March 14, 2023, 5:13 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Drilling a hole in the wall is often easier said than done. Proper handling of a drill or cordless drill presents some challenges. What should you consider before picking up the drill?
Drilling is one of the basic DIY tasks at home, in the workshop, and on the construction site. Whether it’s about hanging a picture, mounting a shelf, or drilling holes in concrete walls–a cleanly drilled hole makes the job easier and ensures an attractive result. However, drilling can quickly become frustrating if the hole is crooked or too large, the drill slips, or even breaks. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basics of drilling and apply the right techniques. myHOMEBOOK offers useful tips and tricks to successfully tackle any drilling project.
Table of Contents
1. Precisely Determine the Drill Hole
First, you should determine exactly where you want to drill the hole. The next step is to check the wall for electrical and water lines. A reliable device for this is the multi-detector–also called a line finder–which reacts to electrical lines and metals. These are available at hardware stores for just a few dollars. If the device doesn’t react when checking the wall, you can mark the desired drilling spot.
Without a line finder, you should heed the following advice: Electrical lines usually run vertically and horizontally in the wall in so-called installation zones. Be especially careful around outlets–both vertically and horizontally. The same applies about 6 to 18 inches above the floor and below the ceiling. It can also be dangerous about 4 to 12 inches next to windows, room corners, and door frames.
More on this: How to Find Electrical Lines in the Wall
2. Choose the Right Drill
The right drill for you depends on the type of wall you want to drill into. To determine the wall’s composition, it’s best to perform a test drill with a thin drill bit in a small, hidden spot. Alternatively, you can try tapping. A hollow sound indicates plaster, while a dull sound suggests a more solid wall (such as stone or concrete). Depending on the material, you must choose between a masonry drill, a wood drill, and a metal drill.
More on this: What Material Is My Wall Made Of?
3. Choose the Right Anchors
Choosing the right anchor is also crucial for drilling. It’s important that the drill size matches the anchor diameter. Note: For porous walls, you should choose a smaller drill diameter; otherwise, the drill holes may be too large.
Also interesting: Can Tenants Drill into the Facade?
4. Determine the Depth of the Drill Hole
To determine the depth of the drill hole, there’s a simple calculation:
Drill Hole Depth = Length of the Anchor + Diameter of the Anchor
To avoid drilling too deep by accident, you can mark the length on the drill bit. A rubber band or a piece of tape works well for this. Note: Some machines also have an adjustable depth stop. In this case, you don’t need to make a mark.
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5. Finally, Drill!
Once all these precautions are taken, you can finally start drilling. There are also some techniques that make the work easier and ensure clean and professional results:
- To avoid falling construction dust, attach an envelope with painter’s tape under the drilling spot.
- Position the drill at a right angle to the wall. Tip: With this trick, you’ll always drill straight.
- Drill evenly and do not apply strong pressure to the machine.
- For stone and concrete walls, you need to set the hammer drill function to penetrate the hard material.
Related: Cordless Screwdriver, Hammer Drill, Rotary Hammer–What’s the Difference?
Tip: Machines overheat quickly if too much pressure is applied. Therefore, pull the drill out of the hole from time to time to let the machine cool down and allow the dust to escape.
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What to Do After Drilling?
Once the hole is drilled to the desired depth, you should clean it with a vacuum cleaner. This ensures that the anchor and screw have enough hold. Then check with the anchor to see if the hole fits. If it’s too small, you should use a larger drill bit.
It’s also possible that the drill hole is too large. However, you don’t necessarily have to drill a new hole. Simply add filler to the oversized hole and press the anchor in. Let it dry for about two hours before screwing into the anchor. You can also learn how to properly fill drill holes here.