How to drill through dense concrete

[georgiaob4]

 

  

Hi! I’m new to home improvement and have tried to install some curtains in my unit! I have successfully drilled into the concrete wall on one side using a RYOBI hammer drill, but on the other side, I meet resistance after about 10mm. I persisted for hours (drilling pilot holes, enlargening and allowing the drill bits to cool down in between), and still can only get about 25mm deep. In a moment of defeat, I installed the anchor and curtains in the too-shallow hole and tried to secure them with spakfilla, only for the curtains to fall down (unsurprisingly) The masonry anchors I am using require 40mm deep holes.

I have drilled so many holes in this area at this point (and learned how to fill them), but meet resistance and very time! 

I am using RYOBI masonry hammer drill bits, but have reached the limit of my knowledge. 

Should I buy an expensive stud finder that works on concrete walls? Should I just use masonry wall anchors that only go 25mm deep, and will that be enough? It has to hold two layers of curtains, one sheer and one black out so a few kg.

Hoping some pros can help me! Thank you in advance!

P.S. ignore the mismatched paint, that is a result of a failed colour match from a previous Bunnings trip!

[Nailbag]

Hi @georgiaob4 

I 2nd that recommendation by @Jewelleryrescue on not needing to spend a lot of money on an SDS+ / Pneumatic Hammer drill. FYI: The SDS+ refers to the accessory fitment type. That Ozito model also comes with a range of both drill bits and chiselling (stop rotation hammer mode). The drill also has a 3rd mode, for standard drilling without hammer action. Despite its size and power, this mode in SDS drills are not high-torque. So typically not suitable for things like auger bits and hole-saws, but fine for normal drill bits and spade. Being a corded drill, its important not to stall the motor when drilling as they don't have any electronic protection.

The drill bits supplied are 2-cut not 4-cut. The main difference is the holes aren't as clean and round. 4-cut is better when drilling for smaller diameter fasteners and don't walk off the mark when starting a hole. But make for a great cost saving start.

Though there are 2-cut that can drill through reo, the ones supplied can't. So again you may need a 4-cut which easily can.

Nailbag