Drilling through concrete?

[Speedracer 64]

I am gonna have to install a handrail for my mom on her outdoor entrance steps. Can I drill into the concrete steps with a 20v drill/driver using the appropriate bits or do I need something larger? I've never done anything like this before and just trying to see if I can get by with the drill/driver I have or need to purchase something else.

 

[acer66]

Depends on how many holes.

If its more than a handful and/or bigger holes I would use a sds Rotary hammer.

If this is a one time use I would either rent one at a big box store or buy one at Harbour Freight.

If you can see yourself doing this again I would get a corded Bosch or a Dewalt (?) 20V.

 

[Rusted Nut]

A drill driver - no. Perhaps a hammer drill, but better off with a rotor hammer.

 

[djbmw]

A hammer drill with concrete bits works well on a few smaller holes (1/2" or less).

Sds rotary hammer will work much faster for far more holes, and also be able to spin up concrete boring bits (concrete hole saw bits).

I own both and never use the hammer drill on concrete any more.

 

[Firebrick43]

My Bosch SDS drills are corded so a while back I had a dozen 3/16 holes to do I thought I would use my Milwaukee fuel drill on hammer drill mode to do it to save time pulling out the cord.

The Bosch bulldog will plunge one in under 10 seconds with not much pressure or hand felt vibration. The Milwaukee fuel took well over 45 seconds with lots of pressure and lots of vibration to the hand.

After the second one I went and got a cord and bulldog. It only gets worse as hole size goes up.

I won't touch a hammer drill anymore as I am spoiled. They used to be about $110 but appear to be $180 now for the small bulldog. Totally worth it to me.

 

[GeoBruin]

OP, a handrail sounds structural, so you're probably talking about fairly sizeable tapcons or similar concrete fasteners with corresponding pilot holes. That's going to be next to impossible for a drill/driver without hammer mode. Before everyone keeps speculating about your situation, does your drill have hammer mode or not?

 

[BrandonV]

Maybe its worth trying and seeing? I think there are a lot of factors at play here. You'll know if the bit isn't going to go thru.

 

[Speedracer 64]

OP, a handrail sounds structural, so you're probably talking about fairly sizeable tapcons or similar concrete fasteners with corresponding pilot holes. That's going to be next to impossible for a drill/driver without hammer mode. Before everyone keeps speculating about your situation, does your drill have hammer mode or not?

It does not

 

[manwithtools]

My Bosch SDS drills are corded so a while back I had a dozen 3/16 holes to do I thought I would use my Milwaukee fuel drill on hammer drill mode to do it to save time pulling out the cord.

The Bosch bulldog will plunge one in under 10 seconds with not much pressure or hand felt vibration. The Milwaukee fuel took well over 45 seconds with lots of pressure and lots of vibration to the hand.

After the second one I went and got a cord and bulldog. It only gets worse as hole size goes up.

I won't touch a hammer drill anymore as I am spoiled. They used to be about $110 but appear to be $180 now for the small bulldog. Totally worth it to me.

This why I now own a M18 SDS Rotary Hammer Drill. I had a corded version before, the cordless works so well and is so handy to grab that I don't even bother thinking about any other possible tool. I just grab the cordless SDS and get it done. And quickly I might add!

OP, you for sure want an SDS rotary hammer drill. There is no need to own a combo drill with hammer mode today. Just get an SDS for this project, even if just a cheap one. If you see other such projects in the future, spring for a cordless name brand, if you are already in a battery ecosystem, probably best to stick with that brand.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Easy peasy with diamond hole saw.. get a bottle of water to help cool and keep dust down. Just break the core with a punch and hammer every now and then and go as deep as you need.

 

[The Cobbler]

the size of hole you need will determine the tool you need.
but as a minimum, a hammer drill would be required .

 

[finn]

If it’s a one time project, rent an SDS drill.

Menards and Home Depot have them.

If it’s a once every two or three year proposition, it probably makes sense to buy a corded version.

More than that, get a battery version compatible with whatever battery platform you have, or plan on having.

If you’re a pro or semi pro, get a Bosch.

 

[slowtwitch73]

You don't need a hammer drill... get a diamond hole saw.

 

[ybnormal]

the size of hole you need will determine the tool you need.
but as a minimum, a hammer drill would be required .

true. when I put fence posts in to build a fence across my driveway, I used a core drilling rig I rented from HD. sleeved the hole with PVC and dropped the fence posts in so I could make it removable.

when I put a rackable railing on my concrete porch steps, I drilled 4 holes for the top post using my Ryobi and appropriate drill bits for concrete. the bottom post I dug out dirt, poured some Quik-crete, and set the bolts in the Quik-crete

 

[danski0224]

I am gonna have to install a handrail for my mom on her outdoor entrance steps. Can I drill into the concrete steps with a 20v drill/driver using the appropriate bits or do I need something larger? I've never done anything like this before and just trying to see if I can get by with the drill/driver I have or need to purchase something else.

Question is sort of open if the hole size is not mentioned.

 

[Speedracer 64]

Question is sort of open if the hole size is not mentioned.

I haven’t purchased the handrail yet so I don’t know

 

[Hakeem]

Around here it’s always 3/8” diameter concrete anchor for handrails, which typically takes a 5/16”-3/8” diameter hole, depending on what kind of anchor you’re using. Concrete screw, eg: tapcon, will take 5/16” hole. Wedge anchor will take 3/8” hole.

Refurbished Bosch Bulldog is overkill for a few holes but depending on your budget might be worth picking up as the ability to drill in concrete does come in handy and with a coring bit they can do 2”+ holes.

This for $130:

https://www.amazon.com/Factory-Reconditioned-Bosch-11255VSR-RT-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B0012DQX5U?tag=atomicindus08-20

Is about as good of a bang for your buck as there is.

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

One important factor often not taken into consideration when deciding between the use of a rotary hammer drilled hole or a diamond cored hole is the use of the hole. If the hole is blind and to be used for bolts or anchors then in most cases a diamond cored hole is not suitable; even if it does pass a pull test it may not hold up over a long period of time. Engineers know this which is why concrete anchors and epoxy cements for setting studs often come with warnings not to use them in diamond cored holes.

Diamond cored holes are smooth inside. Rotary hammer drilled holes are rough inside.

 

[larry4406]

At the day job they use rotary hammer drills for railings then Rock-ite to install.

 

[Dig Doug]

I am gonna have to install a handrail for my mom on her outdoor entrance steps. Can I drill into the concrete steps with a 20v drill/driver using the appropriate bits or do I need something larger? I've never done anything like this before and just trying to see if I can get by with the drill/driver I have or need to purchase something else.

what are your thoughts for anchors?
wedge anchor, epoxy all thread

how long Are the anchors?

roto hammer would be the best tool to use!

what city are ya in ?

if your close you can borrow one of mine.

 

[honcho]

Before I had a hammer drill, and later a SDS drill, I made plenty of holes in concrete with a corded 3/8" drill and a masonry bit. The hammer drill made the task easier and the SDS drill made it even easier. Try with what you've got--with a massonry bit--before you go renting or buying something else.

 

[Speedracer 64]

what are your thoughts for anchors?
wedge anchor, epoxy all thread

how long Are the anchors?

roto hammer would be the best tool to use!

what city are ya in ?

if your close you can borrow one of mine.

I haven't purchased anything for a handrail yet. Still trying to decide what im gonna get and need. I'm in southern Ky.

 

[Wamsutta]

.

 

[engineer2]

I just set my cordless drill to hammer mode and it does a great job. I've done up to 3/4" diameter holes without a problem.
I just put some shelf standards on my concrete foundation and drilled the anchor holes using a 5/16" bit and it was easy-peasy.
The key is to use a sharp masonry bit and don't let the hole plug with concrete dust.
Adjust the drill speed and your arm pressure until you feel the bit advancing nicely. Depending on the hardness of the concrete there is a "sweet spot" where the bit will cut very nicely. Let the tool do the work.

 

[mike93lx]

Before I had a hammer drill, and later a SDS drill, I made plenty of holes in concrete with a corded 3/8" drill and a masonry bit. The hammer drill made the task easier and the SDS drill made it even easier. Try with what you've got--with a massonry bit--before you go renting or buying something else.

A Ford ranger can eventually haul 100 yards of dirt, but it's the wrong tool for the job, just as a regular drill is for this. Hammer drills are really cheap today

 

[honcho]

A Ford ranger can eventually haul 100 yards of dirt, but it's the wrong tool for the job, just as a regular drill is for this. Hammer drills are really cheap today

Sigh.....yes, this is Garage Journal and of course it's sacrilege not to have the perfect tool for every job. The OP originally didn't say how many holes or how big the holes or how hard the concrete so nobody knows if he needs a jackhammer and a towable compressor. You can make a few holes in concrete with a hammer and a star drill. The tool you have is better than any tool you don't have and, for many folks, money can be a real issue.

 

[dr_clyde]

Just rent a rotary hammer from any rental store. If you want to own one they're not that expensive, but it'll sit 99% of the time.

I used to do a LOT of handrail fabrication and installs, smallest I would recommend is 3/8" wedge anchors. Can you get away with less? Sure, but you're risking your fasteners failing and someone falling.

Most codes say your railings need to resist a 200# load in any direction at any place on the rail. When you apply that kind of force to a handrail with 3' of leverage to the floor plate, you're generating a LOT of force on that fastener. Tapcons pull out without too much force, so I default to wedge anchors.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

For a couple small holes all you need is a good masonry bit and a cheap hammer drill.

This will likely do all you need:

https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/drills-drivers/hammer-drills/20v-cordless-12-in-hammer-drilldriver-kit-with-15-battery-and-charger-64756.html

Is it what I would use? no I have an SDS - but it will get the job done.
If the concrete is not too hard, even a masonry bit in a regular drill can make it happen. (been there done that)

He's never done it before - so I don't see any need for him to buy an SDS drill.

 

[mike93lx]

Sigh.....yes, this is Garage Journal and of course it's sacrilege not to have the perfect tool for every job. The OP originally didn't say how many holes or how big the holes or how hard the concrete so nobody knows if he needs a jackhammer and a towable compressor. You can make a few holes in concrete with a hammer and a star drill. The tool you have is better than any tool you don't have and, for many folks, money can be a real issue.

I didn't say anything about having the perfect tool.

A basic hammer drill is $11 at Harbor freight, used can probably be similar on CL/FBMP.

 

[rjn2649]

How you anchor is really dependent on the railing. AND how it will be used.

Is there family members that really need to pull/push on this to get up and down the steps? I would do it like this, not use a flange with screws. That railing been there 30 years, and I know of at least one fat drunk that fell against it more than once!

To do it this way, as a one time thing I would use a corded drill from H/F, don't know about a core bit from them, the bits can get a little pricey. Renting one as others said might be a way to go.

Have you priced a railing installed ? I KNOW, garage journal, BUT sometimes you just got to pick your battles.

 

[Hakeem]

How you anchor is really dependent on the railing. AND how it will be used.

Is there family members that really need to pull/push on this to get up and down the steps? I would do it like this, not use a flange with screws. That railing been there 30 years, and I know of at least one fat drunk that fell against it more than once!

To do it this way, as a one time thing I would use a corded drill from H/F, don't know about a core bit from them, the bits can get a little pricey. Renting one as others said might be a way to go.

Have you priced a railing installed ? I KNOW, garage journal, BUT sometimes you just got to pick your battles.

This method of install has always intrigued me. Would you mind sharing your method?

 

[mike93lx]

How you anchor is really dependent on the railing. AND how it will be used.

Is there family members that really need to pull/push on this to get up and down the steps? I would do it like this, not use a flange with screws. That railing been there 30 years, and I know of at least one fat drunk that fell against it more than once!

To do it this way, as a one time thing I would use a corded drill from H/F, don't know about a core bit from them, the bits can get a little pricey. Renting one as others said might be a way to go.

Have you priced a railing installed ? I KNOW, garage journal, BUT sometimes you just got to pick your battles.

My railings are installed like this as well and it's sturdy as hell. I assumed it extends in 4-6" or so, and then mortar is poured in

 

[rjn2649]

For clarity I didn't install this one, but have others.

Core drill about 1 to 1 1/2" obviously depending on what your putting in the hole. Why core drill? A 1" hammer drill that close to the edge of the step can be a problem, one I always choose to avoid.

Go down 3-6 inches, clean it out with a shop vac. spray a little water in there, don't flood it, blow or vacuum it out again.

I put in a anchoring cement, I like Rockite, just because that's what i have always used, jam the post in, then back fill w/ cement if you have to. The problem with back filling is sometimes you can get air pockets that are hard to get out.

I've done access control and installed panels at the gate this way, I know a lot of my stuff is still standing 15 years later.

That being said. the problem with most store bought railings, I have seen, is the flange is relatively small so the screws are close together, and most of the post are hollow

 

[rjn2649]

@ mike93lx, we wrote at the same time...

 

[mike93lx]

@ mike93lx, we wrote at the same time...

The difference is that you have actually done it and I was just speculating.

 

[The Cobbler]

Actually I installed some at a home I owned because of aging parents visiting. ( should have been done regardless )
local ornamental iron place made them up for us. I installed them. cored I think an 1-1/2" hole about 4" deep
They suggested using thinned down hydraulic cement and pour it into the holes
It worked well .
I actually drilled a 5/16 hole right thru so any water that got in the could hopefully drain out & avoid freezing & expanding

 

[mike93lx]

I actually drilled a 5/16 hole right thru

Through where? The mortar after it set?

 

[The Cobbler]

thru the center of the hole I cored for the post, right thru the step so any water could drain underneath

 

[pcmeiners]

If it is truly cement you can use a rotary hammer drill. If it is to drill in limestone stair treads or brick you better use a core drill or you will crack the limestone/brick.

 

[johninct]

I am gonna have to install a handrail for my mom on her outdoor entrance steps. Can I drill into the concrete steps with a 20v drill/driver using the appropriate bits or do I need something larger? I've never done anything like this before and just trying to see if I can get by with the drill/driver I have or need to purchase something else.

GET A HAMMER DRILL!!!!!! If not, when you drill with a regular drill/concrete bit, if you hit a stone and try to go through, there is a very good chance you will wallow out your hole making it too big.