Scared of drills

[Whathaveidone3232]

I need to put up 7 sets of blinds but I’m scared about using a drill. I’ll need to drill into an exterior wall made of brick. It’s a solid brick wall that’s been plastered and has no cavity. I know I need a power drill with hammer action, masonry drill bits and wall plugs. But I’ve never used a drill before and I’m so scared! I’m scared I’ll buy the wrong drill, I won’t be strong enough to use it and will make a mess of a newly plastered and painted wall. Can anyone (preferably a 5ft3 woman with weak arms) help with these specific points?

Can’t help sorry, but I’m so relieved I’m not the only one scared of them 🤣.

I would do a lot of DIY but I'd pay someone to hang blinds. The noise of a hammer action drill into an exterior wall is incredibly loud, and it's heavy to hold up. Blinds can easily fall down if you don't get the fixings in exactly right.

I've done lots of drilling in my time, and it really is pretty straightforward. Sounds as though you already know exactly what's needed, so I say go for it! You could always practice drilling through brick in a hidden corner before committing to the holes for your blinds. The main thing to be aware of is that the drill can kick back and move slightly when you first start so you need to use sufficient force against the wall when you turn the drill on - might help to drill a smaller guide hole first to provide an indent.

Def practice on a spare brick first. Look at you tube for videos and tips on how to hold the drill straight so it doesnt skid around and the hole ends up level and true. Those are the two problems I have. Also research how much torque
to set the drill at

Drilling into solid walls is a pain. If you have a lot to do I would probably get someone in if I was not confident. You've got 7 sets to do which is a lot of work if you have to drill say 6 holes per blind. That is 42 holes.

I just got perfect fit venetians so no hole drilling required.

This is where an sds drill comes into its own, it will drill slowly and effortlessly into brick , concrete with no wandering about and no screaming like a percussion drill will.

you can get small light versions of them nowadays.

The right tool for the job , Do you know anyone with one ?

I don’t know anyone but would be willing to buy one secondhand. Have you come across any light SDS drills you would recommend?

Could you hire one locally?

We have lots of tool hire places near us. If you pop in and tell them what you need they will help with the right set up for you.

Or ask on a local Facebook group to borrow one?

Unless you have lots of drilling to do!

You’ve got this! Drilling into brick can seem intimidating, but with the right approach, it’s totally manageable. Here are some tips:

1. Drill Choice – A cordless hammer drill or corded hammer drill will make things much easier. If you're worried about weight, a compact model (like a Bosch or Makita 18V) will be lighter and still powerful enough.
2. Masonry Bits – Get good-quality masonry bits, preferably with a carbide tip. Start with a smaller bit (e.g., 3mm) to create a pilot hole, then work your way up to the size you need for your wall plugs.
3. Wall Plugs & Screws – Match the plugs to your screws. For blinds, 6mm plugs with 5mm screws usually work well. Tap the plugs in gently so they sit flush with the plaster.
4. Drilling Technique – Let the drill do the work! Hold it steady and apply gentle, even pressure. If it’s struggling, pull out the bit and let the drill cool for a few seconds before continuing.
5. Avoid Mess – Use masking tape on the wall where you’re drilling to reduce plaster chipping. Hold a vacuum nozzle under the hole to catch dust.
6. Strength Concerns – Drills can feel heavy, but you can brace yourself against the wall for stability. Some drills have a side handle for extra control. If you feel unsteady, take breaks!

If you’re really nervous, practice on a scrap piece of wood first to get comfortable. You’ll feel so accomplished once you’ve done it—go for it!