Introduction to Drilling into Lintels
Drilling into lintels can sometimes be a challenging task, especially when you’re trying to hang blinds or fixtures. Selecting the right drill bit is crucial to ensure a clean, efficient process. Let’s explore the best options based on the type of lintel you’re dealing with.
Key Considerations for Lintel Drilling
Understanding the material of your lintel is essential. Different materials require different drilling techniques and tools. Whether your lintel is concrete, steel, stone, or wood, choosing the appropriate drill bit and drill type will make your job easier and safer.
Identifying Your Lintel Material
Start by examining the exterior of your property to determine the lintel material. If you see a solid, uniform stone above your door or window, it’s likely a stone lintel. Steel lintels are often concealed beneath brickwork, typically found in brick-built homes, especially when you notice a row of bricks directly above openings. Common materials include concrete, metal, stone, and timber, with older properties more likely to feature stone or timber lintels. Recognizing the material will guide your choice of drill bit and method.
Drilling Into Concrete Lintels
Concrete lintels can be tough and resistant to penetration. At times, you may encounter reinforced concrete, which contains embedded steel reinforcement bars that can slow down or complicate drilling. The optimal tool for this job is a masonry drill bit, paired with a powerful hammer drill. For stubborn concrete, consider using an SDS drill and specially designed bits that deliver high impact energy, making the task significantly easier.
Recommended Drill Bit: Dewalt DT6952-QZ Masonry Drill Bit Set (5 Pieces) – priced at approximately £6.94. (Available on Amazon)
Pro Tip: If drilling into very hard concrete or encountering steel reinforcement, an SDS (Special Direct System) drill provides superior power and efficiency, especially for heavy-duty tasks. These drills feature a unique slotted drive shaft that allows the bit to move back and forth rapidly, creating impactful force to penetrate tough materials.
Drilling Into Metal Lintels
Steel or metal lintels require a different approach. The key is to use a High-Speed Steel (HSS) drill bit. To prevent overheating and damage to the bit, operate the drill at low speeds and apply plenty of lubrication, such as WD-40 or cutting oil. Slow, steady drilling minimizes the risk of blunting or snapping the bit, ensuring a cleaner hole and prolonging your tool’s lifespan.
Recommended Drill Bit: Bosch Professional 19-piece PointTeQ HSS Twist Drill Bit Set, costing around £13.11. (Available on Amazon)
Drilling Into Stone Lintels
Stone lintels, especially softer varieties, are among the easiest to work with. Using a masonry drill bit combined with a hammer drill or SDS drill is effective. To prevent chipping or cracking softer stone, start with a smaller drill bit and gradually increase to larger sizes. This method ensures precision and preserves the integrity of the lintel.
Understanding SDS Drills and Bits
SDS stands for Slotted Drive Shaft. These drills are specifically designed for heavy-duty masonry work. The unique shaft design allows the bit to slide back and forth within the drill, delivering powerful impacts that efficiently break through concrete and stone. SDS drills are more suited for professional use but are invaluable for challenging drilling tasks. They can also operate in hammer-only mode, functioning like a breaker or chipping tool, which is ideal for removing old mortar or breaking through stubborn materials.
Recommended SDS Drill: Bosch Professional Rotary Hammer with SDS Plus, approximately £139.74. (Available on Amazon)
- Delivers 2.7 Joules of impact energy, ensuring fast drilling and effective chisel removal.
- Constructed with high-quality components for durability and long-term reliability.
- Features optional chisel mode for a wide range of heavy-duty applications.