Core Drilling Services in Massachusetts
Precision diamond core drilling from 1" to 48" in concrete, masonry, and stone — same-day service available across Western & Central MA
Core Drilling Services in Massachusetts
REDCORE delivers professional diamond core drilling services across Massachusetts, specializing in clean, precise circular penetrations through concrete, reinforced concrete, block, brick, stone, and asphalt. Our operators use industrial-grade diamond core bits ranging from 1 inch to 48 inches in diameter, allowing us to handle everything from small conduit penetrations to large-diameter openings for mechanical piping, HVAC ductwork, and structural modifications. Every cut is made with water-cooled diamond segments that minimize dust, reduce noise, and leave a smooth, finished edge that requires no additional cleanup.
Our core drilling process begins with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scanning when required, ensuring we avoid embedded rebar, post-tension cables, electrical conduit, and plumbing lines hidden within the slab or wall. This non-destructive evaluation step protects the structural integrity of your building and prevents costly damage to existing utilities. Once the scan is complete, we anchor our drill rig securely, select the appropriate diamond bit, and begin drilling with steady water flow to cool the bit and suppress dust. The result is a perfectly round hole with tolerances measured in fractions of an inch.
REDCORE serves residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout Springfield, Worcester, Pittsfield, Northampton, and the greater Massachusetts region. Whether you need a single 4-inch hole for a mini split line set, a series of penetrations for a plumbing rough-in, or large-diameter cores for mechanical installations in a commercial building, our team arrives with the right equipment, completes the work efficiently, and leaves your jobsite clean. We maintain full liability insurance and work alongside general contractors, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians on projects of every scale.
What We Offer
Precision Diamond Bits
Industrial-grade diamond core bits from 1" to 48" deliver perfectly round holes with smooth, finished edges. No chipping, no cracking, no secondary finishing required.
GPR Scanning Available
Ground-penetrating radar locates rebar, post-tension cables, conduits, and embedded utilities before we drill, protecting structural integrity and preventing costly damage.
Wet & Dry Drilling
Water-cooled drilling for dust suppression on most jobs, with dry drilling capability for areas where water is not permitted or practical, such as occupied interiors.
Any Angle Drilling
Horizontal, vertical, overhead, and angled core drilling for walls, floors, ceilings, and foundations. Our rigs mount securely in any orientation.
Reinforced Concrete Capable
Our diamond bits cut through rebar, wire mesh, and heavily reinforced structural concrete without stalling or deviating from the intended path.
Minimal Vibration
Diamond core drilling produces far less vibration than impact methods, making it safe for occupied buildings, historical structures, and sensitive environments.
Our Process
Site Assessment
We evaluate the drilling location, material type, thickness, and any embedded utilities. GPR scanning is performed when needed to locate rebar and conduits.
Equipment Setup
The appropriate core drill rig and diamond bit are selected. The rig is anchored securely to the surface using mechanical anchors or vacuum pads.
Core Drilling
Water-cooled diamond drilling begins at controlled speed and pressure. The operator monitors progress to maintain straight, clean cuts through the full depth of the material.
Core Removal
The concrete core (slug) is carefully extracted from the hole. For horizontal and overhead drilling, the core is caught to prevent falling.
Cleanup & Inspection
Slurry and debris are cleaned up. The finished hole is inspected to confirm diameter, depth, and position meet specifications.
What Clients Say About Our Core Drilling Work
“I use REDCORE for all my slab cutting and core drilling. Last month they drilled twelve 4-inch holes through an 8-inch basement slab for a drain line, and every single hole landed exactly on my marks. What I appreciate most is they show up when they say they will. When I have a crew standing by waiting to lay pipe, that reliability matters more than anything.”
Dan Kowalski, Licensed Plumber -- Chicopee, MA
Commercial drain line installation
“We install about 200 ductless mini-splits a year across Western Mass and REDCORE handles every one of our core drilling calls. They know the specs cold. The 3-inch hole goes in at the right angle with the right pitch for condensate drainage every time. Having a reliable core drilling partner means my install crew never sits around waiting.”
Carlos Medina, HVAC Contractor -- Holyoke, MA
Mini-split line set penetration
Frequently Asked Questions About Core Drilling
We drill holes ranging from 1 inch to 48 inches in diameter. The most common residential sizes are 3" to 6" for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical penetrations. Commercial and industrial projects often require 8" to 24" cores for mechanical piping and ductwork.
Yes. Our diamond core bits are specifically designed to cut through steel rebar, wire mesh, and heavily reinforced concrete. The diamond segments grind through steel and concrete simultaneously without stalling. We also offer GPR scanning to map rebar locations before drilling.
Very little. We use water-cooled drilling on most jobs, which suppresses virtually all dust and creates a slurry that we contain and clean up. For interior jobs where water is not practical, we use dry drilling with HEPA vacuum attachments to capture dust at the source.
A typical 4-inch hole through an 8-inch concrete slab takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Larger diameters and thicker slabs take proportionally longer. A 12-inch hole through a 12-inch reinforced wall may take 30 to 60 minutes. Multiple holes on the same job become more efficient as setup is already complete.
In most cases, yes. The drill rig requires a stable anchor point to maintain accuracy and safety. We typically use a small mechanical anchor bolt that leaves a minor hole easily patched afterward. For finished surfaces like tile, we use vacuum-mount systems that leave no marks at all.
Need Core Drilling?
Common Applications
- HVAC duct and pipe penetrations
- Plumbing waste and supply line holes
- Electrical conduit and raceway openings
- Mini split line set penetrations
- Dryer vent installations
- Radon mitigation system holes
- Anchor bolt holes
- Soil and concrete sampling
- Structural testing and analysis cores
- Handrail and guardrail post holes
- Fire suppression sprinkler penetrations
- Telecommunications and data cable pathways
Equipment Used
- Hilti DD 250-CA heavy-duty core drill rig
- Husqvarna DMS 240 portable core drill
- Diamond core bits: 1" through 48" diameter
- Vacuum-mount anchor systems for tile and finished surfaces
- Water collection and slurry management systems
- Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scanner
- Portable power supply for remote locations
Related Services
Applications
Industries
Need Core Drilling in Massachusetts?
Contact REDCORE today for a free estimate. Fast response, competitive pricing, professional results across Western and Central MA.