How to Drill a Hole in the Wall

Co-authored by Gino Colucci and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Drilling a hole in a wall may seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, this job is reasonably simple if you take a few basic precautions and use the right tools. Before you start, pick the appropriate bit for the type of wall you are drilling. You’ll also need to pick a good spot to drill your hole, away from any electrical wiring. Once you’re ready to make the hole, you’ll need to operate the drill with a firm and steady hand.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing the Right Drill Bit

1
Use a drywall bit if the wall is sheetrock or plasterboard. Before you start drilling, take a look at your wall and determine what it’s made of. If your wall is smooth and sounds hollow when you knock on it, it’s likely a form of drywall, such as sheetrock or plasterboard. For drilling a simple hole into this type of wall, a drywall bit is your best bet.^{[1]
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- You can purchase drywall bits and other types of drill bits at most hardware or home improvement stores.
- If you’re planning to hang something (such as a picture) on a hollow section of drywall, you might choose to drive in a drywall anchor using a power screwdriver for greater security.^{[2]
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- If you’ll be drilling into a stud behind the drywall, opt for a wood drill bit.^{[3]
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2
Get a masonry bit if your wall is brick, stone, or concrete. If your wall is made of a hard material, such as brick, block, concrete, or stone, choose a masonry bit.^{[4]
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Research source} These bits are composed of soft steel with a tip made of tungsten carbide, which allows them to cut easily through hard walls.
- You will probably need to use a drill with hammer action to drive the bit into your wall.
Tip: If the wall has a covering of paint or plaster, use a metal or drywall bit to start the hole. Switch to the masonry bit once you get through this initial layer.

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Choose a spur point bit for wood walls. If you’re drilling into a wall with wood paneling, opt for a spur point bit.^{[5]
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Research source} These are also known as wood bits. They are designed with a sharp point at the tip to help keep the bit on track as it enters the wood.
- Spur point or wood bits are also useful for drilling into studs behind hollow walls.
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Opt for a tile bit for tile, ceramic, or glass. If you’re drilling into a brittle material such as tile, ceramic, or glass, you’ll need a specialized bit to pierce the material and prevent the wall from shattering.^{[6]
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Research source} These drill bits have spear-like carbide tips and straight shanks that allow them to cut smoothly through these hard-to-drill materials.
- You may also be able to use a carbide-tipped masonry bit for some types of tile wall.^{[7]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Finding and Marking Your Drilling Spot

1
Avoid drilling above or below light switches and outlets. Accidentally drilling into your electrical wiring can be a dangerous and costly mistake. You can help prevent mishaps by making sure not to drill directly above or below light switches, outlets, and other obvious electrical fixtures in your walls. If you locate a switch or outlet on an upper floor, try not to drill directly beneath it on the floor below.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Gino Colucci
Home Improvement Specialist
Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.}
- You can also avoid accidents by using a wire detector.^{[9]
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  Research source} A deep scan stud finder can also detect electrical wires and metal.^{[10]
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  Gino Colucci
  Home Improvement Specialist
  Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.}
- If you must drill near live wires, shut off the power to the area where you’ll be working beforehand.
- If you’re drilling into a bathroom wall or another wall located near plumbing or a radiator, you may wish to consult a plumber first. They can help you avoid accidentally drilling into a pipe.^{[11]
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  Gino Colucci
  Home Improvement Specialist
  Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.}
2
Look for studs if you’re drilling into drywall. If your wall is sheetrock or plasterboard, you’ll need to find a stud if you want your drill hole to support anything heavy (such as a mirror, a large painting, or a shelf).^{[12]
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Research source} The easiest way to find a stud is to use an electronic stud finder. Turn on the stud finder and move it along the wall until it beeps or flashes a light to indicate that it has found a stud. Move it back and forth so that you can figure out where the outer edges of the stud are located.^{[13]
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- Studs are wooden beams that form the support structure for the walls.
- If you don’t have a stud finder, you may be able to locate a stud by knocking on the wall. The areas between studs will have a hollow sound, while the areas over the studs will sound more solid.
Did you know? In most houses, studs are spaced 16 inches (41 cm) apart. If you can locate one stud, you can approximate where the studs on either side of it are based on this standardized spacing.
3
Mark the area where you would like to drill with a pencil. Once you’ve determined where you want to drill, you’ll need to mark the spot. Use a pencil or other marking tool to make a dot or an X over the exact spot where you want to drill your hole.^{[14]
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- If you need to drill 2 or more holes next to each other, use a level to make sure they are properly lined up.
- If you’re drilling into tile, ceramic, or glass, mark the spot with an X made of masking tape. This will both mark the spot and keep the drill bit from slipping or chipping the tile when you begin to make your hole.^{[15]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Creating the Hole and Adding a Screw or Anchor

1
Use masking tape to mark the correct depth on your bit. If you need your hole to be a particular depth (e.g., if you’re installing a screw or anchor of a certain length), measure off the appropriate length on your bit. Mark the depth by wrapping a thin strip of masking tape around the drill bit.^{[16]
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- Some drills come with depth gauges to help you mark the appropriate depth.
- If you’re putting in a screw or anchor, you’ll also need to choose a bit of the appropriate diameter.
Tip: If you’re not sure what size drill bit is appropriate or how deep your hole should be, consult the packaging that came with your screws or anchors to see if that information is included.
2
Put on safety goggles and a dust mask before you start drilling. Drilling can produce a lot of dust and debris. To protect your eyes, nose, and lungs, it’s important to wear proper safety equipment. Purchase safety goggles and a simple dust mask from a hardware or home supply store before you start your project.^{[17]
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- It’s also a good idea to check your that your drill bit is securely in place before you start.^{[18]
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3
Place your bit on the point where you’d like to drill and squeeze the trigger. When you’re ready to start, position the tip of the drill on the point where you’d like to create your hole. Make sure the bit is level and positioned at a 90° angle relative to the wall.^{[19]
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Research source} Squeeze the trigger gently to begin turning the bit.
- If you’re drilling into drywall, you may find it helpful to make a small indentation with a hammer and countersink before you drill to help guide the bit.^{[20]
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- If you’re drilling tile, you will need a lot of patience and firm pressure to get the hole started. You’ll feel and hear the difference once the bit breaks through the glaze and starts drilling into the tile underneath.^{[21]
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4
Increase the speed of the drill while applying pressure. Once the drill begins to penetrate the wall, squeeze the trigger a little harder and apply firm, steady pressure on the drill to drive it in. Keep drilling until you achieve the desired depth.^{[22]
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- Once you reach the depth you want, don’t stop the drill—just slow it down.
5
Withdraw the bit with the drill still on when you reach the desired depth. With the drill still running, ease it back out of the hole you just created in one smooth motion. If you stop the drill before you try to pull it out, you may break the bit.^{[23]
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- Make sure to keep the drill level as you pull it out of the hole.
6
Tap in your anchor if you’re using one. If you’re installing a plug or anchor in your drill hole, carefully tap it into the hole with a rubber mallet. Make sure the anchor is securely in place before you install a hook or screw in the hole.^{[24]
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- You will likely need an anchor if you’re planning to mount something in drywall, masonry, or tile. You can insert a screw or hook directly into a hole drilled in wood using a screwdriver.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you know what's behind the wall?

Gino Colucci
Home Improvement Specialist
Gino Colucci is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Crackerjacks Handyman Services (not a licensed contractor) in Chandler, Arizona. Crackerjacks Handyman Services offers an effective cost-saving solution for commercial and residential repair and maintenance needs, specializing in smaller projects. Crackerjacks Handyman Services carries liability insurance and all technicians go through a background check.

Gino Colucci

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Look for signs that electrical or plumbing might be in the wall. Do you see an electrical receptacle or switch nearby? Is there a bathroom or kitchen in the adjacent room? What about above or below? That would indicate a high probability that there might be electrical or plumbing in the wall. You can also use a deep scan stud finder, as they can detect electrical cords and metal.