs.

• Diamond-tipped bits are stronger but cost more. They’re mainly used for drilling into very hard materials like stone or ceramic.

Select the Correct Size Drill Bit

Masonry drill bits come in many different sizes and lengths. You should choose the right size for the hole you want to make. If you plan to use a wall plug, pick a drill bit that’s the same width as the wall plug. Sometimes, you can use a bit that’s just a little bigger, and it will still work fine.

Can I use a regular drill for drilling into brick?

Normally, the best drill to use when you’re drilling into brick is a drill with a hammer action.

In some cases, it will be okay to use a less powerful drill driver with no hammer action. If you’re only drilling into mortar or if you’re drilling into soft brick, a drill driver might be okay. Otherwise, a drill with a hammer action, such as a combi or percussion drill is best. SDS drills can also be used on very hard bricks or when you need to drill a hole with a large diameter and you need more power.

Combi Drills

Combi drills are less powerful but usually more affordable than other drills suitable for bricks and masonry. Many combi drills from brands like Bosch and Makita come with special masonry settings that make them perfect for drilling into brick.

Guidelines for Drilling

You shouldn’t use a drill that is too powerful, as it can harm the wall and crack the bricks while you drill. Always check the wall for damage as you make your hole.

How to use a hammer drill to drill into brick safely

Hammer drills are typically ideal for drilling into brick. These tools are equipped with a mechanism that moves the chuck back and forth while drilling, providing a robust drilling action. This action is more forceful than the hammer action found in a combi-drill, yet not as intense as that of an SDS drill or a percussion drill.

In certain situations, SDS drills and percussion drills may be excessively powerful and could potentially damage the brickwork of the wall.

How do you drill into a brick wall?

Before you begin, make sure you have all the safety gear you need. Also, check that your drill bit matches the wall plug or hole you will be drilling into. It’s a good idea to set your drill’s depth gauge to the length of the fixing. This helps you avoid drilling too deep. If your drill doesn’t have a depth gauge, you can use masking tape to mark the length on your drill bit. Here’s how to drill into a brick wall:

Step 1: Mark where you want to drill

First, mark the exact spot on the wall where you want to drill your hole. Double-check your measurements to make sure it’s in the right place before you start.

Should you drill into brick or mortar?

It’s usually better to drill into the brick rather than the mortar. Mortar is softer and not as strong, so it may not hold screws or anchors well. Over time, holes in mortar can also become loose.

Avoid drilling near the edge of a brick

Don’t drill too close to the edge of a brick, as it can crack or break. Try to stay at least one inch away from the edge.

Step 2: Check for wires or pipes

Before drilling, make sure there are no electrical wires or water pipes behind the spot you plan to drill.

Wires usually run straight up or down from light switches and power outlets, so avoid drilling directly above or beside them.

If you don’t know where the pipes or wires are, use a wall scanner or detector tool to check. This will help you stay safe and avoid damaging anything inside the wall.

Step 3: Start drilling the hole

Before you begin, press the drill bit gently against your mark to make a small dent. This helps keep the drill bit from slipping when you start.

Then follow these steps:

1. Hold the drill steady against the mark.

2. Make sure it’s straight and level, not tilted.

3. Start drilling slowly with light pressure.

4. Watch carefully to make sure the brick isn’t cracking or the wall getting damaged.

5. Stop now and then to cool the drill bit by dipping it in water. This helps prevent overheating and reduces dust.

6. If needed, increase speed and pressure slowly.

7. If dust builds up, pause to clear it out of the hole.

8. Keep drilling until the hole reaches the right depth.

Do you need to drill a pilot hole?

You don’t always need to drill a pilot hole, but it can help in some cases.

If you’re drilling into very hard brick or stone, or if you need the hole to be very precise, a small pilot hole can make the job easier. It helps loosen the material and keeps the drill bit from slipping.

For most normal brick walls, though, you can drill directly without a pilot hole.

Step 4: Put in the wall plug and screw

When your hole is deep enough, clean out all the dust and loose bits. You can use a vacuum, compressed air, or just blow into the hole to clear it.

Next, insert the wall plug (also called a fixing) into the hole.

• If it fits easily, push it in with your hand.

• If it’s tight, gently tap it in with a hammer.

Once the wall plug is in place, you can insert the screw and attach what you need — like a picture frame, shelf, or TV bracket.

Step 5: Clean up

Finally, tidy up the area. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove brick dust and debris if you have one. If not, a dustpan and brush will work just fine.

Tips and tricks for drilling into brick or mortar

If you have trouble drilling your hole, it could be because of one of these common problems:

1. You’re using the wrong toolsIf your drill isn’t strong enough (you usually need one with a hammer setting), it might not be able to go through brick. The wrong type of drill bit can also cause problems.A blunt drill bit or a low battery can make the job harder too. Always use a sharp masonry drill bit and make sure your drill is fully charged before starting.

2. Your drill isn’t set up properlyBeginners sometimes forget to turn on the hammer function or accidentally set the drill to reverse. Take a moment to check your drill settings and read the manual if you’re unsure.

3. You’ve hit something inside the wallIf your drill suddenly stops going deeper, you might have hit metal, a pipe, or an electrical cable. Stop drilling right away, check the wall with a detector tool, and choose a new spot to drill safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drill into brick with a regular drill?

You can try, but a regular drill is not the best for brick. It may work for small holes, but it will be slow and hard. A hammer drill or combi drill is much better because it can pound and spin at the same time, making it easier to get through brick. Sometimes, a regular drill just won’t go through the wall at all.

Do I need a special drill bit for brick?

Yes. You should use a masonry drill bit when drilling into brick. Regular drill bits are not strong enough and won’t work well on brick or other hard materials.

Is there a trick to drilling into brick?

There’s no special trick to it. Drilling into brick is quite simple if you use the right tools and prepare properly. With a good drill and the correct drill bit, most people can do it easily.

Do you drill fast or slow into brick?

It’s best to drill slowly and gently into brick. Drilling too fast can crack the brick or damage your drill bit.

Go at a steady speed and don’t press too hard — let the drill do the work.

Why can’t I drill into brick?

If you can’t drill into brick, you might be using the wrong drill or drill bit. A blunt drill bit or wrong drill setting can also cause problems. Sometimes, your drill may hit metal or pipes hidden inside the wall. If you hear a different sound or the drill suddenly stops, stop drilling right away. Check your drill, drill bit, and settings to find out what’s wrong before trying again.