Drilling Through Hard Ceramic Tiles

An ordinary steel drill bit may fail to penetrate the tile or cause it to shatter.

Drilling through hard ceramic tiles.

Porcelain tiles for instance are harder to break through than ceramic tiles since they are very dense. Glazed ceramic tile is the most common what you ll find in almost every older home and the easiest to drill through. Step 1 clean the tile s surface. These bits are more refined and far better able to bore through the ceramic structure without cracking it than regular bits.

Run the drill at about half speed and dip the bit periodically in water to keep it cool. Search for an appropriate bit. If the tile is cracked you ll need to replace it before you continue step 2 choose a drill bit. Examine the cleaned surface for damage.

Instead use an abrasive bit like a diamond drill bit 1 x expert source art fricke. You will also need a specialized drill bit that can penetrate the hard surface of porcelain tiles. In general there are three kinds of 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. Use a masonry drill bit to make holes in ceramic tiles less than about 3 4 inches in diameter. Drilling ceramic tile requires a special drill bit and a steady hand. Home renovation repair specialist expert interview.

To make larger holes you can use a ceramic tile hole saw which has a diamond grit abrasive edge instead of teeth. What types of drill bits are the best for drilling into tiles. The proper drill speed will prevent a disaster. As a result drilling through porcelain tiles will require more work and preparation than cutting through other types of tile.

In most cases a carbide tipped masonry drill bit check my recommendations is your best option when drilling through ceramic tile.