Thursday, February 11, 2010

How do i drill a hole in the middle of a patio slab without the slab splitting and cracking?

I'm assuming the slab is concrete....Depending on the size of the hole.....I would use a sds roto-hammer for holes up to 7/8'; Spline roto-hammer for holes up to 11/4'; anything bigger I would just drill a series of holes and then knock it out. But you can rent roto type drill to drill bigger holes but Will be pricey......You can get one at any equipment rental or Home Depot. Not all Home Depot rent tools ,so check with your local Home Depot.....And no....it will not split the cement....Easier than just using a drill and a masonry bit....





Almost forgot, Don't drill deeper than what the concrete is....How do i drill a hole in the middle of a patio slab without the slab splitting and cracking?
use a masonry drill bit and put the slab on a bed of sand.switch the hammer action off and drill through slowly without putting too much pressure on the slabHow do i drill a hole in the middle of a patio slab without the slab splitting and cracking?
I'm assuming its for a washing line or a garden umbrella.


You can buy pre drilled slabs.


Failing that you need to p[lace the slab on a bed of sand,


Use a small masonry bit in an electric drill on a slow speed.


Increase the size of the bit gradually till you get to the desired size.


Don't put the drill on hammer.


A core drill will take it in one cut but again id recommend placing on a bed of sand to absorb the shock. Core drills are expensive but you may be able to hire one.


Cheapest option is a pre drilled slab.


Or make your own from a bag of ready-mix and a home made former.
Use a masonry drill
using a masonry drill. if it is a large hole you want, drill as if making a circular postage stamp then carefully break through. A masonry file will smooth the edges if required. DO NOT wet the drill bit or it will blunt very quickly. Make sure it is supported evenly underneath
I have done this 2 or 3 times now and never broken a slab.


First the slab should be sitting on something soft, like the grass or a foam pad (Never lay in directly on to concrete as it will break), next determine the size of hole you need, anything over 20mm and you should use a core drill (Found at you local hire shop) then using a drill that you can turn the hammer off on start drilling, don't press to hard let the drill do the work, you can use a little water if you want but not necessary, be careful when you are about to break through the other side because this is when if it will break if at all, Have fun take your time................
Rent a core drill and buy the size bit for the hole you want to make.
Use the cement bit they suggest. Usually the don't split (that's point of drill). It's usually when you try inserting something in the hole is when the splits and cracks start.
You need a core drill it's like a hole saw but made for concrete it has diamond bits on the tip.
use a hammer drill but not the hammer action,and dont press to hard,also make sure its on a level surface.
Get several sizes of carbide-tipped drills, ranging from 1/8'; up to whatever final size hole you want. Use a VSR (variable speed/reversing) drill. Drill the small hole first, then work up sequentially to the final size. When you press the trigger, start out at a low speed until the bit makes a 'dimple' so that the bit won't 'walk' across the tile; then increase the speed until you're all the way thru the tile. Resist the temptation to lean all your body weight on the drill: small bits have a habit of breaking...let the drill do the work. This is fine for holes up to about 3/4';.If you're thinking about a 1'; hole or bigger, a diamond-edged hole saw that has a masonry bit mandrel is fine; those hole saws are good enough that you don't need a


starter' hole if used carefully.
I believe that you need a drill bit that is especially made for cement . And that you must wet the slab before hand.
By using a hammer drill and the size bit that you want the hole to be.
Use a diamond drill bit/hole saw WITHOUT the hammer action on in an SDS drill, they are expensive to buy so i suggest u hire one from either:-





HSS Hire


Hewdon Hire


Any other tool hire shop
are you stupid or what
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