Concrete core drilling is the process of drilling clean, circular holes in a concrete surface. It is one of the most effective ways to create openings for plumbing, HVAC, electrical and sprinkler systems. Fine Cut can drill holes of various sizes in diameter. Regardless of the area, our trained operators can core drill inside and outside.
Core drilling isn’t limited to just concrete. We core drill through structural concrete, asphalt, stone, brick and cinder block. Our team can core drill floors, ceilings, walls, floor and roof drains, sewer drains, phone, electrical, cable and fiber optic openings. We core drill for pipe bollard installation, handrail and anchor holes and even fireplace exhaust systems.
Any construction project will inevitably require crews to core drill concrete. Concrete core drilling is a fast, accurate and clean way to drill holes in concrete and is usually listed as a basic service by most concrete-cutting experts like Fine Cut.
Diamond concrete-core drills are the most commonly used tools for this process. The core drill bit tends to consist of a steel tube impregnated with diamond segments on the drilling end. The concrete coring drill is mounted on the rotating shaft of a concrete core-drilling machine and is secured to the wall or floor in question. A solid cylindrical concrete core or “slug” is removed from the hole once the drilling is complete.
However, no matter what the project is, the process to create the hole is virtually the same. In terms of the process, the operator first uses a small threaded anchor to secure the drill post to the wall and then bolts the drill post, which will act as a guide for the core drill itself. This bolting of the drill post allows for the core drill to hit its mark straight on and make one smooth, consistent core – no matter what angle.
Once the drill post is securely fastened, the next step is for the drill bit to be mounted. This drill bit can be to whatever size the customer specifies. No job is too small or large in size or scope.
After the drill is properly mounted, it is turned on while water is applied as coolant and pressure is placed on the crank. The hand crank on the core drill itself drives the drill to the surface and cuts through the concrete. Most drill cans are built to accommodate a depth of 12-14” but can be any length if needed depending on the depth of the core. Also, if necessary, the core drill can cut through rebar steel. Once the surface and existing materials are penetrated, the core comes out with the bit, or the core can be pulled out manually if it is found in a slab. From there, the coring of the hole is complete and additional holes can then be cored if need be.
For more information about concrete core drilling, call Fine Cut at (816) 540-5787.