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

[Paranoid Hobo Factory]

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?

 

[We Love Mounta]

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.

 

[Funny Fowl]

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.

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

 

[Cantankero]

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.

 

[Crazy Crane]

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.

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

 

[Spectacular Piano in the]

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

 

[The Castle of B]

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

I just want to add that water can also help by cooling the bit and they can also reduce friction.

 

[Proud]

I remembered drilling into a rebar and felt the same thing. turns out it was just only a metal reinforcement. Maybe you should use a metal detector or stud detector from dewalt/ryobi or some flash light to see what you’re drilling.

 

[Important Iguana]

Try some premium bit like Hilti or Bosch Blue Granite if you’re sure that you’re dealing with aggregate, they can help you tremendously unlike your bit now. If you’re dealing with rebar, use a bit rated for metal.

hammer drills are best used when you apply a steady rhythm of pressure to them, do not push slowly or too hard, let the action of the drill do its job. This tool also is only used occasionally, not for frequent jobs. Invest in a rotary hammer if you need this type of tool frequently.

 

[Paranoid Hobo Factory]

I remembered drilling into a rebar and felt the same thing. turns out it was just only a metal reinforcement. Maybe you should use a metal detector or stud detector from dewalt/ryobi or some flash light to see what you’re drilling.

Thanks for this, I’ll look inside and use a metal detector if it is a rebar. What if it is? What should I use to drill it?

 

[Proud]

Thanks for this, I’ll look inside and use a metal detector if it is a rebar. What if it is? What should I use to drill it?

For rebar, use something like carbide-tipped bit or a multi-material bit. These two can make your life easier even when you’re using your hammer drill. Use some water or oil if you need assistance.

 

[Dead Dunlin]

I think your DCD996 is not built for this task. Just rent out a rotary hammer if you really need to drill this part. Not much of a hassle compared to buying different kinds of bit that is still not sure whether it can drill a hole or not.

 

[We Love Mounta]

Bosch or Makita are two of the most reputable rotary hammers out there. Let us know what you did, whether you rent a rotary or bought a new drill bit!