Drilling Tips and Tricks (and mistakes to avoid)

Drilling into a wall and using a rawlplug/anchor in order to accommodate a screw for hanging something, is not as difficult as it may seem.
The key, as always is to have the right technique and the right tools.
In order to drill into a wall, you will need: a hammer drill (corded or cordless), the correct masonry drill bit, the correct rawlplug/anchor and the correct screw.
The two most commonly-used masonry bits for drilling a hole in a wall are 6mm (1/4 inch) and 7mm (9/32). In order to get a good fixing in the wall you will need to make sure that your rawlplug/wall anchor fit the hole you have drilled exactly.
If the plug is too small for the hole, then the screw will not grip and if the plug is too small, then obviously it will not fit into the hole!
The whole point when getting a good fixing is to ensure that the hole you have drilled and the plug fit exactly.
This means that when you screw into the centre of the plug, the presence of the screw causes the plug to expand and thus grip on the interior of the hole you have drilled.
The following is a guide to the corresponding drill bits and plugs:
Brown plug = 7mm drill bit
Red plug = 6mm drill bit
Yellow plug = 5mm drill bit.
A 2" 10 gauge screw (or a 50mm 5 gauge metric equivalent) will be good for the 6mm and 7mm holes, whereas you will need a 1/3/4 inch 8 gauge (40mm 4 gauge metric equivalent) for a yellow plug.
Obviously, the larger the object to be hung, the bigger the screw, bit and plug.
Examples:
Hanging a heavy mirror, picture...
7mm drill bit, brown plug, 2.5 inch 10 gauge screw (60mm 5 gauge metric equivalent)
Hanging an average size picture, kitchen cabinets...
6mm bit, red plug, 2 inch 10 gauge screw (50mm 5 gauge metric equivalent)
Hanging small things - bathroom fittings for example...
5mm drill bit, yellow plug, 1.5 inch 8 gauge screw (40mm 4 gauge metric equivalent).
For more DIY advice, visit www.buildingsheriff.com

[@totoro9590]

My husband passed away recently so now I must tackle all those jobs around the house he used to do. Your video was very informative and gave me the confidence to try things for myself. Many thanks 👍

[@sithmorpheus9747]

Sorry for your loss.

[@j4k3z]

Sorry to hear that, hope you are enjoying your new found knowledge!

[@bahyaowensable]

Mine too & my dad. I already knew some things but now I actually have to do it.

[@fehminahassan9483]

Same mery husband ky bad mjhy e sab krna parta

[@buildingsheriff]

Really sorry to hear that. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Kind regards,

[@chriscosta3374]

One of the best videos on the internet, good quality, quick to the point and actual great pro tips that you don’t hear everyday. Mind blown.

[@buildingsheriff]

Very kind of you to say so. Thank you for watching.

[@allanforsyth1719]

I've just hung a tool box to my living room wall. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@christopherchambers-russel1337]

I don't usually comment but your the only person who mentioned the 1 and 2 setting on the drill. Thank you

[@buildingsheriff]

Christopher Russell Thanks Christoper! It means a lot that someone was paying attention! But those settings are v. important (in the scheme of drilling things)! Stay safe. The Sheriff.

[@guguigugu]

@@nicolejaxon7587 always pays to read the manual for every tool and appliance you use

[@F2PMegaGod]

@@buildingsheriff same here! I know this is an old comment but as someone who has alot of secondhand tools from family who've lost the manuals, i really appreciate tidbits of info like this! Knowing this would've made my life easier in some situations.

[@themilkman5768]

Thank you for not being patronising, really informative and a genuine help,I feel I'm ready to start😂god help my house🙏

[@elizabethbarrett5668]

Just used a drill for the first time (aged 56). Thank you so much for such clear instruction, I feel weirdly empowered 😃

[@onemanrioter]

these kind of videos are priceless for people like me. Always relied on my dad for DIY at my new place, but also my mum's, but he unfortunately passed away at the start of the year and having to learn all this kind of stuff on my own now (at 35!). Thanks a lot for all your videos :)

[@buildingsheriff]

My pleasure. I’m so sorry about your dad. It’s my pleasure to pass on what knowledge I have. Regards.

[@orishem8392]

drill settings, the duct tape tip, and some good advice. great video - thanks alot!

[@laurakate1992]

My husband passed away and I’ve moved away so now have to do all this myself this was extremely helpful thank you 🙏

[@buildingsheriff]

I’m really sorry to hear that, Kim. I’m pleased to have been some small help to you. Kind regards.

[@peckerdecker]

Great explanation of safely drilling into a wall and possibly having and avoiding _electrical wiring_ behind the walls. Thank you.

[@cornishminer69]

My only worry is im in an old house, not sure they conformed to those priniciples?

[@christinegale7434]

I know that we ladies appreciate the instruction but I think some gents do too. Thanks for this interesting and informative video. Christine UK.

[@buildingsheriff]

My pleasure, Christine!

[@dhavalkumardadhania8863]

After looking all over the youtube, I found your video the most helpful. Finally, I am getting confident of doing the job myself in my first home. Thank you. Subscribed to your channel now.

[@nicolemensforth895]

Thankyou so much! This was everything I needed in one video rather than other creators who break this up into 12 x 5 mins parts 😂.

[@jesslm510]

Thank you so much for this video - I always wondered how one would know to avoid electric cables in the wall and that is the main reason I've always asked my dad to do this sort of thing for me. I now feel a lot more confident in buying my own drill and doing this sort of thing myself without waiting weeks or months for my dad to be able to do it for me 😊😊

[@Atalanta01]

This is so helpful! Thank you for your clear instructions!

[@alexitosrv]

This video is amazing!! Thank you for your detailed explanation. I made a mistake with the diameter of the tip, so I had to do another hole next to the it, but it will serve as a reminder. For yellow plugs, it's 5mm tip.

[@karensullivan3]

Thank you for the tip on hammering the screw into the plug, I’ve had endless problems with plugs

[@angelacampbell7296]

What an amazing, yet simple and very well explained. Impressive, I've been doing it wrong no wonder no successful lasting results.. thankyou sis.🙌🏾

[@JessShanahan]

The most British mix of metric and imperial! This was super helpful, thanks so much.

[@faithpurkis9439]

Thank you for such clear explanation, I have always struggled with knowing the right size for the drill and the screws.

[@liamw6295]

Drilled into the wall for the first time today. The first drill attempt wasn't the straightest, but the second went it like a glove. Well chuffed. This video is spot on sir.

[@buildingsheriff]

@@liamw6295 well done. You will now go from strength to strength. I’m pleased I could help.

[@ricks1129]

Thanks Sherrif, today I am able to drill first holes in my house wall to mount AC stabilizer and MCB. This is my very first time in life and it is super successful. I could save a visit of electrician and also around 10 dollar service charge

[@jith1982]

Well explained. Thank you.. Videos like this and the description really helps for amateur DIY enthusiasts..

[@buildingsheriff]

Thank you!

[@o0Daisy0o]

Thank you so much for this!!! I've been trying to find a clear and simple vid for drilling into walls (and other DIY) for years! I live alone and can't really afford a pro handy man. This is the only vid i've seen that's finally given me the confidence to do it myself. Thank you so much! Subscribed!

[@buildingsheriff]

Thank you, Daisy. My pleasure.

[@Mr_Tweed97]

Quality video mate. As someone who is totally new to DIY this was extremely easy to follow. Thanks :)

[@buildingsheriff]

MrTweed Thanks so much!

[@arkdark5554]

Thanks mate. For the simple, but very useful drilling tips.

[@christophercampbell5982]

Big help with the electrical tip at 1:45ish. Thank you

[@Backwoodscountryman]

Very well made video Sheriff. Don't know how I ended up here as I'm a tradesman myself but one thing I did learn by reading the comments, chicks really dig these kind of videos, perhaps I should start making them 🤣

[@buildingsheriff]

Hilarious! Get that shirt off and tool belt on…

[@Backwoodscountryman]

@@buildingsheriff 😂

[@PakistaniKabootarUK]

Very Nice information. Thank you sir.

[@jsmooth94]

Thank you for this incredible video man! You did an amazing job explaining and showing how it’s done.

[@xaviertaylor759]

I hadn't thought of using an SDS drill bit in a normal chucked drill. Makes sense though as SDS bits seem to be much longer generally than standard ones. Also - liked the tips on wiring - assuming an electrican rather than DIYer has wired it..

[@corcaighrebel]

This has been useful.....drilling a few holes today.....need to look again at my drill.

[@JD..........]

Appreciate you including how fricken hard it was for you to drill that wall! Some walls will be tougher than others. Not always easy.

[@YakAlien]

Wow, I've been doing it wrong for so many years :( tip with the hammer is great, I thought they were ment to be flush with the wall.

[@robertpopescu5458]

Straight to the point,no unnecessary spiel,clear concise. Tho is the first time when I see been recommended to push the plug in all the time. Why I that?most of the videos the head ofplug is flush with the wall

[@Rosiepooh75]

Best explanation and demonstration I've seen- thank you!

[@buildingsheriff]

Thanks!

[@MithunCJosef]

Perfect instructions, thank you!.

[@bionicbeaver5188]

The part with the screw and anchor was amazing. Never thought about that! Bye bye hammer-marks on the wall 😂😎🤘💪👌👈

[@CatEyeMary]

This was extremely informative! Thank you so much!!

[@georgewashington8086]

I didn't know that Jaime Lannister was such a good handyman. Well done Jaime!

[@buildingsheriff]

I must remember not too cut off my good hand! 🤣

[@lily12118]

thanks this was very helpful!

[@TheGraphist83]

When i usually drill for heavy item to hang. I use a smaller dril bit with hammering. And i finish the hole with the proper drill bit without hammering mode. That way the hole holds the plug very tight. I use hammer to slide them inside. I believe that is the best way. Not that yours is not. But sometimes some walls are softer and when i drill the hole isnt tight.

[@Officialcbr]

So this is very useful. I never knew I needed this knowledge

[@zafarhameed1923]

Wonderful tips

[@REMIX8604]

This is such a helpful video. I’ve always worried about the electrical lines are hitting water.

[@davebaldwin340]

Some good advice in this video for a novice like myself thanks a lot

[@umekulsoom7614]

Awesome guide! The description made it super clear for me. Keep up!

[@buildingsheriff]

Bits - I'd use the 6mm (1/4"): www.amazon.com/Yuerseak-7-Piece-Drilling-Concrete-inch（Gold）/dp/B07L499GG1/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=6mm+masonry+bit&qid=1604996574&sr=8-3 Anchor: 6mm (1/4") www.amazon.com/Premium-Quality-Ribbed-Plastic-Anchors/dp/B01J06DC36/ref=sr_1_3?crid=LL5JH8FXAGFF&dchild=1&keywords=1%2F4+wall+anchor&qid=1604996786&sprefix=1%2F4%22+wall+anchor%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-3 Screws (use the 40mm 4* www.amazon.com/ORGRIMMAR-Chipboard-Phillips-Construction-Assortment/dp/B07TPHGFVS/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Screws&pd_rd_r=6cf38dea-e987-4609-ba91-ce5d73123eb6&pd_rd_w=K3ow4&pd_rd_wg=ADni4&pf_rd_p=91473338-a775-4a82-9600-6767cae1f29a&pf_rd_r=6Y1788DC7X1GHYHAHMRF&pid=TQ1AuxC&qid=1604997125&refinements=p_n_feature_five_browse-bin%3A3177285011&s=industrial&sr=1-2

[@doriskotskin7761]

i so needed this now, thank you for making this video😅

[@lovelyscreativity3089]

Awesome explanation

[@kartikgitm]

WOW, fantastic tutorial.

[@carromfever4820]

Very clearly explained, Thankyou so much!

[@JohnHenrySheridan]

Great tutorial thanks!

[@strangeattractor4959]

Thank you Bro! I was drlling too high on the wall and the tips help me do not embarrassed myself front of my gf.

[@whitenightmare3575]

Good informative video

[@MystearicaClaws]

Oh cool. So my plan to mount a peg board for yarn storage should hold up then yay!

[@tomdaniel5297]

Very helpful I desperately need to learn this stuff but some questions are unanswered, why use a 2inch screw would you ever need a shorter/longer and why. Why use different wall plugs, and are all walls like the same round the house. What if the screw doesn't bite at and is loose or something is in the way and you can drill the hole?

[@Spareroom-music]

Great video thanks. Any hints/tips for drilling high up on a wall? Ie ladder orientation etc

[@buildingsheriff]

Yes. Be careful! Ladder always perpendicular to the wall, never parallel. Always have someone standing on the bottom rung footing it. Just take it easy. Slow and steady. Does it 🥊

[@buildingsheriff]

Obviously if it is a very tall step ladder and you are too far from the wall, you will have to be parallel, but then you will need someone on the bottom rung and also I’d recommend a third person on the other side of the ladder holding it so that it doesn’t push away from the wall

[@Spareroom-music]

Good man, thanks!

[@apreshdesai9116]

Fantastic and very informative video. Thank you.

[@azman4749]

Make sure that the slit of the wall plug is horizontal so that the screw is against the wall plug when under load not slit through wall plug. It will make firm connection to the wall under load

[@GentlemanH]

Thanks for that tip about the slit being horizontal.

[@danyal2372]

Iv been doing this in my house and always struggled to get the plug to fit in perfectly now I’ve wondered let’s find a video so I can do it properly

[@dalewatling174]

Very useful explanations!

[@RicardoPower]

Thank you .

[@ajordzkim4059]

i am a woman.. but l dont have any of your device aside from pencil and handdrill mschine from my partner who are lazy enough not to do his job and let the mirror stands in the ground since l bought it last October 2020 till now.. Do you think only pen and hand drill machine is sufficient to do this??

[@buildingsheriff]

I think a hammers and a masonry nail 38mm (1.5") (google it) will do the job. Hammer the nail in at a slight angle (so the head is higher than the point) and it will do the job. Good luck.

[@TheMarcellabmg]

Thank you for making this video!!

[@rlatagulhas1156]

Thanks! This is exactly what I need.

[@Jana0821]

Hello, I loved your video, it was very informative. I would like to learn how to do all those jobs myself. Could you please put a link to the drill you used please

[@buildingsheriff]

www.toolstation.com/dewalt-dcd709d2t-gb-18v-xr-brushless-compact-combi-drill/p60545?mkwid=_dm&pcrid=&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CjwKCAjw7eSZBhB8EiwA60kCW_kgEz9fe-NPsnpgM62fw_qtLEKY45C_pqKul1ip_2CgTiDU7gn-cxoCxNQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@dominichazell7862]

Do all drills have a setting 1 and 2 for screwing and drilling?

[@AC_Milan1899]

No, he has a drill and impact driver. If you just have a drill you won't have the 1 and 2

[@abbybu9757]

Thank you so much I feel excited to start drilling 😀

[@darshikakarunanayke9253]

Thank🙏

[@maniolicious]

thanks so much for posting this - all the tips I needed!!!! :)

[@meugenewesley]

Great video. Thanks for the advice!

[@ahmedfix]

Thank you

[@karimnassar8117]

Thanks for teaching.

[@dennisbean7336]

Absolutely fantastic thank you 🙏

[@floatingpeaks4584]

Thanks good explanation.

[@iamanouarrr6268]

This was really hopeful thanks a lot ❤️❤️

[@sk4tec]

For Plasterboard I make a pilot hole, then make that’s hole the correct size. I usually need to drill into the brick behind for the depth of the fitting. But sometimes the drill bit skates around when it hits the brick. This changes the dimensions of the hole in the plaster board. How can I avoid this? Thanks! At a guess my bit isn’t “sharp” all masonry bits feel blunt!? 🤐

[@leahkrym1014]

Thank you!

[@mel90able]

well described ,Thanks.Today i am fitting curtain bracket.Do I need hammer also?

[@Scarletdollie]

Thanks dad!

[@shuhelmiah7729]

Fantastic, the how much weight can a screw hold is always what i have wanted to know

[@AntonyStubbs]

You’re in for a treat then! Check this out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXLbeHR_e8ekq5Y

[@jemilagulston7742]

Lovely video thank you Cause I am trying to save costs hiring contractors for these simple things

[@bhav213]

What about torque please for both drilling and screwing? What's ideal? Thanks!

[@Melesha]

Thank you SO much!

[@pianorags]

How do you drill a high up spot when you don't have your bodyweight to push it enough, If you're on a ladder for example. Any tips?

[@paulrobinson3019]

Great advice thanks

[@buildingsheriff]

Thanks, Paul. 👍

[@buildingsheriff]

@Hugh Jarsol Cheers, "Hugh"!

[@Life_Is_A...]

How to prevent the drill bit from slipping and moving away from the marked spot?

[@serena99090]

Hi, Just wondering how you can take out the plug?

[@buildingsheriff]

Insert a screw about 15mm into the plug and then lever the screw out with a claw hammer. It will bring the plug with it.

[@jamesrockford6700]

I never saw anybody have such a hard time drilling a hole into drywall. That drill bit had to be very very very dull. And in America if the screw plastic anchor can be pushed all the way in with your hand, the hole is too large. The anchor hole should tinier than the screw plug and usually needs a slight tap from a hammer to make it flush to the wall. Also never use a 12 inch drill bit to drill such a whole, it will wobble on tougher walls.

[@clairegillman3357]

It’s a brick wall with plaster over it

[@k3nz1e73]

I don’t think it’s drywall

[@DannyLFC186]

I'm using my combi to create hole with chisel etc. for a new eletrical back box. But i'm hitting concrete and really struggling to break it up. Using a masonry bit and all. Any thoughts?

[@Reno.1101]

first video in the list when you became a dad

[@contessa.adella]

Probably good to explain that masonry bits are different to the metal/wood drilling bits in small diy cases.

[@kristianilioski6668]

Great stuff! Super helpful :)

[@zamanz1572]

I've got a Makita drill, used setting 2 and hammer setting with masonry 1/4 inch drill bit. But for the life of me I cannot drill into the outer wall of the house for my ring doorbell. I managed to drill one hole. But the drill bit is overheating and going purple. What am I doing wrong or is it just a tough wall?

[@buildingsheriff]

Man, that sounds like a tough gig. The only thing I could recommend is using a diamond tile drill bit to get things going. Sometimes these bricks can be rockhard.

[@zamanz1572]

@@buildingsheriff Got it. Will have a pop at that. Appreciate the response

[@buildingsheriff]

Something like this www.toolstation.com/mexco-tdxcel-dry-diamond-tile-drill/p69120?mkwid=_dm&pcrid=&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CjwKCAjw9NeXBhAMEiwAbaY4luTS3j926VCBj500v1tZHfw-B_mCFntwYikgdMS7HUOzJHoeE_pg2RoCfxkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@zamanz1572]

I just bought some new DeWalt drill bits. Worked perfectly. Not had the drill bits for long so surprised it did not work.

[@buildingsheriff]

@@zamanz1572 glad to hear it. We spend so much on power tools such as drills and jigsaws, but the most important thing is a thing that does the work ie the saw blade or the drill bit.

[@suzannedonaldson7201]

Our house is just short of 100 years old. How will I know where to drill my tv bracket.

[@jimbokraut640]

Brilliant video. Whenever I try to drill a hole (however small it might be) into my wall, I end up instead with a big crater in my wall! In some places I get a perfect hole but in many places I end up with a crater. Why does this happen? My wall is essentially a layer of brick, covered with a layer of concrete, followed by plaster (and finally paint). Is there something wrong with my drill or drill bit or is the cement and plaster getting brittle with age?? Honestly, even the plaster coming off doesn't bother me, I could always plaster again. But I am confused and worried that why is the cement brittle and not firm.

[@buildingsheriff]

Hi Jimbo. Usually it is because the cement adhesion to the brick or block behind. It has loosened. This can happen to us all. The best way to get around this is to start gently with a smaller bit and then increase hole size. This doesn’t always work but it has done for me in the past.

[@jimbokraut640]

@@buildingsheriff tks a lot. I kept thinking there was something wrong with my drilling technique or something.

[@sakitorihd]

what i hate the most is concrete wall but where i live the all ceiling is made of concrete so imagine if you want to hang a light

[@sanabob4801]

Concrete ceiling damn that must be hard

[@uncrunch398]

How trusting are you that every wall you drill into follows code for where to place everything routed through?

[@buildingsheriff]

It’s the same as crossing the road on a pedestrian, crossing you just trust that everybody follows the rules.

[@jimbranmaijol2408]

thnks man..