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lost?? · Jul 2, 2010, 04:09 PM

I'm trying to put studs up in my basement but am having trouble getting through the concrete. I drill through the stud and get to the concrete. I then switch over to a hammer drill using a 5/32 masonry bit to drill a pilot hole. The bit starts to go into the concrete, but then stops before getting all the way through. I still tried to put the concrete screw in and it would stop about where the drill bit stopped and just spins. Any suggestions?

hkstroud · Jul 2, 2010, 06:18 PM

Are you using masonry bits or percussion bits.

KBC · Jul 2, 2010, 09:02 PM

Instead of screwing you could shoot Remington nails into the floor plate.Glue the plate once in position and then just point and shoot,the nails will keep the wall stable while the glue sets,Liquid nails or similar construction adhesives work.

Otherwise,I have also used bolts and anchors(lead shields,drill and hit,etc.)there are many types of concrete fasteners other than screwing.

KBC

KISS · Jul 2, 2010, 09:08 PM

Is concrete, concrete or cinderblock?

Did you hit rebar or metal of some sort?

lost?? · Jul 2, 2010, 10:51 PM

I'm using masonry bits and it's not cinderblock. I tired drilling through in several areas so I do not think I'm hitting rebar or any other metal. The previous owner had paneling up and used cut nails to attach his furring strips if that helps at all.

hkstroud · Jul 3, 2010, 06:05 AM

Masonry bits are not the same thing as a percussion bit and are not intended to be used in a hammer drill. They are OK for brick and cinder block. A cinder block is not the same as cement block. Switch to a carbide tipped percussion bit. The older concrete gets the harder it gets.
Screws and anchors are the strongest but more than you should need for furring strips. Drilling that many holes is a lot of work. I agree with KBC that cut nails or shooting with power hammer is best approach. If you are going to drill use shortest bit possible. You loose impact as the bit gets longer. Note that the bits do get dull. Due to the angle of the cutting edge that can be hard to tell, change bits often. The bits are expensive so for what you are doing you probably should invest in a power hammer.

Are you trying to fasten the studs to the wall or trying to fasten the bottom plate to the floor?

creahands · Jul 3, 2010, 06:34 AM

I agree with Harold on this. The best and easiest way would be with a power hammer. U may be able to rent one at a big box store. The HD in my area rents them. If not try a tool rental shop.

Chuck

lost?? · Jul 3, 2010, 06:48 AM

I'm trying to fasten the studs to the walls. There's actually already studs in there, 2x4's. As I said earlier the previous owner had installed paneling. I was going to use the same studs he had in, however I need to add more as they're not spaced close enough together for drywall. He used cut nails, however some of them came a little loose, which is why I wanted to use screws.

hkstroud · Jul 3, 2010, 07:04 AM

Are you going to use the Tapcon concrete screws to secure the existing studs?

lost?? · Jul 3, 2010, 07:15 AM

That's what I was planning on doing. I tried using cut nails first, but also had trouble getting them through.

hkstroud · Jul 3, 2010, 03:56 PM

The secret of cut nails is a big hammer. A 3 or 4 lb sledge works best for me. Nails should penetrate concrete about 1". Any longer and you have trouble with them bending and breaking. Regular claw hammer won't work. Causes nails to work out hole with out penetrating any deeper. No girly man blows, make the last couple of blows all you got.

Edit. Turn narrow edge of nail parallel to wood grain. Cut nails have to go in pretty much straight but if you angle them slightly (narrow edge) you greatly increase their holding power.

KBC · Jul 3, 2010, 04:10 PM

I have drilled holes much larger than the nails being installed and put in wood plugs,giving me something to nail into,and as long as the nails hold,using construction adhesive will do the finality of the holding.

speedball1 · Jul 4, 2010, 06:53 AM

Tapcons are the way to go, Good luck, Tom

435Studio · Jul 5, 2010, 07:42 AM

I'm not sure I understand why you are attaching the studs to the wall; what are the studs attached to at the top and bottom? Are you attaching studs to the wall with no sole plate or top plate? Might use a little more wood, but much less drilling. Sorry if I missed something that makes my response seem silly...