Fence: What is core drilling? When should it be done?

Fence: What is core drilling? When is it necessary?

Hello everyone, this is Marco from Fenceshop. Today we want to talk about a very important technical aspect in the world of fences: core drilling. This process may seem complicated, but I will try to explain it in a simple and clear way.

What is core drilling?

Core drilling is a drilling technique used on building materials such as concrete, stone, and brick. It is performed with a specific machine that creates a hole in the material. Imagine having a concrete wall without holes. Core drilling allows for a precise hole to be made in the concrete.

In practice, the machine used for core drilling has a bit called a "core bit," which is hollow inside and reinforced with very resistant materials, often diamond-tipped. This bit grinds against the concrete, creating a vertical cut for the entire height of the wall. Once the hole is created, the cylinder of material, called the "core," is removed using wedges and chisels to break the last part of the concrete.

Why perform core drilling?

Core drilling is necessary in various situations. For example, it might happen that an existing wall does not allow the use of anchors to secure the posts of the fence. In these cases, core drilling offers a robust and durable solution. Moreover, a post cemented inside a wall has a superior hold compared to an anchored post.

Advantages of core drilling

Final hold of the post: A post cemented inside a wall has a much superior hold compared to an anchored post.
Aesthetic finish: Once the post is cemented, the fence appears more elegant and clean, without visible plates or anchors.

Disadvantages of core drilling

Work times: Core drilling requires time, both to prepare the machine and to execute the hole.
High costs: The machine for core drilling is expensive, both to purchase and to rent. Additionally, the diamond bits wear out and need to be replaced.

Tools required for core drilling

Electric machine: Equipped with a reinforced core bit for drilling concrete.
Running water: Necessary to lubricate and cool the core bit during drilling.
Hammer drill: Used to securely fix the machine to the wall.

When to avoid core drilling

If you are a private user needing to create a simple fence, such as with T-posts or round posts, we advise you to avoid core drilling. In these cases, it is better to opt for simpler solutions like plates with anchors or welds. Core drilling is more suitable for complex building works, where very tall and robust posts are required.

Conclusions

Core drilling is a useful and robust technique, but it requires time, specific tools, and can be costly. For simple fences, there are more practical and economical alternatives. We hope this information has been useful to you. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. Visit our ecommerce at www.fenceshop.eu and our institutional website at www.reteplastic.it. Happy working, and happy core drilling!