Drill a hole in concrete block wall for a 1/2" PVC pipe

I would like to drill a hole through my 8" concrete block wall to pass a

1/2" schedule 40 PVC pipe through from the outdoor to the inside courtyard area to continue the sprinkler branch.

Problem is I have a 9/16" hammer drill, I don't have a mean heavy duty demolition hammer drill.

I believe a 1/2" niminal PVC pipe has an outside diameter a little bigger than 3/4". Is there a masonry bit longer than 8" and wider than 3/4" that could be used for my hammer drill? Or do I need to rent a big one from the tool store just for one hole?

If there is not one big enough, is there something else I can do to get around this - for example, using 1/2" CPVC - those are much skinnier and if I can just use that for the stretch through the block...don't know, probably not a good idea.

Thanks,

MC

Reply to
MiamiCuse
Loading thread data ...

start by drilling small hole then go larger, gradually.

stores often have larger sized bits that are turned down to fit smaller drills.

or buy a large harbor freight hammer drill they are cheap and work great, for occasional home use......

Reply to
hallerb

OD of 1/2" pipe is .840"

you really need a rotary hammer with a 7/8 bit. :(

but this might work... search string was........ 7/8 masonry bit with reduced shank

formatting link
what size bits do you currently have?

In your situation, I'd drill through with 3/8 or 1/2, bump up to 9/16 (or skip it if you started with 1/2), finish with the 7/8

or rent a larger hammer with a 7/8" bit & blow through it.

cheers Bob

Reply to
BobK207

OD of 1/2" pipe is .840"

you really need a rotary hammer with a 7/8 bit. :(

but this might work... search string was........ 7/8 masonry bit with reduced shank

formatting link
what size bits do you currently have?

In your situation, I'd drill through with 3/8 or 1/2, bump up to 9/16 (or skip it if you started with 1/2), finish with the 7/8

or rent a larger hammer with a 7/8" bit & blow through it.

cheers Bob

Bob the biggest masonry bit I have is 1/2", but I have no bits that is longer than 8" so I need bits in any case. I just wasn't sure if a big bit with a smaller shank will actually have the power to do the job, I know the right hammer will chew through it like butter.

MC

Reply to
MiamiCuse

Rent a rotary hammer. The drill bit that you will get with it will be long enough. Cost isn't that high and there are times when trying to do it "on the cheap" just isn't worth it.

Harry K

Reply to
Harry K

You can take a small diameter bit, drill holes in a triangle or box pattern through the void in the block and knock the center out with a chisel. I've used the method to make holes of all sizes and shapes through CMU walls. You can use a 1/4" bit to make a 4" hole for a dryer vent using the method to cut through the void in the block. It may not work too well if the blocks are filled in. I have cut through solid concrete that had no rebar in it but your results may vary.

TDD

Reply to
The Daring Dufas

Will your 1/2" bit drill drill through the entire wall thickness?

If so, then it will have removed ~1/3 of the total material needed to be drilled out.

As another poster had mentioned (& you as well), a proper sized hammer & bit will make short work of the hole.

Years ago before I switched to Hilt TE-Y and Milwaukee SDS hammers, I had a hammer drill with "standard" drill chuck, the bits would always come loose.

If yours stays tight you might be able to do the job purchasing a couple new bits (maybe 1/2" or 9/16" in addition to the 7/8" bit) for less than rental...its a tossup. Try to get rotary / percussion bits without reduced shank if they will fit the drill.

It might be more difficult with the littler hammer drill but after its done you'll have a set of bits & capability.

I think these bits are probably a better match to your tool.

formatting link
(Rotary%2FPercussion)%20Bit

cheers Bob

Reply to
BobK207

I did rent one yesterday. I was at Harbor Freight and they had a rotary hammer for sale at $59.00 and I was thinking whether I should get one to this and may be other future once in a blue moon projects. But I decided to let it go and do the rental.

The cost is not a big factor, is just having to make two trips there to rent and return.

Well as expected, whenever I have a simple task to do it always get complicated.

I went to a nearby Home Depot to rent a hammer, the guy recommended a Makita cordless, so the drill was $32 for 4 hours, I needed a 1" masonry bit and that was $11 etc...walked out the door for $45.00 or so, thinking may be I should have gotten the cheapo hammer at Harbor Freight.

Turning out of Home Depot driveway there were two cars in front of me, traffic clears, we turned out of the driveway and the car in front of me suddenly stopped, no idea why, and I bumped her in the rear. Pulled over and looked at damages, no one is hurt which is good. I looked at her car and the rear end looked like someone had crashed into her rear at 50mph previously causing huge damages, and my car bumped into her at 5mph the most and caused a little dent on the bumper. I said did your car have an accident previously and she said "you hit me it's your fault". We called the police and the city police came and turned out the road we were on, the south side of the centerline is the county and north is the city and city police left then county police came later...I got a citation and probably had to pay for all the damages to her car despite the pre-established conditions. I got the feeling this was somewhat staged. Nonetheless I was cited for rearending and that's $156 of fine right there.

Anyways after almost 2 hours at the HD driveway I was on my way back. Drilled one hole and the stupid drill ran out of battery after one minute. They did give me a spare so I plugged that in and was able to get the two holes I needed done done as the second battery dies. I had a charger too, and I remember another spot I needed a hole drilled, I plugges the charger in and after 30 min still no good.

So that's my rental story.

Reply to
MiamiCuse

HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.