Drilling through Tile or Grout?

Hoovie · Post by **Hoovie** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:53 pm

Fitting a Glass Shower Screen and a 1100mm Towel Radiator, so both are both fairly significant in weight

The Shower Screen support will be screwed through a tiled wall, through Aquapanel and then into a Stud Wall Batten

The Tower Radiator supports will be screwed through a tiled wall, through a plaster and lath wall and into the vertical batten.

Is it better to drill and screw through the Tile itself or between the Tiles into the Grouting to secure these items?

Cheers,

Hoovie

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 3:01 pm

I don't think it will make a difference to be honest. Some people drill the grout as it is easier to drill through. As long as the holes are in the correct place then I do not see as it matters

Also make sure the holes in the tiles/grout are big enough

Hoovie · Post by **Hoovie** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 3:11 pm

I've always gone throught the grout before based on fear of cracking the tile through cackhandedness

but thought it may be time to face my fear

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 3:22 pm

It's still possible to crack a tile if you drill the grout if you use the incorrect drill bit and it bites.

What type of drill bit are you using?

Hoovie · Post by **Hoovie** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 4:03 pm

The tiles are only basic clay ceramic tiles, but as a precaution I bought a "tile drill bit" from BnQ - it is a 'tungsten carbide tipped drill bit'

Went for 8mm to give a bit of an oversize hole to make sure tile wouldn't be stressed and then which I thought I could fill with white silicone before screwing through to seal up and waterproof.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 4:21 pm

It's probably like this then-

They should easily drill through ceramic

I don't think you will have any problems with it.

Hoovie · Post by **Hoovie** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 4:34 pm

yup - just like them

I think I read a posting that said a gentle tap with a centre punch is a good idea to get started.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 4:36 pm

I'd use some masking tape to be honest, that will make it easier to start the hole.

Only-Me · Post by **Only-Me** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:01 pm

And make sur the plug is flush with the wall.......................NOT THE TILE

In other words........drill ya hole through ya tile and into wall........then drill a slightly bigger hole in just the tile, so the plug can be pushed in flush with the wall.

jason123 · Post by **jason123** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:13 pm

A small masonry bit set on normal drilling will go through the glaze of a tile, then use your tile bit.

Hoovie · Post by **Hoovie** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:35 pm

Only-Me wrote:And make sur the plug is flush with the wall.......................NOT THE TILE

In other words........drill ya hole through ya tile and into wall........then drill a slightly bigger hole in just the tile, so the plug can be pushed in flush with the wall.

Reckon I should put a wall plug in the hole then? even thought the screw will be held ultimately by the wood battening?

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:05 pm

Hoovie wrote:
Only-Me wrote:And make sur the plug is flush with the wall.......................NOT THE TILE

In other words........drill ya hole through ya tile and into wall........then drill a slightly bigger hole in just the tile, so the plug can be pushed in flush with the wall.

Reckon I should put a wall plug in the hole then? even thought the screw will be held ultimately by the wood battening?

Nope, I'd just screw into the batten

panlid · Post by **panlid** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:06 pm

hoov if its going into the stud no need for a plug. just make sure you dont try to overtighten it

Only-Me · Post by **Only-Me** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:41 pm

Did'nt read the bit about battens

bathstyle · Post by **bathstyle** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 10:00 pm

A little tip when drilling into ceramic tiles, use the sharp point of a screw to break the glaze before drilling the tile, just tap it with your hammer.