DIYbanter - View Single Post - Help: Drilling through concrete block and hitting resistance!

(Frank W) wrote in message ...
On 20 Aug 2003 13:45:01 -0700, (Mark Duncan)
wrote:

I'm a rewbie to all this. I need to drill a hole in a brieze block
wall from my kitchen through to my garage, but when I get about 4cm
into the brick, I hit something that I can't get any further through.
I know that I'm nowhere near any piping or cabling (I've tried several
different locations on the wall too), and I can't think what might be
stopping me.

For info, my drill has hammer action and is 500W (I know this may be
slightly und3er-powered for the job). any advice would be gratefully
appreciated.

I experienced the same thing once. I can't remember whether I ended up
drilling a bit further over, or whether I just kept pressing hard on
the hammer drill until the hard obstacle eventually yielded. I'd be
inclined to try the latter..

I wouldn't that personally, not without having a fair idea what the
obstruction is... eg the end of a steel-reinforced lintel isn't going
to do the masonry bit or the drill a lot of good!

What exactly is the wall made of? You mention separately 'concrete
block', 'breeze block' and 'brick', which are quite different in
hardness. Your drill should certainly go through breeze block like a
hot knife through butter (and the others should be no problem either).

Is the kitchen wall plastered? Is it possible you've just drilled
through the plaster layer - very soft - and have just hit the solid
brick?

How far apart have your test holes been? Could there be a
steel-reinforced lintel in the wall (eg above/immediately to the side
of a doorway or window?)

Probably a daft question; but you did admit to being a rewbie (sic) -
I take it you are using a suitable masonry bit on the drill?

HTH

David