Find the Best Concrete Drilling Services Near You

Concrete core drilling is the process of drilling circular holes in a concrete surface. A concrete drilling tool is used that comprises a diamond cutting end attached to a steel tube. The coring drill is attached to the floor or surface using an anchor, bolt or vacuum seal for stability.

A coring drill is used to create holes in floors, walls, ceilings or whenever a hole is required. Coring drills are used for concrete and hard rock materials, generally used for plumbing, electrical wiring and heating. In some cases, the core drill is also used for the creation of vaults and manholes.

Three to seven days allows an appropriate amount of time for concrete to harden before drilling. However, some drillers prefer to leave the concrete to harden for at least 28 days. This is dependent on the amount of drilling to be performed.

It is possible that concrete may crack if you drill into it, however this greatly depends on the amount of stress placed on the concrete, as well as its condition. It is best to leave the concrete to harden to its best condition before commencing with core drilling.

Core drilling costs a minimum charge of $350. However, prices can vary on several factors such as the diameter of the drill, depth of the hole, and number of drilled holes. In most cases, establishment and transport also affect the cost of concrete drilling services.

Being the largest online construction marketplace in Australia, iseekplant offers a wide range of concrete services nationwide. These services include concrete cutting, concrete sawing and concrete grinding.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of quality concrete drilling companies operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer concrete drilling hire solutions in all major towns and cities from Townsville down to Mackay, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Hobart.

The easiest way to get a quote for concrete core drilling services in your area is to use the iseekplant get a quote tool. Just tell us where you need the concrete drilling contractors and we’ll give you the best quotes available. You can also call us on 1300 691 912 or email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au.

Masonry bits are designed for softer materials, like brick, block, and cinderblock, while concrete bits are designed for harder materials, such as concrete, asphalt, and stone. The most important thing to remember when drilling into concrete is that you need a carbide-tipped drill bit.

Running a small amount of water over the area while drilling will reduce the heat of the bit and the friction between the sides of the concrete and the drill. A good quality hammer drill will finish a 2-inch deep, 1/4 inch wide hole in a concrete block in less than a minute.

Masonry and concrete drill bits for durable drilling through tough material. Drilling is hard work at the best of times, but it's particularly strenuous when you need to drill in concrete and stone. These materials traditionally present challenges to... workers that make jobs like fittings and installations difficult.

Drilling and coring serve distinct purposes: Drilling creates holes while coring extracts cylindrical samples, each with its unique advantages. Consider your project's objectives: The nature, size, and scope of your project will dictate whether drilling or coring is the right choice.

Concrete is a rock-hard material that you can't just use any drill bit for. Concrete drill bits are blunt and have a blunt tip with wings that work like a chisel. The tip is made of extremely hard material, like tungsten carbide or widia (from the German wie diamond).

Concrete drilling typically costs $20 to $150 per hole for standard residential applications, but prices can increase for larger diameters, deeper holes, commercial projects, or reinforced concrete.

Typical Costs by Hole Size & Depth

Factors Affecting Cost

• Depth: Deeper holes take longer and require more powerful equipment.
• Reinforced concrete: Presence of rebar increases difficulty and cost.
• Accessibility: Tight spaces, difficult angles, or elevated locations can raise the price.
• Drilling method: Wet drilling may be required for dust suppression or material type, which can cost extra.
• Additional costs: Mobilization, setup, operator hourly rates, and waste removal can add to the total.

Summary:

• Small residential holes are generally the cheapest.
• Costs escalate with diameter, depth, reinforced concrete, and site complexity.
• Always confirm whether the quote includes labor, equipment, and any additional fees.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the hole diameters that can be drilled in concrete:

Key points:

• Smaller holes (≤1/4″) are common for DIY or light fixtures.
• Medium holes (1/4″–1/2″) are often used for anchors and structural dowels.
• Large holes (>1/2″) require specialized bits or core drilling.
• Core drills can create very large diameters (up to 36″+), typically for utilities, plumbing, or major construction works.

Yes, you can drill through reinforced concrete, but it requires the proper tools, techniques, and safety precautions because of the embedded steel rebar. Here’s a detailed guide:

Tools and Materials

• Rotary hammer drill: Provides percussive action to efficiently penetrate concrete and rebar.
• Carbide-tipped or diamond-tipped bits: Designed to cut through both concrete and steel. For deep holes, choose bits with long flutes to remove dust.
• Water or cooling spray: Reduces dust, cools the bit, and prevents overheating.
• Drill stop or tape: Marks the desired depth.
• PPE: Dust mask or respirator, safety goggles, ear protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Plan the hole: Use a rebar scanner if possible to locate steel and avoid unnecessary damage.
2. Select the right bit: Match the bit type and size to the diameter and depth needed.
3. Start drilling slowly: Begin at low speed, applying moderate pressure. Let the tool do the work.
4. Hitting rebar: If you encounter rebar, reduce pressure. The bit will cut through the steel gradually. Smoke or sparks may appear—this is normal.
5. Cool and clear: Periodically remove the bit to clear dust and cool the bit with water if necessary.
6. Finish the hole: Continue drilling to your desired depth once past the rebar.
7. Clean up: Remove concrete dust with a vacuum or dust extractor.

Tips

• Use a hammer drill rather than a standard drill; standard drills usually cannot penetrate reinforced concrete efficiently.
• Let the bit do the work; forcing it can break the bit or damage the concrete.
• Wet drilling reduces dust and extends bit life, especially for deeper holes.

The main equipment used for concrete drilling includes tools for breaking through both plain and reinforced concrete, along with accessories for precision and safety. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Core Drilling Equipment

1. Hammer Drill
   • Combines rotation with percussive hammering.
   • Ideal for small to medium holes in plain or lightly reinforced concrete.
2. Rotary Hammer
   • More powerful and durable than a standard hammer drill.
   • Designed for heavier-duty work, including reinforced concrete and larger diameters.
3. Masonry Drill Bits
   • Carbide-tipped for grinding through concrete.
   • Suitable for standard concrete drilling tasks.
4. Diamond-Tipped Drill Bits
   • Long-lasting, clean-cutting, and ideal for hard or reinforced concrete.
   • Often used for core drilling large-diameter holes.
5. Core Drill
   • For large-diameter holes (50 mm and above), like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC penetrations.
   • Uses a rotating diamond-tipped cylinder to remove a “core” of concrete.

Supporting Tools

• Depth Stop / Masking Tape: Marks the desired depth to prevent over-drilling.
• Vacuum or Dust Extractor: Reduces dust and keeps the work area clean.
• Water Supply (optional): For wet drilling to cool the bit and minimize dust.

Safety Gear (PPE)

• Dust mask or respirator
• Safety goggles
• Ear protection
• Work gloves

Here’s a clear breakdown of concrete drilling depths in table format for easy reference:

Key Considerations:

• Bit Length: The maximum depth is primarily determined by the drill bit size.
• Concrete Type: Reinforced or high-strength concrete may reduce effective depth per pass.
• Cooling / Dust Control: Wet drilling is often preferred for deep holes to prevent bit overheating.
• Safety & Support: Deeper holes may require clamps, guides, or supports to maintain accuracy.