Replies

1. 
   stonefever | Feb 18, 2003 01:41am | #1

   1.  Hire it out.  Or,

   2.   Draw a circle on the outside where you want it to go.  Use a scratch tool or sharpie.  Then using a hammer drill and smaller bit (1/4' or so), drill a number of small holes along that circle.  The more the better.  Then carefully tap it with a masonry hammer to  break the remaining brick.  Then pull it out and you're ready to go.

   
   

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   Edited 2/17/2003 5:41:32 PM ET by stonefever

2. 
   kennedy136 | Feb 18, 2003 01:42am | #2

   Merk,

         The best way to do it without too many special tools is to drill a series of holes around the perimeter of the hole with a quality masonry bit, (the cheapies will wear out both their carbide and your patience very quickly) and then chisel out the interior of the hole with a long handled masonry chisel (a one inch chisel works well).  If you have a hammer drill, even a cordless one, then the drilling will go much faster.  I would suggest you buy something like a bosch or Millwalkee bit or something of similar quality.  Good luck.

                                                                Mark

3. 
   RW | Feb 18, 2003 02:36am | #3

   Or find a contractor friend with a rotary hammer big enough to run a hole saw thru it (yes, they make hole saws for masonry as well)

   " To the noble mind / Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind" - Wm Shakespeare, Hamlet, III,i,100

4. 
   wrick2003 | Feb 18, 2003 04:17am | #4

   yes, all of those methods for boring a hole through the brick will work, but the most important thing is to allow enough clearance for the ductwork. draw a circle with a compass just over what you think you need. you'll be alot happier when you haven't spent a half an hour chisselling out. and drill a straight hole. a little silicon at the seams and you're set to go.

5. 
   junkhound | Feb 18, 2003 04:49am | #5

   OK.

   Lately , I've gotten in the habit of looking at the profile of any posters I don't recognize, and see this is your first post.

   Don't be discouraged by the pros here, there are a number of  semi <G> competent DIYs also.

   go to a cheapo place like harbor freight (no, I dont have any stock) and buy a $15 air impact chisel, it'l make short work (15 minues) of any 5" hole thru a brick wall, even 10' of concrete with an additional hour of effort.

   Of course, if you do not have an air compressor, then you will haave to start into some serious invensting ($100 a a garage sale) to start into being a consientious DIY.

   PS: If you are the lazy sort, follow the pros advise and hire it done<G>?

   EDIT: sorry not 10', 10"

   
   

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   Edited 2/17/2003 8:52:38 PM ET by JUNKHOUND

1. 
   MerkerDB | Feb 18, 2003 07:08pm | #7

   I just signed up yesterday.  I've been a DIY'er for years, for myself and others.  Then this fall my previous career came to an end.  So I decided to go 'pro.'  I have my own business now, and lots of work to do. Most things I've encountered thus far I've done before.  However, I've never cut a relatively large hole through brick.

   I have an air compressor, and I like the thought that this cut might only take 15 minutes.  Tell me more about the 'impact chisel.'  Exactly what am I looking for?  How does it work?  Does it require water?

   I was thinking along the same lines as what the other guys suggested -- drilling holes and then using a chisel to complete the hole.  Your way sounds better.

   Also, I'm located in Columbus, OH.  I'm not familiar with "harbor freight."  Who and what are they?

   Thanks for you help.

   Merk

   [email protected]

1. 
   fredsmart48 | Feb 19, 2003 03:10am | #8

   It may be called air hammer, zip gun or a few more. 

   http://buy.snapon.com/catalog/search.asp?partno=PH2050  that one is kind of expensive

1. 
   junkhound | Feb 19, 2003 04:05am | #10

   Even Harbor Freight has air hammers, and theirs are only $8 (how do the Chinese make these thing so cheap that US retail is only $8, cost to mfg must be under $2?) complete with 5 (uselessly too short) chisels.  Big difference is there are short (the HF model) and long stroke air hammers. Get a good long stroke one if you are going pro.  For pro work, I suspect you'd need at least a true 5 HP compressor for continuous work, plus a very good set of ear protectors!.

6. 
   TrimButcher | Feb 18, 2003 06:24am | #6

   Any rental place will rent you a big-a$$ rotary hammer drill and a 4" diamond core bit.  The trick is to get leverage on the drill while on a ladder.

   Regards,

   Tim

7. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 19, 2003 04:00am | #9

   Scaling hammer is another name you can look for.