Funny that I've been doing electrical work for 25 years (mainly commercial/industrial/controls) and I've never once had to drill through stone for any reason. I have a customer wanting a GFCI outlet installed on the front of the their house to provide power for low voltage lighting and the front is stone. Any tricks to drilling to ensure it doesn't fracture?
Thanks,
Tony
Hilti makes x-head hammerdrill bits that cut smoother and faster than traditional bits.
If it's stone veneer, a diamond/carbide holesaw will prevent chips. Drill from the outside in. Dont drill near an edge or corner, and if you can drill a groutline, go for that.
If it's stone on block, you will need a long bit (18"). If you have to use an extension, make sure your hole is large enough to get the extension thru.
Pull out the bit often to clear dust/chips, and keep that drill level or it'll bind and try to break your wrists.
Carry an extendable magnet with you to check for rebar/lag bolts in the hole.
You may also need a long wood boring bit if you are going into the band or other wood behind the block/stone.
eta: the largest hole you can drill without sds-plus drive is 1 1/8". Difference between a $250-$350 10lb dewalt or bosch hammer drill or a 25lb rotohammer that costs 2x as much