Masonry drill bit for tiles how to#

Next, and more importantly, it helps to stop your drill bit from slipping and sliding on the tile surface when you begin to drill. This helps with a few things.įirstly, it makes marking the drilling points easier.

Once you know where you will be drilling place some masking tape onto the tile. Never use a hammer drill as it will create vibrations and risk your tile cracking. Note: Always ensure that your drill is set to ‘drill only’ or ‘rotary mode’. Masonry carbide-tipped drill bits are best as mentioned above for ceramic tiles while a diamond-tipped drill bit is required for porcelain or natural stone tiles. And, although any standard power drill can be used to drill through tiles, the right type of drill bit is required. Having the right tools is imperative for any successful DIY project. Step 2: Know Your Tiles & Choose Your Drill Bit Tile chips can be hazardous for both hands and eyes. Personally, I think every DIYer should have a stud finder in their toolbox as they come in handy for most projects.Īlso wear the correct protective equipment i.e safety goggles, dust mask, and protective gloves. Stud finders are readily available and won’t set you back a fortune. The safest way to check for wires is with a stud finder featuring a warning alarm for electric wiring.

Spirit level (if two or more screws are required)īefore you start drilling tiles or any wall surface, it is extremely important that you ensure there are no electrical wires behind the tile.

A masonry drill bit or diamond-tipped drill bit for porcelain.

A cordless or corded drill (it doesn’t need to be a top of the range SDS drill).

Ok, let’s get on with my guide to drilling through tile. I should mention that if you’re attempting to drill into a tile with a pillar drill, then you will need to take additional precautions to make sure you don’t end up breaking it! Having a little bit of know-how and the correct tools makes drilling into your newly tiled wall a little less stressful. Trust me, it really isn’t difficult to drill tiles without cracking them (when they are already on the wall).

Masonry drill bit for tiles how to#

How To Drill Into Tile: Easy 6 Step Guide They are not overly expensive and you can pick up a set of diamond-tipped drill bits easily online or in your local hardware shop. The best drill bit for porcelain tile is a diamond-tipped drill bit, either twisted or cylindrical. Tile drill bits are readily available and can be bought either individually or in a small set and neither will set you back a fortune. For ceramic tile any drill bits designed for tile are fine. You can also get away with regular masonry bits you’d use for drilling brick if you don’t care too much for the tile you’re drilling into. To drill through tiles you will require a specialist drill bit. That said, a regular drill bit will not work on tiles, you will need the correct drill bit when drilling tiles. (Be sure that it is set to ‘drill only’ and NOT on the ‘hammer’ setting if it has one). What Kind Of Drill Bit To Use For Tile?Ī question I often get asked is – can I use my regular power drill to drill holes into tile? Yes, any standard corded or cordless drill will do the job just fine. If you enjoy watching how things are made, check out this interesting video from Everstone Australia to watch how they manufacture porcelain tiles.Ĭeramic tile is ideal for the average household and it is far more user-friendly, cheaper, and easier than porcelain to install.Īnd the main benefit is that when drilling ceramic tiles you are far less likely to end up with damaged or broken tiles than when drilling porcelain tiles. Although porcelain tile can be used in the home, it is more widely used in commercial settings that receive heavy usage or footfall. The end result is that porcelain is denser, less porous, and more durable than ceramic tile. Porcelain tile is made using a more refined material than used in the manufacture of ceramic tiles. If you are taking on a new tiling DIY project don’t be tempted to assume that because porcelain tile is often more expensive (up to 60% more expensive) it’s better.

Porcelain: What’s The Difference?įirst up, what are the different types of tiles you’ll generally find? Well in all my years of experience, the two main types of tile usually found in bathrooms and kitchens are – glazed ceramic tile and porcelain tile. Can I drill into the grout between tiles?Ĭeramic Tiles Vs.Step 2: Know Your Tiles & Choose Your Drill Bit.How To Drill Into Tile: Easy 6 Step Guide.What Kind Of Drill Bit To Use For Tile?.