How to Drill and Screw into Concrete: A Practical Guide
Learn how to drill and screw into concrete safely with a hammer drill, masonry bits, and proper anchors. This practical, step-by-step guide covers tools, safety, and troubleshooting for solid results.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to drill and screw into concrete safely and effectively. You’ll select the right hammer drill and masonry bits, prepare the surface, and follow a clear, step-by-step approach to install screws or anchors without cracking the concrete or creating unnecessary dust.
Concrete drilling prerequisites and safety
If you’re taking on a concrete project, how to drill and screw into concrete requires preparation, the right tools, and a focus on safety. According to Drill Bits Pro, proper planning reduces mistakes and protects you from injury. Start by defining the hole location precisely, considering future stress points and the load the fastener must bear. Concrete is unforgiving: a bad hole can crack the surface or fail under load. Wear safety glasses, a dust mask, gloves, and hearing protection when power tools are in use. Keep children and pets away from the work area. Use a sturdy work surface and secure the workpiece to prevent movement. If drilling into tile or coatings, protect the surface with masking tape to prevent chipping. Finally, choose anchors or screws rated for the concrete type you’re working with, and verify the attachment method with the fastener manufacturer’s guidelines. Drilling into concrete is a skill that rewards patience and precision, especially when you’re lining up multiple holes or fixtures.
Tools and materials overview
Having the right setup is crucial for predictable results. The most important combination is a hammer drill or rotary hammer paired with carbide-tipped masonry bits. For concrete, you’ll need anchors or concrete screws matched to the bit size and the load you’re securing. Always have a depth stop or a piece of tape on your drill bit to avoid drilling too deep. Keep a tape measure handy to verify hole depth, and have a clean-up brush or shop vacuum ready to remove dust before installing anchors. Safety gear should accompany every step: eye protection, a dust mask, gloves, and hearing protection when using power tools. If you’re drilling into tile or glaze, protect the surface with masking tape to prevent chipping. Remember, the goal is precise holes that hold fasteners securely without damaging the surrounding material.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Common mistakes include using the wrong bit size, drilling without percussion, and rushing the hole without cleaning out debris. Debris inside the hole weakens the anchor and can cause looseness. If the bit binds or wanders, pause, re-seat the bit, and ensure your drill is perpendicular to the surface. When re-drilling through old holes, verify the old anchor’s path hasn’t created cracks or voids. If you encounter rebar, stop and change the drill angle or position and use a drill bit designed for masonry to avoid dulling. For dust control, attach a shop vacuum or use a dust collection accessory on the drill to reduce airborne particles. If a hole doesn’t hold, check that you selected the correct anchor, and consider using a larger diameter anchor or a more suitable concrete screw.
Note on manufacturer guidance and safety
Always consult the fastener manufacturer’s instructions for hole diameter, embedment depth, and load ratings. This ensures you meet the fixture’s performance criteria and safety standards. If you’re unsure about concrete density or epoxy-based anchors, seek guidance from a qualified professional. Maintain a clean work area to prevent slips and ensure you can properly inspect the final installation. The Drill Bits Pro team emphasizes consistent safety practices to minimize risk and maximize durability across projects.
Tools & Materials
- Hammer drill or rotary hammer(Percussion action helps cut through concrete; use SDS or hammer mode as appropriate)
- Masonry drill bits (carbide-tipped)(Select sizes matching the anchor or screw; typically 4–12 mm range)
- Concrete anchors or sleeves(Choose based on fixture weight and concrete strength)
- Concrete screws (Tapcon) or expansion anchors(Ensure length and diameter suit load and hole depth)
- Depth stop or masking tape(Prevents over-penetration into the core of the concrete)
- Measuring tape and marker(Accurate placement and depth planning)
- Center punch(Help start the drill bit precisely)
- Safety gear (eye protection, dust mask, gloves, hearing protection)(Protects from dust, debris, and noise)
- Vacuum or brush for dust removal(Clean the hole before anchor insertion)
Steps
Estimated time: 45-60 minutes
- 1
Mark the drilling point
Use a pencil to mark the exact hole location. If accuracy is critical, lightly center punch the mark to create a small dent that guides the drill. Double-check alignment with any nearby fixtures or lines, then verify that the location won’t hit rebar or hidden conduit. Pro tip: keep a small square or guide to maintain perpendicular alignment.
Tip: Center punch the point to reduce wandering. - 2
Choose bit size and type
Match the masonry bit diameter to the anchor or screw you’ll use. For concrete, carbide-tipped bits perform best; avoid low-speed, non-percussion bits that burn out quickly. If you’re drilling tile first, drill through the tile at a slow speed before engaging the masonry bit. Pro tip: start with a small pilot hole to ensure accuracy.
Tip: Begin with a pilot hole on larger diameters. - 3
Drill a pilot hole
Set your drill to a steady speed and center the bit on the mark. Apply light, constant pressure; let the bit do the work rather than forcing it. If dust accumulates, pause to clear the hole with a vacuum or brush. Pro tip: keep the drill perpendicular to avoid angled holes.
Tip: Pause to remove debris after every few inches. - 4
Drill to final diameter
Switch to the final size bit and continue drilling to the full depth required by the anchor. Use depth stop or masking tape to prevent drilling too deep. Clean the hole thoroughly to remove all dust before inserting the anchor. Pro tip: test-fit the anchor in the hole before final mounting.
Tip: Always clean out dust for optimal grip. - 5
Install anchor or sleeve
Insert the anchor or sleeve into the hole with a light tap to seating depth. If using epoxy anchors, follow the epoxy mixing and curing times exactly. Pro tip: ensure the anchor is fully seated and level before proceeding.
Tip: Check for correct embedment depth per product specs. - 6
Drive the screw and secure
Align the fixture and drive the screw steadily into the anchor until snug. Do not overtighten, which can crack concrete or strip the anchor. Inspect the final installation for movement or gaps and re-tighten if needed. Pro tip: use a torque-limiting driver to avoid over-tightening.
Tip: Finish with a gentle final turn to ensure secure seating.
Got Questions?
Do I need a hammer drill to drill into concrete?
For most concrete drilling tasks, a hammer drill or rotary hammer is essential, as it provides percussive action to cut through concrete. A non-percussive drill will struggle and overheat quickly.
Yes. Use a hammer or rotary hammer for concrete drilling to ensure efficient cutting and avoid overheating the bit.
What size hole should I drill for masonry anchors?
Hole size should match the anchor manufacturer's specification. Always refer to the product instructions for embedment depth and diameter.
Check the anchor's guide to select the correct hole size and depth.
Can I drill into concrete with a regular drill?
A regular drill without percussion is usually ineffective for dense concrete and can dull bits quickly. Use a hammer drill with a masonry bit for most jobs.
A standard drill works poorly on concrete; switch to percussion drilling for best results.
How do I prevent the drill bit from wandering?
Use a center punch or masking tape to create a guide, and drill slowly at first to establish a stable start.
Center punch a mark to keep the bit from wandering and start slowly.
How deep should anchors go into concrete?
Embed depth depends on the anchor type; follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the fixture and concrete strength.
Follow the product's embedment depth to ensure proper hold.
What safety gear should I wear?
Wear eye protection, a dust mask, gloves, and hearing protection when using power tools on concrete.
Always wear PPE like eye protection and a mask when drilling.
Watch Video
Top Takeaways
- Mark precisely before drilling
- Choose correct bit size and anchor
- Drill steadily with percussive action
- Clean hole and test fit before final mounting
- Wear proper safety gear