Core Drilling
Professional core drilling equipment for concrete, masonry, and reinforced concrete. We stock Husqvarna and Diamond Products core drills in handheld and rig-mounted configurations, with diamond core bits from 1/2" to 24" diameter. All tax-free in 45+ states, PDF datasheets included, free freight on orders over $199.
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How to Choose
How to Choose a Core Drill
1. Handheld vs rig-mounted
Handheld core drills (Husqvarna DM 220, Diamond Products CD series) suit holes up to 4-6" diameter in walls, floors, and ceilings. Rig-mounted drills (Husqvarna DMS series) are required for large diameter holes (6"+) and for precision drilling where the rig provides stability and alignment.
2. Motor amperage determines capacity
1,500-2,000W (13-17A) motors handle 1/2" to 4" holes in reinforced concrete. 2,400-3,000W motors handle 4" to 10" holes. Larger holes in reinforced concrete require hydraulic or three-phase electric motors.
3. Wet vs dry drilling
Wet core drilling (water-cooled) is faster, extends bit life, and reduces dust. It is the standard method for holes over 2" diameter. Dry drilling is suitable for small diameter holes in concrete block and masonry where water is undesirable.
4. Core bit selection
Core bit segments must match the concrete hardness and aggregate type. Soft segment bits suit hard aggregate concrete. Hard segment bits suit soft or green concrete. Contact our team if you are unsure of the correct specification.
5. Anchoring method
Vacuum anchors allow fast, non-destructive setup on smooth floors. Wedge anchors are required for rough, porous, or sloped surfaces. Column stands provide the most stability for large-diameter horizontal drilling.
Buying Tip
Pro tip: Always buy core bits 1-2" larger than your pipe diameter to allow for sleeves and grout. Stock common sizes (2", 3", 4", 6") to avoid delays on plumbing and MEP roughin jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a 4-inch pipe, you typically need a 5-inch or 6-inch core bit to allow for the pipe sleeve and waterproofing boot. Core bits are sold by the bit diameter (the hole diameter they produce). Always specify the required finished hole size and work backwards to the bit size needed.
Yes. Diamond core bits are designed to drill through reinforced concrete including rebar. Wet drilling with a rig-mounted core drill is the standard approach for reinforced slabs and walls. Hitting rebar does reduce bit life — if you expect heavy rebar, specify a harder-segment bit designed for this application.
A vacuum anchor allows you to core drill floors without drilling anchor bolts, making it fast to set up and non-destructive. Vacuum anchors work on flat, smooth, non-porous surfaces. For rough, porous, or sloped surfaces, a wedge anchor or core stand is required.
Wet drilling uses water to cool the bit, flush cuttings, and suppress dust. It is faster, extends bit life 3-5x, and is the standard for holes over 2" in concrete. Dry drilling uses no water — it is suitable for small holes in masonry and concrete block where water damage is a concern. Dry drilling requires HEPA dust extraction for OSHA compliance.
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