Diamond Core Bit Through Steel?

[ToadJones]

Project requires some post-installed anchors be used in foundation containing top steel in the footing.

Will a diamond core bit cut rebars that may be encountered?

(***note, no steel was required in the foundation by design***)

 

[Once20036]

I believe that a diamond core drill bit will cut steel bars like butter.
When I'm worried about steel, I always call for hammer drilled holes (which work better with most epoxy post installed anchors anyway)

 

[ToadJones]

yea, but hammer drill wont cut bars that encountered, right?

 

[OHIOMatt]

Hilti actually manufacturs a hammer drill bit call the "Rebar Eater". I was unfortunatley introduced to this little monster on a critical application.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

It will - but it sure does not like it!!!

 

[ToadJones]

wow....never used one.
Back when I had the satisfaction of working with my hands, I had occasion to hit a few re bars with a rotary hammer. The result was usually a wrist breaking jerk of the drill just before it went out on torque overload.
I'll look into the rebar eater.

 

[Once20036]

Sorry - I thought you were trying *not* to cut up the rebar.
If you don't care about the bars, a diamond core drill will work (double check it's compatible w/your anchor).
I've never heard of the rebar eater - I`ll definitely check that out.

 

[csd72]

Beware, diamond cored holes are not good for chemical anchors due to their smooth sides.

Not good for mechanical anchors either for that matter.

 

[ToadJones]

If Hilti approves of the core drill, then I have to assume it is fine.

 

[Ron]

TJ...water cooled diamond bit will eat through rebar, no problem.

 

[Once20036]

For Hilti chemical anchors,
I believe that RE_500SD is approved for use in core drilled holes,
RE-500 (non-SD) might be ok,
and HY-150 is definitely not ok in core drilled holes