Preparing the Area To Drill into Brick

1. Ensure your work area is hazard-free. If you’re using a ladder, make sure it’s on a steady and secure surface with no potential for slippages mid drilling.
2. Check the area for any pipes or wiring that could be hidden in the wall — you can use a DIY metal detector to ensure your route is obstacle-free.
3. Use a tape measure to pinpoint where you want your holes. Mark the positions with your permanent or chalk marker. Some shelving units, flat-screen TVs, or curio-cabinets may even include a template that you can hang over the soon-to-be holes to double-check their positions.
4. If you have two or more holes to drill, use a bubble level or plumb line to ensure they’re level.
5. Cover each dot marked with a cross of masking tape. This not only adds traction while drilling, but also prevents the brick surface from cracking, especially with older or more fragile bricks.
6. On smoother brickwork, use a nail punch to create an indentation on the surface, it will prevent the drill from wandering.

7. Setting up Your Drill for Drilling in Brick

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   1. Choose which drill bit you intend to start with. Note: when boring large holes, you may need to start with a smaller bit to make a slight indent before moving up to a larger bit.
   2. Ensure the drill bit is securely fastened into the drill chuck. There’s little point in marking the position of the holes so accurately if the bit is going to move as soon as you power up.
   3. Refer to your owner’s manual for a guide to the suggested depth of various materials, and set the drill stop on your hammer drill.
   4. Without a depth stop? Wrap masking tape around the stop point for a makeshift version.
   5. If you’re using a corded drill with an extension lead, first check it has a suitable amp rating for your drill. Also, ensure the snake-like length doesn’t provide a tripping hazard.
   6. For a cordless drill, make sure the power cell is fully charged. Drilling through brick can be a lengthy process and zap even the most powerful of batteries.

      Starting To Drill — How To Drill a Hole in Brick

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      1. Don your protective safety gear before you start.
      2. Ensure the area you intend to drill is well ventilated. If indoors, open as many windows and doors as possible to reduce any build-up of that pesky silica dust.
      3. Time to get down to business — drilling holes in brick! How do you drill a hole in brick? The answer to that is VERY slowly!
      4. Hold your drill at 90 degrees to the surface you intend to drill. The drill should be perfectly level. If you should vary the angle, it may reduce the drilling power and cause alignment issues.
      5. Always hold the drill with two hands, one on the pistol-style grip and the other on any auxiliary handle/grip it may have. If it doesn’t have a side handle, secure the drill at the back of the unit for extra stability.
      6. Set your drill to the lowest speed. If your drill doesn’t offer multiple settings, drill in several short bursts. This will reduce the risk of overheating.
      7. Start by drilling the indent or pilot hole applying just enough force to start penetrating the surface. If the drill should wander from your target, stop and reposition the bit on the correct point.
      8. Use a slow but varying push force until you find that bite point where the bit breaks through the brick surface. Now, continue drilling with a steady pushing action until you reach the recommended depth.
      9. Once your pilot hole is complete, swap to a larger masonry bit. Check the drill is still perfectly level to the wall, and continue drilling to the required depth.
      10. Clean all traces of dust from the hole with compressed air to ensure a stronger anchor point.
      11. Install the wall anchors that will fully support the weight of whatever item you’re installing.
      12. Before taking off your safety gear, including your respirator, clean up any larger chunks of mortar or brick chips with a brush and dustpan. Use a vacuum or dust extractor attachment to suck up any remaining debris and dust or mop the floor. Rinse the mop afterward.
      13. Remove your shoes outdoors and use compressed air again to clean off any brick dust. Washing your clothes straight after and having a shower will also prevent spreading any silica dust throughout your home.
      14. Finally, stand back and admire your handiwork — and all without the need for calling in a pro.