Dry drilling in concrete - when is it possible and when is it not?

An expert guide for construction companies, installers and B2B contractors

Drilling in concrete is a daily task on construction sites, during renovations and installation works.
One of the most frequently asked questions from B2B customers is:

Is it possible to drill concrete dry, and is it cost-effective?

As a manufacturer of diamond tools, Distar answers this question in a technical, honest and practical way – without marketing shortcuts.

Why does dry drilling in concrete raise so many doubts?

Because not all concrete is the same, and working conditions on construction sites vary significantly.
Dry drilling is tempting due to its speed and convenience, but in certain situations it can lead to:

• rapid tool wear,

• overheating of diamond segments,

• cracking of concrete,

• financial losses and customer complaints.

That is why it is crucial to understand when dry drilling makes sense and when it absolutely should not be used.

Dry drilling in concrete – when is it possible?

✅ 1. Standard concrete (C20–C25) without dense reinforcement

In fresh or standard concrete structures, dry drilling is possible provided that:

• hole diameters are small,

• drilling depth is limited,

• the operator controls the tool temperature.

✅ 2. Finishing and installation works

Typical applications include:

• electrical boxes,

• installation penetrations,

• anchors and fixings.

In these cases, dry drilling:

• shortens working time,

• eliminates the problem of water inside buildings,

• facilitates work in occupied facilities (offices, shopping centres, residential buildings).

✅ 3. Use of dedicated diamond core bits designed for dry drilling

This is a key requirement.
Core bits designed for wet drilling are not engineered to dissipate heat without water cooling.

Professional tools for dry drilling:

• have segments resistant to high temperatures,

• feature an appropriate sintered structure,

• are designed to be used with dust extraction systems.

Dry drilling in concrete – when should it NOT be used?

❌ 1. Reinforced concrete and dense rebar

Dry drilling in reinforced concrete results in:

• rapid temperature increase,

• risk of segment glazing,

• performance loss of up to several dozen percent.

In practice, contact with reinforcing steel causes dry drilling tools to lose their cutting properties much faster than when water cooling is applied.

❌ 2. Large diameters and deep holes

The larger the diameter:

• the greater the friction,

• the higher the temperature,

• the shorter the tool lifespan when drilling dry.

For typical structural diameters, wet drilling is the technological standard.

❌ 3. High-strength concrete (C30/37 and above)

Modern concrete structures feature:

• hard aggregates,

• high density,

• high abrasion resistance.

Under such conditions, the lack of cooling:

• drastically reduces the lifespan of the core bit,

• increases the risk of damaging the processed structure.

Dry vs wet drilling – a brief comparison

Where do customers most often make mistakes?

Based on our experience, contractors often:

• choose the cheapest core bit instead of a technologically suitable one,

• try to use one tool for all applications,

• ignore recommendations regarding cooling and rotational speed.

The result?
“The core bit doesn’t drill” – even though the issue is not the product, but incorrect application.

How do tool manufacturers approach dry drilling?

On the market, you will find:

• universal “all-purpose” solutions – often compromise-based,

• specialised tools designed for specific working conditions.

The Distar philosophy is based on:

• clear separation between tools for dry and wet drilling,

• testing in real construction-site conditions,

• transparent technical communication – without unrealistic promises.

This approach is especially valued by:

• contracting companies,

• technical wholesalers,

• B2B customers who calculate tool costs over the entire life cycle, not just the purchase price.

Summary – key takeaways

• Yes, dry drilling in concrete is possible, but only under specific conditions.

• No, it is not a universal solution for every type of concrete and every diameter.

• Key factors include material type, diameter, drilling depth and correct tool selection.

• A conscious choice of technology results in:

  • fewer downtimes,

  • lower operating costs,

  • greater predictability of work.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about dry drilling in concrete

Does dry drilling damage diamond core bits?

No, provided that a core bit designed for dry drilling is used and the work is carried out under appropriate conditions.
Core bits not intended for use without water cooling may overheat, leading to segment glazing, reduced drilling efficiency and shortened tool lifespan.

Can reinforced concrete be drilled dry?

In practice, this is not recommended.
Contact with reinforcing steel causes a rapid increase in temperature, and the lack of cooling reduces performance, accelerates segment wear and may damage the tool.

Drilling reinforced concrete should be done wet – this is the technological standard in construction.

What hole diameters can be safely drilled dry?

Dry drilling works best for:

• small and medium diameters,

• limited drilling depths,

• installation and finishing works.

For larger diameters and deeper holes, water cooling significantly extends tool lifespan and improves process stability.

Is dry drilling faster than wet drilling?

Under certain conditions – yes.
For small holes, dry drilling eliminates the need for water supply, simplifies work organisation in occupied buildings and shortens setup time.

However, for hard or reinforced concrete, wet drilling is more efficient over a longer working cycle.

Is dust extraction required for dry drilling?

Definitely yes.
Professional dry drilling should be performed:

• with an industrial vacuum cleaner,

• in compliance with health and safety regulations,

• with control of both dust and tool temperature.

Why is a “one core bit for everything” a bad choice?

Because different materials and drilling technologies require different tool parameters.
A core bit that performs well in dry drilling in standard concrete will not be optimal for reinforced concrete or for wet drilling with large diameters.

A conscious tool selection means lower operating costs and fewer delays on site.