Troubleshooting Issues With Diamond Core Drills

Troubleshooting Issues When Dry Core Drilling

Diamond core drill bits are great tools for milling holes into hard materials like concrete, brick & breeze block. They can be used in core drilling machines to make holes in walls for the installation of pipework and cables. Some issues can occur when core drilling - read on for help with troubleshooting any issues you may be having with your core drills.

Correct Use of a Core Drill

Dry core drills are designed to be used with hammer or percussion actions turned off and only rotary action applied.

The minimum power requirement for dry core drilling should be 850w and for your safety we highly recommend the use of a machine with a slipping clutch.

For horizontal drilling, a minimal amount of pressure should be applied thus allowing the segments to mill away at the material. A common misconception is that putting increased pressure on the core drill results in faster drilling. However, the opposite applies as excess pressure causes a reduced milling speed, increased heat buildup and reduced lifetime.

For vertical drilling, the weight of the machine should suffice.

As a basic rule of thumb, the larger the diameter of the core drill the slower the rotational speed required.

Most Common Issues

The most common issues with diamond core drills occur as a result of:

• Drilling in hammer mode.

• Using an incorrect drill motor for diamond drilling.

• Incorrect matching of core drill to drilling application.

• Machine fatigue, wear or faults.

• Mishandling of product in transit and storage.

When your core drill is not performing as expected

Slow / Decreased Drilling Speed

Possible Causes:

• The segment does not match the material application being drilled.

• If the segment becomes smooth it can be redressed by running the segments through an abrasive material i.e. Lightweight concrete block or concrete roof tile.

• Excessive speed of rotation.

• The drill motor being used is under powered in relation to the size of core drill being used.

Cracking of the Core Drill Barrel

(In the event of barrel fatigue the user should stop using immediately)

Possible Causes:

• Core drill being used on hammer action.

• Lateral twisting in cut.

Segment Loss

(In the event of segment loss the user should stop using immediately)

Possible Causes:

• The segment is too hard for the material being cut causing a hammering or bouncing action when in use.

• Core drill being used on hammer action.

• Snagging of wall tie.

• Twisting in cut.

• Overheating as a result of lack of cooling.

• No slipping clutch on drill motor.

• Impact from dropping, mishandling or damaged in transit.

Jamming of Core Drill

Possible Causes:

• The segment is too hard for the material being cut.

• Insufficient removal of waste from cut.

• Insufficient motor power.

• Damaged out of round barrel.

Deformed Segments

Possible Causes:

• Core drill being used on hammer action.

• Too much pressure being applied when drilling.

• The segment is too hard for the material being cut.

Order Core Drill Bits Online

We offer a wide range of core drill bits and accessories, available to order online with fast delivery to you. Our range includes both dry diamond core drills and wet diamond core drills, with a choice of sizes from top brands like Mexco. Take a look at the full range on our website.