Drilling also comes into play when large holes are needed for installing outdoor outlets or light fixtures.
With the right tools and techniques, this job is quicker and far less frustrating.
Should You Drill Into the Brick or the Mortar?
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Mortar’s softness does make it easier to drill into.
Plus, patches to mortar are less noticeable than patches to brick.
But mortar is too soft and unpredictable for hanging or attaching heavy,fragile, or valuable items.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Whenever possible, drill into the brick, not the mortar.
Hammer drills impact the work surface at between 20,000 to 50,000 beats or blows per minute (BPM).
Hammer drills cost between $200 and $500 to purchase.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The hammer mode can be turned off so that the tool can be used in rotational-only mode.
These drills are mainly designed for rotary drilling.
With the twist of the plastic clutch collar, they convert to hammer drilling mode.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Rotary drills with this feature deliver up to 34,000 BPM.
Impact drivers deliver a rotational hammering action for turning bolts and lug nuts.
Rotary hammers are much like hand-held jackhammers for breaking up tile or concrete.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Neither impact drivers nor rotary hammers drill holes.
Masonry Bit
A carbide masonry bit has a spade-shaped end that helps to dig away the brick.
Its grooved flutes force the debris backward.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
you might buy full sets of masonry bits if you plan to do a lot of drilling into brick.
Because masonry bits are fairly expensive, you’re free to buy individual masonry bits.
Wall Anchor
A lag shield is a secure anchor for hanging items from brick.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The anchor slides into the hole in the brick, and the screw is turned into the anchor.
Turning the screw expands the zinc-alloy anchor, holding it tightly in place.
double-check that the vacuum is fitted with a dust bag and a HEPA dust filter.
Codes and Permits
Drillinginto brick itself generally will not trigger anypermit requirementsin most municipalities.
Plus, veneer brick can be as thin as 3/4-inch-thicktoo thin for hanging heavy items.
Structural brick walls may have electrical wires running through the inside.
If the drill has an optional hammer mode, turn it on now.
Usually, you’ll need to turn a plastic collar to the hammer icon.
You will want to drill as far as the length of the screw, plus another quarter inch.
Cut off a piece of painter’s tape about 1/2-inch wide.
Place the end of the drill bit on the brick.
Pull the trigger on the drill.
As the drill turns, gently push into the brick.
Drilling into brick cannot be forced, so let the drill and drill bit do the work.
Keep the drill at a 90-degree angle to the brick.
This will reduce dust and keep the drill bit cooler.
You may also want to use the rag to wipe away dust.
Plastic masonry anchor sleeves are generally good for weights up to 60 pounds.
Metal sleeve anchors with attached bolts are used for heavier items.
