Any tips/advice for drilling through Stucco laid over Block??

[Wizz]

I have no other option to run an RG6 lead except through an exterior wall into the room I want to go to. This home was a custom built Hurricane proof home that has block walls with stucco laid over top (at least 10" thick).

Considering I use a masonry drill bit and there are not pipes/lines in the way do I just start drilling through the wall?

Any suggestions are much appreciated

[RobertE]

A good mason bit and taking things slow will help a lot.

If drilling outside in, you won't have to worry about blowing out a chunk of stucco. However, you can blow out a chunk of drywall on the inside and you can't get the hole exactly where you want it.

Inside out, you take the chance of blowing out the stucco, but your hole will be right where you want it.

A damned if you do, damned if you don't case. :(

Stucco sucks.

[armophob]

I have no other option to run an RG6 lead except through an exterior wall into the room I want to go to. This home was a custom built Hurricane proof home that has block walls with stucco laid over top (at least 10" thick).

Considering I use a masonry drill bit and there are not pipes/lines in the way do I just start drilling through the wall?

Any suggestions are much appreciated

Just drill away from the inside out. You can reduce the risk of hitting concrete filled cells by staying away from window and door openings. Stucco is easy to patch. Just keep a nice drip loop on the cable outside to keep the moisture from running back into the cells.

[wildbill129]

I have no other option to run an RG6 lead except through an exterior wall into the room I want to go to. This home was a custom built Hurricane proof home that has block walls with stucco laid over top (at least 10" thick).

Considering I use a masonry drill bit and there are not pipes/lines in the way do I just start drilling through the wall?

Any suggestions are much appreciated


Along with a decent masonry bit, use a hammer drill. It will dramatically reduce your drilling time. You don't need a big one, and they are cheap to rent. Actually, they aren't that expensive to buy, I got a good Makita 1/2 drive from Home Depot for around a $100.00.

[pressureman0]

where is fl i can do it for a fee if in south fl:D

[David MacLeod]

I've never tested this but have been told having someone holding board against exterior where bit comes through reduces chances of split/crack in surface.
would have to be careful to measure right though :)

[joe diamond]

The "blow out" is part of the deal. Trying with a small masonry bit first and going slow.......pull the bit often to vent sand.

Expand the hole with a larger bit...........2 cables = 3/4 ".

Know that some "stucco" is actually "hard wall" and has hard board insulation outside of the block. The finish is "hard wall" and can be cut into with a knife or punch. You don't want to wind the "hard wall" around the bit.

The 10" wall is going to be a problem. You might consider a piece of rebar that has been sharpened. Beat it into the wall from the outside until you get through.

An 18" masonry bit is above $180.00 and then there is the hammer drill.

Consider renting.

Joe

[noeettica]

I jist Grab my BOSCH Spline drive and go from the outsude in ... i am a plumber the Drill is in my service truck .... Other advice was good too they are cheap to rent ...

Dave

[BattleZone]

Last time I needed such a hole, I rented a Hilti contractor-grade hammer drill and bit from Home Depot. $60 or so for the entire day, and it finished in 30 minutes what someone else barely started with a regular drill and 2 hours of work.

[Wizz]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. I just may rent a spline drill and 18" bit as my local rental place has plenty of those. I was hoping I could get away with using my 1/2" Dewalt and a bit form Lowes/Home Depot.