Core Drills

Core drills cut round holes through concrete floors and walls for pipe and conduit. They combine high torque, water and electricity, and they can cut into things you can’t see.

• Construction

Before you core

• Get approval for the hole location. Scan the slab or wall (GPR or X-ray) for rebar, conduit and post-tension tendons. Cutting a tendon can release enormous energy and damage the structure.
• Check what’s below or behind: people, equipment, utilities. Barricade the area below the hole.
• Plan how to catch the core and the water so they don’t drop on anyone.
• Anchor the rig (expansion anchor or vacuum base rated for the job).
• Use GFCI protection; keep electrical connections out of the water.

Drilling

• Use water to cool the bit and control silica dust.
• Start slowly to establish the cut, then feed steadily.
• Use the clutch on handheld core drills, and brace for torque. Hand-held coring is safest with small bits only.
• Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves and boots with good traction (wet floors).

• Don’t free-hand large core bits.
• Don’t keep drilling if you hit steel unexpectedly. Stop and ask.

Last updated: October 1, 2026