2" holes in concrete

[Craig Clayton]

I enjoy drilling holes in concrete as a electrician, some people make a mess of it. If you have rebar then you need a diamond core drill. If you rent a machine you can get alot done. When the water starts to runs clear then you are on rebar,just slow down and wait, it will cut through. Some years ago on 1 job I drilled 700 2 " holes.
Craig Clayton

 

[charlz]

I rented a Hilti and 2" core type bit from Home Depot last year. I think it was about $50 for 4 hours... I really only used it about 5 mins making the hole You could get as many size bits as you wanted for the same rental fee. One of those things where it's best if you plan out all your holes in advance.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I put a link up for that Irwn bit and after reading Harvey's reply, I wanted to clarify that I'm not a fan of Irwin products. I think they are bottom end and agree that if you get ten uses out of them, you are doing good. I haven't spent the money on Hilti, but found that Bosch makes good bits. There are a ton of DeWalt bits out there for the SDS type tools, but they don't last very long either.

Eddie

I agree but I will say that I have some Irwin speed bore auger bits rated to cut nails if necessary. Mostly, I use them to bore PT fence posts for gate hardware but on occasion, have used them on barns and have cut nails. They have done quite well.

As for the concrete drilling, for limited use, I too say go rent the tools. Amazing how fast those SDS core bits will cut.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Thanks for the links. I used to have access to hilti rotary and hammer drills, yes they are nice and I know how they go thru concrete like butter. I don't have access to them anymore, that was a long time ago. I have a dewalt hammer drill I use with small bits, it drills with no problems. My neighbor the plumber has a large one he has said I can borrow, I just didn't want to wear down his bit. I have 10 holes to do, might hit rebar. I also can rent at HD.

 

[dcyrilc]

Thanks for the links. I used to have access to hilti rotary and hammer drills, yes they are nice and I know how they go thru concrete like butter. I don't have access to them anymore, that was a long time ago. I have a dewalt hammer drill I use with small bits, it drills with no problems. My neighbor the plumber has a large one he has said I can borrow, I just didn't want to wear down his bit. I have 10 holes to do, might hit rebar. I also can rent at HD.

Your best bet is probably to just rent what you need.

 

[F250DSLPWR]

Harbour Freight sells a $60 SDS hammer drill with carbide bits and they also have bit set available inexpensively. 1" is the largest bit. They do not have a bit for the standard SDS in 2", (you have to move up to SDS Max and it costs $$$- $$$$) but you can drill multiple small holes with this hammer drill in a circle and knock out the concrete slug. I have done that for water / electric pipes etc.. Works great and for the cost of a rental you now own tool. This tool is not the same as a drill with a hammer feature. The HF Hammer drill is a true SDS hammer drill.

 

[CurlyDave]

Drilling multiple holes in a pattern is a reasonable way to make a larger hole in sheet metal, possibly in wood, and maybe in other light thin materials.

I seriously doubt that anyone can make a presentable hole in concrete more than a few inches thick this way.

And, a 1" drill will never be able to make multiple holes that will end up 2" in diameter. Think about it. Two holes exactly side-by-side will end up 2" across, but when one tries to fill in the pattern, the drill will always wander into the previously drilled holes.