Can you drill into brick with a normal drill bit?
Michael Gray
Updated on May 23, 2026
If you're wondering how to drill into brick without a hammer drill, it's not as simple or straightforward, but it is still doable. Drilling into a brick wall with a regular drill requires a high-quality masonry bit at the least. With no hammer action, the tool has to rely on its turning speed.
What bit to use to drill into brick?
You just need the tools and the right technique for how to drill into brick. Typically, all it takes is an ordinary drill to bore a few small 1″-deep holes (each a ¼-inch in diameter or less). Just buy a carbide-tipped masonry bit from your local hardware or home center and follow the steps below.Can I use wood drill bit on brick?
You can never use wood or metal drilling bits to drill holes in masonry, you must use specific masonry drill bits designed for masonry. Masonry bits are excellent for drilling bricks, Thermalite or concrete blocks, mortar (cement), concrete and some tiles as well.Do you have to use a hammer drill for brick?
What Drill to use for Masonry. It's imperative that you use a drill designed for making holes in stone, concrete or brick. That means you'll need a drill with a hammer mode. Failure to use a drill with hammer function will result in the damage of your tool, or it simply not being able to get the job done.Can you drill concrete with a regular drill bit?
You can drill holes in concrete with a regular drill. Many people think that you cannot drill concrete with a regular drill. They believe that you need a special hammer drill with hardened drill bits. While these tools do make the job faster they are not necessary.Drilling into Brick
Can I use a regular drill to drill into concrete?
It is possible to drill into concrete with an ordinary rotary drill. Rotary drills take longer to drill into concrete than hammer drills and more physical effort is required. Excessive heat build-up can break the drill bit.Can I screw directly into brick?
If you're a DIYer novice, you need to know you can't screw directly into brick. You need to drill a hole, insert a rawl plug – a type of fixing which will hold your screw in place – and then screw into this. This process is much easier in a brick wall than plasterboard, which may require more specialist fixings.Can you drill into mortar with a regular drill?
Use the Right Drill and Drill BitThe hammering action may make the job easier, but it's likely to cause the mortar to crumble. The job may take a little longer if you use a standard cordless or corded drill, but mortar is soft, so it won't take that much longer, and it's safer.
Do I need a masonry drill bit for brick?
Drilling into a brick wall with a regular drill requires a high-quality masonry bit at the least. With no hammer action, the tool has to rely on its turning speed. Without a proper hammer drill, the process will take longer. You will also need to remove the drill from the hole more often.How do you drill into brick without cracking it?
How To Drill Into Brick Without Cracking It (8 Easy Steps)
- Get a Drill, Drill Bit, Screw & Screwdriver. ...
- Mark Your Desired Hole. ...
- Put on Your Protective Gear. ...
- Select Depth and Mark Your Drill. ...
- Level the Drill With the Hole. ...
- Drill the Pilot Hole. ...
- Drill Into the Hole Again. ...
- Install the Appropriate Anchor.