Diamond drilling
Precise core drilling through concrete, brick and masonry for service penetrations, structural works, fixings, ventilation, drainage and other building requirements.
From smaller service holes to larger structural openings, we use professional diamond tooling to deliver accurate results with minimal disruption.
Diamond drilling cuts a clean circular core through concrete, brick, block or natural stone using a diamond-tipped core bit, rather than hammering or breaking through the material. That matters wherever vibration damage, cracking or an untidy hole isn't an option — load-bearing walls, listed building facades, and finished surfaces you don't want to have to make good afterwards.
We run everything from small handheld drills for single penetrations to rig-mounted equipment for larger or repeat holes, including work at height from scaffolding or a mobile platform where the job calls for it.
Where it's used
- Soil pipe and waste penetrations
- Electrical and data cable routes
- Extractor and ventilation ducting
- Handrail, balustrade and structural fixings
- Structural investigation cores
- Anchor bolt holes for steelwork
How we do it
Every job is planned before anyone touches a tool. Here's the sequence we follow.
Survey & scan
We scan the drilling area for existing cables, pipes and reinforcement before anything is marked out, so we know exactly what's behind the surface.
Method statement
For anything structural or on a live site, we agree a method statement and permit to work before starting.
Rig set-up
The drill is fixed and aligned — vacuum or mechanically fixed depending on the surface — with a water feed to suppress dust and cool the bit.
Drilling & extraction
We drill in controlled stages and extract the core cleanly, keeping the area around the hole undamaged.
Making good
Where needed, we finish with concrete repairs so the area is ready for the next trade — see our making good service.
Why choose LCM Ltd
Diamond drilling on a live site — especially at height or on a listed structure — isn't the place to cut corners.
- DSA, NICEIC and CSCS accredited operatives
- Water-fed drilling for dust suppression and a cooler cut
- Work-at-height capability from scaffold or MEWP
- Clean extraction and responsible disposal of arisings
- Cores from 12mm up to 500mm+, to full wall depth
Common questions
Will diamond drilling damage the surrounding wall?
No — unlike hammer drilling, a diamond core bit cuts cleanly with minimal vibration, so the material around the hole isn't cracked or disturbed.
Can you drill through reinforced concrete?
Yes. We scan first to locate reinforcement and adjust the approach so the core passes through cleanly.
How much dust and noise is there?
Water-fed drilling keeps dust down significantly, and we can arrange extraction on sensitive or occupied sites.
Contact us for a free quotation.
Tell us what you need and we'll come back with a straightforward quote.