Do you often work with tile, or will you shortly have a tiling project? Then it would help if you considered the precision to drill through tile perfectly. Here is where having the right tools becomes mandatory as it guarantees the success of your project; you certainly don’t want to end up with one cracked, ugly-looking tile. This is exactly why we’ll be sharing with you all you need to know about how to drill through tile.
Before you set on your work of art, you need to make sure you know exactly how to drill through tile; even professionals are aware that the smallest mistake can ruin the tile and through away your hard work through the window. But even though it sounds quite intimidating, drilling through tile is a piece of cake when you have the right tools.
With the proper equipment and knowledge, you can rest assured that it will be easy to start the hole without worrying about breaking through the smooth surface. In this guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know to make sure your drilling work is fast and accurate. Continue reading as we share with you all the tips we know on how to drill through tile.
How to Drill Through Tile FAQs
Is it challenging to drill through tile?
The problem with tiles is that they are designed to withstand a lot of abuse, which also makes them resistant to drilling. If you rush through the process, you might end up damaging all of your hard work.
One of the most important things you need to keep in mind is that drilling through tile is a task that requires a lot of patience.
How to drill a hole in a tile floor?
If you have quite a few holes to drill, you may also want to consider creating a small template with a small block of wood. Simply bore a hole through the wood that’s the same diameter as the drill bit you’ll’ be using and place this over the area on the tile, using the hole as a guide for the drill by holding it in place with your free hand.
Can you use a power drill to drill through ceramic tile?
With your insertion point marked, you can load the appropriate drill bit (carbide for ceramic tile, diamond-tipped for porcelain tile) into your power drill. Set your drill to its lowest speed setting. Keep your small bucket of water and rag close at hand, as you will need it soon after drilling commences.
What tools do you need to drill through tile?
Latex grip safety gloves are always helpful to have also. As mentioned earlier, drilling through tile requires a specialist drill bit; regular or even masonry bits simply won’t’ do the job as they’re’ not strong enough to penetrate tiles” hard surfaces. Instead, it would help if you opted for either carbide-tipped or diamond-tipped drill bits.
How to drill through glazed tile?
One of the most important things you need to keep in mind is that drilling through tile is a task that requires a lot of patience. Start drilling at low speed and slowly. Take your time; it might take a while before you penetrate the hard glazed surface. Don’t’ make the mistake of believing that going full-speed is more effective.
What to know before learning how to drill through tile?
Know your tiles
One of the first things you need to pay attention to if you want to learn how to drill through tile is the type of tile you are working with. If you know the characteristics of the material, you are trying to bore through.
Porcelain tiles, for instance, are harder to break through than ceramic tiles since they are very dense. As a result, drilling through porcelain tiles will require more work and preparation than cutting through other types of tile. You will also need a specialized drill bit that can penetrate the hard surface of porcelain tiles. The same goes for drilling into stone tiles.
In general, there are three kinds of tile:
- Glazed ceramic tile is the most common, what you’ll’ find in almost every older home, and the easiest to drill through.
- Glass tile is used more as an accent and has only been around for 15 years.
- Porcelain tile looks a lot like regular ceramic tile, but it’s’ much harder.
Make sure you have the right drill bit.
Regardless of the material you’re’ trying to bore through, never use an old and worn-out drill bit for tile. Not only that they aren’t as efficient as new ones, but the chances of damaging the surface of the tile increase dramatically if the drill bit isn’t’ performing at optimal capacity.
Also, don’t’ use your regular drill bits for this task; they are not strong enough to penetrate the hard surface of the tile. Instead, it would help if you opted for either diamond-tipped drill bits or carbide-tipped masonry drill bits.
When in doubt, buy the diamond bit. It will drill any type of tile.
BGTEC Dry Diamond Drill Bits
Not only Multi-purpose drilling but also long time drilling. The diamond core drill bits can make accurate positioning and complete drilling holes quickly.
Hex shank fit quick-change and lock firmly, suitable for any electric drill, hand drill, or bench Drill, preventing bits from slipping and improving your working efficiency.
High hardness diamonds firmly attach to the steel body by Vacuum Brazed technology. The diamond drill bits use High-Quality Artificial Diamonds, which are sharp, thickened, and durable.
Features:
- Wax inside for cooling
- Hex Shank
- Multi-purpose
Measure and mark the area
If you’ve’ ever tried to drill a hole through tiles, then you probably know that the bits tend to slip around on the surface, making it difficult to hold them in place.
One simple trick that you can use to create some tension is to use masking tape over the area where you want to drill the hole. Measure the area, mark it with an X, and place the masking tape. Measure it again after placing the masking tape to ensure that you didn’t’ misplace the hole.
- First, adhere masking tape to the wall in the area where you’ll drill. It’s’ easier to accurately mark the hole location on video than on tile.
- For accessories such as towel bars with two mounting brackets, use a level to make sure both sets of holes align.
- Try to locate the hardware close to the center of the tile; the edges crack more easily.
How to Drill Through Tile Video
Drilling process
- Once the surface is marked or you have your wood template in place, it’s’ time to start drilling.
- The tape makes it easier to mark the wall and helps to keep the drill bit from skidding when starting the hole.
- Go slowly, particularly at first, to ensure the hole ends up where you want it.
- Once the hole is started, you can increase the drill speed, but don’t’ run it at full speed.
Steady pressure and a medium speed will drill the hole without overheating and damaging the drill bit.
Speed up at the end
- You’ll’ feel a change in resistance when the bit gets through the tile. Now you can speed the drill up while backing off the pressure. This will extend the hole into the drywall or backer board with minimal damage.
- Once you’re’ done drilling, push the anchors in place, screw the hardware home, and vacuum up the small amount of dust.
Cool your drill if you need to
- Unlike carbide drill bits, which stop the second they overheat and need to be kept cool at all times, diamond bits are not as high-maintenance.
- They will continue to work even when the heat, as long as you allow them to cool down. But, if you want to increase the lifespan of your tools, then you need to drill slowly, don’t’ put too much pressure, and lubricate the drill with cool water.
Change the bit
- Keep drilling slowly to avoid crashing into the wall surface. If the wall is blown apart, your anchor will not hold properly, and the accents will be loose.
- You might change the drill bit if you feel that the one you’re’ using is not that effective.
How to Drill Through Tile Additional Tips
- Drill through the tile slowly. Set your drill to the lowest speed and apply modest pressure to the surface. Work slowly, as this will help prevent the tile from cracking. The process may take several minutes.
- One of the secrets to drilling a hole through tile is keeping everything cool. Use a small wet sponge to cool down the drill bit and prevent it from overheating.
- Another trick you could use to keep the drill cool is holding a wet sponge under it. That way, you’re’ not only preventing the drill from overheating, but you are also catching the dust and debris produced by the tile.
- Drilling holes through tile isn’t’ a race. You need to take your time and drill through the tile slowly and steadily.
- Don’t’ forget to keep everything cool. Overheating is one of the main factors that cause the tile to crack.
- It would help if you were persistent. With practice, this task will only get simpler.
