How To Drill Into Concrete

Drilling into concrete is one of those jobs that looks straightforward until the drill bit stops cutting and nothing seems to move. Concrete behaves very differently to brick or block, and without the right approach it is easy to waste time, damage tools or end up with a poor finish. Whether you are working on a concrete wall, floor or structural slab, knowing how to drill into concrete properly makes a noticeable difference to both speed and results.

This guide explains what you are drilling into, which drill actually works, when a regular drill might cope, and how to avoid the common problems that cause failed holes.

Can You Drill Into Concrete?

Yes, you can drill into concrete, but it requires the correct equipment and technique.

Concrete is harder and denser than brick or blockwork, largely because of the stone aggregate mixed through it. That aggregate is what causes most issues. As soon as a drill bit hits stone rather than cement paste, progress slows dramatically unless the drill is designed to handle it. This is why many drilling attempts fail partway through a hole rather than at the surface.

What Type Of Concrete Are You Drilling?

Not all concrete behaves the same, and the type you are drilling into affects how much force and impact is required.

Concrete walls are common in garages, stairwells and commercial buildings. They are often poured in place and can vary in hardness depending on age and mix.

Concrete floors are typically denser than walls and may contain heavier aggregate. Drilling vertically into a floor usually requires more pressure and better dust clearance.

Reinforced concrete includes steel rebar within the slab or wall. This adds another layer of resistance. When a bit hits steel, progress stops immediately unless the correct method is used.

The harder the aggregate and the higher the cement content, the more demanding the drilling process becomes.

What Drill Do You Need For Concrete?

Choosing the right drill is the most important decision when drilling into concrete.

SDS+ drills are designed specifically for masonry and concrete work. They use a piston driven hammer mechanism that delivers impact directly behind the bit, rather than relying on pressure from the user. This allows the bit to break through aggregate instead of skating across it. For most concrete drilling, SDS+ drills are the correct solution.

Makita SDS+ drills and DeWalt SDS+ drills are commonly used across UK sites and domestic installs because they balance power, durability and control. They are suitable for walls, floors and repeated drilling without excessive heat build up.

Hammer drills can work in limited situations, such as shallow holes in softer concrete or light fixings. They rely on a mechanical hammer action that is far less effective once harder aggregate is encountered. They are not ideal for sustained concrete drilling.

Standard drills struggle because they lack both impact strength and torque. Even with a masonry bit fitted, progress is slow and inconsistent.

How To Drill Into Concrete With A Regular Drill

There are situations where a regular drill may get through concrete, but expectations need to be realistic.

A standard drill might work on very shallow holes, softer concrete or older surfaces with minimal aggregate. Progress will be slow, and pressure must be kept consistent.

It will not work well on floors, reinforced concrete or deep holes. Common risks include overheating the drill, blunting the bit quickly, or glazing the concrete surface so the bit spins without cutting.

For more than one or two fixings, a proper concrete drill is the safer and more efficient option.

Choosing The Right Concrete Drill Bit

The drill bit matters just as much as the drill itself.

Masonry drill bits are suitable for hammer drills and light work, but they rely heavily on impact from the tool. They wear quickly in hard concrete.

SDS drill bits are designed to work with SDS+ drills. The shank allows the bit to move freely inside the chuck, transferring impact energy efficiently into the tip.

Carbide tipped bits are essential for concrete. The carbide cutting edge breaks through stone aggregate rather than scraping against it.

Cheap bits tend to dull quickly or lose the tip altogether, especially when drilling into floors or reinforced areas. Using quality concrete and masonry drill bits reduces heat, improves accuracy and saves time.

Step By Step: How To Drill Into Concrete

Before drilling, mark the fixing point clearly and check for hidden services such as cables or pipes.
Fit the correct concrete drill bit securely into the chuck and make sure it is seated properly.
Select the appropriate drill mode. SDS+ drills should be set to hammer drilling, while hammer drills need both rotation and hammer action enabled.
Apply steady pressure without forcing the drill. Let the tool do the work, especially when breaking through aggregate.
Clear dust regularly by pulling the bit out of the hole. This helps prevent binding and reduces heat.

Common Problems When Drilling Concrete & How To Fix Them

If the bit spins but does not cut, the surface may have glazed. Stop drilling, withdraw the bit and restart with firmer, controlled pressure.

When a drill overheats, the bit is often dull or unsuitable. Allow the tool to cool and switch to a sharper or more appropriate bit.

Hole drift usually occurs when drilling at an angle or when the bit hits uneven aggregate. Starting slowly and keeping the drill square helps maintain accuracy.

Hitting rebar will stop progress immediately. If this happens, reposition the hole slightly or use appropriate methods designed for reinforced concrete.

Safety Tips When Drilling Concrete

Concrete dust contains silica, which is harmful when inhaled. Using dust protection and proper extraction reduces exposure.

Eye protection is essential as concrete chips can eject at speed during drilling.

When drilling into floors, maintain stable footing and control the drill firmly to avoid sudden movement if the bit catches.

Get The Right Tool For The Job

Concrete drilling is far more predictable when the correct tools are used from the start. SDS+ drills offer the control and impact needed for concrete walls, floors and structural slabs without excessive strain on the user or equipment.

Choosing quality drills and concrete drill bits reduces failed attempts, saves time and produces cleaner fixings. If you are unsure which drill suits your job, Toolstore offers a full range of SDS+ drills, hammer drills and concrete drilling accessories to help you get it right the first time.

To speak to a member of our team about your requirements, call us on 03330 043777 or fill in our online contact form.

10th February 2026

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