drilling into concrete.
 

ok i've slowly working on my back porch and now i'm to the point where the posts are ready to go back in. When the footings were done my buddy who was finishing them while i was at work didn't sink any anchors into them so i'll have to somehow fix the post bases. I've never really drilled or put bolts into concrete before. anyone have any advice or tips on how to do or what to use. i don't have a hammer drill and i'd rather not buy one. I really don't want to screw this up and have to dig these monsters out of the ground. the 3 posts are 4x4" and 10 feet apart the tops of the footings are 8" sonotubes. I understand i don't want to put anything to big too close to the edge. I'm figuring the biggest loads perpendicualar to the vertical posts will be if i hang a hammock between them. So i'll need something to easily handle that (my) load. any insight would be appreciated.

Masonry bit, hammer drill not required.

^ +1 though hammer drills are more fun

that's kinda what i was hoping to hear but after doing research it seems a hammer drill will make a nicer hole. how bad is it gonna be will a regular drill? i do have a beastly 1/2 drill. I'm leaning towards a 1/2 sleave anchor in the middle of each tube. but it may be overkill. here's the specs.
installation torque: 20 ft lbs
tension: 4350 pounds in 4000psi concrete (which i used)
shear: 4950 lbs

Seriously, pony up the $10 (or$15) to rent a hammer drill from one of the rent-all places.

Every big box store will have "tap in" concrete anchors. They are a bolt with a tapered sleeve on them. Drill hole, tap into place. When you tighten them. the tapers slide and lock the stud into place.

EDIT: OK you know about the anchors. Use the 1/2" ones, rent hammer drill. win.

I installed some 3/4 anchor bolts last mont with a regular drill before being told they had a hammer drill. It took less than a third of the time to drill the holes with the hammer drills. Also, it is easier on the bits too since they don't get as hot.

B&D sells a corded 1/2" hammer for around $30. Not a bad deal for a few uses. (Not that I've used one mind you.)
--Alex

Id just buy a hammer drill and make it an excuse to buy another sweet tool. On a serious note Ive drill into concrete alot and I cant imagine not using one

Rent a GOOD Hilti hammer drill. Drilling a 1/2" hole into concrete will be a slow process unless you have a decent hammer drill. A regular drill is just going to ruin your bits.

footer + hammerdrill + anchor bolt = WIN!!!

father in law has a hammer drill, worked perfect

hey i have that drill it is very good at what it does GJ