How to Drill Into Concrete & Through Rebar: Best Drills & Drill Bits

Introduction

Drilling into concrete isn’t like drilling into wood or drywall. Concrete is very hard and dense. Plus, it often has something even stronger inside called rebar, which is steel rods hidden inside the concrete to make it extra strong. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to drill into concrete, what to do when you’re hitting rebar, and which hammer drills and drill bits are best for the job.

What Do You Need to Drill Into Concrete?

Choosing the Right Drill for Concrete

Before you begin, it’s important to pick the right drill. A standard drill doesn’t have enough power to handle concrete, especially if there’s rebar inside. You’ll need a hammer drill or, even better, a rotary hammer drill, depending on how tough the concrete surface is.

A hammer drill works by using a fast pounding motion while it spins. This hammering action helps break through the concrete more easily. If you’re doing heavy-duty work, like drilling large or deep holes in reinforced concrete, then you’ll want a rotary hammer. It’s like a bigger, stronger version of a hammer drill.

Here are some of the best drills for concrete and rebar:

• The DeWalt DCH273 20V MAX is great for home use and smaller tasks.
• The Bosch Bulldog Xtreme is ideal for contractors who need more power.
• The  Hilti DD 150-U, Husqvarna DM 230 is the top choice for cutting through thick concrete and rebar.
  

Choosing the Best Drill Bits for Concrete & Rebar

The right drill bit is just as important as the drill itself. You’ll want something made for hard surfaces.

A masonry drill bit, especially one with a carbide tip, is great for general drilling of concrete. But if you’re using an SDS drill or a rotary hammer, it’s best to use SDS Plus or SDS Max bits. These are designed to go deep and hold up to the impact.

When you’re hitting rebar, switch to a rebar cutter bit. These are specially made to cut through steel without damaging the chuck or the bit. And if you’re doing serious, heavy work, a diamond-tipped core bit is the best choice—it slices through concrete and rebar cleanly.

Top drill bits include:

• The carbide-tipped SDS is for masonry and light rebar and is to be used in small holes.
• The Rebar Cutter Bit is for cutting through steel reinforcement.
• The Diamond Core Bit for reinforced concrete makes clean cuts.

Furthermore, why compromise on quality when you have the best options available at Johnson Tools?

How to Drill Into Concrete (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Gather Your Tools & Safety Gear

Before you begin, collect everything you need. Use a hammer drill or a rotary hammer, depending on the type of concrete you’re working with. Choose the right drill bit for the job—this could be a masonry bit, rebar cutter, or diamond bit.

Safety is super important. Put on eye protection, a pair of gloves, a dust mask, and something to protect your ears. Drilling concrete creates a lot of noise and flying debris. You’ll also need a vacuum or compressed air to help clear out the dust from the drill hole.

Step 2: Mark the Drilling Spot & Secure the Area

Use chalk or a marker to mark the spot where you want to drill. If the surface is smooth, place a piece of masking tape over it. This helps keep the drill from slipping. If possible, clamp down your material or make sure the work area is steady.

Step 3: Start Drilling (Low Speed & Steady Pressure)

Now it’s time to start drilling. Hold your drill with both hands and begin at a slow speed. Use moderate pressure, don’t push too hard. Let the hammer drill or rotary hammer drill do the work.

If the drill suddenly stops moving or slows down, you might be hitting rebar. This is your sign to stop right away. Forcing the drill can damage the bit or wear out the chuck. Instead, switch to a rebar cutter and keep going. Once you’re through the steel, you can switch back and continue drilling with your regular bit.

Take breaks if the bit gets hot. You can cool it down with a little water or just stop for a moment. This helps keep the bit cool and makes your tools last longer.

How to Drill Through Rebar in Concrete (Step-by-Step Guide)

Sometimes, while you’re drilling into concrete, your drill suddenly slows down or completely stops. This usually means you’re hitting rebar, a strong steel bar inside the concrete. It’s perfectly normal and very common, especially in buildings or slabs. But when this happens, you can’t just keep going with the same drill bit.

To get through rebar safely and without damaging your tools, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Identify Rebar in Concrete

• If the drill struggles, makes a screeching noise, or suddenly stops moving, you’re probably hitting rebar.
• To be sure, use a rebar detector. It helps you find the exact location of steel reinforcement before you go deeper.
  

Step 2: Switch to a Rebar Cutter Bit

• Stop drilling immediately if you think you’ve hit rebar. Forcing the bit can break it or damage your chuck.
• Take out the regular masonry drill bit and swap it with a rebar cutter. This special bit is made to slice through tough steel without bending or snapping.
  

Step 3: Drill Through the Rebar

• With the rebar cutter in place, start drilling again using slow speed and moderate pressure.
• Let the bit do the work—don’t push too hard.
• Once the drill cuts through the steel, stop and switch back to your masonry bit or diamond bit to continue drilling through the rest of the concrete.
  

Pro Tip: If you can’t cut through the rebar or you don’t have a rebar cutter, you can move your mark just a little and start a new hole to avoid the steel.

Step 4: Clean the Hole & Finish the Job

• Use a vacuum or compressed air to clean out the hole. This removes all the fine dust and debris.
• If the edges of the hole look sharp or messy, smooth them out with the bit or a small file.
• Check your bit—if it’s getting dull, it might be time for a replacement before your next drilling job.
  

Common Problems & Solutions in Concrete & Rebar Drilling

Drilling into concrete and rebar doesn’t always go smoothly. But with a little troubleshooting, most problems are easy to fix. Here are some common issues and how to handle them:

Drill Bit isn’t Penetrating the Concrete

• Problem: Your drill just spins and doesn’t go in.
• Solution: Upgrade to a hammer drill or rotary hammer, and use a strong SDS-Plus or diamond-tipped bit.

Too Much Dust While Drilling

• Problem: Dust is flying everywhere.
• Solution: Use a vacuum or try wet drilling. A little water helps reduce dust. Don’t forget your dust mask for safety.

Drill Stops Due to Rebar Inside Concrete

• Problem: The drill freezes or jerks.
• Solution: Switch to a rebar cutter drill bit to cut through the steel without damaging your tools.

Drill Bit Overheating

• Problem: The bit feels super hot and might even smoke.
• Solution: Take regular breaks, use slow speed, and give the bit time to cool down. You can also dip it in water for a few seconds between turns

Best Drills & Drill Bits for Concrete & Rebar

When you’re drilling into concrete, having the right drill makes all the difference. A regular drill just won’t do the job, especially if you’re hitting rebar. Instead, you need a strong hammer drill or a rotary hammer drill, depending on how tough the concrete surface is.

Here are some of the best hammer drills and rotary hammer drills for different kinds of drilling jobs:

• DeWalt 60V Max SDS Drill – Great for home use and small holes. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for lighter concrete drilling.
• Bosch GBH2-28L SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer – Better for medium-duty work, especially when you need more power but still want good control.
• Hilti DD 150-U Core Drill – A professional-grade tool built for heavy-duty drilling, deep holes, and cutting through reinforced concrete with ease.

But remember, the drill is only half the battle—you also need the right drill bit. The bit is what actually cuts through the concrete and steel, so choosing the correct one is just as important.

These are some of the best drill bits for concrete and rebar:

• Bosch SDS-Plus Bulldog Carbide Bit – Ideal for everyday concrete drilling. These masonry drill bits are tough and long-lasting.
• DeWalt Rebar Cutter Bit – Perfect for cutting through rebar. It keeps your chuck and bit safe when you’re hitting steel.
• Hilti DD-BI Diamond Core Bit – Best for deep, heavy-duty drilling. It handles concrete and rebar without overheating or slowing down.
  

Using these top-quality tools makes the entire drilling process smoother, safer, and more efficient. You’ll spend less time struggling and more time getting the job done right. And with the right gear, you’ll also keep your bit cool, reduce debris, and make clean, strong holes every time.

Need any further advice regarding drilling? Contact Johnson Tools and get the expert solution right away!

FAQs

Can I use a regular drill on concrete?

It’s not a good idea. A regular drill might spin, but it doesn’t have the power to break through tough concrete. You’ll end up stuck, or worse, your drill bit might overheat or snap. That’s why it’s much better to use a hammer drill for small to medium jobs or a rotary hammer drill when you need to go deeper or if you’re hitting rebar. These tools are made for the drilling process and make things much easier and safer.

Do I need a rebar cutter?

Yes, if you’re drilling into reinforced concrete, a rebar cutter is super important. It helps you get through the steel safely without ruining your main drill bit. If you try to keep going with a regular masonry drill bit when you hit rebar, you could wear it out or damage your chuck. So, switching to a rebar cutter at the right moment keeps everything working well and lets you continue drilling smoothly.

Is wet core drilling better than dry?

Yes, it is—especially when you’re making big or deep holes. Wet core drilling uses a little water during the drilling process, and that helps cool down the bit, reduce dust, and stop things from overheating. It also helps clean out debris, so the bit can keep cutting without getting clogged. When your bit stays cool, it lasts longer and works better, especially in tough concrete with lots of steel inside.

How deep can I core drill?

Most core drills can go pretty deep, usually up to 14 inches. And if you need to go even deeper, there are special extensions you can add. Just remember, the deeper you drill, the more careful you need to be about keeping the bit cool, removing debris, and checking if you’re hitting rebar. Always take your time and use the right tools for the job, whether it’s a diamond bit or a rebar cutter.

Conclusion: How to Drill Concrete & Rebar Like a Pro?

Now that you know exactly how to drill into concrete and even how to drill through rebar, you’re ready to take on any project with confidence. Just remember: always match the drill to the task. Use a hammer drill for smaller or medium jobs and a rotary hammer drill for thicker or reinforced concrete.

Pick your drill bit carefully. A carbide-tipped masonry drill bit works well for basic holes, while a diamond bit is the best choice for deeper, heavy-duty concrete work. And don’t forget the rebar cutter when you’re dealing with steel inside the concrete.

To stay safe and work smarter, control dust using a vacuum or water, wear your dust mask, and take regular breaks so your bit stays cool. Using the right techniques, along with high-quality tools, means fewer problems and a faster, smoother drilling process.

So, whether you’re a homeowner, a DIY fan, or a professional, don’t settle for the wrong gear. Shop the best concrete drills and drill bits today at Johnson Tools, and drill like a pro every time.