How can I drill into what seems to be a hollow block wall?

Question

This wall is post-1994 Northridge earthquake (and I didn't live in this house when it was installed, so I don't know who installed it). It seems to be kind of a piece together, hollow wall probably with rebar support inside. When I have tried to drill into it with my masonry bit, the bit did not go into the wall like it does for my old block wall.

Is there a special masonry bit that I can find for this kind of wall? I can't imagine this wall is impenetrable.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Answer 1

If you have drilled into the wall using a mosonery bit and you are not going any further, 3 things come to mind 1 the drill bit is blunt 2 you have hit a steel bar and the mosonary bit will not drill through 3 you have hit a stone (blue metal). Use a smaller masonery bit first to cover 1 and 3 as for 2 use a steel drill bit (smaller first)

Answer 2

You probably need a hammer drill, and be prepared if there is rebar you will eat up your bit.  Just go slow and easy.  You can either rent one from someone like home depot, borrow one, or buy a cheap one from someone like http://www.harborfreight.com/.  Masonry bits work great on plaster, block, and mortar.  To get through the hard stuff you really need a hammer drill.

Answer 3

Add this to what Steve says and the key word here is

S-L-O-W !

Also a commercial bit is more expensive but lasts longer.

(Use an industrial supply house not a home center) to buy these and/or rent what you need if this is a one-time job.

Good Luck ! ! !