How to drill through a wall

This video covers the basics on How to drill through a wall, either on small pipework for gas and water or small cables.
Drilling into brick can be harder than it looks so taking the right precautions and steps will make the job a whole lot easier, drilling into a wall is almost an everyday task for someone like me. But what if it's not for you? Well, hopefully this video will give you the knowledge and confidence to be able to handle and use a drill with ease.
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#Doitalldan #Drill #Howto

[@DoItAllDan]

Would you guys like another video demonstrating a core drill?

[@pattyleabo426]

Do It All Dan do a sewer tap! Jk

[@Ricky_Bobby4074]

Yes!

[@finenebula]

You bent down... should have bent up so that condensation runs out of the house, not in.

[@HAYTOZED]

Hi Dan....thanks for this. I'm all the way in Kingston, Jamaica, and will be drilling to fit a 1/2 " water pipe. I don't have the right size bits, so I will be edging with a somewhat small bit.......hope it works!

[@DoItAllDan]

@@HAYTOZED hope it works out for you 🤞🏻💪🏻

[@jonmayer]

Thank you. That drilling small and going bigger tip worked great.

[@xsteel3292]

Thanks bro. I was going to drill from the inside, so you saved my brick on the outside. Makes sense now.

[@DoItAllDan]

Glad it helped 👍🏻

[@MrAtaripitbull]

Thanks for the tip on gradually going up in drill bit sizes till I get the diameter I need without destroying the brick.

[@philr199]

Really helpful this! Thanks!

[@mainvillesnation3395]

Very informative video. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@DoItAllDan]

Thank you guys hope it helps at some point 🤙🏻

[@Lodreus]

Super helpful video!

[@oliverbanks3396]

my best shot at installing AC this weekend. Useful tutorial mate!

[@DoItAllDan]

Haha wish I had ac, thanks for the support and good luck ✌🏻

[@NESIANMISTIK777]

Very informative and well presented video.

[@DoItAllDan]

Thank u stu that means alot 👍🏻

[@crystalburnham9757]

Yay, finally a video for going THROUGH the brick. Installing an outside water source where there has been none so I can water my gardens. Yay!

[@crystalburnham9757]

Replying to myself to ask Do It All Dan: plumbing warehouse plumbers suggested I drill into mortar. Installing a 7/8" sillcock. So I think the 1" bit would end up on the edges of the brick and that would be a mess, right? Just start in the middle of a brick... 1890's brick house

[@DoItAllDan]

If you're drilling through for an outside tap the you will have to go through in at least 24mm (working your way up through the bits) you will need to sleeve it with a 22mm pipe so the 15mm for the tap is protected. I would go through the centre of the brick if you have the option and switch to drill near the end so you don't blow the brick on the outside.

[@jordoncommons8257]

Hey mate great video, would you seal both sides for a water pipe? And what increments would you suggest to go up in to install an outside tap? Thankyou

[@pault3705]

Great vid helped a lot

[@gergemall]

Nice job mate.

[@kingdaddypopschuckcagle5085]

I'm getting ready to drill through my brick house tomorrow I'm installing a mini split heat pump and I will be running the wires in the gray conduit very helpful video thanks

[@Je3perscre3pers]

thanks Dan! Us millenials here in America really need this broken down instructions on how to do slightly advanced house work without breaking the bank hiring a proffesional to do it. Im a machinist and only know how to work with metal, not brick.

[@DoItAllDan]

Brilliant, as long as I can sort of help then it's all worth while!! Thanks for the support guys I really appreciate it. It means alot when your trying to build a good informative channel! Thanks

[@robspencer4154]

Great stuff

[@ecoBearDen]

Quality Work!

[@DoItAllDan]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Wanderer25]

So this is what Thor was up to after ragnarok. Thanks for the instructions.

[@someonesomeone7423]

I like your pfp

[@parthmahimkarr5170]

So I was drilling into my wall to install a basketball hoop. Didn’t know hammer drilling was a thing and didn’t know you should go up in drill size increments. Thanks a lot !

[@DoItAllDan]

it may have been worth listening to the video before or reading the instructions as recommended 👍🏻

[@bozzi1971]

Brill videos. I need to drill from inside to feed a rj45 ethernet cable and small power cable. What size do you recomend please? I defo need to drill from inside due to height ,manage the other bit from the window

[@islamreviolution]

THANKYOU BROTHER

[@ManchesterTechGuy]

Really useful video, thanks. I need to drill through a 13 inch extension wall and I was wondering if I can get away with a longer drill bit and use my 18V Dewalt? Guessing it won't have enough power, just wanted to confirm with you

[@DoItAllDan]

I wouldn't have thought it would have enough power to perform but depending on the wall construction material either brick/stone etc will depend on if it can or not. It is possible though if you use a new drill bit and you do not expect it to take 10 mins 😅 thanks

[@chris1232123]

What drill are you using? I've got a DeWalt DWD024 and it seems to be finding it a lot harder going for the initial hole.

[@pault3705]

Yes demo of core drill please thanks

[@kamranmustafa5282]

Hi. I want to drill into 9 inch thick wall. I have 500 watt normal drill machine with 16mm masonry bit. Would i be able to do that without hammer drill machine?

[@henryfernandez2533]

Great video thanks! What if I have a Milwaulkee M12? Do I need a monster like the one youre using or can I just add a certain drill bit ?

[@DoItAllDan]

hi Henry, if it's a compact drill you may need to upgrade to an sds to get through the brickwork I do not have a great deal of experience with Milwaukee but I'm sure the M12 will not be able to give sufficient power. Thanks for the support mate

[@henryfernandez2533]

@@DoItAllDan Thanks for the quick reply Dan, I had a feeling it wasn't enough power. Anytime man Stay Safe!

[@GurkoKurdo]

is the diameter enough to put a CAT6 network cable ? how do you know you're not going through pipes, cabling, idk whaT?

[@zakthresher5649]

Hi mate, great advice. Just wondered why not drill through the softer mortar?

[@DoItAllDan]

It depends where you need the hole, if it has to exact then it may not fall on a mortar line. 👍🏻

[@DanSohan]

What stops water ingress into the brick work if not sealed on outside?

[@Adam_mohammed_]

Hi dan really useful video... But actually we are facing a big issue with our precast house... That is very hard to drill into the walls... It's really hard its like if we are drilling on a normal (concrete masonry units wall) and faced reinforced bar... Its really like if we are drilling on metal bar all the time. 😔

[@graciasmuchas5238]

Look up 'drilling through reinforced concrete's there are special drill bits for this job...Bosch make two. Also two KZbin promotional videos for two other makes of rebar cutting bits. An SDS Plus drill is recommended.

[@cecilcollins3814]

yup i showl did subed

[@harleyd9857]

Cheers

[@mattcarlin2873]

Any tips for going through Victorian brick walls? I want to run network cables in my new house (from downstairs, outside and up into the loft). Dropping the cables from the loft is the easy bit as there are plaster walls internally, but I'm not sure how to do the holes in the brick. This video is helpful, but not sure if there's anything to note for older bricked houses.

[@jamesbarca7229]

Go through the joints, not the bricks. One day those cables will be gone. The mortar is easily repaired, but the brick will be damaged forever. Plus, the mortar is much easier to drill through (usually).

[@chrismac4441]

Great video, thanks mate. Can this be done with a regular 18v Makita drill? Or does it have to be an SDS? Looking to install an outside tap. No gas involved 😅

[@DoItAllDan]

I think you will Really struggle With an 18v but depending on your wall material you may get through 😬😬

[@ek6868]

Hi dan tanx for the video,do u always sleeve 15mm copper pipe into 22mm wen putting through walls?I've com across alot of plumbers,heating engineers who don't.

[@DoItAllDan]

Hi E K, ALWAYS sleeve, it's just good practice and no comebacks. If you have done all you can to make an install safe then you can rest easy. Any pipework heading through a wall or cavity I sleeve. Thanks E K, hopefully that subscribe button gets another click 😁😉

[@jazzmiah8953]

Any pipe work that includes gas which is copper must be sleeved if it goes through a wall.

[@DoItAllDan]

jazz miah very true jazz 🙂sleeved and sealed

[@bluedwarf8858]

I was wondering why the brick blew out when I drilled through the wall, thanks for this video. But why did you use three different sized drill bits? Thought you would do the first hole as you did, then use the biggest one next.

[@DoItAllDan]

As you increase the drill size gradually it doesn't damage the brickwork it keeps it nice and clean, glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you

[@bluedwarf8858]

@@DoItAllDan thanks for your reply, I'll use this knowledge that you have passed down on my next job.

[@DoItAllDan]

Glad I can help 👍🏻

[@The305guy]

What kind of pipe cutter is that?

[@Jaya365]

Can you show us how to do cabling through a cavity wall into a loft, you know to hide cctv cables

[@DoItAllDan]

I have recently done a job like this slightly different, when I go back there I will do a video explaining everything thanks jay

[@ExtremeShez]

I look forward to it Dan. 👌👍

[@benwhiley9680]

Yeah, didn't turn off my hammer setting for the start or finish. I was going from front room to porch for a cable, so both sides were plastered. Massive arsing craters!

[@lengthmuldoon]

Thanks mate informative vid, wasn't aware of using the non hammer function for marking and reaming through. Slight digression, if you were attaching a wooden post to brickwork for, say, a gate post would it be easier to drill through the timber with the masonry bit on "normal" then switch to hammer once contact with the brick is made or doesn't it make any difference?

[@DoItAllDan]

Thank you Bertie blue. I would suggest using a standard cordless drill with a wooden drill bit attached to drill through the gatepost and then use the hammer drill with a masonry bit attached to drill the hole into the brickwork, start with the hammer drill on standard 'drill' then switch to 'hammer' after 5-10mm into the brickwork. Hope this helps (if you need to use hammer function) Thank you for your comment

[@DoItAllDan]

But if you do not have any other drill bits or any other options then I wouldn't recommend using hammer through wood, again once you are touching masonry still drill into the brickwork slightly before using hammer or you could damage the brickwork

[@lengthmuldoon]

@@DoItAllDan Cheers mate. Must admit I'm of the same opinion "wood bit for wood" then switch to masonry bit. I ask because I see a few vids drilling straight through with the masonry bit and it looks a bit ham fisted but if it works for them I'm sure they're happy.

[@DoItAllDan]

Yeah I agree and it annoyes me so much when I see other tradesmen doing it 😂! I have to give them a sarcastic remark 😂

[@nickbobick]

Interesting. In Canada, our gas code requires building openings to be caulked at the outside wall.

[@tannyahmed5160]

how long is the drill bit

[@zedman442]

Great job. Know them bricks well strong but no match for an SDS these days. I remember I used to dread drilling those bricks back in the day with my little black and decker hammer drill vintage 80s!

[@DoItAllDan]

Yeah as for equipment it is definitely come leaps and bounds over the last few generations doesn’t take much now to get through to 2 foot walls lol

[@GurkoKurdo]

how did you cut that pipe so easy?

[@alexanderm8975]

thanks dad

[@CinobiteReacts]

Any tips for measuring where to drill? I need it to come out in a very specific place. Thinking about using a tiny bit first to go in to out and then flip to the bigger ones and got out to in. My hole point is next to a twin power socket, so need to be extra precise :P

[@DoItAllDan]

You have to measure from certain spots im afraid, window sills etc adding for walls also

[@CinobiteReacts]

@@DoItAllDan Got it done, my measurements were spot on but I had to reference a brick line as it went around a corner (no windows or doors) so I missed the spot by about an inch. Overall though, worked out ok :)

[@maryannmay7105]

Hi could you please help me.I have a 710w electric drill and and a masonry drill bit and I need to drill 4 holes in a brick wall and it took me about 20 to 30 minutes just to drill 1 hole,where am I going wrong

[@DoItAllDan]

Hi there, 710w should be absolutely fine to drill into masonry. Is it an sds drill with an option of hammer drill? If so start the hole on normal drill after around 1/2 inch turn to hammer and continue. It may also depend on the material you are drilling Into is it a normal house brick? Thanks

[@maryannmay7105]

Yes it is a normal house brick

[@user-kk8md7jr1n]

For the pilot hole, does the bit for that pilot hole needs to be diamond tip or carbide tip?

[@DoItAllDan]

A standard masonry will be fine

[@Ami-oc4ot]

Please help : I'm attempting to drill into loose, hollow bricks before trying on the wall using an SDS 10mm drill bit, but the bricks are keep breaking in half.what to do ?

[@DoItAllDan]

Don’t use hammer drill only normal drill mode and a new drill bit

[@theshah9756]

How do you drill industrialized building sytem wall?

[@DoItAllDan]

You will need a dedicated drill bit to whatever material is used 👍🏻

[@scottishjimmy9813]

Can a combi drill be used to do this task? I note there are long drill bits that can fit in a combi drill as well.

[@DoItAllDan]

The combi drill will not be up to the task I'm afraid

[@ajayb2478]

Do It All Dan My Black and Decker Combi drill was defo not up for it!

[@zayb6438]

Im giving it a shot this weekend to install a external socket. roughly how long did it take you to drill through it please?

[@DoItAllDan]

A good drill and a good bit, less time to make a cup of tea 👍🏻

[@zayb6438]

@@DoItAllDan sounds good, ive ordered a sds but its been delayed. i have a mains powered hammer drill and the bit, would i be able to use that in place of the sds? really want to do it this weekend as its going to rain all week after that here lol.

[@DoItAllDan]

You may find it harder to go through however it depends on the brickwork, .Ake sure you're careful when you're about to pop out so you don't 'blow' the brickwork and make a mess 👍🏻

[@shanefrank3281]

Best video I have seen on this. Thank you. One question I have though is why you angle your drill such that the hole is higher on the outside and lower on the inside. It seems you would want it to be angled the other way so any water gets in there it would not go toward the outside. Is the angle due to it being a gas line?

[@DoItAllDan]

It just looks that way from the camera unfortunately

[@janithw]

I agree. It definitely isn't level!

[@DoItAllDan]

I’m glad you were there to see and prove with a spirit level 👍🏻

[@camy252camy3]

Wouldn't you want to drill outside down to up instead? So if external rainwater comes down wall, it isn't tempted into the wire entry and down to internal hole?

[@DoItAllDan]

The only reason you wouldn't drill inside out is risk of blowing brickwork outside, you can always drill through 10mm first inside out and do the rest outside in 👍

[@camy252camy3]

@@DoItAllDan ah sorry I meant to say more about the angle. I agree, outside to in would be better direction.

[@VuLe-vb3vk]

I have an impact drill machine, Can I use this drill bit because my machine isn't sds type

[@DoItAllDan]

If it's not SDS you will need an adaptor

[@VuLe-vb3vk]

@@DoItAllDan I went to tool store and they have only drill bit sds type and it actually doesn't match , no adapter in this case. My drill machine is bosch 13re. No way to drill through wall with this machine

[@musicwithlyrics7844]

What length drill bit do you usually use for most common houses?

[@DoItAllDan]

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005EF7QMG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DAeeFb3XDK11F

[@gtasmac]

I was told today that for a gas pipe whole needs to be around 35 mil to accommodate gas pipe and the sleeve ?

[@DoItAllDan]

It would depend on the size gas pipe being installed,but it does not need to be 35mm for every gas line 👍🏻

[@enhnenhn1199]

Will you please tell me the size of the bit that you're using

[@DoItAllDan]

They go up in increments from 10mm-16mm-22mm-24mm that I normally use

[@Googaliemoogalie]

If it's easier to drill from inside of the house to outside, can that be done? Or is outside-in the only recommended way?

[@DoItAllDan]

If there's no other way then inside is ok, the reason you pilot drill from inside out is to get your position and drill outside in from then on is to reduce mess and prevent any unnecessary damage to the brickwork. Hope this helps

[@Googaliemoogalie]

@@DoItAllDan thanks, that helps a lot. I'll drill a small pilot hole from inside about 5mm then step it up to my final size from outside. Thanks for the suggestion

[@nikil213]

Nice man . Is it possibly anyway to drill the wall vertically ?😅 sry for stupidity

[@aro7975]

How would I go about filling and sealing a hole like this in order to have it back the way it used to be. What products would you recommend ? Thanks .

[@DoItAllDan]

You could use a low mix sand and cement or even a small tub of Readymix as long as you can colour match you should be fine

[@aro7975]

@@DoItAllDan Really appreciate that thanks 👍

[@STICKYBOY214]

Also worth drilling a spare brick and mixing the brick dust with your cement to help the colour match and rub some of the powder on the outside of the cement after you’ve put it in the hole.

[@ricker269]

One thing I learned is to use the correct horsepowered hammer drill (not on hammer) for you job and the proper hole saw. 😮😮😮

[@DoItAllDan]

You can’t just use it on drill everytime, that’s why they have the hammer drill option.

[@akfisher7138]

how poweful is that drill? Watts? Ta. Just need one for brick mainly, occasional harder materials.

[@DoItAllDan]

A good sds will do fine

[@justintemp]

Would you use a combi for this and is the longer bit easier to use than shorter bits? How do you repair blown bricks?

[@DoItAllDan]

It will depend on the wall material, normally a combi wouldn't cut it but my 996 DeWalt would give it a good go lol I would recommend an SDS drill. Again longer would be better but will depend on the space u have available (to fit drill and bit in). Blown bricks are not exactly easy to repair the only thing you can really do is stitch drill the blown brick out and start again with a fresh brick, either that or gorilla glue it back together 😂👍🏻

[@justintemp]

@@DoItAllDan thanks for taking the time to respond! It's to drill into brick to attach a bracket high up so guess sds is easier. Tried milwaukee combi but I'm either doing it wrong or using the wrong tool. Went drill to get hole, then low torque hammer but didn't shift. What does stitch drill it out mean? Contractor blown brick out when installing outdoor lights.. I have the piece of brick but can't glue it in place... Thought of silicon the hole then use mortar mix to cover that... Make good... Would that be overkill?

[@justintemp]

@@DoItAllDan it's easier doing it with both feet on ground. Up ladder would be an issue without SDS I guess

[@DoItAllDan]

Yeah definitely SDS, to stitch drill I mean drill holes in the mortar line very close together all the way around the blown brick then using a flat chisel break out the brick by chasing out the mortar you have just drilled and remove the brick, re mortar a new brick in place and make good. If this isn't an option then I guess u could you clear gorilla glue and glue it all together I have used this method before for small pieces but would advise new brick 👍🏻

[@justintemp]

@@DoItAllDan 👍 Thanks. Sounds like an idea for a new vid? I worry wall would not stay in place but we know it will... Mind playing tricks 😂 Gorilla glue for now. Wait til summer before attempting repair

[@khadijatasnim9490]

Nice work. But can you tell me about the drill bit which you have used at first of your video?

[@DoItAllDan]

Sds drill bits, they come as a set or individually 👍🏻

[@ecgodsmack86]

How do you verify there were no gas or water pipes behind the wall or electrical pipes

[@DoItAllDan]

Independent survey of works 👍🏻, also testing kits

[@HansDelbruck53]

10 mm is 25/64 inch, 12 mm is 15/32 inch and 24 mm is 15/16 inch for US conversions.

[@wimbledoncheese7467]

I keep trying to drill in my brick wall, but no matter where in my house I drill, it just stops going further. I am using masonry bits and a plug in hammer drill clockwise. It's never deep enough (maybe just 1 cm) so I I can't put almost any size wall plug to hang things, where am I going wrong!

[@wimbledoncheese7467]

The drill shakes a lot I know it's definitely in hammer mode and going in for the first 1-2cm is a breeze, but then I could be going for hours, nothing.

[@davemcbeardface8976]

What qualifications do you need in the UK to be a handy man?

[@DoItAllDan]

I'm not sure.

[@johntheplumber4936]

None is the answer to that lol,yet 9 times out of 10 they charge more than a fully qualified tradesmen 🤣😂

[@amzival6654]

how long is that drill bit??

[@DoItAllDan]

Maybe a 300mm bit

[@robertolopez3672]

👍👍👍

[@Adam_mohammed_]

For me earmuffs is the most important one 😂😂😂 rather than any safety stuff

[@denisfoley827]

How do you know if there is not a pipe or electrical wire in the wall?

[@DoItAllDan]

Unless it has been surveyed you won’t know

[@Coan5]

00:34 when he whips it out 😳😳

[@DoItAllDan]

😂😂😂

[@vernonparrish7066]

Nice, but what I needed to know is what kind of drill are you using to do this???? I don't think you was clear on that.

[@DoItAllDan]

dewalt SDS

[@enhnenhn1199]

Can a cordless drill go through wall??

[@DoItAllDan]

Yes

[@christinamariehicks1078]

Showtime .

[@karp6130]

Wot no flue guard?

[@DoItAllDan]

Doesn’t need one, ripped out

[@karp6130]

@@DoItAllDan Nice to hear. Inefficient methane guzzler

[@DoItAllDan]

Not wrong mate

[@lowhertzhighspl]

So I need to purchase several masonry drill bits rather than just one big bit? Grrr.. Should I use same technique if needing a 1" hole?? Or use one masonry hole saw?

[@DoItAllDan]

You will need to increase in increments or you will blow brickwork, so a simple sds 10mm/16mm/20mm/24mm depending on how high you want to go. Never drill with a single unless below 16mm

[@emyhR]

My drill and bit are not even scratching the brick

[@fotomoshen]

Can the sound be any softer?

[@DoItAllDan]

No not really

[@rokketron]

You didn`t show the inside wall then?

[@DoItAllDan]

No, it’s just a hole?

[@apflrrplfert5419]

i was looking for drill songs

[@MrJulianbowden]

I'm trying to fit an outside tap.ive spent £60 on parts .the 16mm drill bit was £15 .but it's a 1930s terrace, my drill started smoking and stopped .switched to my only other drill .its not touching it .all I want is my mrs to stop nagging for an outside tap.!

[@DoItAllDan]

😂💪🏻 I suggest a new sds drill Julian

[@christinamariehicks1078]

Dealer plates ..

[@christinamariehicks1078]

Antenna 4228 ..cm

[@christinamariehicks1078]

Tracking you all on maps..

[@sluckabaugh]

i hate you guys that make it look so easy :)

[@DoItAllDan]

😂😂😂

[@christinamariehicks1078]

Say get out of liscense plate ..

[@christinamariehicks1078]

Hicks..

[@Turtleback8024]

No ear mufflers? And I had to turn the volume down.🙉

[@XENONEZZ2]

Glasses, gloves..And...ear protection. Good vid though.

[@JordanPAT]

And face mask.

[@row0111]

No dust mask, are your lungs the first ones to be resistant to crystalline silica dust?

[@synaxvousez7395]

Gg

[@christinamariehicks1078]

Im thouroughly pissed..

[@christinamariehicks1078]

Very offensive ..dirt bags..

[@oldguy8177able]

anyone notice he didn't drill level

[@DoItAllDan]

This has been addressed by the camera angle, Thank you