How to Drill Into Brick in 6 Simple Steps
With the right drill and a masonry bit, drilling into brick is simple and easy
- Power drill with hammer function (or rotary hammer)
- Masonry drill bits
- Tape measure
- Marking pen
- Small water bucket
- Masonry anchor
- Silicone caulk (optional)
- Water
- Painter’s tape (optional)
The solid nature of a brick wall can be a pro and a con at the same time. Its sturdiness is great until you want to hang that shiny new piece of artwork in your living room. Although drilling holes and anchoring in brick requires more steps than drilling into many other surfaces, you can do it with just a little patience and the right tools. Follow along to learn how to drill into brick, brick veneer, and mortar.
Choose Whether to Drill Into Brick or Mortar
The first thing you’ll need to determine is if you should drill and anchor into the brick or the mortar between the bricks. Keep the following points in mind to make a decision before getting underway with your project.
Anchors placed directly into brick are more robust than those set in the mortar between the bricks.
Anchoring into mortar is less secure than anchoring into a brick but is acceptable for lightweight items, such as hanging pictures on brick walls.
If your bricks are old, brittle, cracking, or flaking, avoid anchoring into them and consider drilling into the mortar instead, or call a handyperson near you for assistance. Drilling into unstable bricks can cause them to crack more, necessitating repointing, or cause the anchor to fail.
Drilling into brick and mortar is similar, except that brick is a harder substance and will take more time than drilling into the mortar. Both materials require using masonry drill bits rather than standard drill bits meant for use in wood or metal.
If you have painted or stained bricks, note that any chipping that occurs while you drill may be very obvious, as the color underneath will show clearly. Drilling into the mortar may be a better option in this case.
Mark Where You Want to Drill a Hole
Based on your decision of whether to drill into the brick or the mortar, use your measuring tape and marking pen to make a small mark exactly where your hole needs to be. You may want to use a bubble level for multiple holes to ensure that your hole heights are perfectly aligned.
You may also wish to tap a center punch with your hammer at the starting location of the hole to help guide the pilot hole drill bit. A center punch is simply a pointed metal tool that, when tapped with a hammer, forms a small indentation in the material you’re drilling. The indent helps to line your drill bit up in the correct location, and it will prevent the bit from “walking” or moving away from the desired insertion point before the bit begins to dig into the brick.
Set Hole Depth
If you’re not planning on drilling through the brick, you’ll want to know how deep you’re drilling to create the most solid anchor point possible. Holes that are too deep or too shallow may compromise the anchor’s ability to do its job.
You’ll be drilling two holes to make one: a smaller pilot hole and a larger hole in the exact location to accept a brick anchor. First, choose a masonry drill bit smaller than the diameter of the final hole. Then, firmly attach the bit to the drill.
If your drill has a depth stop feature, set it so that the drill bit's tip will extend into the masonry only as deep as your anchor. Wrap a piece of painter’s tape around the bit at the correct depth if your drill doesn’t have a depth stop.
Drill a Pilot Hole
Photo: penyushkin / Adobe StockFor the best results when drilling into brick or mortar, start small and work your way up.
Put on protective gear, including safety glasses, ear plugs, and a dust mask or respirator. Then, set the switch on the drill into hammer mode. Place the drill bit's tip on your starting mark or in the recess formed by the center punch.
Slowly depress the drill’s trigger switch while applying firm, but not hard, pressure to the tool. If the drill bit begins to wander, stop and restart. Sometimes getting started takes a little patience.
Hold the drill steady once a hole begins to form and continue applying gentle pressure—let the drill bit do the hard work. Every few seconds, briefly extract the bit from the hole to expel debris.
If drilling takes more than one minute to complete, stop every 20 to 25 seconds and briefly dip the drill bit in a small bucket of water to cool it down. Use caution to keep water from getting into the drill housing.
When you reach the correct depth, remove the bit from the hole and use a vacuum, preferably a wet-dry vac, to remove leftover debris and dust from the hole.
Drill the Final Hole
This step can take a few minutes. Take your time and be patient for the best results.
Remove the pilot hole bit from the drill’s chuck and replace it with a drill bit measuring the same or slightly larger diameter than your anchor, depending on its type and requirements. Then, reset the depth stop on the drill or mark the depth again with painter’s tape on the new masonry bit.
Place the drill bit's tip in the pilot hole and begin drilling slowly, working up to speed gradually. Extract the bit every several seconds to allow debris to clear and stop every 20 to 25 seconds to cool the bit in the bucket of water.
Stop at the final depth and remove the drill bit from the hole, then vacuum the hole clean of dust and debris. It’s important to remove all of the debris from the hole, as anything remaining can compromise the masonry anchor and cause it to fail over time. For the best results, you can also use air from an air compressor if you have one to blow out any loose debris and dust, but a vacuum should remove most of what’s left in the hole.
Install an Anchor
This step does not involve drilling, but it is the goal of the project. Before putting your tools away, double-check that your anchor fits properly.
Follow the installation directions for your type of anchor. To persuade sleeve anchors into the hole, you may need to tap them gently with a hammer. For exterior anchoring, use silicone caulk around the hole's edge to create a watertight barrier at your anchor point.
Safety Precautions When Drilling into Brick
Drilling into brick requires attention and safety to ensure a smooth and hazard-free process. By prioritizing safety, you can create a controlled environment that maximizes efficiency and minimizes risks.
Secure Your Work Area
A drilling project starts long before any drilling actually takes place. Start by clearing your drilling area of any clutter and fragile items. A clean, well-lit, and organized workspace allows you to move with ease and avoid tripping or bumping into any objects. Next, lay a protective cover on your nearby furniture and surroundings to protect them from brick dust and debris. These small particles can easily spread. And not only will they make your furniture a lot less aesthetically pleasing, but it could also potentially cause injury. And lastly, make sure you keep children and pets away from your work area during your project.
Wear Appropriate Clothes and Protective Gear
Choosing the right attire isn’t only about comfort but also safety and efficiency. From top to bottom, wear safety goggles and a dust mask. These non-negotiables will protect your eyes from flying dust and brick and your body from breathing in these harmful particles. Make sure you dress the part by wearing tight-fitting clothes. While loose or baggy clothes are likely more comfortable, they can easily get snagged and create a possible safety risk. And get your hands—and feet—on a durable pair of work gloves and steel-toe boots. The gloves will keep your hands protected from any rough textures while the shoes will help prevent injuries from any falling debris.
Check for Hidden Utilities
Use a stud finder or utility locator to check for hidden electrical wires or plumbing—like water pipes or gas lines. These tools can help you find and navigate around your utilities. Accidentally drilling them can cause serious damage or create dangerous safety hazards.
Use the Right Tools
With the right tools, you can turn an awkward, problematic project into a seamless process. A high-quality drill bit will cut through the tough, gritty surface of the brick and help guide any drilling you do after. A hammer drill is powerful enough to break through brick without overheating or getting stuck. Seasoned masons would also recommend using a depth gauge to keep yourself from drilling too deep into the brick.
Using the right tools is key, but you need to keep them clean and well-maintained so your process is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Follow Safety Procedures
Certain procedures you should follow when drilling into brick will make your at-home project safer. Three ways to do this are setting the drill bit, marking and drilling pilot holes, and maintaining steady pressure while drilling.
Setting a drill bit and drilling into brick requires some precision and technique. Secure the drill bit, and make sure it’s firmly in place without wobbling. Use a pencil or chalk to mark your pilot holes. These smaller, initial holes will guide the way for drilling with larger drill bits and reduce the risk of cracking or spalling—flaking, peeling, crumbling, or chipping—brick. And remember to apply consistent pressure throughout the entire process. Keep your hand steady, and let the drill do the work. Too much force can overheat the drill bit or further damage the brick.
Take Regular Breaks
A project where you’re required to drill into brick shouldn’t be a race to the finish line. Take your time. Both you and your tools will likely need regular breaks. Holding a drill can put tension and strain on your body. Periodic breaks will also give your tools time to cool down and prevent overheating. You can use this time to assess your progress and clear away any dust and debris that have piled up.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Drilling into brick only takes a few minutes with the proper tools and between $10 and $25 for a couple of drill bits and anchors. If your DIY tool setup doesn’t include a drill with a hammer drilling function, you can rent one for a few hours from your local tool rental establishment for around $30.
You’ll want a rotary hammer drill for drilling larger diameter holes, which is really just a more heavy-duty hammer drill with very powerful torque. They’ll cost a few dollars more to rent but will save wear and tear on your household drill.
If drilling holes in your brick or mortar doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun time, a handyperson can undoubtedly help. They’ll charge between $35 and $75 per hour, and minimums may apply for small jobs.
Creating holes in brick several inches in diameter or larger is a job for local masonry professionals, who have access to expensive coring drills and other specialized equipment to do the job safely.
Ultimately, drilling a small hole in brick yourself should be fine on the interior of your home, but larger holes, like those for mounting a TV on a brick wall can be problematic for DIYers. We also recommend calling in a professional if you’re drilling any holes on the exterior of your home. The pro can ensure the seal around the final anchor is done properly so you don’t have any leaks or water issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best tool for drilling into brick or mortar is a rotary hammer drill which is a large hammer drill with low rotation speed and high torque. Regular drills with a hammer function are also excellent tools for drilling into brick when the diameter of the hole is 1/2 inch or less. It might be possible to drill into brick with a standard drill if you’re only drilling a very small hole, but note that masonry work will put a lot of wear on a standard drill, and the tool may not be strong enough to get through brick.
You may not need a hammer drill if you’re planning on drilling one or two very small diameter holes in brick. For holes with a diameter of 3/16-inch or less, a regular drill with a masonry bit can do the job. However, the bit will heat up quickly, and the process will take significantly longer than with a hammer drill. Prepare to cool your drill bit down in a bucket of water more often.
Drilling into brick or mortar requires the use of a masonry drill bit. Masonry drill bits appear similar to standard drill bits except for the leading tip of the bit. The tip has a bulky carbide arrow-shaped end slightly larger than the rest of the bit shaft. Standard or high-speed drill bits designed for making holes in wood or metal don’t have the ruggedness or design shape you need to drill into brick. They may not go through the brick at all, and if they do, they’re more likely to overheat, crack, or dull before you finish drilling.
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