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Core drilling—usually done with a core drilling machine—involves extracting a core from specific parts of a wall or concrete slab. This process helps assess the strength of the material. When buying a core drilling machine, make sure to consider your specific needs. Hiring a professional sawing or concrete drilling company is always the best option for cutting or drilling concrete. But if you decide to do it yourself, follow these five essential tips to ensure you do the job properly—and achieve great results. Selecting the Correct Drilling Machine There are a variety of different drill machines available for testing concrete strength, and a reliable core drilling machine is one such option. You can either purchase or rent these products, but if you are looking to make core drilling a regular aspect of your building process they are a sound investment. Core handheld drills produce holes of up to a diameter of three inches. However, if you are looking to successfully spring test concrete for its strength, it is necessary to drill a hole of at least 3.7 inches in diameter. There are no handheld drills available for this purpose and you require a drill stand unit or rig-mounted drill machine. Those looking to purchase one of these units should search for a model with multi-function uses. This allows for greater value for money. You can use these models for both electrical/plumbing holes as well as dowel-hole drilling. Finding the Right Attachment Depending on where you are looking to drill specific holes, specific stands are needed. When drilling on slabs, for example, it is necessary that you use a vacuum stand with suction power. This way, the mechanism of the core drilling machine will stay attached to the floor. In these instances, it is unnecessary to drill an anchor hole. When core drilling the wall, it is necessary to secure the stand. This is done through the use of safety chains which take away the risk of accidental slips. Think About Power Options There are three available options for powering the core drill. They are air-powered, electric and hydraulic sources. The availability of power and work environment at the site defines which source is necessary for your drilling requirements. Different models allow appropriate speed choices regarding hole size and concrete hardness. Drill Depth is Important One foot long bits can successfully deal with regular core drilling requirements. When drilling requirements grow higher than this, it is important to use barrel bits. These barrel bits are extensions which provide a deeper drill, compared to that of the size of the pre-existing cutting bits. You can change to increased depths if your requirements differ, but remember to consider the style of extension which can provide the best results in varying drilling scenarios. Selecting Your Diamond Bit You must consider the aggregate hardness and psi of the concrete material before choosing the right diamond bit. The core diamond bit must be in accurate proportion to the surface or drilling material to get the best results. Remember this rule: construction workers usually use a soft diamond bond for drilling on hard surfaces, and a harder bond for drilling on soft surfaces. Although there is no defined solution, you should always use your discretion based on the scenario when selecting your diamond bit. Our range of core drill bits is especially constructed to core concrete, reinforced concrete, concrete block, hard stone, and brick. If you have any further enquiries about how to successfully conduct core drilling for your project, feel free to get in contact with the team at Canberra Diamond Blade by calling 02 6242 8996 or by submitting an enquiry form on our contact page.

Smartphone apps have become a huge aspect of daily tradie operations. So it is important that you have the best apps for your business. The best apps for a tradie are the apps that make the nitty gritty and boring admin work a breeze. Apps that are a collective hub for invoicing, quoting, making payments and finding work are the apps you need as a tradesman. The best tradie apps will keep you organised, in control and on top of your work.  All tradies and construction workers will tell you that investing in the correct tools for the job sets you up for the success of a business. Using the right software for the job is no different. When you have the right apps, you can save time, money and nuisance when running a trade business. With software helping to streamline the whole process, it is imperative that you are on point with the right apps for your business. Is there a tradie app? There are lots of great apps out there that can help you organsie your invoices and payments as a tradie. When you’re on the job and you’re dirty and tired, maybe even on a loud work site – clikcing a few simple buttons on an app can save you time and effort. You can communicate with your clients regarding payments and scheduling in a much more efficient way by using an app. Can you use PayPal app for work? PayPal is great app to use as  tradesman. Paypal is the world’s number one payment system. It is a quick and effective platform for the safe and smart transfer of money between clients and professionals. Why It’s Effective: Quick payments: Using your PayPal account or bank card, you can quickly and simply make payments through app or internet browsing. Smartphone swipe payments: PayPal allows business owners to process payments on-the-move. All you have to do is attach the encrypted card reader to your smartphone and your employees can process payments on location, in real time. Fixed rates: The rates stay the same, no cheeky surprises with PayPal. You make a sum based on what you provide, as well as where your client is located. What is the Tradify app? The Tradify app makes managing your workflow a breeze. Times, materials, quoting and invoicing are made easier by Tradify as it brings a myriad of time and money-saving tools into the equation. Why is it effective for tradies: Simple job management: From the beginning with quotes, all the way to final invoices, Tradify provides the business owner with a tool for keeping on top of workflow. Scheduling systems: This helps to keep operations tight, as it allows staff to know when they must arrive to a job or meeting. Easy quoting: Quoting made. Utilise Tradify’s custom templates and supplier price lists to take away the nuisance of client quoting. Simple invoicing: The collating of receipts and time sheets helps streamline invoices to clients. This way you will always be paid on time. Xero synching: Integrate your system with Xero. This will help keep your accounts and books running smoothly. What is Xero? Xero is an easy-to-use cloud-based accounting software. It is one of the world’s best apps for accounting software, and it is appropriate for professional tradies. Why is it effective for tradies: One solution for payroll and accounting: Xero allows ultimate simplicity by combining accounting and payroll, alleviating the need for double entry Automatic bank feeds: Xero allows you to see the exact location of ingoing and outgoing payments in a matter of minutes, effectively ending the worry of cash hanging around in limbo. App connectivity: Xero connects itself with over 500 other apps in the Xero App Marketplace, thus furthering its ease of use for tradies. How do I connect my tradify to Xero? Connecting your apps is great way to ensure you’re covering all areas of the court. You can find out how to connect your Tradify and Xero apps here. Free Quote and Invoice Templates for Tradies Here at CDBS Construction Centre we want to make things as easy as possible for you. While paid apps can offer a huge range of benefits for managing your business we have pulled together a couple of templates that might help you out. Free Invoice Template The following invoicing template that we have built in Excel is a great little free tool that we offer to our tradies. All you need to do is to type in your items and quantities, and the template will auto-calculate your GST and totals. It also references the Security of Payments Act. This can be helpful if you come across clients who like to pay late. Download the Free Invoice Template Free Quote Template: Are you still writing your quotes on the back of your business card? Or worse still, on the brown paper bag your lunch was in? If you’re not ready to use professional software, but want to look just as professional as tradies that do, our free quote template in Excel will do the job. It is auto calculating, so just pop your items and quanities in and it will calculate your GST and totals for you. Download the Free Quote Template Now that you have an expanded knowledge of these awesome apps, get downloading and make yourself familiar with them – the benefits are incredible.

Cargo nets for utes are essential for anyone transporting tools or other items. They help secure your load and prevent it from sliding or flying out of the vehicle. This makes them the perfect solution for tying down tools or packages. There are many types of cargo nets available, and different laws apply to their use. This can make choosing the right one confusing. When choosing a cargo net, consider the weight and size of your load. It needs to be strong enough to hold the weight and not break if you have an accident. And it needs to be wide enough to cover your load completely. Cargo nets with a mesh layer prevent your netting from getting tangled with your tools. Finding the correct cargo net is essential. The law requires that you secure your loads. You need to consider the cargo net’s strength rating and length measurements as well as material. But how can I make sure I am choosing the right specifications?  Choosing a Cargo Net Choosing a cargo net is not hard if you buy the right one the first time. It is best to consider what the strongest one you might need is and buy that. As you can use a strong cargo net for light tools, but you can’t use a string, lightweight cargo netting for heavy tools. Cargo netting’s customizable features and proven security strength make for less chance of cargo movement, not to mention less wear and tear on your vehicle. The elimination of shifting helps to lighten the load on your vehicle’s suspension and helps with fuel economy. It is widely used for both commercial and private transportation.  The benefit of proper cargo netting is in the convenience of packing. Instead of using a half dozen ratchet straps or bungees, you can simply throw the net over your load and secure it with the netting’s hardware. The setup is simple, and the complete coverage of the netting gives you the assurance that none of your cargo will shift. It also ensures none of your items will become broken during transportation. Or even worse, bouncing out of the vehicle completely.  There are four things you need to consider when choosing a cargo net; the dimensions, strength rating, meshing and attachment sites.  How big does my cargo net need to be? If you are wondering what size cargo net do I need? Your cargo net, at a minimum, needs to cover the top of your entire load. To get a general idea of size, measure the width, height and length of your load. Do the same to your trailer or ute to get an idea of the maximum size net you would need. If your load regularly varies in height, it might be a good idea to invest in multiple cargo nets. If your load varies, you might want to invest in more than one cargo net – you can use the smaller net to secure your load and the larger one as insurance. What Cargo Net Weight Rating Do I Need? Nets have a strength rating of between 1,000 kg and 3,500 kg based on size and number of straps. So before you purchase a cargo net, consider the maximum cumulative weight of your load that you will be transporting. It is important that you do not underestimate your load weight. This is because not only can you be fined for using a net that doesn’t support the weight you are putting it under, but you can also be putting yourself and others at risk. Think, if you have a big generator, plus all your tools, it can easily amount to hundreds of kilos cumulatively, so you can not just consider the weight of the generator alone. By law, you must secure both private and commercial transport loads with a security cargo net. Failing to do so could result in fines upwards of $200 and land you with up to 3 demerit points. The law is serious because the safety risks are so high. An unsecured or underestimated load could cause you to unintentionally damage someone else’s property, life or even your own. Not to mention the estimated hundreds of traffic accidents that cargo netting prevents every year. A cargo net is a cheap investment in the protection of your tools, your life and the lives of those around you. What are cargo nets made of? Cargo nets generally come in three main types; string nets, webbing nets, or a combination of webbing and mesh. When choosing the best cargo net, you need to consider what it is made of, and how it will work with your load. String Cargo Nets A light string cargo net will not have the high weight ratings of its mesh counterparts. But if you are only transporting light objects, such as your esky, some buckets, a shovel or two, then a simple string cargo net will prevent them from flying out the back of your open-ended truck or trailer and hitting someone’s windscreen behind you.  A cargo netg is the cheapest and easiest way to keep a light load in. But a string cargo net can get completely or partially broken during transport if it can get tangled up in your tools. So it is best for broad shapes of little weight and can keep all of your items snug. We want to stop our tools and equipment from moving around and flying off the back of the ute as much as possible.  Webbing cargo nets Webbing cargo nets are thicker and stronger than string cargo nets. They’re great for holding in heavy cargo that has a simple shape, or that is large in not going to slip through any of the open gaps. The thicker straps of the webbed cargo nets are less likely to get tangled with your cargo but they can still miss smaller tools. If you have loose tools amongst your cargo like hammers or pliers, you want something that is

If you work in construction, you know that tearing out a concrete slab used to be one of the toughest jobs. Chisels and hammers were the standard tools, making the task exhausting and time-consuming. Thankfully, modern saws and blades have made concrete cutting much easier. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right blade for your project? The best blades for cutting concrete are diamond blades. They have a clear advantage over standard abrasive blades. They will last longer and make a cleaner and more defined cut every time! Diamond blades come in many different sizes and types, so you will always have the right blade for your job! Not every diamond blade is made equal, and not all of them are up for every task. Making sure you have the right one will make your life easier and get the job done faster. Read on to find out where each diamond blade shines! What kind of blade is best for cutting concrete? Diamond blades are best for cutting concrete. They last longer, cut faster and create a cleaner line than other abrasive style blades. Surprisingly, diamond blades don’t actually cut the concrete. Diamond blades use a grinding action to tear away small pieces of material and jar larger pieces loose. Any type of blade will wear down during this process, but the diamond blades have multiple layers. When one layer is worn away, it reveals another layer of diamonds beneath it. The multiple layers mean you don’t need to replace your blade near as often as you would if using a different blade. Are diamond blades the best for cutting concrete blocks and pavers? Diamond blades work great for cutting concrete blocks and pavers. A diamond blade is a game-changer if you’ve been cutting blocks the old-fashioned way with a hammer and chisel. Even upgrading to a paving stone splitter doesn’t compare. A saw with a diamond blade offers faster, more precise cuts. This means less material is wasted and the job finishes quicker. It’s always best to use a wet saw, as the water helps control dust and protects your lungs. If you use a dry saw, make sure the blade is specifically designed for dry cutting. Can you use a diamond blade on reinforced concrete? Yes, you can also use diamond blades on reinforced concrete! And they work great! If you have been working in construction long, then you know cutting through reinforced concrete used to be a specialized trade. It was not something most standard companies had the equipment to deal with. Now with upgraded tools, most companies can take this task on themselves, saving them time and money. It is important to know that if you are cutting into foundation or anything with rebar, you will need to use a wet saw. In fact, it is almost always best to use a wet saw. The water does double duty by keeping the blade cool and also cutting down on airborne particles. If you do use a dry saw, you will need specific blades. However, any blade can be used with a wet saw. How long will a diamond blade last cutting concrete? A diamond blade will last anywhere from 12 to 120 hours of continual cutting. Obviously, that is a huge range, but the life you get out of your blade is directly proportional to the quality of blade you are buying. Other factors will determine the life of the blade as well, such as the hardness of the material you are cutting and if you are using the blade correctly. If you are using a wet saw, the amount of water you are getting to the blade can also factor into how long your blade will last. But the number one factor for determining the life of your diamond blade is going to be the quality of the blade. The more expensive ones can often cost as much as 30% more than the cheaper ones, but the life of the blade can nearly double. You will have to decide for yourself what your job needs. If you are not going to be doing a lot of cutting, it may be worth it to save some money on a blade that will only cut for 12-15 hours. If you are on a large job and cutting a lot of concrete, it will be more worthwhile to spend the extra money on a higher-priced diamond blade. What diamond blade is best for cutting concrete? Concrete blocks and pavers:  The Stealth Master diamond blade for cutting concrete blocks and pavers is the perfect blade for your next job. The Stealth Master is designed specifically for block saws with a lower RPM than other similar diamond blades. Other reasons this blade outshines the competition are the noise level and that it is laser welded. The Stealth Master lives up to its name and is one of the quietest blades out there, cutting as quiet as 8 decibels! Using laser welding gives the blade up to an additional 35% lifespan. You can find the Stealth Master here. Reinforced Concrete:  For reinforced concrete, we recommend the Flash 14-inch Universal Segmented Turbo diamond saw blade. The Flash can cut through any masonry-type material on your job site. It is made to cut quieter and last longer than other blades. The segments blow debris away from the cut and also cool the blade at the same time. While a segmented blade is great for most cuts, if you are cutting precious materials, a continuous diamond blade will give you a smoother cut. The Flash can be used wet or dry, but cutting wet will always give you a better life span on your diamond blade. You can find the Flash here. If you have any further questions on why diamond blades are the best choice for cutting concrete, and want to learn more about the process, feel free to get in contact with the team at Canberra Diamond Blade

A submersible pump or sump pump is going to be your best friend on site when the rain comes in. This is also true if a sewage pipe bursts! When you find yourself unable to get on with your work because of fluids blocking your sight and entry, a sump pump can save you. So what is a sump pump? A sump pump is a pump that works when submerged in water. It uses a pushing motion to pump away the water is is submerged in and move it to another location. Sump pumps, whether used in the home or on a construction site can also pump away debris and aggregate. If you’re thinking you’ll never need a submersible pump, think again. Read on to learn a little bit about them, how they work, and why you may want to own one. Why would I use a sump pump? You would use a sump pump when water is causing flooding or is generally in the way of where you are working. Submersible pumps are exactly what they sound like: pumps that operate while being fully submerged in fluids. These fluids can be any mixture of things. Water, sewage, cement debris and even concrete.  Are sump pumps better than normal pumps? Sump pumps are more efficient and powerful than regular pumps. They are submerged in the water, which means rather than spending energy on sucking the water up and away (like a normal pump would), they just need to focus on pumping. This makes sump pumps less complex and more energy efficient. Moreover, they can handle larger bodies of water mixed with debris from the work site.  How Do Submersible Pumps Work? Submersible pumps must be fully submerged in water to work. They push out liquid and sometimes aggregate, depending on the pump, and then pump it elsewhere. The motor, attached to the pump body, and the electrical cables are completely sealed. This ensures water is pumped out easily. Submersible pumps work to push fluids toward the surface, unlike other types of pumps that use a pulling motion. These pumps require heavy-duty cables and are built strong and durable. Because of how they’re made, they’re able to withstand being submerged in sewage or debris-filled water. They can operate deep inside a well. Why do I need a submersible pump? You will need a good sump pump if you are working on a construction site, especially if you are in an area that receives heavy rainfall. No matter how much you sing for it, the rain will come again another day! If sewage is blocking your way, you’ll be glad you had a submersible pump available to help. Pumping that sewage out is a lot easier than grabbing some shovels and removing it that way No matter your worksite, if there’s a chance you’ll ever have water, dirt, gravel, sand, or something similar accumulate in the lower levels, you should have a pump on hand. Submersible pumps are useful for road construction. These projects often cover areas that dip down, creating a holding place for water. They’re excellent for construction projects with basements, where flooding can occur. If a storm or flood rolls in before your basement “pit” has a ceiling, you’ll be grateful you had a submersible pump. Just grab your pump, use it to remove any water and/or sediments that have gotten in your way, then keep on working. Submersible pumps aren’t only versatile, they’re practical. If you think you’ll ever have a need for one, they’re a great purchase to make. Even if you think you may never need one, it’s not a bad idea to have one on hand. You never know when fluids or sediments might interfere with your construction plans. What are the different types of sump pumps?  There are two types of sump pumps: submersible pumps and pedestal pumps. Submersible pumps operate while being totally submerged. Pedestal pumps, however, stay outside of the water. They use pipes to reach the water and pump it out. Both types of sump pumps sit down in a “sump,” or an area where water or other fluids accumulate, and pump it elsewhere. Submersible sump pumps are more efficient, more powerful. They can pump away debris and aggregate more easily than a pedestal pump. How do I choose a sump pump? When choosing a submersible pump, there are are several things you’ll need to take into consideration. Not all submersible pumps are created equal! What can my sump pump do? The amount of water and/or aggregate you’ll be moving, how quickly you need it moved, and how far away you want it to be moved are all things to consider when selecting the right sump pump. Do you need to pump small materials out, as well as water? Make sure you choose a pump that is capable of removing aggregate. Height capabilities should be on your mind as well. This refers to how high your pump can raise water. You’ll want to make sure your pump of choice can get the unwanted water well out of the sump. For example, if you need the pump to get water out of a twenty-five-foot-deep hole, make sure the pump has a head pressure of at least twenty-five. Are diesel or electric sump pumps better?  Pumps can be either electric or diesel-powered. There is no simple answer to which one is better; it is more a question of which one is more appropriate for your worksite. Make sure you know what power options you’ll have available at your worksite. Besides choosing which power source is more suitable for you, ensure the length of the cords and cables of your pump are correct. This is essential. You don’t want to be relying on multiple extension cords.  If you decide to purchase a pump, consider the options available and pick one that most closely meets your needs. To learn more about the submersible pumps we have on offer, fill out our contact form today.

With over $20 billion in construction work being done every month, the industry has never been healthier. If you’re a developer or you’re in the construction industry, you know there can be a rush to build quickly. Unfortunately, this can mean shortcuts are taken. If the shortcut is unsafe, it can have terrible consequences. You should always consider how to safely perform the task at hand, such as cutting through concrete blocks. Safely cutting concrete requires personal protective equipment (PPE) including; safety glasses, hearing protection, and a respirator. It is also good practice to have a wet kit to attach to a hose to minimise airborne dust. Ensure you have a well-maintained saw too.  Any power cutting can be the source of a lot of danger and liability on a construction site. Thus, the safety of yourself and your team is essential. This post highlights several important things to consider in making your worksite, and your cutting, safe. What Type of PPE Should Be Worn When Cutting Concrete Blocks? Eye protection, long garments for protecting arms and legs, and high-quality boots with strong treads are critical pieces of equipment. One of the most essential elements of running a safe workplace is to provide everyone with basic safety equipment. Making sure that your workers are well protected is part of your job description. This applies whether you’re a site manager, supervisor, or contractor. Beyond sturdy boots, you’ll need some additional gear. Long pants and garments to protect your arms are also necessary. There will be a lot of water from the cutting, so boots with weak treads could lead to slips and falls. There will be lots of debris flying into the air, so workers need to be prepared for that. Eye protection is essential when cutting concrete blocks. Safe concrete cutting should entail masks, eye protection, and face shields for anyone in the cutting area. Chips and shards can be thrown up and can injure or even blind you without proper protection. There will also be lots of noise produced by the cut. Be sure everyone has ear protection that’s up to code. How Can I Prevent My Team From Inhaling Concrete Dust? Performing a “wet cut” when possible, and giving your team respiratory equipment are the best ways to avoid inhaling concrete dust during a cut. Any time you’re cutting concrete blocks safely, you should be sure everyone has the respiratory equipment they need. Water will be flowing over the blade to reduce dust, but some dust and smoke will still be produced. Promote lung health and safety by managing dust. Instruct your workers on the risks and perform a wet cut if possible. However, if you must perform a dry cut, you’ll need to provide masks. Anyone within a certain radius needs a respiratory device. How Can I Tell If My Saw Is In Good Condition for Cutting Concrete Blocks? Check the power cord and water pump, and have someone double-check the water tank. These steps will help you confirm whether your saw is in good enough condition to cut. Any time you’re working with masonry tools, you need to ensure they’re in good condition. Handing a dull saw or a damaged tool to an employee is as good as endangering them directly. You’re ensuring they’re giving a tool they might struggle with and end up causing harm to someone with. If you see any damages or signs of wear on the guards or handle, speak up. Put a halt to the cut. How Can I Tell If My Diamond Blade Is Good for Cutting Concrete Blocks? Your blade should be sharp and specifically made for the job. The diamond blade you’re using needs to be suitable for the material you’re cutting. It should be the right size for the machine you’re using. Blades come in different materials and sizes for various purposes. If your blade is vibrating strangely once the saw is powered up, tell everyone to stop. Let everyone take a step back. You need to determine where the problem is coming from before proceeding. Register every use of the blade so that you can be aware of when it needs to be replaced. How Fast Can You Cut Concrete Blocks? You should always be patient and take things slow. Never rush a cut when working with masonry tools. Rushing could cause the cutter to lose control of the saw and damage the work or injure someone. Patience is important as these cuts take time. When you cut patiently, you can avoid the blade overheating. Allow it to cut through the material on its own. The friction and heat it generates will stay constant. With a patient cut, you get a smoother, more accurate, and safer cut in the end. What Standards for Cutting Concrete Blocks Should I Follow? You should follow the norms and standards of your region and local construction office. Regional and legal safety standards are constantly changing. If you’re not aware of the latest norms, you won’t provide a good environment for your workers. You can’t expect workers to abide by safety standards they don’t know about. Before you take on a job like a masonry cut, call down to your local construction office. See what information they have about doing a job like that. Ensure they register your call. If you end up in trouble later for missing some regulation or cutting after hours, you want to defend yourself from fines. How Do I Prepare My Team To Cut Concrete Blocks? To prepare your team for a concrete-cutting job, talk them through the possible risks. Discuss the causes and what safety issues they should watch out for. Communication is probably the biggest difference between teams that work safely and teams that don’t. Sit your team down and explain all of the risks and why they occur. You can prepare your team for what they’re about to do. While a simple masonry cut might not seem like a big deal, it

If you take care of your core drill properly, it will serve you well for years as a long-term investment. If you’re spending money on a core drill, the last thing that you want is poor performance because of a low-quality drill bit. That’s why it’s important to understand how to maintain your core drill bits. Extended use, poor handling, and improper usage of drills can all contribute to a lower lifespan for your bits. It’s important to clarify early on that diamond core bits don’t really get “dull” or “sharp”. Instead, diamond bits can become glazed with use as debris gets into the bit, making them seem blunt and less effective. But, to keep things clear-cut and simple, we’ll be using the terms “dull” and “sharp” throughout this post. Keep your core drill bits sharp (deglazed) and properly aligned for effective performance. To sharpen a bit, increase the weight on it while reducing the water flow. As the cut improves, gradually return the water flow to its original level. Always ensure proper alignment before you start drilling—trying to realign the bit mid-drill can damage the drill or even break the bit. This post outlines a few useful tips on how to maintain your core drill bits, so that your drill can keep its high performance and consistent use. How Do I Maintain My Core Drill Bits? Do not try to realign the drill after you have started the drilling process. If you have begun to drill and you find that your hole is slightly off, be careful when moving forward. While you might want to exert more pressure on one side to account for the mistake, you should absolutely NOT do this because it could lead to severe complications. Pressing to one side while drilling could cause materials to catch. When this happens, interfering with the drill can lead to mechanical complications. Doing this can also cause the bit to break, which is the last thing you want after spending thousands of dollars on a bit. How Can I Tell If My Core Drill Bits Are Dull? You may find it difficult to determine when your bit is dull. You’ll know it needs sharpening when it doesn’t cut as quickly as it used to. That seems intuitive, but oftentimes we think that there’s a mechanical issue when the bit is actually just dull. To avoid going out to buy an entirely new drill, find a qualified professional to look at your bit. Or, if you’re confident in your own abilities, it’s also possible to sharpen your bit yourself. Can You Sharpen A Core Drill? To sharpen your core drill bit – to deglaze it – you need to raise the weight on your bit while reducing the water flow. When your cut begins to improve, the bit has successfully sharpened. At that point, you can return both the weight and the water to their original levels. Make sure you choose a bit that matches the material you’re drilling and suits the task you need to perform.Both of these are common reasons that a bit might dull prematurely – reasons can you can avoid by using the bit only for its intended purpose. Some bits sharpen themselves during use — these are usually diamond-impregnated core bits. When you operate them correctly, the surrounding material wears away and exposes fresh diamond to maintain sharpness. However, even diamond bits can become dull if you use them improperly. To prevent this, adjust your drill settings to match the type of material or ground you’re working with. Manufacturers design core bits for specific materials, so you won’t find a true one-size-fits-all solution. Always select a bit that matches both the material and the job. Using the wrong bit makes it much easier to wear it out prematurely. When your bit stops cutting effectively, you can follow a few steps to sharpen it yourself. Start by briefly raise the weight on your bit by around 20 percent. While doing this, lessen the flow of water to the lowest amount that your manufacturer allows. You can check the lowest recommended water flow for your drill in the user’s manual, or on the manufacturer’s website. When you increase the weight on the bit, you will also notice that the torque of the drill rotation increases. This means that your initial material is shaving down, thereby sharpening and exposing new material. Your bit will begin to cut properly at this point. Once the cut improves, restore the water flow to the amount that it was at before you began to sharpen. You will also reduce the weight on the bit to its original amount. This process should successfully sharpen your bit. If the bit is sharpened without much trouble, it’s likely that there is an identifiable reason for why it became prematurely dull. To avoid these issues, read your manual and make sure your bit is accurate for both the project itself, and the material you’re drilling on. If you experience difficulty during this process, you may be dealing with a larger issue. It is advised that you contact a professional to take a look at your bit. Why Should I Maintain My Core Drill Bits? We’ve gone over the steps you can take to maintain your bits, but you might still be wondering why it’s necessary to maintain them at all. A core drill bit is used to remove cylindrical portions of material. This often means that the person using the drill to do significant work on their home. Additionally, these parts are used by professionals who need to do an excellent job. If you’re working individually on your home, you’re likely to have limited knowledge of construction. You’ll want to have functioning materials that will last. Even if you think that this will be the first and only time that you’re going to use the drill, you’ll want to be prepared for unexpected repairs that are needed in case you didn’t get it right the