What’s wrong with my hammer drill with tapcon bit?

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Paranoid Hobo Factory

Feb 12, 2025
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It’s my first time using this kind of setup (DeWalt DCD996 with a TapCon masonry bit) and I’m having a bit of trouble drilling into a concrete foundation. At first, it can drill for about 2 inches deep but never goes through even though I exert plenty of force and pressure. I tried a lot of techniques, speeds, and pressure but nothing seems to work.

Do any of you folks experience this problem with your tool? Or is it because of my masonry bit? Or maybe it is because of the concrete type?
 
Have you heard of an aggregate in the concrete? Maybe that’s what you’re drilling through, they’re pretty common in older concrete. I guess, you need to use a rotary hammer if you have some, or maybe try some higher-quality bit if you can find one.
 
Have you heard of an aggregate in the concrete? Maybe that’s what you’re drilling through, they’re pretty common in older concrete. I guess, you need to use a rotary hammer if you have some, or maybe try some higher-quality bit if you can find one.
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Rotary hammer is what you need in this job. Hammer drills like DCD996 are built for smaller jobs, not for aggregate concrete – feels like drilling a hole to a rock using a spoon LOL
 
Are you using the right size of bit for the anchors – a little slightly off may bind the hole. Double check the packaging for specs.
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I already done that, in fact, I swapped it out for another TapCon just if the first one was broken or damaged. No progress, same issue 😞
 
maybe you’re hitting a concrete aggregate and other dense materials like rebar, maybe because you’re using the wrong tool for the job, and maybe you’re doing the wrong technique?

focus more on the techniques first, like, applying the right pressure, clearing debris from the hole, maintaining the drill straight and no unnecessary wiggling or side drilling.

maybe you really need to rent a rotary hammer for the job. Not only that it will make the job easier, it will also save you a lot of frustrations in the future
 
maybe you’re hitting a concrete aggregate and other dense materials like rebar, maybe because you’re using the wrong tool for the job, and maybe you’re doing the wrong technique?

focus more on the techniques first, like, applying the right pressure, clearing debris from the hole, maintaining the drill straight and no unnecessary wiggling or side drilling.

maybe you really need to rent a rotary hammer for the job. Not only that it will make the job easier, it will also save you a lot of frustrations in the future
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I just want to add that water can also help by cooling the bit and they can also reduce friction.
 
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