Core Drilling Services
Precise, dust-free core drilling in concrete and brick – clean circular holes from 25mm to 400mm, drilled fast and without damage to the surrounding structure. Serving Johannesburg and sites across Gauteng.
25-400mm
Hole diameter range
0-45°
Drilling angle
Hilti DD 350
Rig used
Dust-free
Water-fed system
What Is Core Drilling?
The most efficient way to cut a clean, circular hole
Core drilling is the most effective method for creating precise circular holes in tough materials. Known for its speed and efficiency, it allows for clean drilling in concrete and brick, as well as stone, masonry and blockwork, without causing unnecessary damage to surrounding structures.
It’s widely used across construction, renovation and engineering projects in Johannesburg and across Gauteng, where accuracy and minimal disruption are essential – whether you’re opening a path for plumbing, electrical installations, or structural modifications.
How it works
We use core barrels and high-precision machines, including the Hilti DD 350, to control hole measurement and depth accurately. The diamond cutting face allows for finer, more precise cuts, producing clean holes from 25mm to over 400mm in diameter. The non-percussive rotary action maintains structural integrity throughout.
As drilling progresses, water flows into the core bit to prevent dust build-up, and a wet vacuum manages the resulting slurry for a mess-free finish – eliminating time-consuming clean-up and keeping installation projects on schedule.
Applications
Where core drilling gets used
Industries rely on precision drilling to create clean concrete holes for electrical, plumbing, heating, sewer and sprinkler installations. Beyond utility work, it’s used for anchoring bolts, lifting rods, and installing load-carrying devices such as dowel bars, as well as for structural analysis and rock assessment.
Electrical Installations
Clean routing for conduit and power cables through walls, floors and ceilings without damaging structural integrity.
Plumbing Core Drilling & Drainage
From small supply lines and balcony drainage holes to major sewer pipes, our hole sizes accommodate installations in new builds and renovations.
HVAC & Ventilation
Precision holes for ducting air conditioning systems, exhaust fans and fresh air inlets through concrete walls or slabs.
Structural Reinforcement
Larger holes up to 400mm for installing steel columns, dowels, or concrete reinforcement in retrofitting projects.
Core Sampling & Testing
Clean material samples from concrete or masonry for geotechnical and structural lab analysis.
Fire Protection Systems
Accurately placed holes for routing fire suppression piping without compromising fire-rated barriers.
A Diameter For Every Project
A Diameter For Every Project
Our equipment covers a full range of diameters to suit residential, commercial and industrial applications.
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- 25mm-50mm: small penetrations such as electrical conduits, communication cables and light-duty plumbing.
- 51mm-100mm: medium openings including plumbing lines, fire sprinkler pipes and smaller HVAC routing.
- 101mm-200mm: larger service conduits, ducting, downpipes and data trunking installations.
- 201mm-300mm: main plumbing lines, heavy-duty ventilation pipes and cable tray access.
- 301mm-400mm: structural penetrations, manhole openings, core sampling and major mechanical service entries.
WHY CORE DRILLING
Benefits Over More Invasive Methods
Low Noise & Vibration
The non-percussive rotary action keeps disruption to a minimum – suitable for occupied buildings.
Works in Confined Areas
Compact rigs and extensions reach tight spaces other methods can’t access.
Preserves Structural Integrity
Clean, precise cuts avoid the cracking and stress that comes with breaking or hammering.
Depth & Angle Control
Drill to the exact depth you specify, at any angle from 0-45°, with extensions for deeper holes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Core drilling, answered!
What diameter holes can core drilling achieve?
From 25mm up to 400mm – everything from small electrical conduit penetrations to large structural and manhole openings.
Is core drilling messy or noisy?
No. Water-fed diamond bits and a wet vacuum control dust and slurry, and the non-percussive rotary action keeps noise and vibration low.
Can you drill at an angle, not just straight down?
Yes – our Hilti DD 350 rigs drill vertically, horizontally, or at any angle between 0 and 45 degrees, with extensions for deeper holes.
Does core drilling weaken the structure?
Not when planned properly. We recommend a rebar survey ahead of drilling on structural elements to confirm safe drill points first.
What does core drilling cost?
Pricing depends on depth, diameter, number of holes, material reinforcement, drilling angle, access to water/electricity, and whether scaffolding is required. Contact us for a free quote.
Can you drill a balcony drainage hole?
Yes – a core-drilled balcony drainage hole gives water a clean, precise exit point through the slab without cracking the surrounding concrete, which is a common problem with hammer-drilled or chiselled holes.
RELATED SERVICES
Explore our full concrete cutting range
Large Holes & Slots
Overlapping core holes for openings of any size or shape, even in restricted access areas.
Floor Sawing
Concrete Cutting
Straight, precise cuts up to 500mm deep in slabs, roadways and suspended floors.
Rebar Survey
Rebar Survey
Locate rebar and voids before you drill or cut, anywhere in the slab.
Controlled Demolition
Precision Deconstruction
Safe, systematic dismantling of structural sections with minimal disruption.
