drilling holes - what am I doing wrong?

elsien

I'm just starting to do diy (as my 69 year old mother has refused to do it for me any more, on the grounds I really should start learning myself:rotfl: .)

The last couple of times I've needed to use a drill, I've used the recommended drill bit size, and checked with the screw that the hole is the right depth. The first time, the rawl plug went all the way in, but the screw wouldn't, and I ruined the head trying to force in it. The second time, the rawl plug went 3/4 of the way in then broke off when I bashed it with the hammer.
To save me from drilling 6 holes to fit 2 screws ( that one was the tv stand:eek: ) any help and advice would be appreciated. Assume no knowledge on the subject at all.

Zazen999

Hi
Are you using the recommended drill bit for the screw, or the rawlplug?

I usually put tape around the drill so that I can stop when it gets to the depth I need for the rawlplug [not the screw].

Plus I use a sonic [electronic] screwdriver; by hand it is sometimes very hard to get the screw right in. the rawlplug should definitely be in the hole all the way before you start screwing; and if you have to bash it then the hole isn't deep enough. Don't forget to try and get as many drilling shavings/dust out of the hole before you put the rawlplug in.

phill99

Always use a good quality Drill Bit and Drill.
Rawl plugs are OK, but the also make one Called 'Uno' which is a far superior product and can be used for all sub stratas including plaster board etc.

Measure the length of the rawl plug and add 20%. This is then the depth of the hole you need to drill and it will allow some overage if thge screw is a bit on the long side. If your not sure, use a smaller drill bit than the one actually needed. This will allow a tight fit, and can be enlarged if needed (you can make it bigger but not smaller).

Always use a good quality screw. The reason you rupotured the screw is that they are cheap made from poor quality soft metal. You need a trade screww like a Spax or Reisser. These will not rupture if over turned! Remember the length of the screw driver is also important - the longer it is the better torque you can apply and it will therefore turn that much easier and with more force.

Poppycat

Drilling holes is the bane in my life. It takes me ages to get a hole right, the drill either goes in wrong angle, moves very slightly or the plug doesn't go right in even when the hole is deep enough. I tend to pull and push drill in a few times to get right depth and loosen any bits in hole as the raw plug rarely every goes in right even when correct depth.

Last week I put a large mirror up (got from Aldi) two catches at either end. Measure where I wanted it and correct space apart, even used spirit level for correct alignment. First hole a real pain to get right. 2nd hole no problem although I have noticed at times drilling holes I get black dust and also from pointing its as if they used coal

Anyhow fitted mirror, it wasn't straight turned out the catches on mirror wasn't right, had to unscrew one and measure correct place

I tried to put a shelf up in garage with those cheap brackets you can get, I try and get the holes in mortar but can I hell us drill through brick for bottom hole, it will take forever with hammer drill.

I think I need to get a better drill and bits

tomstickland

Make sure you have a reasonable masonry drill bit in a reasonably good hammer drill. Really rubbish drills don't hammer very effectively, which can make drilling hard work, as can blunt bits. Don't cook the drill bits, allow them time to cool.

Drill the hole a bit deeper than the wall plug. You can't go too deep; if the screw snapped off then the hole probably wasn't deep enough.

Push the plug in a bit.
Then put the screw into the plug and tap the whole lot into the wall until the plug is below the surface.

If the screw becomes very tight then undo it, pull the screw and plug out with a claw hammer or pliers and then drill the hole out a bit larger. Either use a larger bit or wobble the previous bit around to enlarge the hole.

If you need more than one hole, don't measure them out. Drill the first, put the screw in. Then put the item up on the wall, level it, and mark the 2nd hole with a pencil or with the drill itself. Then drill out the hole.

You can keep a drill on path by pushing it in the direction you want it to go as it drills.

If it all goes wrong then see if you can move the item slightly, allowing a new set of holes to be drilled.

If the hole is too loose then you can hammer the existing plug into it and drill it out again, or hammer match sticks etc into it.

It can be quite artistic.

ukwoody

I personally think Phil99 has summed it up a treat especially the use of good quality plugs and screws - it really does make a hell of a lot of difference.

Woody

Hitch

Half decent tools and materials are key, as is knowing what you are drilling into.
This gives you the chance to select an appropriate fixing.


I prefer to use nylon plugs rather than the red/brown etc, with normal twinfast screws or similar.

Drill the hole tight enough so the plug doesnt turn. A good push with your finger and the plug should go in, or a light tap from a hammer.
It doesnt matter too much if the plug pushes on further than the surface, as long as your screws are long enough to go into it fully.

If the screw is tight going in, sometimes it helps to put a smaller screw in first, then replace it with alarger one.
Or it could be a case of the screw is too big for the plug being used.

Not sure how a longer screwdriver can help with torque though Phill... :huh: