How do I make a hole in a brick wall to run a new dryer vent?
Answers:
Exactly follow as Jedi answered, If you create drill holes as per the shape of the vent your require it will be easier & accurate to break only that part of the brick wall. Otherwise the cracks may travel in random order & disturb other brick bondings. I suggest to make the drill holes as close as possible in the 6" dia & use a pneumatic hammer. Further, you need to check carefully that there isn't any electric wiring behind that part of the wall. Do remember to wear eye protector or any plastic eye shades before using drill & hammer.
Other answers:
personally, I'd use the masonry drill to make a ring of small holes the diameter of the hole I wanted, then empty the centre with a lump hammer & cold chisel...
...tho if you got a pneumatic hammer, why not???
good luck!
personally, I'd use the masonry drill to make a ring of small holes the diameter of the hole I wanted, then empty the centre with a lump hammer & cold chisel...
...tho if you got a pneumatic hammer, why not???
good luck!
I do this all the time and the best way is to just chip away with a hammer. Take your time or you may knock a brick out that leaves a hole showing. The idea about the ring of holes is a good idea but most dryer vents are 4 inch so check to make sure you don't make a hole thats too big. Don't worry about making it round just what ever shape lets you get the vent thru and then just let the outside part cover it up so it does not show.
You can always make it bigger but once the brick is gone its gone so take your time and be careful. Take advantage of the fact that there are holes in the brick that are weak points ...that way you can take them out a little at a time. Usually one brick and the morter top and bottom is enough to slip the vent through.
OK.... pay attention cause the other answerers are idiots. What you do is go over to the Home Depot and buy a 4 inch hole-cutting saw (because dryer hoses are 4 inches). They work on wood, metal, AND MASONRY. You attach them to an electric drill. A 4 inch saw will cost about $20. But before you cut the 4 inch hole, attach a small masonry drill bit and drill through the brick at what will be the center point of that 4 inch hole. Then use a long drill bit to drill all the way through your interior wall. You now have the center point of the 4 inch hole to be cut on the inside wall marked. Use the 4 inch hole saw to cut a 4 inch hole on your interior wall. Do the same for the brick. When done, slide the dryer vent through the hole from the outside of your house making sure to use plenty of silicon around the back side of the dryer vent face plate to prevent any water from getting into the wall.
I'm a mason contractor here in Kansas city. you need to cut out the brick. remove 3 or 4 brick, You will need a saw with a diamond blade, ( a 4 inch grinder will work very good in this application) after you fun the new vent , replace the brick around the hole. You might have to clean the brick from the old mortar before replacing. You will need a grinder, diamond blade, extension cord, hammer chisel for the corners, and a brush to sweep away the dust. for the wood you will need a sawzaw to cut a hole in the plywood. that should be all the tools you will need. and a screw driver to install the new vent cover. It snould take no longer than 1 to 2 hours to do.
First, drill a small hole on the inside wall. Probe to insure there are no wires or pipes. If clear, drill all the way to the outside. Hold the drill level. Use the inside plate in the kit as a templit. Center it over the hole inside and out. Make the hole 1/4 inch larger or 6 1/4 . The plate and out side vent will cover all. If using the white vent tube, replace it (FLAMABLE) . Use flex metal or foil type vent tube. Good luck.