create an outdoor living space from concrete

Posted on: 8 August 2016

The hardness of concrete usually makes it durable. However, it is also what makes it challenging to work on. This is especially true when working on a concrete drilling do-it-yourself project. The good news is that the right tools and proper drilling techniques can help to eliminate most of the stress that most homeowners encounter when working on their renovation projects. You will find the following concrete drilling tips useful when it comes to making the concrete drilling process as smooth as it can be.

Pace yourself

When working with softer materials such as wood, you rarely have to worry about drilling speed. In fact, drilling at higher speeds sometimes gets the work done faster. With concrete, you have to use the drill's recommended speed. This is because the drill needs enough time to deal with the toughness of concrete. Beyond a certain point, increasing the speed does nothing but increase heat generation, something that not only increases the rate of wear of your drill bit but also reduces the effectiveness of the drilling process.

Use enough lubrication

During the drilling process, the friction produced is usually enough to cause overheating. If this is allowed to happen, it will increase the risks of ending up with a broken drill bit. It may also damage your slab by causing premature fractures. This may interrupt the workflow. It is because of this that homeowners are usually advised to use enough lubrication when drilling a concrete slab. For the best lubrication results, keep away from oil-based lubricants. This is because they tend to be ineffective in high temperatures. And since concrete drilling involves heat production, sticking with water-based lubricants is advisable. In addition to reducing the friction between the bit and the concrete, they usually act as effective coolants while also reducing the amount of concrete dust produced.

Let the drill lead you

It is tempting to assume that applying pressure on your drill can get the job done faster. However, when it comes to dealing with concrete, applying more pressure on your drill will only increase the risks of ending up with a fractured concrete slab. Doing so will also increase the risks of drill damage because of the additional friction that will be generated as a result of the pressure. When drilling through concrete, don't try to force the drill through concrete. Letting it guide you will not only help to increase the lifespan of your drill but also lead to smoother concrete cuts.  

For more information, contact Slab Services or a similar company.