Drilling Through Tiles

luki · Post by **luki** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:15 pm

Hello All,

First I am really sorry if this question has been asked alreadyâ€¦.But I have finished tiling the whole bathroom, just finished the dreaded groutingâ€¦.Now I need to drill through the tiles, there has to be an easier way I am struggling in trying to break the glazeâ€¦.

Thanks for all your help.

Lukiâ€¦x

tim'll fix it · Post by **tim'll fix it** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:35 pm

what type of drill bit are you using

what are the tiles made of ceramic or porcelain

are you wetting the drill bit to keep it cool

I use a tile drill bit the pointed type, the ones from B&Q are fine. Use it in a corded power drill as they have more torque than a battery drill and hold a wet sponge against the drill bit to keep it cooled.

You can use a bit of masking tape on the tile to stop it slipping at first.

I have used this technique to drill both cermic and porcelain. Porcelain is very tough though and can take a 1/2 hour to drill a single hole. You could always consider siliconing what ever it is you want to fix up

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:43 pm

For ceramics you can use these- http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/tilin ... _tiles.htm

For porcelain

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/tilin ... l_bits.htm

luki · Post by **luki** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 10:46 pm

Thank you very much....

They are ceramic tiles, and the link has helped, I need to get a new drill bit....Will post tomorrow, to let you know how I get on....

Thank you so much.....

Luki x

Mudster · Post by **Mudster** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 11:19 pm

I always used a centre punch and a light hammer, I found even with the steadiest hand the drill would slip slightly on tape.

farkendr · Post by **farkendr** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 9:44 am

Hi Mudster.

Top solution as ever

Is that a specialized centre punch, or just any off the shelf item.

Cheers :

panlid · Post by **panlid** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 11:43 am

dont press on to hard when starting the drill. hold the drill so the bit is hardly touching the tile and in a few seconds you will have a start.

bathstyle · Post by **bathstyle** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 9:33 pm

I just break the glaze with the point of a screw and a hammer, try it next time.

panlid · Post by **panlid** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 10:13 pm

trust a plumber to be too tight to buy a dot punch

bathstyle · Post by **bathstyle** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 7:58 am

Do people actually use masking tape to stop the drill bit wandering? I thought it was just a token answer for DIY manuals.

panlid · Post by **panlid** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 3:28 pm

does it work?

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 3:31 pm

bathstyle wrote:Do people actually use masking tape to stop the drill bit wandering? I thought it was just a token answer for DIY manuals.

I have used masking tape in the past when using masonry bits on ceramic tiles, it does work and helps to get the drill started

Spear shaped bits are much better though!

panlid · Post by **panlid** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 5:43 pm

im trying one of these at the moment. cost £20 for an 8mm drill and you get a masonry bit also.
so far ive drilled 4 holes in 10mm thick porcelain and i have 5 more to drill tomorrow. will let you know what they are like.
http://www.armeg.com/tile-ptc.php

bathstyle · Post by **bathstyle** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 6:07 pm

That'll be the Armeg then?

I spent a few years using these bits, I found them overpriced and unable to cope with dense Porcelain, I'm suprised Armeg can market them aimed at the Porcelain market

panlid · Post by **panlid** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 6:22 pm

if i buy a cheap diamond tipped 8mm holsaw for about 4 quid and get 3 holes out of then i want at least 15 holes out of this. they say it is a new bit?
13 holes to go