Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - masonry drilling problems

Any advice on the following will be greatly appreciated...

I'm installing (trying to anyway) a pvc railing on my front stoop but am having considerable difficulty in drilling the holes that will be used to anchor the column metal post. I'm using a dewalt hammer drill and carbide tipped masonry bits to drill into the concrete.

Apparently I'm hitting rocks or rebar because the drilling is making little to no progress. I tried repositioning the bracket but again, no luck, and I cannot move anymore than I already have. One of the holes I was able to go about an inch shy of the required depth for the screws I will be using. Then, I hit something and no luck. The other three holes I cannot get past a quarter inch. My concrete stoop seems to have small rocks or pebbles embedded near the surface and probably throughout. What, if anything, can I do to get around this problem?

I tried doing some research on the net and found that there are special bits made especially for cutting through rebar. Only, they seem to start at 1/2 inch diameter and I need my holes to be 1/4 inch so that will not work. Plus, I know I am not hitting rebar on the shallower holes because rebar is typically set deeper.

I've tried different masonry bits and two drills and no luck. At a standstill now and just thought I would post here to see if anyone has advice or knows how to work around this bump in the road.

Thanks in advance!!!

Bubba

Most good masonary bits will cut through concrete, rocks and rebar. It takes TIME. It is a slow process sometimes but it can be done. Good luck.

thanks for the reply dragon. The bits I used were purchased from sears (craftsman brand). Do you have any other bits to recommend? I'm going to try anything.

bubba

The Craftsman should work but I always try to get Hilti brand. You may want to try adding water as you drill to keep the heat down. Also pull the bit out of the hole occasionally to remove any dust that may be clogging the cutter. Watch the water around your electric drill.

Make sure the drill bit is spinning the right way not in reverse, a little hole like that should be no problem for a hammer drill

Thank you for the replies! I just finished putting up the posts and was able to finally drill though the concrete. I picked up a new 1/4 inch bit at Home Depot (dont remember the brand off hand) and I also picked up a size smaller masonry bit to drill a smaller pilot hole. The trick that made the whole thing easier was that I adjusted the speed of the hammer drill to the next fastest setting. Why I did not do that to begin with I dont know but, the drilling went like, dare I say, butter after that. I drilled effortlessly with the small bit and then followed afterward with the 1/4 inch. I was done in no time.

So, thanks again for the suggestions! Now, I'm going to tackle the railing and ballusters.

Best,

bubba