No, concrete is significantly harder to drill than brick. Concrete is comprised of hardened aggregates like stone and gravel bound by cement, making it denser and far more abrasive. Brick, made from baked clay, is softer, less dense, and much easier to bore into.
Unlike drilling into softer materials like wood or drywall, brick presents unique challenges due to its hardness and brittleness. However, with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, you can successfully drill into a brick wall without causing any damage.
The best way to drill into brick is to use a hammer drill (or rotary hammer) fitted with a carbide-tipped masonry bit. Always drill directly into the center of the brick—not the mortar joint—and use painter's tape to mark your drill bit for depth.
Typically ranging from 450 watts for basic models to around 1500 watts for the more powerful hammer drills. A higher wattage is better for drilling masonry.
Yes, you can drill into brick with a regular drill. However, a standard drill does not have a hammering action, so the process will be much slower. You will absolutely need to use a carbide-tipped masonry bit (regular wood or metal bits will burn out or shatter).
If you're mounting shelves, brackets, or anything into concrete, brick, or block, the biggest mistake is using the wrong drill setting and bit. You need a drill with hammer mode and a proper carbide masonry bit to get a clean, solid hole that actually holds. Dust control also makes a big difference.
Vacuum or dustpan and brush - for clearing up. A hammer - use a hammer to tap your wall fixing into the hole. Some water - stopping to dip your drill bit in water will reduce dust and keep your drill bit in good condition.
Place your drill bit in the right location, and with pressure on the drill, start drilling slowly. Do not go full speed. This will grind away the surface and create an indentation. You can then switch into hammer drill mode and create the hole.
Drilling into brick is tough because bricks are made of dense, baked clay that is specifically designed to resist weathering and heavy impact. When using standard drilling tools, friction and heat quickly dull the bit. To successfully drill into brick, you need the proper tools and technique:
The best drill for brick depends on the scale of your project, but overall, a corded rotary hammer or a high-torque cordless hammer drill is required. For occasional holes (e.g., hanging pictures or shelves), your existing cordless drill with a "hammer" setting and a masonry bit will suffice. For heavy-duty tasks, dedicated masonry tools excel.
To prevent brick from cracking, use a masonry drill bit (carbide-tipped), switch your drill to hammer mode, and start at a slow speed. Always drill directly into the center of the brick, not the soft mortar joints, and stay at least 1 inch away from the brick's edges.
Drilling into brick requires the right know-how and tools like a hammer drill or rotary hammer drill along with masonry drill bits made of tungsten carbide for hard materials. Brick is denser, so it can support heavier fasteners and wall anchors, but it demands a pilot hole first.
You generally cannot screw directly into brick. Because brick is extremely hard and brittle, driving a regular screw straight in will crack the brick or strip the screw. For a secure hold, you must either use masonry screws (with a pre-drilled pilot hole) or traditional wall anchors.
Wall plugs are required for hollow walls like plasterboard, and solid walls such as brick or concrete. In general, screws can be inserted directly into wood without the use of plugs.
Think of this as a quick check-in on what to avoid and how to maintain your bricklaying skills.
To solve this issue, use a smaller bit. So, if you are drilling a big 22 mm hole through a brick wall, for example, first use a 6 mm drill bit and drill all the way through the wall, easing off on the pressure when you get close to going all the way through.
Make sure you choose the right drill
“As long as it has a hammer mode and a decent masonry bit,” shares Godfrey. “A non-hammer drill will struggle in most brick and tends to overheat bits. It often polishes the hole rather than cutting it cleanly.”
Adding a lubricant such as WD-40® Multi-Use Product can reduce friction and allow for easier drilling and cutting into metallic parts.
Brick and masonry repair and new masonry projects are not typically recommended during the winter months. Generally, it's best to work with these materials when the temperature is at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer.
Yes, the key trick to drilling into brick is using a masonry bit (which has a wider carbide tip) combined with a hammer drill set to "hammer" mode. For better precision, create a small indentation first with a nail and hammer, then drill slowly to prevent the bit from slipping, applying steady, firm pressure without forcing it.
On average, the cost can range from $10 to $20 per square foot for materials and labor combined. Therefore, you might expect the overall cost to brick a house of this size to be between $30,000 and $60,000. This price range includes both the bricks themselves and the labor costs required for installation.
A professional bricklayer typically lays between 50 to 100 bricks per hour under normal working conditions. This pace usually averages out to around 500 to 800 bricks over an 8-hour workday.
You do not necessarily need a hammer drill, but using one—or a rotary hammer—will make the job significantly faster and easier. A regular drill can bore through brick, but you must use the right techniques and proper bits.
Bricks are soaked in water before use to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the wet cement mortar. If the bricks absorb this water too quickly, the cement cannot properly hydrate. This leads to weak joints, reduced structural strength, and cracking.