Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - I need help to drill hole in concrete

I am trying to drill holes though plywood to attach it to an old, poured concrete foundation. I bought a 'masonry' drill bit, and I'm having no luck at all. Any suggestions?? Thank you.

You might make sure that the bit is carbide tipped. If that doesn't work you'll probably need a rotary percussion or hammer drill to go with you masonary bit.

My drill bit said 'Titanium' (sp?). Is that a good bit? Thank you

Originally posted by Debbie Ann
My drill bit said 'Titanium' (sp?). Is that a good bit? Thank you

I don't believe a titanium drill bit is used for masonry.You will need a carbide tipped masonry bit with a drill,or ideally,a hammer drill.You can also purchase a tap-con set,which is nothing more than a masonry bit that comes with a box of high strength concrete screws that are one size larger than the bit itself.Simply pre-drill your holes into the concrete and later attatch your board by screwing the "tapcon" screws into your pre-drilled holes.

Thank you and you are right, the bit I was using is a Carbide Tip.

I just bought another bit at Home Depot. It is a 'Bosch' brand 3/16", industrial hammer drill bit. Employee said this bit is better. I hope it works. Debbie
PS The Titanium coated bit was another bit I bought.

You need two different bits.
One to drill the plywood, and a masonry bit to drill the concrete.

Thank you. That's how I got the names of the two bits mixed up. The bit for the wood is Titanium coated and the drill bit for the concrete is Carbide. I used them correctly, one for wood and the other for concrete. When I use the new concrete bit I'll let you know how it goes.....

You might also investigate using liquid nail or some other industrial adhesive. This would allow you to drill fewer holes and still get a solid bond.

That's a very good idea Toucansam, thank you.

Well, as usual...I got great advice regarding my problem with drilling holes in concrete...I used an industrial caulk/adhesive. I should have been more careful !! :-)
I used an old piece of 2x2 and attached it to some old concrete outside...I wanted to be sure it worked...Now, I can't remove the piece of wood....it worked VERY well..hahaha :-) Thanks guys...
Debbie :-)~~

You can probably splinter the wood off of the adhesive, but you may be left with the adhesive on the concrete forever. LOL :) :)

You might find a problem with using a carbide tipped masonary drill bit if (1) the concrete is very old...as it gets harder with age; or (2) if it has larger, harder pieces of rock in it. You see, the carbide tip is hard but may chip or shatter if it suddenly hits a harder substance. Also, the method you use to drill may dull the bit quickly if you either put too much pressure and/or speed when drilling or if you use too little pressure and/or speed. A variable speed drill is a good investment. You can even get a hammer drill that has variable speed as well as a drill only option. With variable speed you can either hear or feel when there is a problem that needs to be adjusted.

Thank you very much for your information. You are correct about the old concrete....... I'm learning so much from this web site and I thank everyone for taking time to help me....Debbie