Concrete core drilling machines, often referred to as core drilling machines, are used to drill round holes through concrete walls, floors or any other structure made out of concrete. A concrete coring machine is the tool of choice when access to electrical, plumbing or heating systems is blocked by concrete. A core drilling machine may also be used to vent a furnace or even a clothes dryer.

A concrete coring machine is also used to prepare a structure made of concrete for the installation of sprinkler systems, duct work, PC or telecommunication network cables. Last, but not least, a core drill machine can be commonly seen in use when work is being done on underground utilities. Concrete drilling equipment of any kind can be dangerous when operated improperly, so consider the following to learn proper techniques via core drilling machines education and training:

1. Complete a concrete coring machine training course.

2. Purchase and watch a concrete drilling equipment techniques video.

3. Take a concrete core drilling machine certification course offered by a drilling association.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Complete a concrete coring machine training course

Several companies and learning institutions offer instruction in the proper use of core drill machines. Many will provide you with core basics as well as safety instruction and information about the science behind drilling technology.

I recommend: Regents of the University of California's site contains information about its UC Berkeley "Basics of Core Drilling" course offered via the Institute of Transportation Studies. The Laborers' International Union runs more than 60 apprenticeship programs that train in concrete coring, pavement breakers and similar equipment.

Purchase and watch a core drill machine techniques video

There are a few websites that sell core drill machine instructional videos. Purchasing these videos may be cost-effective if you are trying to train several people at one time, although keep in mind there will be no expert on hand to correct improper technique.

I recommend: Ohio Concrete offers a series of training videos covering concrete drilling and sawing techniques. Concrete-Trade's website has a number of instructional videos pertaining to core drilling as well as other concrete drilling techniques.

Take a core drilling machine certification course offered by a drilling association

Industry associations often offer training and educational courses and seminars. The drilling industry is no exception and offers members opportunities to network within the field in addition to enhancing drilling knowledge.

I recommend: The Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association (CSDA) and the International Association of Drilling Contractors offer certification courses for various types of drilling.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Core drill machine operation can be highly dangerous work. This is why many employers require core drill operators to complete Hazwoper and OSHA coursework to ensure all safety precautions are taken and to make sure operators know what to do in the event of an accident.

Concrete core drilling machines are primarily used in the construction industry for drilling holes in concrete, brick, block, stone as well as floors, walls and ceilings. There are many lightweight models to choose from and some can be used for wet and dry drilling.

Concrete core drilling machines are not inexpensive, and if you buy one you will also need some accessories to make the drilling go smoothly. Below is a list of accessories you may want to consider purchasing with your core drilling machine:

1. Drill stand to help with drilling accuracy and safety.

2. Heavy-duty 4 or 5 gallon metal water tank to reach maximum efficiency when wet drilling.

3. Strap wrench to remove bits from drill spindle without damaging the drill bit.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide between hand-held or rig-mounted core drilling machines

Hand-held core drilling machines are less expensive and are handy when you need to get into tight spaces. Rig-mounted machines are needed when you have heavy duty drilling projects that cannot be completed with a hand-held machine. The rig-mounted machines can dig deeper than the hand-held machines.

I recommend: You can buy both the hand-held and rig-mounted core drilling machines from CS Unitec, Inc. Heavy-duty concrete drilling equipment and accessories can be purchased from Contractors Direct. They offer free shipping on many items shipped within the Continental United States. Check out KOR-IT, Inc. for trailer-mounted and truck hitched heavy-duty core drilling machines.

Rent your concrete core drilling machines

If you normally do not need to use a concrete coring machine on a regular basis, it may make more fiscal sense to rent your concrete drilling equipment on the occasion that you require it. Don't turn down a job just because you don't have a concrete coring machine. Renting core drill machines is a great way to try before you buy too.

I recommend: Maintenance on concrete core drill machines can be expensive, so renting will save you money in the long run. Sunbelt Rentals and Rig Source Inc. have a variety of hand held and big rig concrete drilling machines available for rent. Ram Tool & Supply Inc. rents some of the larger core drill machines.

Consider purchasing a gas powered core drill

Even if you are set on buying an electric core drill machine, you should consider purchasing a gas powered core drill in addition to the electric one. There may be places that you need to drill where electricity is not available, and having a portable gasoline engine driven coring drill for those times will be a very important.

I recommend: Buy a portable gas concrete core drilling machine with built-in wheels that makes it easy to move from Durham Geo Slope Indicator. Cessco Inc. sells a lightweight portable core drilling machine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Trailer-hitched concrete core drilling machines make set-up and clean-up on job sites very easy. Having a trailer-hitched drilling rig can save you hours of labor.