How to Drill Into Brick

Drilling into brick is sometimes necessary when hanging pictures or mirrors, lightweight shelves, or cabinets on brick walls. Drilling also comes into play when large holes are needed for installing outdoor outlets or light fixtures.

Drilling into brick can be difficult if you try to use a conventional rotary drill and a drill bit that's not suited for masonry. With the right tools and techniques, this job is quicker and far less frustrating.

Should You Drill Into the Brick or the Mortar?

Given that mortar is softer than brick and easier to drill into, should you actually drill into the mortar instead of the brick?

Mortar's softness does make it easier to drill into. Plus, patches to mortar are less noticeable than patches to brick. But mortar is too soft and unpredictable for hanging or attaching heavy, fragile, or valuable items. Mortar can have voids that aren't visible from the outside of the joint, contributing to its structural weakness.

Whenever possible, drill into the brick, not the mortar. If you plan to drill into the mortar, use a plastic expansion anchor and make sure that anything you hang is lightweight.

Tools for Drilling Into Brick

Hammer Drill

A hammer drill is the best type of drill for drilling into brick, as well as concrete and other masonry. Hammer drills rapidly pound the hole in a chipping motion while turning the drill bit. Hammer drills impact the work surface at between 20,000 to 50,000 beats or blows per minute (BPM).

Hammer drills are effective and usually are worth renting or purchasing if you have more than a few holes to drill in brick. Hammer drills cost between $200 and $500 to purchase.

The hammer mode can be turned off so that the tool can be used in rotational-only mode. Since hammer drills are big and bulky, they aren't convenient to use as your main rotary drill on a regular basis.

Rotary Drill With Hammer Function

Rotary drills with a hammer function, sometimes called hammer drill drivers, are an alternative option for drilling into brick.

These drills are mainly designed for rotary drilling. With the twist of the plastic clutch collar, they convert to hammer drilling mode. Rotary drills with this feature deliver up to 34,000 BPM.

Masonry Bit

A carbide masonry bit has a spade-shaped end that helps to dig away the brick. Its grooved flutes force the debris backward. You can buy full sets of masonry bits if you plan to do a lot of drilling into brick. Because masonry bits are fairly expensive, you can buy individual masonry bits.

Wall Anchor

A lag shield is a secure anchor for hanging items from brick. The anchor slides into the hole in the brick, and the screw is turned into the anchor. Turning the screw expands the zinc-alloy anchor, holding it tightly in place.

Choose a drill bit that is one size larger than the anchor: usually, 1/4-inch or as specified by the manufacturer.

Shop Vacuum

A shop vacuum is valuable both for clearing brick dust from the hole and for cooling down the drill bit while it is turning. Make sure that the vacuum is fitted with a dust bag and a HEPA dust filter.

Codes and Permits

Drilling into brick itself generally will not trigger any permit requirements in most municipalities. But the project might be part of a larger project that does need permitting, such as installing an outdoor GFCI outlet on a brick wall.

Safety Considerations

Manufactured veneer brick is much softer than structural brick and may not provide enough support for attaching heavy items. Plus, veneer brick can be as thin as 3/4-inch-thick—too thin for hanging heavy items.

Structural brick walls may have electrical wires running through the inside. If you will be drilling completely through the brick, check for wires. Deactivate power to the area by flipping off the appropriate circuit breaker on the electric service panel.