Steve1309 Posted June 2, 2024 Share Posted June 2, 2024 Hi, I need to drill a 32mm hole, horizontally, through a 230mm x 350mm brick pier (through the 350mm deep part). This is to connect a rainwater downpipe diverter on one side, to the water butt on the other side. (going round the pier would look untidy and foul the gate) I can see there are all types of drill bits available but considering this will be a one-off need, what is the cheapest type of drill bit that would be long enough to go through 350mm of brick and mortar using a standard Bosch electric hammer drill? Or, I guess with a shorter bit, I could drill from both sides and hope they meet in the middle :-) Thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu w Posted June 2, 2024 Share Posted June 2, 2024 A 32mm core drill would give you the neatest outcome 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G and J Posted June 2, 2024 Share Posted June 2, 2024 Assuming this brick pier is holding something up is it a good idea to put that big a hole through it ? That’s an eighth of the thickness you are taking out and I’d worry about damage to the integrity of the pier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe90 Posted June 2, 2024 Share Posted June 2, 2024 Hire a core drill and a decent machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve1309 Posted June 3, 2024 Author Share Posted June 3, 2024 (edited) @G and J Good point but it's not load bearing at all. It's just a brick pier with a cap against the house wall on which to hang the back gate. Edited June 3, 2024 by Steve1309 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Ambrose Posted June 4, 2024 Share Posted June 4, 2024 Suggest you will need a biggish sds drill. First put a long pilot drill through all and a similar diameter to the pilot on your core drill. Then put a carbide or diamond core drill through, clearing out the hole regularly. Go a bit gentle to avoid breaking up the bricks - assuming these are standard bricks. Drill from both sides if you prefer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conor Posted June 4, 2024 Share Posted June 4, 2024 No way you're getting this done with a normal hammer drill. What diameter is the pipe? If it's 32mm, you'll want a bigger hole. Hire a core drill and appropriate sized bit for the weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve1309 Posted July 15, 2024 Author Share Posted July 15, 2024 Thanks for all your suggestions. I successfully drilled a 8mm pilot hole with a log masonry drill I already had and a borrowed SDS drill. I then used a 40mm bit with a 350mm shank off Amazon for £17. Took about an hour to get through from both sides. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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