Reinforced concrete, wet drilling

1) Safety and preparation

Wear protective equipment: safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and suitable footwear.

Check the drilling area for cables and pipes.

For accurate results, use a stand/guide and secure it firmly, using anchoring or vacuum fixing where appropriate.

2) Correct installation

Mount the core bit onto the correct adapter, for example 1 1/4” UNC or 1/2”, and tighten it properly.

Check that the machine has enough power for the core bit diameter and that the clutch/limiter is working correctly.

3) Water supply — mandatory

Ensure a constant water flow throughout drilling for cooling and slurry removal.

Do not allow the core bit to run “dry” — overheating can damage the diamond segments.

4) Starting the hole

Start the machine and begin with light pressure until a stable groove is formed.

Keep the shaft perfectly straight. A drilling stand helps a lot. Avoid any sideways movement.

5) Coring in reinforced concrete

Work with moderate, constant pressure. Do not force it: the diamond should cut, not be “pushed.”

If you encounter rebar, maintain steady pressure and let the core bit pass through it. Do not jerk or tilt the tool.

If cutting speed drops or vibrations appear:

• stop
• withdraw the core bit
• clean out the slurry/core
• restart with better water flow and lower pressure

6) Important recommendations

The water flow must be sufficient to flush out the slurry. If the slurry becomes thick, slightly increase the water flow.

Do not repeatedly start/stop under load, as this can ovalize the hole and wear the segments.

For large diameters, we recommend coring in stages, with patience and constant pressure.

7) After use / maintenance

Wash the core bit and adapter, clean the thread, and dry before storage.

If it “cuts poorly” because the segments are clogged or “glazed,” perform a break-in/sharpening pass on an abrasive material, such as an abrasive brick or abrasive stone.

ForceDiam - Safety Information & Instructions for Use - Version 1.0

1. Before use

• Confirm that the drill bit diameter, connection/thread, drilling length, operating mode and machine capacity are
suitable for the planned job.
• Inspect the drill bit before every use. Do not use a bit with cracks, deformation, loose or missing diamond
segments, damaged welds, excessive wear, damaged threads or other visible defects.
• Ensure the drill bit is fitted correctly and securely to the drilling machine. Disconnect the machine from its power
source before fitting, removing or inspecting the drill bit.
• Check the work area for hidden electrical cables, gas lines, water pipes and other services before drilling. Obtain
permission before drilling structural elements where required.
• Keep bystanders away from the drilling area and maintain a clean, stable working position.

2. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Wear suitable eye protection or a face shield to protect against chips, slurry and fragments.
• Use hearing protection appropriate to the drilling machine and work environment.
• Wear safety footwear and suitable work clothing. Avoid loose clothing, jewellery and unsecured long hair near
rotating equipment.
• Wear appropriate gloves for handling the drill bit when the machine is stopped. Do not place gloved hands near
rotating parts.
• Where dust can be generated, use effective dust control and suitable respiratory protection in accordance with the
material being drilled and local workplace requirements.

3. Safe drilling

• Use the drill bit only with a compatible core drilling machine and follow the machine manufacturer's operating and
safety instructions.
• Secure or stabilise the drilling machine as required for the equipment and drilling direction. Do not rely on hand
force alone where a rig or stand is required.
• Apply steady feed pressure. Do not force the drill bit, shock-load it or use it as a lever.
• Keep hands, cables, hoses and clothing clear of rotating parts.
• Stop the machine immediately if abnormal vibration, unusual noise, segment movement, binding, overheating or
loss of control occurs. Disconnect power before inspection.
• Never touch the drill bit immediately after drilling. The barrel and segments may be hot.

4. Cooling, dust and slurry

• Use wet or dry drilling only as specified for the particular drill bit and drilling machine. Do not assume that every
diamond core bit is suitable for both methods.
• For wet drilling, provide an adequate and continuous water supply when required. Manage slurry and water so that
they cannot create slip, electrical or environmental hazards.
• Keep electrical equipment, plugs and connections protected from water. Use appropriate electrical protection for
the work environment.
• For dry drilling, use suitable dust extraction where applicable. Concrete and masonry dust may be harmful if
inhaled.

5. Reinforced concrete and embedded metal

• Only drill reinforced concrete when the specific ForceDiam drill bit is intended for that use.
• Cutting reinforcement can increase load, heat and reaction torque. Maintain machine control and reduce feed
pressure if necessary.
• Do not cut structural reinforcement unless the work has been authorised and assessed by a competent person.

6. Jamming and reaction torque

• Be prepared for reaction torque if the core bit binds or jams. Use the machine handles and support systems
provided by the drilling machine manufacturer.
• Do not attempt to free a jammed bit while the machine is energised. Switch off, isolate the power supply and follow
the machine manufacturer's procedure.

7. Core removal and handling

• Before removing a drilled core, make sure it is supported and cannot fall or roll unexpectedly.
• Use care when handling the core and the drill bit; cut edges and diamond segments may be sharp.
• Disconnect the machine from its power source before removing the bit, clearing debris or carrying out
maintenance.

8. Storage and transport

• Clean the drill bit after use and allow it to dry before storage.
• Store in a dry location where the barrel and diamond segments cannot be struck, bent or damaged.
• Protect the thread/connection and diamond segments during transport. Do not throw or drop the drill bit.

9. Do not use the product if

• The drill bit is visibly damaged, cracked, bent or excessively worn.
• A diamond segment is loose, missing or damaged.
• The connection or thread is damaged or does not match the machine.
• The drilling machine is unsuitable for the drill bit diameter, connection or intended drilling method.
• The operator cannot maintain safe control of the drilling machine or the work area cannot be made safe.

10. Residual hazards

• Even when used correctly, residual risks can include rotating-part entanglement, reaction torque, ejected
fragments, falling cores, sharp edges, hot surfaces, noise, vibration, dust, slurry and contact with concealed
services.
• The operator must assess the work area and use suitable control measures before drilling.
Important: This document provides general safety information for ForceDiam diamond core drill bits. It does not
replace the instructions for the drilling machine, job-specific risk assessment, site rules or applicable legal
requirements. Where a specific product label, technical data sheet or machine instruction gives more restrictive
guidance, follow that guidance.

Manufacturer / EU responsible operator
ForceDiam - Unit 5 Tolka Valley Business Park, Ballyboggan Road, Dublin 11, D11FT52, Ireland - info@forcediam.ie