"DanG" wrote in message
...
What do have for a drill? I suspect the problem is with the drill or the
operator, or you have something really mean that you are drilling. I've
had SDS bits run for well over 1,000 holes. The 5/32 is small, but you
should still get plenty of holes - as in 50 or more.

I have had very little problem with the Tapcon things. If I hit rebar or a
hard piece of aggregate, that's about the only thing that will smoke a bit.
I have a piece of rod from a Bommer spring. It is approx 5/32". It cannot
be bent easily. It is used to tension the coil in the Bommer spring
assembly. (A self closing spiral spring assembly for pool gates.) I take
the rod and sharpen it to a chisel point. If I hit a point where the drill
is not progressing, I stop, and insert the rod into the hole. A few light
taps with a hammer while rotating it usually does it. I proceed with
drilling. Every bit I have smoked while drilling with a masonry bit of any
type, I did so by putting pressure on it when it would go no farther.
Friction takes over.

Pay attention. If the drill bit stops, there is a reason. Find it out, or
just press harder.

Steve