Drilling Through Hard Ceramic Tiles

Home renovation repair specialist expert interview.

Drilling through hard ceramic tiles.

To make larger holes you can use a ceramic tile hole saw which has a diamond grit abrasive edge instead of teeth. Step 1 clean the tile s surface. The proper drill speed will prevent a disaster. Instead use an abrasive bit like a diamond drill bit 1 x expert source art fricke.

What types of drill bits are the best for drilling into tiles. Glazed ceramic tile is the most common what you ll find in almost every older home and the easiest to drill through. Search for an appropriate bit. Porcelain tiles for instance are harder to break through than ceramic tiles since they are very dense.

Examine the cleaned surface for damage. Use a masonry drill bit to make holes in ceramic tiles less than about 3 4 inches in diameter. You will also need a specialized drill bit that can penetrate the hard surface of porcelain tiles. An ordinary steel drill bit may fail to penetrate the tile or cause it to shatter.

In general there are three kinds of tile. A carbide drill bit or a diamond drill bit are best for drilling holes in ceramic tile. As a result drilling through porcelain tiles will require more work and preparation than cutting through other types of tile. Figure out what kind of tile you have.

If the tile is cracked you ll need to replace it before you continue step 2 choose a drill bit. Run the drill at about half speed and dip the bit periodically in water to keep it cool. In most cases a carbide tipped masonry drill bit check my recommendations is your best option when drilling through ceramic tile. Steps for drilling through tile 1.

Glass tile is used more as an accent and has only been around for 15 years or so.