I figure if I built a house.....
06-11-2006, 06:29 PM
#1
I figure if I built a house.....
it would be awfully crooked... but one room... why not? Needed a diversion from the usual weekend wrenching, so I decided to build an office in my basement.
Yes I'm going to install a 2x4 above the door. Just wanted to get it all squared up first (wishful thinking).
Anyone have any experience with drilling into concrete? Using a cheapo hammer-drill... but these masonry bits don't seem to last but for one hole. Then they get dull, and subsequent attempts to drill just cause them to heat up to the point of glowing red. What's the secret?
Crappy camera phone pic of day 1 progress....
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/type89q/houses/061106_22181.jpg">
Yes I'm going to install a 2x4 above the door. Just wanted to get it all squared up first (wishful thinking).
Anyone have any experience with drilling into concrete? Using a cheapo hammer-drill... but these masonry bits don't seem to last but for one hole. Then they get dull, and subsequent attempts to drill just cause them to heat up to the point of glowing red. What's the secret?
Crappy camera phone pic of day 1 progress....
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/type89q/houses/061106_22181.jpg">
06-11-2006, 06:34 PM
#2
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Didn't drill to secure my walls, used a concrete hand nailer that uses a .22 like blank to fire
It's a cool tool that makes lots of noise. Load it with a big *** nail, put a blank in it and close it, put in place and smack the top with a hammer and it goes BANG. Can secure a wall in about 2 minutes.
Trent
If you're drilling to run lines or make actual holes then having the right tools helps. My Grandpa was a carpenter all his life and had the biggest damn hammer drill and these ancient bits that seemed to slice through concrete like butter.
Trent
If you're drilling to run lines or make actual holes then having the right tools helps. My Grandpa was a carpenter all his life and had the biggest damn hammer drill and these ancient bits that seemed to slice through concrete like butter.
06-11-2006, 06:37 PM
#3
i've heard of that... figured since i only needed a few per wall i could get away with
the hammer drill... used fairly expensive Bosch bits.... i'm going to try some different bits. The first hole with each bit was indeed like butter. Then it all goes to ****....
06-11-2006, 07:14 PM
#4
What bit are you using? A standard masonry bit WON'T work with a hammer drill - you need a bit for
hammer drills, which can be spendy. I did 40 holes in a HARD concrete foundation with one bit, though. I could not do a single hole in 30 minutes with a standard drill/masonry bit. Took less than 30 seconds per hole with the hammer drill.
06-11-2006, 07:16 PM
#5
On re-reading your post, you mention Bosch bits, which should be for hammer drills. I can't explain
your rapid loss of function in that case... What do the bits look like? Are they chipped or worn? Is the concrete cinder blocks or a poured foundation?
06-11-2006, 07:25 PM
#6
the tips are destroyed....
i've been looking at other hammer drill bits and these were actually pretty cheap, @ around $7 each.
I'll find some nicer ones I guess.
The anchors require 3/8" holes. Should I use a smaller bit to drill a pilot hole first?
It's a poured concrete foundation.
I'll find some nicer ones I guess.
The anchors require 3/8" holes. Should I use a smaller bit to drill a pilot hole first?
It's a poured concrete foundation.
06-11-2006, 07:32 PM
#7
and you know what...
i think you're right... these are Bosch masonry bits... according to the Lowes website Bosch makes both regular masonry bits and hammer drill bits. i guess i got the wrong thing. Good call!
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06-11-2006, 07:47 PM
#8
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Nope....need to use a special power nailer for this purpose. Shud have a pro help or do it 4 u.
You can rent one but not something for the DIY unless you are pretty skilled in carpetry as they are very dangerous. They basically "blast" the nail into the concrete. Also make sure you use wolmanized lumber on all wall plates (the wood 2x4's sitting on the floor) or at least that's how you build here in the midwest where I live.
Good luck...please post any more questions you have. I've done too many basement projects of my own on weekends but will be happy to share with you what I have learned over the years.
Good luck...please post any more questions you have. I've done too many basement projects of my own on weekends but will be happy to share with you what I have learned over the years.
06-11-2006, 08:07 PM
#10
shouldn't be a problem >
but the bolts sound small, imo - are they lag bolts, or "kwik-bolts"? If the latter, just ok. Use construction adhesive also, and you should be using treated wood in contact with any masonry/concrete - if not, building paper will probaly be ok. Tough about the bit - McP's probaly right - be sure you have carbide hammer bits; only other thought is that you're hitting aggregate (stones) inside the old conc. And if the conc is old, btw, it's harder to begin with.