I need to drill 56 core holes in cement that are three-quarter inch in diameter and about 2 inches deep.
I’m looking for recommendations for the three-quarter inch core bit. I don’t mind buying extra bits, but I’m not sure how many I will go through for the job. Reviews online tend to vary on the quality of the bed.
I will be using a core drill on a stand and can do either wet or dry as it will be outdoors.
Looking for a good supplier to buy the bits that are best quality.
Thanks!
_____________________________ Pledge allegiance or pack your bag! The problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money. - Margaret Thatcher Spread my work ethic, not my wealth
August 13, 2025, 07:35 AM
Captain Morgan
Have you looked at Hilti?
Let all Men know thee, but no man know thee thoroughly: Men freely ford that see the shallows. Benjamin Franklin
August 13, 2025, 07:43 AM
BOATTRASH1
I second Hilti!
August 13, 2025, 07:46 AM
MikeGLI
I would also look at Hilti. I've found their bits to be worth the upcharge. But I've never used their core bits.
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August 13, 2025, 07:54 AM
Patriot
quote:
Originally posted by Captain Morgan: Have you looked at Hilti?
I did, $159.00 for one bit is steep. I was looking for any potential alternatives.
Also, if one bit could do all the holes, fine but I'm not sure how many would get done per bit. Any insights on this? Thank you.
_____________________________ Pledge allegiance or pack your bag! The problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money. - Margaret Thatcher Spread my work ethic, not my wealth
August 13, 2025, 07:55 AM
Patriot
quote:
Originally posted by MikeGLI: I would also look at Hilti. I've found their bits to be worth the upcharge. But I've never used their core bits.
Would one bit be able to do that many holes? My concern is getting the job half done and needing a new bit...so I'm not sure how may cores the bits are rated for?
_____________________________ Pledge allegiance or pack your bag! The problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money. - Margaret Thatcher Spread my work ethic, not my wealth
August 13, 2025, 08:04 AM
rizzle
Check with your local tool rental, they rent bits and can answer questions on wear.
August 13, 2025, 11:54 AM
egregore
I assume you're looking for these? Masonry drills - Grainger.com Select the size and shank style you need.This message has been edited. Last edited by: egregore,
"The Almighty, He put some livin' things on this earth so a man can eat." - Festus Haggen, Gunsmoke
August 13, 2025, 12:23 PM
smlsig
3/4” diameter is pretty small. Most of the core samples I’ve taken have been 2”.
Can I ask what you’re doing with them?
------------------ Eddie
Our Founding Fathers were men who understood that the right thing is not necessarily the written thing. -kkina
August 13, 2025, 02:21 PM
hvactech
Check with Fastenal or Mcmaster carr
August 13, 2025, 02:31 PM
comet24
I've drilled a bunch of 3/4" holes in concrete, but always with standard SDS and SDS plus masonry bits. We used Hilti bits and a drill years ago when we had to drill a lot of holes. These days I have a Bucsh Bulldog that works fine.
The key to core drilling, I have found, is keeping the bit from overheating. I would do wet. It will not only keep the dust down but also keep the drill bit cool. It can be more clean up and set up depending on where you're drilling and if the area can get wet. For holes that small, a shop vac can handle the water as you drill.
_____________________________________
Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain. Jack Kerouac
August 13, 2025, 03:35 PM
Patriot
quote:
Originally posted by comet24: I've drilled a bunch of 3/4" holes in concrete, but always with standard SDS and SDS plus masonry bits. We used Hilti bits and a drill years ago when we had to drill a lot of holes. These days I have a Bucsh Bulldog that works fine.
The key to core drilling, I have found, is keeping the bit from overheating. I would do wet. It will not only keep the dust down but also keep the drill bit cool. It can be more clean up and set up depending on where you're drilling and if the area can get wet. For holes that small, a shop vac can handle the water as you drill.
Thank you, good info. I can do wet as it’s out doors. Hose clean up is an option.
I was thinking of going the bulldog route (hand held) but am concerned about chipping. There is anesthetic value to these holes. So I’m looking at a proper core drill rig with stand to ensure a nice clean cut.
_____________________________ Pledge allegiance or pack your bag! The problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money. - Margaret Thatcher Spread my work ethic, not my wealth
August 14, 2025, 07:13 PM
sunburn
When you acquire the bits, drill a 1x4x18” in the center, stand on each end to us as a guide to drill through for a clean hole
Lick the lollipop of mediocrity once and you suck forever.
August 14, 2025, 08:06 PM
Skins2881
quote:
Originally posted by Patriot:
quote:
Originally posted by comet24: I've drilled a bunch of 3/4" holes in concrete, but always with standard SDS and SDS plus masonry bits. We used Hilti bits and a drill years ago when we had to drill a lot of holes. These days I have a Bucsh Bulldog that works fine.
The key to core drilling, I have found, is keeping the bit from overheating. I would do wet. It will not only keep the dust down but also keep the drill bit cool. It can be more clean up and set up depending on where you're drilling and if the area can get wet. For holes that small, a shop vac can handle the water as you drill.
Thank you, good info. I can do wet as it’s out doors. Hose clean up is an option.
I was thinking of going the bulldog route (hand held) but am concerned about chipping. There is anesthetic value to these holes. So I’m looking at a proper core drill rig with stand to ensure a nice clean cut.
So you don't need cores? If they are decorative just us and SDS bit. If the need to look clean, do first 1" with.5" bit, then swap to .75 for the remainder.
A standard SDS bit can drill hundreds of holes so it should be a lot easier and cheaper than you may have thought.
Jesse
Sic Semper Tyrannis
August 15, 2025, 05:04 AM
Patriot
quote:
So you don't need cores? If they are decorative just us and SDS bit. If the need to look clean, do first 1" with.5" bit, then swap to .75 for the remainder.
I though about this too…
Core bit to start, then switch to SDS.
_____________________________ Pledge allegiance or pack your bag! The problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money. - Margaret Thatcher Spread my work ethic, not my wealth