How to do non-crooked concrete stud anchors?

[Nimonic]

Seems like every time I drill and install anchor studs in my concrete, it looks like a drunken gorilla did the work.

So now I am moving my bench grinder pedestal to my NEW garage, with an unmolested slab, and I'd really like for these studs to be STRAIGHT.

My apparently flawed technique is to use a hammer drill and several masonry bits. Usually a pilot bit that is ~3/16" and then step up to an eventual 5/8" stud for the anchors.

Is there more to it than this?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,... I've found that drillin' into concrete or rock requires a hammer drill Big enough for the job,...

I've tried to hammer 1/2" holes with my cordless 18v, 'n had No luck, 5/8", forgetaboutit,..

I now have a SDS larger hammer drill for up to 3/4", 'n a Big ole hammer drill for over 3/4", or just light jack hammerin',...

My cordless is a quality Makita,...
The other 2 are chinese/ harbor fright junk, that've already paid for themselves,...

Oh,.... 'n Sharp bits, when they dull, Toss 'em,...

 

[srmofo]

Get a bigger drill and hold it straight.

Get a helper to spot you if you can't visually tell where it needs to be

 

[Mustang51js]

Build a jig out of wood, even a 2x4 would do,drill a hole in it slightly larger than the bit you using.

 

[Cobra5150]

Get a bigger drill and hold it straight.

I've got an old school USA made Dewalt hammer drill w/ quality concrete drills and I have the same issue. Would it help to drill smaller holes first then open them up to the size you need? I recently did three 1/2" holes for my grinder stand and ended up having the open up the mounting holes to get it halfway even with the wall. In hindsight I figured out it would have been better to drill and mount the bolts one at a time.

 

[jhelrey]

Just drill with the size you need. No need to step it up in size, etc. Rent a Hilti from HD

 

[shampoop]

bubble gauge

 

[sgdawson]

I had the same problem while installing anchors for a MaxJax lift. After drilling one set of wobbly holes, I used a pair of laser levels to keep me "on the beam". Huge difference in setting the anchors and much easier to install the bolts.

 

[kingchevy]

I personally haven't tried this but it seems like a good idea. Drill through a mirror with a hole in it. When the drill is perpendicular to your surface, it will be lined up with it's image.

 

[wssix99]

Get a bigger drill and hold it straight.

Get a helper to spot you if you can't visually tell where it needs to be

+1. A longer bit helps a ton and a spotter will keep you honest.

Also - don't drink beer before hand. The job will end up looking like a drunken gorilla did it.

 

[dieselgarage]

I personally haven't tried this but it seems like a good idea. Drill through a mirror with a hole in it. When the drill is perpendicular to your surface, it will be lined up with it's image.

To me this is a good idea. But I would go with a piece of stainless with a #8 finish.

 

[nolimits76]

Here you go...useful for an array of projects.

http://www.rockler.com/portable-drill-guide

 

[Nimonic]

+1. A longer bit helps a ton and a spotter will keep you honest.

Also - don't drink beer before hand. The job will end up looking like a drunken gorilla did it.

Truism...

Here is my drunken gorilla handiwork on my old slab.

 

[metalhead212121]

here you go...useful for an array of projects.

http://www.rockler.com/portable-drill-guide

want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rockwithjason]

If your hammer drill uses a chuck key you have the wrong tool for the job

 

[radrush]

Use one of these with a 1-inch bit and then set the bolts with Hilti RE500 SD epoxy.

 

[nolimits76]

Use one of these with a 1-inch bit and then set the bolts with Hilti RE500 SD epoxy.

You might want to rent it. It costs $2,300 and is technically for core drilling.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hilti-120-Volt-DD-120-Compact-Diamond-Coring-Rig-Kit-274935/204697779

I think this is the stand only....$1149.

https://www.us.hilti.com/diamond-coring-&-sawing/diamond-drilling-accessories/drill-stands/376281

 

[harley jim]

same as some of the others have said, I drill holes with my makita hr-2455 it is big enough to put a 3/4 inch hole in a slab like butter. and I have epoxyed a bubble level onto it when I had to drill leg bracket holes for a pavilion job, I think it was 40 holes.

 

[big.jim]

use sds hammer drill and thru bolts , place item where you want it and drill through base then put bolt through and tighten , simples

 

[wnstwolf]

Putting various anchors in with a standard hamma drill Makita I believe and it seemed when you hit a stone that is in the concrete it would want to move the angle of the drill bit. Picked up a medium sized Hilti off C-list when I installed the lift and wow what a difference. Right tool for the right job..

 

[Nimonic]

it seemed when you hit a stone that is in the concrete it would want to move the angle of the drill bit.

I think you nailed it.

But yeah, better drill and sharper bit's should help. Looks like the Bosch hammer drill that I used to borrow from work got lifted by an x-employee, so now I need to find another drill anyway.

 

[A**holes Garage]

Drill as straight as you can. if it's still a little crooked, put a nut on the stud, tap it and straighten as needed with a hammer.

 

[wssix99]

Truism...

Here is my drunken gorilla handiwork on my old slab.

If you use the idea above to drill a smaller pilot hole, you won't have as bad of a problem with the larger bit "walking" on you. It makes a huge difference.

 

[Cobra5150]

.....it seemed when you hit a stone that is in the concrete it would want to move the angle of the drill bit..

That's what happened to mine. I was thinking with a smaller hole it may cut through the stone instead of angling off.

 

[djjsr]

There's a difference between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer. You need a rotary hammer.

 

[HAY YOU]

I use a Bosch SDS ($350. range) use a template back to back 2x8 screwed together with holes drilled in it. After you get the 1st hole drilled stick a bolt in it so you don't lose the patterned spacing. And just continue.