Drilling into brick is a project that requires some skill and knowledge. Whether you are hanging a painting or making a hole for electrical wiring, it is important to obtain quality drilling tools and learn the necessary safety precautions to use when tackling any drilling task.
With the right drill bit, appropriate safety gear and a few professional tips, we’re confident that you’ll be effectively drilling in no time.
Discover the diverse types of brick for construction, get to know the factors that'll decide which drill bit you should go for and make sure to get equipped with the essential tools required to drill your way into a brick wall – safely.
Here at HSS, we want to make every DIY task easier for you. That's why we have hundreds of tools available for hire and plenty of resources to help you complete various projects.
So, if you're a beginner looking for guidance on drilling into brick, this blog has you covered.
Drilling into brick vs. mortar: What's the difference and why does it matter?
So, you're a complete novice to drilling and you need to understand the materials before you go ahead and start cutting.
Don't worry, we understand it can be confusing, so let us help.
It is important to understand the distinctions between brick and mortar in order to select the most suitable tools and methods for the project.
Drilling into brick or mortar requires specific considerations due to the unique challenges presented by each material. The two materials have distinct differences in their properties, including their sturdiness and porosity, which can impact the drilling process.
Put simply, brick is characterised by its hard and dense composition, usually made from natural materials like clay. Mortar is typically softer and more porous when compared to other building materials and is often employed as an adhesive in brickwork.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind before applying the same drilling technique to both materials:
- Firmness: Brick is generally harder and denser than mortar, which means that it requires more force and a stronger drill bit to drill into it.
- Porosity: It is far easier to drill into mortar as it is much more porous and therefore may require less force. However, this also means that it is more likely to crack or crumble if drilled improperly and without the correct tools.
- Consistency: Mortar is usually of a smoother, uniform consistency than brick, resulting in greater predictability when drilling. Brick can vary in terms of density, composition, and hardness, making it more difficult to drill.
- Appearance: When using mortar to fill in spaces between bricks, it is more visible to drill into the mortar than into the brick. If you plan to drill in an area that is visible, you may want to think about maintaining a consistent look.