Concrete is durable and will withstand a lot, but drilling
or cutting through a concrete wall can damage the wall if it is done
incorrectly. Here are some things you should be aware of before attempting to
drill or cut through a concrete wall on your own.
If you are going to cut a hole or drill through a concrete
wall, use the right tools to reduce the chance of damage to the wall.
Core Saw or Drill
A core drill with a diamond bit is the best option for round
cuts that you can pass wires, water lines, or other things through. The core
drill is a large piece of equipment so if it is possible, you should have a
helper to work with you on the job.
The core drill uses a diamond tip drill bit but check with
the rental company because some bits require a constant flow of water over
them, while others do not. If the bit you are using requires cooling and you do
not provide water for the bit, the tool can overheat and the diamonds break
free from the mount, essentially destroying the drill bit.
Wall Saw
A wall saw has a circular blade that rotates at high speed
to cut through the concrete. Like the core drill, the wall saw uses a diamond
blade and most of them require cooling with water as they are cutting through
the concrete. These saws are large and heavy but some have support frames that
hold the saw and make it easier to move the saw along the wall and keep the cut
straight.
Layout the cuts or locates the position of your hole before
any cutting or drilling starts. Once the concrete is cut, it is not easy to
repair. If you do not take the time to lay everything out and mark the wall,
you could be in a situation where a contractor has to come and repair the
wall.
Ensure the wall does not lose its structural integrity when
you make your holes, so taking the time to plan where the cuts or holes in advance
is the best way to be sure you get a successful penetration of the
wall.
It is tempting to fire up the core drill and push the feed
lever down to drill through the wall quickly, but doing that is going to damage
the drill and potentially cause the wall to crack. If you work with a core
drill, use light pressure on the feed lever and let the bit cut and clear the
hole on its own.
The bit will last longer, you will reduce the chance of
damage to the drill and the wall, and the hole will be much cleaner when you
use the tool properly.
If you are going to cut or drill through concrete, protect
yourself from the dust and debris generated during the process. A good set of
safety glasses or goggles that you can see through, but that wrap around your
eyes is important.
A good respirator is important as well. Concrete dust is not
good for your lungs and a standard dust mask helps, but a high-quality
respirator with replaceable filters will better protect you from dust getting
into your lungs, nasal passages, and mouth.
If you are not comfortable cutting or drilling your holes,
gives us a call at Capitol City
Concrete Cutters today. Our technicians will come out and cut the
holes you need and provide the tools and equipment for the job. We have over
twenty years of professional experience and will make sure the cuts or holes
you need are done properly.
