Installing lights in a concrete ceiling

I have been here in Munich since September and am now deciding that I want to install my lamps. I tried the first week I moved here, but my drill (a cordless one) with a Beton drill bit was not able to drill into my ceiling. I also can not place any nails into my walls as they are also Beton. I either have to borrow a schlagböhrer or pay someone to install them for me. My question is, has anyone hired someone for something as trivial as this? Do you recommend anyone? and how much do you think it will cost to have three lights installed. My girlfriend is not happy with the fact that I have decided to only have floor lamps, as I can't be bothered with drilling holes in the ceiling.

Get a hammer drill. Also, use the search feature, because this has been discussed before. Lots of people gave suggestions on where to buy a drill. I'm sure Obi would be a good start.

Beastier drill and/or better bit required. Also, you dont put the screw or nail straight into the concrete hole. YOu need these plastic things. Drill the hole, put plastic thing in, then screw screw in.

Cant remember what the plastic thingys are called, but you will see them at Obi or similar.

I just have my fittings hanging down on the wires, as the landlord might whinge about holes in the cieling.

Dübeln (rawlplugs)

we also have concrete ceilings and walls and it took pao about half an hour to drill a hole with a regular drill and about 5 seconds with a hammer drill. huge difference. hard on the ears, but well worth it.

There is nothing quite like that sound of the hammer drill penetrating concrete. I usually bury my head under the pillows. But somehow it still manages to rattle my teeth!

So yeah...get one of those jobbies and you are good to go.

I can loan you one of those jobbies to rattle the neighbors and your nerves. It is freaking loud! Now if I just had a smiley that covered its ears or was using a jackhammer!

Hi

I bought a KD650KC 600W Black & Decker Pneumatic hammer drill last month. I have concrete ceilings.

I can get through about 5mm of plaster before I hit the concrete and then nothing.

I am using a normal drill bit, do i need something that is diamond coated?

By the way bought a screwdriver with Spannungspruefer (voltage tester) which is great to stick anywhere that pleases u to find out if its live or not. No risk of electricution if used properly.

No need for diamonds on there. You just need a bit suitable for masonry (Mauerbohrer).

Pop down your local Baumarkt and just make sure it mentions concrete/stone/walls on the pack or ask one of the chaps to point out the right one.

Also, I drilled a lot of holes in our concrete ceiling to put up lights and the dust can be brutal. I would recommend safety goggles too if you haven't got a pair to save your eyes.

You definitely need the right bit (for Beton not Stein, I think) and a drill that is powerful enough.

I couldn't get through the ceiling in my apartment using my Black & Decker with a Stein bit, no matter how hard I tried. In the end I got Huntcrest Services to come and do it for me. Their drill went through it like a nail through butter.

more info than you ever wanted to know (with some pictures) available here:
http://www.mytoolstore.com/faqdrill.html

Superglue.

woof.

Bought a Beton Drill bit today and it did the trick.

So easy, just goes to prove, the drill bit is as important as the drill itself.

thanks

Oh, its a Q and not a G. Nevermind.

Get a Hilti, best drill in the world, pricey things though. I think you can hire them for aday or two as well.

Thats not true..

My Bosch 24v Battery drill has NEVER let me down..

I beleive that DeWalt have taken over as the worlds most favoured power tools.

G

A tip for drilling into a concrete wall or any other for that matter

You will need

1some masking tape
and a little poly or paper bag.

Stick the bag underneath the hole when drilling to prevent spousal disapproval for dusty floors.

and if you don't have those plastic things, get some cement filler to put into the hole you drill. If your walls are half as brittle as mine, you will need it. It comes in a white tube and kind of looks like toothpaste (I think it was 4 euros at Karstadt).

3 Lions is an expert in this field.

Better still, buy a Drill-Mate to attach to your vacuum cleaner.

I have seen 3lions tool box... It is toothpaste that he uses!
Cheapskate

In my experience, you'll also need that for the first and second holes you drill. Three times is a charm.