Can I use regular drill bits to drill into concrete?

[gnx547]

I have a parking mat in my garage and I want to drill 2 holes so I can put in screws to hold down the mat. Can I use regular drill bits to drill into the concrete?

 

[89GLH]

Like my father used to say, "Any bit is a metal bit if you push hard enough." I believe you can, if you want to get rid of whatever bit you're using. Concrete bits have a different tip than a standard drill bit.

 

[Herb]

No. Go buy the cheapest masonry drill bit you can find at Lowes, HD or a hardware store and have at it. It will be a lot of work without a hammer drill, but for two small holes it can be done.

 

[Stuey]

If you don't have access to a hammer drill and don't want to go through the hassle of renting one or a rotary hammer, there are rotary masonry bits available from a few brands. I have a B&D set that I never used, and have seen a few other similar bits. For two holes, they should work okay enough.

 

[gtivr4]

Not sure if it works in concrete, but if you are drilling a larger hole, you might want to consider drilling in stages, starting with say a 1/8" then a 1/4" etc.

 

[Monte]

 

[ctgoodman]

Bottom line is no. It will ruin the bit and with not cut into it as well. Basically with a masonry bit you are grinding out a hole. Like others have said get a cheap masonry bit and start drilling. Also +1 on the hammer drill if you have it or access to one. I wouldn't rent one for two holes. Just use your regular drill if it's all you got. Just keep pulling it out and pushing it in to keep the hole cleared out. That will speed up the drilling a bit.

Have you looked at trying some sort of adhesive instead of trying to bolt it down? I would think the mat is just goung to tear if you are having an issue with it moving now.

 

[american lockpicker]

I use those or Artu.

 

[Danglerb]

Good excuse to buy a $50 HF SDS drill. (when on a "real" sale)
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-1-inch-sds-rotary-hammer-97743.html

 

[larry_g]

If you also need screws then buy some Tap-con screws as they are for concrete and come with a bit in the box. Two stones with one bird, or something like that.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Trey T]

Yes. but it will take longer and kill your bits in no time.

The idea behind drilling masonry is not so much cutting like woods or metal but rather knocking the tiny aggregate a part.

Essentially, you need a bit, shown in replies above, that has multiple edges thats rough and hard (not sharp). This is the idea behind the infamous tri-cone drill bits developed by Howard Hughes (Baker Hughes) bc drilling impervious rocks at fast rate is to impact it and not "cut" it. Therefore, you would use hammer drills w/ those masonry bits.

 

[Jim C.]

Like the others have said, "No." Use the right tools for the job...... A masonry bit and a hammer drill. You can always make do with the wrong tools in a pinch or an emergency. If you've got the time ask this question, you're not in a pinch nor are you experiencing an emergency!! Use the right tools. The job will go easier, maybe even safer, and the results will probably be better. This is also a Great excuse to buy yourself a hammer drill and a few new masonry bits.

Jim C.

 

[TWX]

when I was mounting the compressor to the floor, I found my Craftsman C3 stuff (19.2V) wasn't powerful enough to deal with the aggregate in the concrete. We had to break out the hammers and chisels when we encountered undrillable stones.

 

[5lima30]

No, get a masory bit and preferably a hammer drill.

 

[greybeard]

It's like anything else with tools, right tool for the job, and a wood/soft metal bit is the wrong tool to drill into concrete. Masonry bits are not all that expensive and you will always have need of them from time to time.

 

[greasemonkey44]

masonary bits and a cheap hammer drill; i got one from northern for 20$ that cuts through cinderblocks and concrete like butter