Drilling for Chemical Anchors in Reinforced Concrete with Diamond Core Drills

August 21, 2025

Challenges with Standard Rotary Hammers

Drilling holes for chemical anchors in reinforced concrete poses unique challenges. In softer materials such as brick, block, or stone, a rotary hammer is typically the tool of choice. However, in heavily reinforced concrete, rotary hammers face serious limitations:

  • Drill bits cannot pass through rebar and may become stuck.
  • This can cause a strong torque reaction, creating safety risks for the operator.

In addition, rotary hammers are unsuitable when the drilling point is close to an edge or in brittle substrates, as the percussive action can lead to cracking and damage.

Chemical anchor bolts in drilled reinforced concrete
Final result of chemical anchor installation in reinforced concrete using diamond core drilling method.

Key Advantages of the AGP DM2 Diamond Core Drill Machine

The AGP DM2 diamond core drill machine provides an effective solution to the above problems. Its high-speed, hammer-free wet drilling process makes it perfectly suited for drilling chemical anchor holes.

Optimized Design for Chemical Anchor Applications

The DM2 is specifically designed for this task, offering:

  • An optimized speed range for drill bit diameters between 8 mm and 35 mm.
  • The ability to drill directly through rebar without issues.

One consideration is that the resulting holes are very smooth, which may require roughening after drilling to ensure proper bonding of the chemical anchor.

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Flexible Operation Options

The DM2 offers flexibility depending on the jobsite needs.

  • Hand-held operation: Ideal for convenience and mobility.
  • Mounted operation: For greater precision, the DM2 can be paired with the AS200 drill stand.

Drill Stand Compatibility

When mounted, the system is compatible with the VB400 + VP140 vacuum base system. This allows for a quick, stable, and secure setup.