How to Drill Into Bricks With or Without a Hammer Drill

Last Updated on November 23, 2024 by John Patterson

Drilling into bricks may not be an easy job for you. But it’s like an obvious task nowadays as everyone wants to hang some pictures or cloth hangers at their home.

So knowing it may become an advantage for you. Again drillers have to have the skill to do this job as it is not so easy.

One may cause damage to the wall when drilling into it or the damage may occur to the drill machine.

So the safe and secure best way to drill into brick procedure is going to help you a lot. Stay here with me as I am going to discuss it and some other factors.

Important Materials and Tools List for drilling into brick:

1. Hammer Drill
2. Safety Goggles
3. Ruler or Tape measure
4. Pencil
5. Hearing Protection
6. N95 Respirator
7. Leather Gloves
8. Masking Tape (optional)
9. Masonry Drill Bits
10. Canned Compressed Air
11. Wall Anchor
12. Broom
13. Dustpan
14. Shop vacuum with prefilter
15. Mop (optional)

How to Drill Into Bricks: A Step-by-step Guide

The best way to drill into brick is described in eight steps:

Step 1: Measure the anchor

First, measure the anchor according to the object you want to hang or some other work. Suppose, if you hang a picture of 7 pounds then the anchor which can carry 10 pounds will be better to choose.

Measuring anchor will help to select the drill bit because the width of the anchor and drill hole is dependent. To measure the width of the anchor. Choose one before the purchase and confirm that it will fit.

Step 2: Plan the hole

Knowing the size of the hole is necessary before starting to drill into the brick. Sometimes you are placing a bolt in the hole and may want to hold something else in that place. Therefore, measure the width along with the length of the bolt.

These measurements are going to help you determine the drill bit you need. You can then decide the size and length of the drill bit. Drill the hole larger than the width of the anchor or another item you are going to place in the hole. When the hole is large, use a small bit then to drill a pilot hole.

Step 3: Mark the wall

Then mark the place specifically you want to drill. Otherwise, drilling will not be as you want or the placement of the hole may cause a problem later. Check if there are electrical wires, plumbing, and other structures on the place where you are drilling.

If such things are present then change the spot that may cause an accident. Next to do is drilling through cement mortar instead of the bricks. Therefore, it will be easier to drill, and also there will be no damage to the brick which is not good to see in an open spot.

Step 4: Wear safety gear

It is compulsory to use safety gear when working with drills because pieces of bricks or plaster can come to your eyes. Use eye goggles to protect eyes from brick mortar particles. Otherwise, damage to your eyes may happen. Dust musk is a shield from the particles that you may breathe in.

Again who is allergenic to dusk must wear a dust mask. Gloves are the savior form hurt that can cause at the time of drilling. Before starting work, read the instruction manual, there was a lot of advice when using that machine.

Step 5: Drill hole

Before drilling a large hole, you need a small pilot hole, so drill one at first. Place a masonry bit that is smaller than it and carefully drill in the mortar over the marked point. Then start to drill a more massive hole through the brick. That time it needs an appropriate-sized bit.

Step 6: Cool the bit

Drilling through mortar is a tough job even if you use a high-powered drill machine. When you are drilling the bit will get hot as there is much stress applied to it. For keeping the drill bit cold, you should have a ready bucket of water beside you.

And occasionally cool it when it gets hotter. Another way is to pour the water on the bit so that it cools down. Or dip the bit in the water bucket; you should do it much carefully. Because when cooling it down, water may fall over the drill it and that may cause damage to the drill machine as well as you can get harm. So you better be careful.

Step 7: Free the bit if stuck

As I said before, drilling is much stressful work because you need to use quite your strength. Not only that, another problem is that drill bits may become stuck in the wall on which you are doing drill work. It may arise some problems if you do not get over them carefully.

The first thing to do is, reverse the bit so you can pull it out from the wall. It will work if you do not dig much into the wall. Otherwise, dig through the masonry for retrieving the bit. But the side effect of doing it can cause damage to the brick. So it is better to apply the first option and avoid digging.

Step 8: Seal the hole

After finishing the job, you can’t keep the hole open because it will look odd. So, the next task is to seal the hole. Thread the item through the wall, as you drilled on the wall, there is a hole in it, a maybe large or small one. Seal it up with a sufficient amount of putty and plain it so that no putty is seen loose on the wall.

Before going to the FAQs, let’s watch the video

How to drill into brick without a hammer drill?

Do you need a hammer drill for a brick?

People use a hammer drill if the brick wall is too hard. Even after using a hammer drill, it is tough to drill through a wall of that type. But sometimes you may not want to use a hammer drill that causes hassle.

Then include a hand star drill bit in your toolkit. The diameter of the hand star drill bit has to be between the main hole and the pilot size. Sometimes you need this to hand hammer to the hole if you are striking hard material in the depth of the hole.

How to drill into brick without cracking it?

One common complaint is that there from a crack when drilling into the brick. That’s why you need to give extra care and have proper planning. When drilling the hole, it should be sufficient bigger than the thing you are going to install to the hole.

If the hole is the same or slightly bigger than the pipe or something else, there may develop a crack when installing it. Again the combination of the drill bit and the hole should be proportional.

A too-large bit for a smaller hole is the cause of the cracking in the wall. So purchase according to your hole size to prevent crack.

What Makes Drilling Into Brick So Difficult?

Proper drilling into brick is a delicate balance of accuracy and force. Brick is a heavy material, but it can also be quite fragile — putting it at risk of cracking if not handled properly. Plus, earlier brick structures or shored up walls can include unfamiliar challenges such as gaps, mortar seams, or purified steel.

With the right preparation, it makes for a far smoother experience. So then, what happens if things don go according to plan? We’ve got you covered below.

Preventing Brick Cracking

Cracking While drilling is another common headache of which, if not managed correctly can weaken the structure of a wall and also ruins its aesthetic appearance. Reduce and avoid risk by simply doing the following steps:

Choose the Right Drill Bits

Drop some dough on a good set of masonry bits – keep them as sharp as they come. Overheated and vibrated dull bits increase the possibility of cracking. The Bosch and DEWALT brands have a reputation for quality and performance.

Avoid the Edges

When drilling a brick, make sure to drill at least one inch away from its edges. The edges are more delicate and have a higher chance of chipping or cracking. When dealing with an edge, be sure to drill your angle straight and steady.

Apply Gentle, Even Pressure

Use the drill; let it do the work—don’t force. Constant, uniform pressure minimizes tension on the brick and helps prevent breakage.

Drill Pilot Holes First

Start with a small pilot hole with a masonry bit that is 3/16-inch in diameter to guide you. After the pilot hole is drilled okay, change to a larger little bit for that final gap.

You will be left with clean, precise holes and nothing in your brick has been compromised.

If You Encounter Metal or Rebar, What To Do?

Drilling into brick does not mean you only need to watch out for small pockets of concrete, but also any embedded metal like rebar (keep this in mind if the wall is reinforced). Here’s how to handle it:

If your vehicle is running close to or all the way hot, stop immediately before you cause damage.

If you force the drill this can cause damage to the bit if not also the drill.

Switch to a Metal Drill Bit

Use a hard metal bit for drilling steel or rebar. Use tools made for things like cobalt or carbide tips that are meant for harder surfaces.

Slow Down the Drill Speed

Metal drilling is done at slower, but higher power outputs. Make the necessary adjustments to your drill.

Rethink Anchor Placement

Alternatively, if simply drilling through the obstruction is not a safe option, move your anchor point to work around the metal or rebar. Before digging into any mounts, use a stud finder or even a magnet to know if there are reinforcements around.

even a magnet to know if there are reinforcements around.

Advice to Keep in Mind When Drilling into Specific Type of Bricks

The level of difficulty involved in brick drilling jobs varies. For each project, there are specific techniques that should be applied to achieve a stable and safe result.

Hanging Light Objects

• Step one: In the case of lighter items like picture frames or small shelves, this is how to do it best:
• Utilize Brick and Masonry Specific Plastic Anchors
• They are cheap and they hold your stuff in place.
• Drill a Hole That Is Narrower Than the Anchor
• This will ensure a snug fit.
• Use a Hammer To Tap the Anchor Into Place
• Be gentle as it is an anchor and you might break the hook.
• Step 6: Insert Screw Into Anchor

Make it as tight only to lock the object and avoid over tighten which will strip the hole

Mounting Heavy Items

For heavy material such as a TV, big mirror or minor shelving units you would certainly need some much sturdier options. Follow these steps:

Opt for Expansion Bolts or Sleeve Anchors

This gives them a greater hold on the material, and they are made specifically for masonry or brick heavy-duty applications.

Familiarize Yourself with Local Protocol

The hole size and depth needed for the anchors to work is one of the specifications that manufacturers usually mention.

Mounting Plate to Distribute Weight

Or, you could be pressured to use a mounting plate in order to distribute your weight across multiple anchors. This minimizes the stress on single points.

Feeding the Wires or Pipes Through a Brick

Cutting brick to Run Wires Or Pipes Through Them: If a project involves running wires or pipes through the brick, preparation and care are vital to maintain structural integrity

Step 1: Use a Hammer Drill along with core drill bit

Get a large hole saw core bit. With core bits you can cut; your way through bricks without excess cracking; out the sides!

Keep the Drill Perpendicular

Keep a consistent angle to minimize pulling the brick due to tension.

Seal Around the Holes

After you run your wires or pipes, caulk the gaps with silicone or other moisture-resistant calk.

Maintain the Integrity of Structure

If you are drilling into brick, the preservation of the integrity of the wall should be your first concern. Here are a few strategies to ensure you are not undermining that foundation:

Avoid Overdrilling

This can compromise the integrity of the wall, as drilling too deep holes. Go with the depth your anchors or bolts say to go.

Focus on the Mortar Joints Instead of Brick

Drill through the mortar joints instead of through brick if possible. It’s easier to patch and replace mortar than it is bricks.

Limit Excessive Holes

If there are several anchor points, space them to avoid concentrating the effort in a small area.

How To Care For Your Drill Bits?

Proper care of your tools is just as crucial as drilling technique. Keeping tools in good condition minimizes mistakes and accelerates the process for professional purposes.

Clean Your Drill Bits

Once you finish every project, make sure to use a wire brush or cloth to wipe off any brick dust and debris too.

Replace Worn-Out Bits

Drill bits that are dull not only do you no good, they can cause the bit to overheat and damage your bricks or masonry plane.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Keep the motor and other moving parts of your drill well lubricated with machine oil.

Store Tools Safely

Store your drill and its accessories away from humidity in a secure place, not only to prevent rust but also wearing out.

Wrapping It Up

Drilling into brick may sound difficult but with the right preparation, tools and technique this is a relatively simple task that you will be able to take on most projects. Whether you’re hanging decorative items, utility lines or heavy mounts, use the above tips for a repeatable clean and safe result.

For larger jobs or complicated situations, don’t be afraid to reach out to a pro. Sometimes, it can save you hours and, even worse — an expensive blunder.

After learning the fundamentals, you can now start working! Get your hands dirty and be proud of a job well done

Frequently Asked Questions

Question #1. Can you drill into a brick with a normal drill?

Answer: As already mentioned, yes, you can.

Question #2: What kind of drill do you need to drill into a brick?

Answer: A decent Hammer drill will be best in this regard. These are the best ones for drilling in bricks, mortar, and concrete.

Question #3: Do I drill into the brick or the mortar?

Answer: Make sure to drill into the mortar and not the brick because brick is hard so it’s much difficult to drill into it. Again there is a risk of cracking the brick.

Question #4: How do I screw into a brick?

Answer: Use a hammer drill to make a hole through the mortar and make sure the diameter of it is correct for installing a screw.

Question #5: Do you have to use a hammer drill to drill into a brick?

Answer: Hammer drills are excellent for drilling masonry. You can use a regular drill to make a hole, but for making a bunch of holes into 50 years old concrete, hammer drills are best.

Question #6: How do you screw into a brick wall?

Answer: For screwing into a brick wall, the procedure is all the same as the steps. Make sure the hole diameter is correct for the screw.

Question #7: How do you attach wood to brick?

Answer: Drill a pilot hole with a hammer drill; tap the anchor into the hole. For a more massive hole, use a larger anchor, and then using a fastener, attach wood to brick.

Final Words

After going through the whole article, you have a clear concept of the best way to drill into brick.

So you probably had some scare for drilling into bricks as you may crack your wall.

But now you know the causes of the crack and how to avoid it.

So it is no more difficult job for you than you thought. You no need to call for a drilling worker when you can do it!