"Brian Anderson" wrote in message
...
I'm trying to drill out some very old (but recently broken) Tapcon bolts
from a brick wall. They are 3/16" diameter bolts, and I tried using a
3/16" Titanium bit, but it didn't get me anywhere. I also tried drilling
a smaller 5/64" starter hole, also with a Titanium bit, but that didn't
work either. I am using a Black and Decker 3/8" corded drill.

Do I need a more powerful drill, or should I be using a different kind of
bit? Any suggestions are appreciated.

BTW, these bolts are about 20' up the wall. They held the letters of an
old sign, and the bolts broke when the letters were being removed for
repair. We'd like to put the letters back up in the same place they were
before, using 1/4" Tapcon bolts.



The bolt and the bit are both harder than the brick. probably end up with a
ragged hole even a 5/16th bolt wouldn't fit in. You're better off moving
over 1 inch and starting with new holes. It will take less time, cause less
frustration and is more likely to succeed.


If the bolts are sticking out a bit, try a vice grip and unscrew but it
dosen't sound like you have that option.