Drilling is one of the ways of reshaping the wall structure or providing shape to the metal substances. At home, the need for drilling in the wall arises several times. Similarly, at a workshop drill is used to provide a particular form to the metal structure. But it is not so easy as it sounds. This is because various precautions are required to be taken before drilling a brick or a metal. The lack of knowledge can lead to improper results. This article ‘ How to drill a hole in metals and bricks’ will provide you with all the necessary information and steps for getting favorable outcomes.
Contents
How To Drill A Hole In Metals And Bricks – Different Methods
Method 1: Drilling A Hole In The Metal
Total Time: 1 Hour
Step 1: Choosing The Right Bit
This is the first step for ensuring a proper hole in the metal. You should make sure that the selected bit must be according to the type of metal. Choosing a wrong one can produce incorrect holes and affect the metal as well. You can use a High-Speed Steel bit for various metals. In case you are working on solid or strong metal, then cobalt steel bits are suitable for your job.
Step 2: Proper Positioning Of The Metal
After selecting the right bit, you should confirm that the metal must be appropriately placed on the work table. For this, you can clamp the metal to the table so that it remains at its place.
Step 3: Marking The Drill Spot
This is the most essential step in the drilling process. You should carefully mark the spot where you want to drill a hole. You can use a pencil also. But make sure it must be exact. Also, confirm the spot again before moving towards other steps.
Step 4: Wear Safety Equipment
Before you start drilling into the metal, you have to make sure that the protective equipment is with you. This is because drilling forms a lot of residues and affects the entire process.
You have to wear protective goggles to keep your eyes protected during the job. But you have to confirm that you can maintain a good sight over your marked spot.
Step 5: Preparing The Drill
After the first four steps, the process of preparing the drill comes into the picture. You have to properly place the drill over the market spot. You have to confirm that the drill is at the right angle if you can repeat the same thing two to three times to get the proper results.
Step 6: Applying Enough Pressure
The next step is to make sure that the correct amount of pressure is applied to the metal. This is because the amount of pressure varies according to the type of metal.
If you are drilling a hole on soft metal, then you have to drill it at a faster speed. For the harder metals, you have to drill at a slower speed and at a constant rhythm. However, it is recommended that you should drill at a pace not exceeding the medium or standard limit.
Step 7: Keep Your Focus
You have to keep your focus and continue the drilling until you get the hole of the required depth. Maintaining focus is essential so that the bit remains stable at its position.
After achieving the excellent result, don’t stop the bit suddenly; instead, allow the bit to run at all times till it gets removed from the metal.
Step 8: Check The Result
The last step is to confirm that you have got the appropriate hole in the metal. If it lacks in some manner, then you can drill it again to make it perfect. But you will get the ideal hole with these simple steps. Also, in the end, you have to clear your work area carefully so that no brick pieces remain on the floor.
Method 2: Drilling A Hole In The Brick
Step 1: Planning The Hole
The first step in drilling a hole in the brick is to make a proper plan to get the desired results. You have to identify the spot on the wall where you want to drill and make a hole. Also, you have to make sure that there are no pipes, cables, or anything else on the wall.
Step 2: Selecting The Right Drill Bit
The second step is to make the selection of the drill bit. You have to choose a suitable but which can easily pass through the wall. Masonry bits are used for drilling in the bricks. You can use these bits for getting favorable outcomes and can avoid any kind of damage to the wall.
Step 3: Proper Marking On The Wall
After inspecting the place that there are no pipes or electrical things, you have to properly mark the spot on the brick wall. You can use a pencil or marker for marking the spot. This ensures that the drill will be placed in the right place.
Further, it is better to drill through the cement mortar first and then to the brick. This is because drilling through cement mortar is more effortless and protects the brick from shattering. You have to remember this thing while drilling a hole in the brick.
Step 4: Wear Safety Equipment
Before you start drilling into the metal, you have to make sure that the protective equipment is with you. This is because drilling forms a lot of residues and affects the entire process.
While drilling into a brick, you have to wear goggles to protect your eyes from dust particles or small pieces of bricks. You can also wear a face mask and gloves to enhance safety. You can read the instruction manual of the drilling machine as well.
Step 5: Drilling The Hole
The next step is to drill the hole. First of all, place the drill at the right angle. It must be at the proper place over the marked spot. If you want to drill a large hole, then firstly drill a small hole and keep drilling. The size of bits also depends upon the size of the holes.
Step 6: Free The Bit If Stuck
After drilling the hole of the proper depth, you have to remove the bit from the brick. Sometimes you may face a situation where the bit gets stuck inside the brick. Firstly, you have to carefully and slowly reverse the bit to pull it out of the wall.
This is effective, and most of the time, the bit comes out of the brick. But in case it doesn’t work, then you have to dig the brick to retrieve it. It is not a good option because it leads to damage to the brick.
Step 7: Cool The Drill
After performing every step, allow the drill to get cool. You can cool the bit by carefully dipping it in the water or pouring water over it. But be careful during this step. You have to only get the bit wet and cool and not the drilling machine.
Step 8: Sealing The Hole
The last step is to seal the hole. When you have finished the work and completed the drilling task, then thread the item through the wall and fix the screw or whatever you wish to do. In the end, you have to clear your work area carefully so that no brick pieces remain on the floor.
Things/ Tools Required For This Procedure
After understanding all the steps and knowing the process to get the proper drilling results, the next thing is to know the tools or things required to perform these steps. You have to collect all these tools before drilling to ensure continuity in work. Here are the necessary things:
POWER: Unmatched power to weight ratio - 8.0 Amps, 2.6 ft-lbs Impact Energy and 7.7 lbs –Compact but powerful, making...
COMFORT: Featuring Active Vibration Control in the hammer mechanism and the grip area provides maximum user comfort for...
3-in-1: Multifunction selector offers 3 modes of operation; rotation only, rotary hammer and hammer only mode for any...
Drill bits (the choice of drills bits is dependent upon the size of the hole). Also, it is affected by the type of material.
A hammer, screws, and screwdriver bits.
• Protective equipment such as eyeglasses, face mask, and gloves.
A pencil or marker to mark the position on the hole.
Rawl plugs or anchors, if you want to screw something into the brick.
Tips To Remember
Cover your eyes with safety glasses. The best safety glasses are the one that wraps around the side of your face.
Never use fancy drills for making holes in the metals. Good quality bits help you in making a large number of holes quickly.
Use two clamps to securely hold down the material to your workplace. Don’t use your one hand for holding and another hand for drilling.
Drill the metal or brick slowly. Drilling at a faster speed, dulls the bits quickly. For harder metals like steel, you must keep the drilling speed slower than other metals.
Be careful while removing the drill bit from the brick. Otherwise, it gets stuck and leads to damage to other bricks as well.
Final Thought
There are various methods to drill but we have described the most effective and tried methods. Even if your novice, by just going through our guide, you will learn how to drill a hole into metals and bricks.
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