Diamond Core Drill Bits Wet vs. Dry Drilling

Drilling has a wide range of applications in various industries. Diamond core drill bits are a unique process that can remove cylindrical shapes from different materials. Users use cable drilling methods in mineral exploration. You can also use it for work involving pipelines and electrical fences.

However, these applications require two drilling methods: dry and wet. If users really care about the desired results, it is crucial to understand the suitability of these two methods.

1. Application scope of wet diamond core drill bits

Wet core drilling has a wide range of applications. This type of drilling involves using water to ease the perforation of the drill on the material. Wet core drills have a unique hollow center design.

This hollow center helps to remove the core from the hole, resulting in a clean surface.

Wet core drilling has found applications in pipeline work. It is also suitable for masonry pipelines or repair holes. This wet method limits dust during the drilling process because the water will flush the cut.

This is also advantageous because wet core drilling leaves some debris behind. These characteristics make it suitable for drilling holes, soft bricks, hard bricks, and reinforced concrete.

2. Wet diamond core drill bit service life

Since wet diamond core drill bits involve water, the risk of accelerated wear is greatly reduced. The water cools the heat generated during the drilling process, as opposed to dry core drill bits.

In addition, wet core drilling operations are fast. Therefore, they do not take much time during operation.

All these characteristics make wet core drilling more durable. They have a longer service life compared to dry core drilling.

3. Wet diamond core drill bits require cold water

Heat is an important result of friction. This phenomenon is prevalent in core drilling when two or more surfaces rub against each other. Using different coolants, such as water, is very useful in controlling the heat associated with drilling.

However, using more cooling water is more helpful.

Since the temperature of water is shallower, it can absorb more heat compared to water at standard room temperature. As a rule of thumb, if you decide to use wet drilling, you must use cold water.

4. Wet diamond core drills need to avoid electrical environments

Although wet diamond core drills are the first choice, they have some disadvantages. More importantly, you can't use it everywhere. Safety measures cannot be taken lightly when working on wet diamond core.

Working in an environment with wires and cables, things can get tricky. During wet core drilling, wires can be damaged in the presence of water.

If these are the problems you want to solve, then you are lucky. In the worst case, this usually leads to fire.

5. Applicable equipment for wet diamond core drills

These materials can wet drill diamond cores. For example, handheld core drills and core drills. It is not a good idea to use wet core drills to take angle hammers and rotary hammer drills.

Regarding handheld core drills and other equipment, remember one important thing. Do not abuse the wire and use it to carry, pull or unplug the drill.

The cable should be kept away from heat and sharp edges to avoid electric shock.

6. The application range of dry diamond core drilling is smaller than that of wet

Sometimes, the environment is not conducive to wet core bits. When this happens, you can use a dry core drill bit on a core drill or a standard handheld core drill.

You can use a dry core drill bit and an adapter on a rotary hammer drill. However, omitting the adapter is not always advisable because you will get a slow RPM. Also, it becomes difficult to control the drill bit precisely.

A better option is to use a clutch system on a dedicated core drill. The recommended materials are building blocks, bricks and soft concrete.

7. Dry diamond core drill bits generate a lot of dust

One of the reasons why some users prefer wet core drilling to dry core drilling is the dust generated during the operation.

Aside from the fact that you have to work at a low RPM, you will face visibility challenges because of all the earth created. Your best option is to keep pausing the operation to see the progress of the job.

Dry diamond coring should be done using the horizontal drilling method. In the vertical mode, the dust cannot be extracted effectively. Therefore, you will experience a slower drilling speed.

8. Dry diamond core drill bit service life

Dry diamond core drilling operations are associated with accelerated wear due to the excessive heat generated. Lack of coolant causes this wear, and the flying debris makes it worse.

This accelerated wear severely affects the life of the drill bit. They have a shorter lifespan than wet core drill bits.

Nonetheless, there are some things you must remember to increase the lifespan of a dry diamond coring drill bit.

Do not use excessive pressure when drilling

Regularly remove debris from deep holes

Avoid using side pressure

Always drill the bit at the right speed for the right material.

9. Suitable Equipment for Dry Diamond Core Drilling

Handheld and core drills are suitable for dry core drill bits. Handheld core drills are compact and easy to carry to the job site.

You can also use a rotary hammer drill. However, you must remember to turn off the hammer.

As a rule of thumb, never use an angle grinder with a dry core drill bit. The speed is usually too high, and without a clutch, it is not safe to use on a core drill.

Bare core drill bits are usually suitable for masonry, brick, and non-reinforced concrete.

10. Different Accessories for Dry and Wet Drills

Before starting any core drilling operation, no matter how big or small, have the right accessories. The most important accessory is the drill bit itself.

Without it, no rotational energy is seen in diamond core drill bits. These drill bits have a unique design with a built-in clutch that acts as a safety device during operation.

The operation of dry and wet diamond core drill bits is very different. Therefore, they require various accessories. You can use a pilot drill in dry core drilling.

This drill bit acts as a pilot hole that helps guide the drill bit. A pilot hole is merely a prepared hole that allows a stronger object to pass through.

A shaft extension (male or female) is also used in core drill bits to extend the cutting depth, whether it is wet or dry.

Another important accessory for core drilling is the adapter. It can be used for both wet and dry core drilling and core drilling operations. It comes in different sizes, such as 5/8 inch, 1/ 2 inch, and 11/4 inch.

It is used to connect the drill bit and the coring bit. It is fixed at the back of the core drill. Remember to wear gloves and safety glasses when working.

The operator uses a brass ring to separate the connection between the core drill bit and the core drill motor. This separation helps prevent the drill bit from getting stuck when it is removed from the core drill motor. It is an essential accessory in wet core drilling.

The operator uses a drill stand for wet core drilling operations. It can be fixed to the floor by anchor bolts or fixed to the wall with a vacuum pump.

11. Can the two replace each other?

Dry diamond core and wet diamond core drill bits are unique. Some situations require wet core drilling, while others are more suitable for dry core drilling. Therefore, it is important to choose not only the right core drill bit, but also the right accessories.

Brass rings, drill stands, and anchor bolts are ideal for wet core drilling operations. Other accessories suitable for dry coring can also be used for wet coring. The guide drill is more suitable for dry core drilling.