We were asked to carry out diamond drilling works at King Edward VI Handsworth Girls’ Academy for DWJ Harkin Construction. The requirement was to drill 78mm diameter holes to a depth of 300mm into the concrete slab to allow for the installation of handrails. The work needed to be completed cleanly, and accurately, to ensure the area was ready for the next stage without any unnecessary damage to the surrounding surface.
Our team attended the site and set out the drilling positions in line with the required specification. As the holes were relatively small in diameter, and there was no suitable option to bolt down a drilling rig, we used one of our Weka handheld drilling systems.
To maintain accuracy and protect the slab during the initial stage of drilling, we used a piece of wood as a template. This helped guide the drill bit into position and prevented any unnecessary surface damage as the coring started.
Each hole was drilled to the required 300mm depth with a controlled and steady approach. The handheld system allowed us to keep full control throughout the process whilst working efficiently across all positions. Once drilling was complete, the area was thoroughly washed down to leave a clean and tidy finish, ready for the handrail installation to proceed.
Handheld drilling equipment offers a practical solution when traditional rig-mounted systems cannot be used. In this case, the lack of a suitable fixing point meant that bolting down a rig was not an option.
Using a Weka handheld drill allowed us to adapt to these conditions whilst still maintaining accuracy. These machines are lightweight, and are well suited to smaller diameter holes, making them effective for this type of work where flexibility is required without compromising on control.
A Weka handheld drill is particularly useful when drilling smaller diameter holes in situations where a rig cannot be secured. This may be due to access restrictions, surface limitations, or the risk of damaging the structure when fixing into it.
These pieces of equipment are well suited to work where mobility is important and where a more controlled manual approach is needed. Despite their compact size, they still provide the precision required for accurate drilling, making them a reliable option for a wide range of site conditions.
All holes were completed to the specified diameter and depth, providing a clean and consistent result across the slab. The surrounding area remained intact, and the final wash down ensured the site was left in good condition for the next phase of works. DWJ Harkin Construction were able to continue with the handrail installation as planned.
If you require precise drilling solutions in situations where access or fixing points are limited, contact us at DP Diamond Drilling to discuss your project.
