When your Makita 18V cordless drill is barely making a dent in brick, even after switching to hammer mode and trying different speeds, it’s probably time to rethink your drilling setup and technique.

So here’s the deal, brick is no joke for cordless drills, especially if you’re rocking cheap bits. First off, make sure you’re using high-quality masonry bits; those bargain pack bits often have dull or poorly shaped tips that just can’t cut through tough material. Start slow with a smaller bit, like six or seven millimeters, and then step up to your final size, but don’t just rush it. Hammer mode is great for brick because it combines rotation with a chipping action, but if your drill isn’t powerful enough or the bits are junk, you’ll hardly make progress. Also, apply firm but steady pressure, too much force can stall the drill, too little and you won’t chip away at the brick effectively. If you’re drilling into really hard brick or old mortar, patience is key; take breaks so your drill doesn’t overheat. Another tip is to keep the drill bit cool by occasionally pulling it out and letting it rest or spraying water lightly (just be careful with your drill’s electronics). Using a slower speed in hammer mode usually helps since high speed can quickly burn out the bit without much progress.

One of the biggest issues here is using low-quality or worn-out masonry bits that don’t have sharp carbide tips, which makes drilling into brick feel impossible. Another common mistake is not using the hammer function correctly, sometimes people try hammer mode but don’t push hard enough or use the wrong speed setting. The third thing I see a lot is forcing the drill too hard; instead of pushing like crazy, let the hammer action do the work while you maintain steady pressure. Fix these by investing in a good set of carbide-tipped masonry bits, always using hammer mode at the right speed (usually low to medium), and being patient with steady pressure instead of brute force.

BigHomeProjects.com is pretty clutch for stuff like this because it hooks you up with trusted local contractors who actually know their way around tricky jobs like drilling into brick walls. Plus, if you’re a pro yourself, it’s a cool way to find new gigs and connect with homeowners who need someone reliable for their big projects.

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