If your drill is struggling, the issue is almost always the wrong tool settings or a burned-out drill bit.
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 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.
Your drill bit isn't penetrating concrete usually because you are using the wrong tool, the wrong bit, or you've hit a hidden obstacle like rebar.
Adding a lubricant such as WD-40® Multi-Use Product can reduce friction and allow for easier drilling and cutting into metallic parts.
Hold the drill firmly with both hands to maintain stability, and start drilling at a low speed. This helps the drill bit get a good grip on the brick and prevents it from slipping. As soon as the hole begins to take shape, increase the drill's speed slightly and continue drilling.
WD-40 and 3-In-One Oil work well for drilling bits because they are low-viscosity and high-quality oils that reduce friction between the drill bit and the surface it is going into. Both have a long history of success, so there really isn't anything negative to say about them in terms of performance.
Whether you use water depends entirely on the type of drill bit and tool you are using. Always follow these guidelines to protect your equipment and ensure safety:
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.
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.
No, you should not wet brick before drilling.
Drill into the brick (not the mortar) using a masonry bit and a drill on hammer mode. Wrap tape around the bit to mark your screw depth, start drilling slowly, then push with steady pressure.
It takes only 10 to 30 seconds to drill a standard hole into brick if you are using a hammer drill and a quality masonry bit. However, without a hammer function or the proper bit, the process can take upwards of 20 minutes and burn out your drill's motor.
Normally, the best drill to use when you're drilling into brick is a drill with a hammer action. In some cases, it will be okay to use a less powerful drill driver with no hammer action. If you're only drilling into mortar or if you're drilling into soft brick, a drill driver might be okay.
Lubricate. Drills require periodic lubrication to prevent chafing, corrosion, and overheating. If your drill bit isn't spinning freely, check for any small fragments that might be stuck at the base near the chuck. If it's clean, there's a chance that the chuck is jammed.
If the project involves hard metals, large diameters, or deep holes, use special drilling or cutting oil to assist in the process. You can also use motor oil or WD-40 to cool and lubricate the bit. For extra safety, make sure you keep the speeds and pressure low. For most drills, you only need about half the speed.
Yes, you can use everyday WD-40 as an emergency or light-duty cutting oil, but it has severe limitations. Because it is thin and evaporates quickly, it does not provide the heavy-duty lubrication or cooling required for prolonged, tough machining jobs.
In most cases, a hammer drill with a hammer action is required when using masonry bits; however, a standard drill can also be used. In some instances, it is possible that the hammering action on the brick can shatter and split it if the material is especially brittle.
Think of this as a quick check-in on what to avoid and how to maintain your bricklaying skills.
Drilling Into Brick or Mortar
Brick is denser, so it can support heavier fasteners and wall anchors, but it demands a pilot hole first. Mortar is softer, making it easier to drill into using even a regular drill. While mortar requires less drilling power, it can't bear as much weight as brick.
Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not really a lubricant. Fact: While the “W-D” in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product's formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal.
To drill into metal, stainless steel, or hard materials, use dedicated cutting fluid or tapping oil (like Tap Magic or WD-40 Specialist Drilling and Cutting Oil). These specialized lubricants are specially formulated to draw heat away from the bit and prevent friction.