How to Drill Into Brick

Drilling into brick is a common task for mounting outdoor fixtures, hanging heavy items on exterior walls, or running cables through masonry. It requires the right tools and a bit of patience — but once you know the technique, it's straightforward. Here's everything you need to know.

Brick vs. Mortar: Which Should You Drill Into?

This is the first decision you'll make. Both are valid options:

Drill into the brick: Stronger hold, better for heavy loads. Harder to drill.
Drill into the mortar: Easier to drill, easier to repair if you make a mistake. Use for lighter loads.

For most mounting tasks, drilling into the brick itself gives a more secure anchor.

What You'll Need

Hammer drill — essential for brick. A regular drill will struggle and overheat.
Masonry drill bits — carbide-tipped
Safety goggles and work gloves
Dust mask
Masonry anchors or sleeve anchors

Recommended Tools

BLACK+DECKER Hammer Drill (BEHD201) — Reliable 6.5-Amp hammer drill, great for brick and light masonry. Check it on Amazon →
DEWALT SDS Rotary Hammer (D25263K) — For harder brick or larger holes, this professional rotary hammer with vibration control is the best choice. Check it on Amazon →
DEWALT Masonry Drill Bit Set (DW5207) — 7-piece carbide-tipped set designed for brick, concrete, and block. Check it on Amazon →

Step-by-Step: How to Drill Into Brick

Mark your spot with a pencil or chalk marker.
Put on your safety gear — goggles, gloves, and dust mask. DEWALT Safety Goggles → | HANDLANDY Work Gloves →
Start with a small pilot hole (3mm) to guide your larger bit and prevent wandering.
Switch your drill to hammer mode.
Begin at low speed to establish the hole, then increase gradually.
Apply firm, consistent pressure — don't push too hard, let the hammering action work.
Pull back every 15–20 seconds to clear brick dust from the hole.
Mark your depth on the bit with tape so you don't drill too deep.
Blow or brush out the hole before inserting your anchor.

What to Do If the Drill Stops Making Progress

You may have hit a harder aggregate in the brick — try moving slightly and re-drilling
Your bit may be dull — replace it with a fresh one
For very hard brick, upgrade to an SDS rotary hammer

Choosing the Right Anchor for Brick

Plastic expansion anchors: For light loads (pictures, small shelves)
Sleeve anchors: For medium to heavy loads (shelving, outdoor fixtures)
Wedge anchors: For very heavy loads (structural brackets)

Safety Tips

Brick dust contains silica — always wear a dust mask
Wear safety goggles — brick chips are sharp and fly fast
Check for embedded conduit or pipes in exterior walls before drilling
On older homes, test for lead paint before drilling into mortar

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a regular drill instead of a hammer drill
Skipping the pilot hole
Not clearing dust from the hole before anchoring
Using the wrong anchor type for the load
Drilling too fast and burning out the bit

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