Thinking of mounting that new TV, putting up an IKEA shelf, or hanging a family portrait in your HDB or condo? Drilling seems simple, but one wrong move could mean drilling into a water pipe, hitting a live wire, or getting a friendly complaint from your neighbour.

Don't worry, the Call Handyman team is here with the ultimate "Wall Drilling Guide". We'll walk you through everything from choosing the right tools to drilling safely like a pro.

Step 1: Know Your Battlefield – Common Wall Types in Singapore

Homes in Singapore mainly feature three types of walls. Using the wrong drill will be a frustrating waste of time:

• Concrete Wall (Load-bearing Wall): The strongest type, usually found as structural walls or walls separating units in HDBs and condos. You must use a Rotary Hammer Drill.
• Brick Wall: Commonly used for internal partitions. While an impact drill might work, a rotary hammer drill makes the job much easier and cleaner.
• Partition Wall (Drywall/Plasterboard): The lightest type, often used for creating new rooms. A standard Electric Drill is sufficient.

Step 2: Choose Your Weapon – Drills and Drill Bits

Step 3: The 7-Step Drilling Battle Plan (Safety First!)

1. SCAN! Safety is #1:

   Use a wall scanner and sweep it across the area you plan to drill. Make sure it's clear of pipes and wires. Never skip this step!

2. MARK Your Spot:

   Use a pencil or masking tape to precisely mark the drilling location. If you need multiple holes, use a spirit level to ensure they are perfectly aligned.

3. MARK Your Depth (The Pro Trick!):

   This is a technique seasoned handymen use. Place the wall plug next to your drill bit and wrap a piece of tape on the bit to mark the plug's length. When drilling, stop once the tape reaches the wall. This ensures the perfect depth every time.

4. DUST Control:

   Drilling creates a lot of dust. Wear a mask and safety goggles!

   DIY Hack: Have a family member hold a vacuum cleaner nozzle directly below the drill spot while you work. It's the most effective way to catch the dust.

5. DRILL: Slow, Straight, and Steady:

   Use a nail to gently hammer a small indent at your mark. This prevents the drill bit from "wandering". Start drilling at a low speed. Once the hole has started, ensure your drill is at a 90-degree angle to the wall. Proceed with normal speed, applying steady pressure until you reach the tape marker.

6. CLEAN the Hole:

   Before inserting the wall plug, you must clean out the dust from the hole! Use a vacuum or a small air pump. A clean hole dramatically increases the friction and grip of the plug, making the fixture much more secure.

7. INSTALL the Anchor:

   Hammer the correctly-sized wall plug (anchor) into the clean hole. Now you're ready to drive in the screw and hang your item.

When Should You Give Up DIY and Just Call Handyman?

• No Confidence or No Tools: If you're worried about making a mistake or don't want to buy a pro-grade toolset for just a few holes.
• Mounting Heavy Items: This includes large-screen TVs, heavy cabinets, or home gym equipment. Professionals know which specific anchors to use for different walls and weights to ensure absolute safety.
• Dealing with Special Surfaces: Drilling into tiles, marble, or in high-risk areas like the kitchen requires specific skills to prevent cracking and damage.