Best drill bit for tile: Top 5 Best Drill Bit For Porcelain Tile (2022 Guide)

Top 5 Best Drill Bit For Porcelain Tile (2022 Guide)

Are you in the market for the best drill bit for porcelain tile?

Super – you are in the right place!

In this ToolsGaloreHQ.com guide you will learn

  1. Key features worth consideration
  2. Things to avoid before purchasing
  3. My overall #1 Pick
  4. And So Much More!
Image Product

Top Pick

Top Pick

BGTEC Dry Diamond Drill Bits

  • Suitable for a variety of machines
  • Contains cooling wax
  • Diamond and vacuum brazed
  • Suitable for a variety of machines
  • Contains cooling wax
  • Diamond and vacuum brazed
View on Amazon

Best Budget Option

Best Budget Option

DKIBBITH Dry Diamond Drill Bits

  • Vacuum brazed diamond technology
  • Depth mark, great for precise drills
  • Contains cooling wax
  • Vacuum brazed diamond technology
  • Depth mark, great for precise drills
  • Contains cooling wax
View on Amazon

SHDIATOOL Diamond Core Drill Bits

  • Vacuum brazed diamond technology
  • Maximum working depth of 35 mm
  • Dry/Wet drilling functionality
  • Vacuum brazed diamond technology
  • Maximum working depth of 35 mm
  • Dry/Wet drilling functionality
View on Amazon

Jashtool Diamond Drill Bits

  • Cooling wax
  • Made from durable nickel and steel
  • Built for long life
  • Cooling wax
  • Made from durable nickel and steel
  • Built for long life
View on Amazon

FACHLICH 2 Pieces 1/4 Inch Diamond Drill Bits

  • 10mm diamond tip, with hexagonal shank
  • Vacuum brazed technology
  • Made for smooth and efficient drilling
  • 10mm diamond tip, with hexagonal shank
  • Vacuum brazed technology
  • Made for smooth and efficient drilling
View on Amazon

Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On December 23, 2022

BGTEC Dry Diamond Drill Bits

Click to Check Price

Drilling into porcelain as you are well aware is a gigantic task. The BGTEC Dry Diamond Drill Bits are designed and fit specifically for this purpose.

They are suitably used in a large variety of different machines such as your drill press and your standard corded/cordless drill.

It contains wax which helps with cooling when drilling into extra tough porcelain. It also has the flexibility to operate in both dry drilling conditions or wet drilling conditions depending on what works best for your specific application.

Another great feature about this specific drill bit is that it is vacuum brazed. This means that you drill with a lot more efficiency through extremely tough material such as porcelain. This will inturn improve the overall lifetime of your drill bit.

As with all diamond tip wax coated drill bits they only really operate for a couple of drills ( 4 to 5 maximum). However trying to use any other type of drill bit to create a hole in porcelain is a futile exercise.

With that being said, you get a considerable discount when purchasing a pack instead of individual drill bits. You also get the added benefit of a wide range of drill diameters from ¼’’ – ½’’ (6mm to 14mm).

If you are in the market for a drill bit that can cut through porcelain tile effectively, you cannot go wrong with the BGTEC Dry Diamond Drill Bit.

Best Drill Bit For Porcelain Tile (Quick Summary)

Are you in a rush? No problem, See a summary of the top options here below.

  1. BGTEC Dry Diamond Drill Bits
  2. DKIBBITH Dry Diamond Drill Bits
  3. SHDIATOOL Diamond Core Drill Bits
  4. Jashtool Diamond Drill Bits
  5. FACHLICH 2 Pieces 1/4 Inch Diamond Drill Bits

I am aware that not everybody wants to read long blog posts about drill bits. If you do however want more detailed information, please keep reading. I have catered for you as well.

Why This Guide For Best Drill Bit For Porcelain Tile

We all know the difficulty of trying to create a hole in porcelain tile without cracking it or causing serious damage.  

I am sure you are also very well aware that most of your common drill bits such as your glass or masonry drill bits are not really made for drilling through the very tough material such as porcelain tiles

The easiest way to create a hole through porcelain tiles is by using a diamond tip drill bit. However a quick search online and you will soon find yourself inundated with a multitude of different options.

So which one do you really choose? Furthermore how do you know if the one you have chosen is the best fit for your specific application?

That is why I created this guide, to help make your decision slightly easier. I have gone through the good, bad and ugly. I have read countless product reviews and datasheets to ensure that you do not have to go through the hassle yourself.

Over and all of this, I keep this guide constantly updated to ensure that you are getting quality information always.

Read More:>>>Find high quality drills to help as you work on your porcelain tiles

What Are The Important Considerations For Best Drill For Porcelain Tile

Cooling wax

One of the critical things to consider when looking at purchasing a drill bit for porcelain tiles is the cooling wax. This wax is designed to act as a lubricant as it melts due to the high temperature during drilling.

This is extremely important as drilling through very hard materials such as porcelain produces extreme temperatures and without the aid of a lubricant such as the cooling wax. The failure rate of the drill bits would render them impractical.

All of the drill bits in this guide are equipped with cooling wax, so you do not need to worry too much about that.

However if you decide to purchase your drill bit for porcelain tiles elsewhere, please remember to factor this into your decision making process.

Read More:>>> Learn more about a split point drill bit

Vacuum brazing

Vacuum brazing is a precision manufacturing technique, whereby two separate components are joined together in a vacuum atmosphere. This method of joining two components is highly efficient.

For all diamond tip drill bits that are to be used for drilling into porcelain tiles. Please ensure that they are vacuum brazed. This will ensure that their expected useful life will be extended.

One of the overall negatives of such drill bits is that they are only good for about 4 to 5 drills before becoming blunt. If they are not vacuum brazed, this drops even more drastically.

What To Avoid When Buying The Best Drill For Porcelain Tile

Cheap knock-offs

I am quite aware that these drill bits are not cheap, and given that you will only use them 4 or 5 times does not really help the cause. However avoid going for cheaper knock-offs of the real deal.

You will just cause yourself headaches and will probably end up spending a lot more money than if you had purchased the originals straight away.

Not planning before you purchase

These drill bits come in many sizes, usually ranging from ¼’’ to ½’’ diameter. If you only need a couple to drill into the porcelain tile in your bathroom for example – plan your job in advance before purchasing.

This will ensure that you do not make the mistake of under sizing or oversizing your drill bit purchase.

Read More:>>> Cheap drills worth considering for any DIY job

Never place your drill in hammer mode

One last thing you should NEVER do when drilling into porcelain tiles is put your drill into hammer mode. The hammering acting will cause hairline cracks in your tiles.

This happens so often even to very experienced DIYers so just remember that.

Deep Dive Review Of The Best Drill For Porcelain Tile

Option #1: BGTEC Dry Diamond Drill Bits

Specification

Value

Diameter

¼’’ – ½’’ (6mm to 14mm)

Drill Type

Diamond Bit

Color

Orange

Number in pack

5

Special Features

Great cooling wax for extended usage

Click to Check Price

  • Multipurpose usage
  • Can work with a multitude of different machines
  • Both dry and wet drilling compatible
  • Vacuum brazed diamond technology
  • They only last for a good 4 to 5  drills max

Option #2: DKIBBITH Dry Diamond Drill Bits

Specification

Value

Diameter

Various 1/4” – ½” (6mm to 12 mm)

Drill Type

Diamond bit

Color

Black

Number in pack

5

Special Features

Depth gauge for increased precision

Click to Check Price

  • Set has wide range of drill hole diameters
  • Vacuum brazed technology
  • Integrated with cooling wax lubricant
  • Can be used for both dry and wet drilling
  • Compatible with multitude of machines
  • The bits dull out after about 4 to 5 holes

More Info

When searching for the best drill bit for porcelain tile, the DKIBBITH Dry Diamond Drill Bit Set is truly one of the top options available to you.

These drill bits come in a set of 5 giving you a large option when it comes to various drill bit diameters.

These drill bits utilize the vacuum brazed diamond technology as well. This practically means that the drill bits are designed to seamlessly create holes through the toughest of tough materials such as a porcelain tile with ease.

They have a unique cylindrical design which lends itself to increased drilling stability. This drill bit is also very adept at operating and working with a large number of tools and machines. Such as the angle grinder and your typical hand drill just to name a few.

What I find really unique about the Dry Diamond Drill Bit Set is that they have depth markers that allow you to measure with a very high level of precision the depth of the hole through your porcelain tile.

As with all of the diamond tip wax coated drills these drill bits are typically only good for about 4 to 5 holes, then they go blunt.

With that being said however, this set has a nice portable storage case.

If you are in the market for a great value for money drill bit for your porcelain tiles you cannot go wrong with these.

Option #3: SHDIATOOL Diamond Core Drill Bits

Specification

Value

Diameter

¼’’ (6mm)

Drill Type

Diamond tip

Color

Black

Number in pack

2

Special Features

5/8’’-11 thread that is used on an angle grinder

Click to Check Price

  • Vacuum brazed technology
  • 10 mm diamond tip providing high quality grain
  • Wax for cooling during drilling
  • Great user information
  • 5/8” – 11 thread for angle grinder use
  • Only works with an angle grinder, you will need attachments to fit it into other things

More Info

When searching for the best drill bit for porcelain tiles, the SHDIATOOL Diamond Core Drill Bit is another great option worth considering.

This drill bit, like all the others is equipped with vacuum brazed diamond technology. One thing that I would say is quite unique about this drill bit is that it’s specifically made to work with an angle grinder.

This can be seen via the 5/8’’ – 11 connection thread. If you wish to use this with your standard drill you will need to install attachments in the form of an adapter, SDS, Hex or a round plus shank.

With that being said however, the drill bit has a 10mm diamond tip with evenly spaced grain to allow for maximum drilling efficiency.

It also has wax inside that will act as a cooling agent when drilling through porcelain tiles.

One thing I really like about SHDIATOOL’s diamond core drill bit is that there are great visual instructions online to help you use it with an angle grinder. They take the overall user experience very seriously.

When cutting into porcelain tiles, it works pretty well whether you decide to use a dry or wet drilling method.

If you are in the market for one of the best drill bits for porcelain tiles then the SHDIATOOL Diamond Core Drill Bit could be an option definitely worth considering.

Option #4: Jashtool Diamond Drill Bits

Specification

Value

Diameter

1/4”

Drill Type

Diamond tip

Color

Gold

Number in pack

6

Special Features

Triangular shank for extra tight grip

Click to Check Price

  • Hard diamond tip great for drilling porcelain tiles
  • Set of 6 drill bits (good value for money)
  • Nickel and steel material increase durability
  • Includes user manual within packaging
  • Comes with cooling wax
  • The drill bits each last for about 4 to 5 drills when working through hard material like porcelain.

More Info

The Jashtool Diamond Drill Bits are a fantastic value for money option, as they come with 6 pcs of high quality nickel & steel bits.

This nickel and steel make ensure that the drill bits are extremely hard and durable. Increasing their overall useful life.

Another thing about these drill bits is that they can easily be used with a large number of power tools, i.e. your standard hand drill and a bench drill.

Each of then are 2.56 inches (65mm) in length, having a tip diameter of 0.24 inches (6mm). They are all equipped with cooling wax on the inside which helps with the overall drilling efficiency by ensuring that the diamond bit does not overheat.

They are also capable of providing drill depths up to 1.2 inches/3 cm, and they can drill comfortably in a large array of different materials such as porcelain tile, granite, ceramic, marble and glass.

As usual with all diamond tip wax coated drill bits they are really only good for a few drills maximum 4 to 5 before becoming blunt.

However with that being said Jashtool take the overall user experience very seriously and the pack of drill bits is accompanied by a user manual. This user manual explains how to go about performing the drill to ensure maximum efficiency.

 The Jashtool is definitely one of the best drill bits for porcelain tiles and one in which is definitely worth considering.

Option #5: FACHLICH 2 Pieces 1/4 Inch Diamond Drill Bits

Specification

Value

Diameter

1/4” (6mm)

Drill Type

Diamond tip

Color

Black

Number in pack

2

Special Features

Uniform diamond grain for fast and smoother drilling

Click to Check Price

  • Diamond tip of 10mm, with hexagonal shank
  • Vacuum brazed technology
  • Can be used for multitude of materials including porcelain tiles
  • Great user manual
  • Cooling wax
  • They are only good for 4 to 5 drills.

More Info

The FACHLICH diamond brazed drill bits are a great option for drilling into porcelain tiles, due to the diamond bit having uniform grain allowing for a lot smoother and faster drill.

The diamond tip is 10mm is height with a hexagonal shank. This diamond drill bit can easily work it’s way through granite, marble, masonry and porcelain tile.

What is really great about the FACHLICH diamond brazed drill bits , is that the grains are uniform, hence allowing for a much smoother and faster cutting action.

The fact that it utilizes vacuum brazed technology is a real bonus. This ensures that all your drills will be highly efficient and that the drill will work for an extended period of time.

Over and above all of this however, it is worth noting that this drill bit will only be good for about 4 to 5 drill, then it becomes blunt. This is a common issue for all wax coated diamond drill bits.

With that being said, FACHLICH take their products very seriously and they provide you with great instructions to ensure you use the drill bit effectively.

When looking for an efficient and effective way to drill holes in porcelain tiles, you cannot go wrong with the FACHLICH diamond brazed drill bit.

My Overall #1 Pick: BGTEC Dry Diamond Drill Bits

Going through all the drill bits suitable for porcelain tiles and trying to pick the best was not an easy task.

All of the options in this guide are incredible drill bits.

However the BGTEC Dry Diamond drill bits are the overall number pick for me.

They come with cooling wax that ensures the lifetime of the diamond bit is extended for as long as possible.

 They are also capable of operate in both dry or wet drilling conditions, providing for great overall flexibility.

The vacuum brazed technology ensures very high cutting efficiency.

The pack has a wide range of drill bits from ¼’’ diameter to ½’’ diameter ensuring that your have a wide range of options when creating your holes.

Check the price on Amazon over here.

Final Thoughts On The Best Drill For Porcelain Tile

You have made it to the end, well done. I hope you can see that finding and purchasing the best drill bit for porcelain tile is not actually that difficult.  There are just a couple of key considerations you need to get right and you should be creating perfect and seamless cuts through the tiles in no time.

I had a lot of fun creating this article. Hope you enjoyed.

8 Best Drill Bits for Porcelain Tile in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks

Porcelain tile is attractive and inexpensive. It’s also quite durable and will likely last many years. However, putting a hole in it for pipes can be difficult because it cracks and shatters easily. So, if you are looking to make a hole in your tile but aren’t sure which drill bits are best, keep reading as we provide reviews of the top brands, along with the pros and cons of each so you can see the differences between them. There’s also a buyer’s guide of things to look for to help you make an informed purchase.

A Quick Comparison of Our Winners of 2022











Rating Image Product Details



Best Overall



BOSCH HDG14 1/4 In. Diamond Hole Saw

  • Vacuum-brazed diamond grit
  • Segmented teeth
  • Quick-change adapter

  • CHECK PRICE


    Best Value



    QWORK 5 Pcs Set

  • U-groove
  • Anti-skid handle
  • Low cost

  • CHECK PRICE


    Premium Choice



    Drilax Diamond Drill Bit Diamond Hole Saw

  • Several pieces
  • Smooth surface
  • Carrying case

  • CHECK PRICE




    NEIKO 00823A Diamond Hole Saw

  • Electroplated diamond surface
  • Solid steel construction
  • Easy removal

  • CHECK PRICE




    Baban Diamond Drill Bits

  • Several bits
  • High-speed steel

  • CHECK PRICE

    The 8 Best Drill Bits for Porcelain Tile

    1.

    BOSCH HDG14 1/4 In. Diamond Hole Saw — Best Overall

    Check Latest Price

    Size: ¼ inch
    Number of pieces: 1

    The BOSCH HDG14 1/4 In. Diamond Hole Saw is our pick as the best overall drill bit for porcelain tile. It has a vacuum-brazed diamond grip tip, which helps it easily cut through porcelain tile, leaving a smooth hole. The segmented teeth help reduce debris and heat, increasing lifespan, and the bit even includes a quick-change adapter to help speed up the time that it takes to change bits.

    The only downside is that it can be slow to cut through the tile, requiring longer than more expensive brands.

    Pros

    • Vacuum-brazed diamond grit
    • Segmented teeth
    • Quick-change adapter

    Cons

    • Works slow

    2. QWORK 5 Pcs Set — Best Value

    Check Latest Price

    Size: 6mm—12mm
    Number of pieces: 5

    The QWORK 5 Pcs Set is our pick as the best drill bit for porcelain tile for the money. The pack comes with five bits, so you’re more likely to find the size that you need, and the U-groove helps remove dust while keeping the temperatures down. The anti-skid handle helps reduce slippage while working, for more efficient cutting action.

    The QWORK is a great value, but the carbide tips are not as long-lasting as diamond ones, so you won’t be able to make many holes before you need a replacement.

    Pros

    • U-groove
    • Anti-skid handle
    • Low cost

    Cons

    • Tungsten carbide tip
    • Short lifespan

    3. Drilax Diamond Drill Bit Diamond Hole Saw — Premium Choice

    Check Latest Price

    Size: ¼ inch—2 inch
    Number of pieces: 10

    The Drilax Diamond Drill Bit Diamond Hole Saw is our premium choice. The pack comes with 10 bits and is more than suitable for most home jobs. The thick diamond coating creates holes with a smooth surface fairly quickly, and the bit has a long lifespan that can make several cuts in the tile before you need a new one. It also comes with a handy carrying case that will keep the bits in good shape while you store them.

    The only problem is that these bits are expensive and might be too many if you need only one or two holes.

    Pros

    • Several pieces
    • Smooth surface
    • Carrying case
    • Long lifespan

    Cons

    • Expensive

    4. NEIKO 00823A Diamond Hole Saw

    Check Latest Price

    Size: 5/32 inch—½ inch
    Number of pieces: 5

    The NEIKO 00823A Diamond Hole Saw is a multi-piece set with several bits to help you create a properly sized hole in your porcelain tile. The CNC machined tip is smooth and accurate, with an electroplated surface that won’t wear out. The bits are easy to remove and have a solid steel construction.

    The only downside is that cutting through the tile is a little slow.

    Pros

    • Electroplated diamond surface
    • Solid steel construction
    • Easy removal

    5. Baban Diamond Drill Bits

    Check Latest Price

    Size: 5/32 inch—½ inch
    Number of pieces: 10

    Baban Diamond Drill Bits are great drill bits for any home workshop. They are made of high-speed steel to help keep temperatures down while increasing lifespan. Each bit has a high-quality diamond coating that helps produce a smooth cut through porcelain tile and many other hard materials.

    The downside to the Baban brand is that it doesn’t come with a carrying case to hold the bits when you aren’t using them. Also, the drill bits are slow to cut through tile.

    Pros

    • Several bits
    • High-speed steel

    Cons

    • Does not include case
    • Slow

    6.

    BLENDX Diamond Drill Bits

    Check Latest Price

    Size: 6mm—50mm
    Number of pieces: 10

    BLENDX Diamond Drill Bits are attractive chrome bits that will look great in any workshop. They are perfect for many surfaces, including porcelain tile. Its construction includes high-speed steel that helps keep temperatures down, and each bit is nickel plated to help prevent rust. The bits also have a thick diamond coating at the tip to help extend life.

    The downside to the BLENDX is that there’s no center bit to help you get started, and they wear out quite quickly after only a few holes.

    Pros

    • High-speed steel
    • Smooth cuts
    • Durable

    Cons

    • No center bit
    • Wear out quickly

    7. DEWALT Tile Drill Bit, Diamond Tip

    Check Latest Price

    Size: ¼ inch
    Number of pieces: 1

    The DeWalt Tile Drill bit is a fantastic bit by a company known for making great tools. It has a reverse spiral thread that helps deliver water to the project while you’re using it and the core ejection slide helps remove the plug so you can make holes faster. It has a welded diamond tip, which helps increase durability.

    The downside to the DeWalt bit is that it tends to move along the surface slightly when getting started, making it harder to make accurate holes. We also found that it gets dull after just a few cuts.

    Pros

    • Diamond-welded tip
    • Reverse spiral thread

    Cons

    • Wears out quickly
    • Not for precision

    8. SHDIATOOL Diamond Core Drill Bits

    Check Latest Price

    Size: ¼ inch
    Number of pieces: 2

    SHDIATOOL Diamond Core Drill Bits are attractive and effective. You get a two-pack, so you can work longer, and the vacuum-brazed diamond surface cuts through tile quickly and the wax center helps reduce temperatures while you work. Despite the hollow core, the bit remains stable and won’t bend while using it.

    The downside to this brand is that there are no grooves to help remove material, and the diamond surface wears off after just a few cuts.

    Pros

    • Vacuum-brazed diamond surface
    • Fast drilling
    • Cooling wax

    Cons

    • Wears out quickly

    Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Drill Bit for Porcelain Tile

    Consider Your Project

    Before you purchase drill bits for porcelain tile, we recommend taking the time to consider how much work you will need to do with them. If you only need to make one or two holes, you won’t need a large set. However, if many areas in your home have porcelain tile, you may be better off with several bits to make a range of hole sizes.

    Tip Material

    In almost every case, a diamond tip is what you’ll need to cut through porcelain tile effectively. Diamond is extremely hard and can get through the tile and produce a smooth cut. It also tends to last longer than other drilling materials. However, if you are on a tight budget and only need one or two holes, a tungsten carbide bit can help you get the job done.

    How to Make Better Holes in Porcelain Tile

    • Start by drilling at an angle to get the hole started, then hold the drill straight to make a clean cut through the tile.
    • Always use water as lubrication when cutting tile. The more water you use, the cooler the bit will stay.
    • Using less pressure and more water will help increase the bit’s lifespan.
    • soft corals and fish.

    Conclusion

    When choosing a drill bit for porcelain tile, we highly recommend our pick as the best overall, as the BOSCH HDG14 1/4 In. Diamond Hole Saw is perfect for a small job. It’s a durable bit that will last for several cuts and has a quick-change adapter that helps speed up bit changes. Another great option is our pick as the best value. The QWORK 5 Pcs Set is ideal if you need to make several cuts but want to keep the cost down. Each bit in the five-piece set has a U-groove that helps remove material while keeping the bit cool.


    Featured Image Credit: Russ Ward, Unsplash

    Contents

    • 1 A Quick Comparison of Our Winners of 2022
    • 2 The 8 Best Drill Bits for Porcelain Tile
      • 2.1 1. BOSCH HDG14 1/4 In. Diamond Hole Saw — Best Overall
      • 2.2 2. QWORK 5 Pcs Set — Best Value
      • 2.3 3. Drilax Diamond Drill Bit Diamond Hole Saw — Premium Choice
      • 2.4 4. NEIKO 00823A Diamond Hole Saw
      • 2.5 5. Baban Diamond Drill Bits
      • 2.6 6. BLENDX Diamond Drill Bits
      • 2.7 7. DEWALT Tile Drill Bit, Diamond Tip
      • 2.8 8. SHDIATOOL Diamond Core Drill Bits
    • 3 Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Drill Bit for Porcelain Tile
      • 3.1 Consider Your Project
      • 3.2 Tip Material
      • 3.3 How to Make Better Holes in Porcelain Tile
    • 4 Conclusion

    Tile drill: choose and use it correctly

    Having picked up a high-quality, correct tile drill, designing a bathroom will not require much work and effort.

    Tiles are the most acceptable, profitable, facing material for the bathroom. After cosmetic finishing with ceramic tiles, the problem of the design of hanging furniture and equipment becomes an acute issue. Having familiarized yourself with the theory: how to drill a tile, the property of an improvised tool, as well as the methodology for performing work, you can implement all the decisions to create coziness and comfort in the bathroom without much hassle. nine0003

    Contents

    • 1 How to drill tiles correctly – an overview of tips from craftsmen
    • 2 Let’s analyze the options: by nature, method of application
    • 3 Diamond drill for tiles
    • 4 Ballerina – drill for tiles 9009
    • 6 Universal tile drill
      • 6.1 How to drill tiles with a universal drill?
      • 6.2 A few tips worthy of special attention

    How to drill a tile the right way – an overview of tips from craftsmen

    How to drill a hole in a tile without damaging the thin, extremely fragile material?

    • The speed of the drill and its own pressure on the tool must be adjusted. The tile drill must go without using pressure . The first alternative to an electric drill is the use of a hand tool, a brace.
    • To avoid damage to the treated coating, the work should be carried out in stages, avoiding overheating of the tool. nine0034 Periodically cool the surface and working drill on tiles with water.

    Drilling ceramic tiles

    To avoid cracks and splits in the wall covering, follow a series of sequential recommendations:

    1. mark the center of the future intrusion with a technical pencil;
    2. to avoid damage, cover the center with masking tape; tape;
    3. apply stencil;
    4. do not use the drill in impact mode.
    • Tiled flooring, just a piece of clay. Difficulties and inconvenience are caused by the glaze on which the sliding process takes place. It is convenient to drill ceramic tiles that have been soaked in water for several hours. Dry surfaces are best marked with marks. Make a convenient mark with the sharp end of a screwdriver.
    • It is wiser to take an electric drill with speed control in order to control the quality of work by pressing. The test run is best done on a neutral surface. nine0010

    Drilling ceramic tiles at low speed

    To drill tiles, you need to use tile drills:

    • specialized bits;
    • ballerina;
    • spear-shaped;
    • diamond;
    • universal.

    Let’s analyze the options: by nature, method of application

    If it is planned to make holes with a small diameter and a small number on a ceramic surface, it is acceptable to use inexpensive tile drills with a winning soldering. Rods them, it is worth sharpening in advance. nine0003

    Diamond drill bit for tiles

    When installing floor structures, many are puzzled: how to drill porcelain tiles?

    Note

    Choose from diamond-tipped drill bits or diamond chisels

    Diamond drill bits for ceramic tiles

    The diamond chisel is a relatively expensive tool, but quickly pays for itself with efficient, filigree workmanship. Eliminates the need to cool the ceramic surface and the tool itself in the process. It is possible to drill ceramic tiles before finishing on the wall. Planned holes are marked, then work is carried out on a stationary drilling machine. High speed, long-term operation is the undeniable advantage of this option. nine0003

    A couple of things to note when using hole saws:

    • drilling only at low speed, 500 rpm;
    • To protect the ceramic surface, use intensive water cooling.

    Ballerina – tile drill

    When installing the latest, modern bathroom lighting system, a ballerina will help to carry out high-quality work.

    Indeed, the tile cutter looks like a ballerina drawing circles . Precise, even drilling is guaranteed by strong, metal hole saws. The radius of the circles and the depth are controlled. The tip of the drill firmly cuts into the surface, does not slip, does not move out.

    1 of 2

    Tile cutter – different:

    • low price, economical;
    • high level, wide range of work performed;
    • service life.

    Note

    Please note – the use of circular rods requires gluing the middle of the hole with masking tape. nine0093

    Tile lance drill

    How to drill tiles with a lance drill? Drilling is carried out at low speed. Processing is carried out with high quality, insured against cracks.

    Indispensable for creating holes for dowels, finishing porcelain stoneware surfaces. Thanks to spear-shaped sharpening, it has high efficiency and productivity. With proper use, a long service life is guaranteed.

    Universal tile drill

    How to drill tiles with a universal drill?

    Application does not require basting and stencil. The main cutting edge is sharpened for precise centering. Makes a neat hole. Deep lateral spiral eliminates the resulting dust, sawdust. The rod made of alloyed metal gives high performance, long service life.

    A few tips worthy of special attention

    • Before starting to invade the control surface, it is prudent to practice on the old surface. Especially if you don’t have the required experience. nine0010
    • Observing the safety regulations – carry out work in goggles and gloves.
    • To prevent the surface from cracking, it is not worth making a hole closer than 15 mm from the edge.
    • To properly process a surface that is not mounted on a wall, you need to prepare the workplace: lay the tiles on a flat, stable surface.
    • Having passed through the ceramic surface with an electric drill at low speed, it is better to continue working in the wall with pobedit nozzles. nine0010
    • Keeping the tile joints in excellent condition will ensure the timely removal of dust and dirt resulting from all actions.
    • When the holes are completely done, you can insert the dowels, fix the necessary elements of the bathroom.

    The choice of the best option for the drilling nozzle of an electric drill, compliance with technical rules is a reliable guarantor of high-quality work on the design of the bathroom space.

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    Bathroom tile drill

    Home » Screwdriver » Bathroom tile drill

    How to drill tiles?

    Each type of tile has its own manufacturing characteristics, different margin of safety and areas of application. The tile is diverse in its appearance and method of manufacture, but all of its varieties have one thing in common: it is a very durable and hard material. And when it is required, for example, to hang a mirror or a shelf in the bathroom, the question arises: “How and with what to drill ceramic tiles in the bathroom?” nine0003

    Photo: depositphotos. com

    Choosing a drill for drilling tiles

    First of all, you need a drill. Of course, if you don’t know what kind of device it is and how to use it, or if the tile is very expensive and there are no spare samples left, then it’s better to contact a master who will do the job professionally and with a guarantee. If you already have experience drilling various kinds of holes in walls and ceilings, it makes sense to try to drill a hole in ceramic tiles yourself. Moreover, there is nothing complicated in this. nine0003

    So, first we choose a drill. In general, for drilling tiles, the best drill is considered to be manual, in which the pressing force and rotation speed are completely in your hands. Such a drill provides smooth operation at low speed, which prevents cracking and breakage of tiles. Also, there is no vibration in the hand drill, which is very important for drilling tiles. But now on sale, and even at home, an electric drill is more common. This is also quite suitable if it has the ability to smoothly adjust the rotation speed. nine0003

    Tile drill

    Now that the choice of drill has been made, the right drill needs to be selected. There are special drills for glass and ceramics on sale, but in the absence of a special drill, with some dexterity, you can completely get by with an ordinary drill for concrete with victorious surfacing.

    Read more in our article Tile drill: which one to choose?

    How and with what to drill ceramic tiles in the bathroom?

    The main difficulty in drilling tiles is usually the penetration of the upper glazed layer. This layer is very smooth and very resistant to all sorts of scratches. Therefore, the first thing to do is to somehow help the drill to gain a foothold at the point where the hole should appear. nine0003

    This is done in several ways:

    • Punching, or installing a shallow conical recess at the point of future drilling. This is done using the sharp edge of a file or a hardened self-tapping screw. It is necessary to scratch a small point in the glaze of the tile.
    • Mark a spot on the surface of the tile with a corrector pencil. Due to the roughness of the applied layer, the drill will remain in place during operation and not slip from the intended point. nine0010
    • Stick a piece of masking tape or fabric tape on the area to be drilled, then drill directly through the tape.
    Recommendations on how to drill tiles so that they do not crack

    Tip 1. The rotational speed of the drill should not be high, no more than 1000 rpm. Of course, dry numbers will not say much in this matter, so you need to manually adjust the speed, focusing on personal feelings.

    Tip 2. The drilling site and the drill itself must not overheat. Excessive heating can lead to cracks in the outer layer of the tile, and maybe through. To avoid this, it is necessary, from time to time, to moisten the rubbing surfaces with water. nine0003

    Tip 3. Do not press hard on the drill. The pressing force should be sufficient to drill, but not enough to break the tile.

    Tip 4. If you are using a special glass and ceramic drill, keep in mind that once the tile itself has been drilled, the ceramic drill will need to be changed to a concrete drill. And only after that, drill a hole of the required depth.

    Tip 5. Also, to avoid tile breakage or chipping along the edge of the hole, experts recommend drilling the tile with a larger diameter drill, and the wall under the tile with a smaller one. For example, a ceramic drill with a diameter of 8 mm, and a concrete drill with a diameter of 6 mm. nine0003

    Tip 6. Pay special attention to the holes in the tile joints and drill them only if you can be sure that the diameter of the hole does not exceed the width of the joint and that the center of the hole will be in the middle of the joint. If the hole is marked a few millimeters from the edge of the tile, then the drill is likely to slip into the seam anyway, or, due to the lack of tile adhesive at the edge of the tile, chipping may occur.

    And a small video addition for “fixing”:

    After a hole has been drilled in a ceramic tile, a dowel is usually inserted into it. It should fit tightly enough into the hole, so it’s hard to do it with bare hands. To do this, use a hammer. When knocking a dowel into a tile, you need to act very carefully, because one careless blow with a hammer on the tile can negate all the work of drilling and laying the tile as a whole.

    In conclusion, I would like to emphasize once again that drilling ceramic tiles is quite a serious job. After all, this material is fragile and not elastic, in the process of work it can suddenly crack, break or simply fall off the wall due to poor-quality glue. nine0003

    If you have a desire to drill ceramic tiles in the bathroom yourself, but you are not sure that it will work out, you can first try to work with a free piece of tile that is not attached to the wall. In this case, you can not be afraid of failure, and the experience gained will help prevent punctures in the future. How to drill a tile – video instruction Usually, after finishing the bathroom with tiles, the question often arises of how to drill tiles in the bathroom in order to hang or install such important interior items as mirrors, hangers, and so on. nine0003

    The difficulty lies in the fact that the tile is a very fragile material that is afraid of mechanical stress and with one wrong action can simply crack. There are certain methods that allow you to drill the most accurate hole, while leaving the tile intact.

    Tools and Materials

    In order to drill through tiles as successfully as possible without damaging them, it is necessary to prepare certain tools that fit the size of the drill, as well as materials. Among them, it is worth noting such pieces of equipment as:

    • hand or electric drill;
    • special pobedite drill, preferably with annular tip;
    • Special drill for warp processing;
    • mounting tape, adhesive;
    • marker;
    • vacuum cleaner.

    If you need to drill a large hole in the tile, for example, for pipes or for a socket, you can use a special ballerina drill or cutter.

    Drilling tips

    As with everything that requires a certain amount of responsibility, tile drilling has its own peculiarities and nuances. Such small tricks include such moments as:

    • The hole does not need to be drilled at the very edge of the material, in the gaps and in the crosshairs, the likelihood of chips in this case is quite high.
    • When drilling, it is worth moistening the drill with water from time to time. This will help avoid overheating.

    Important! The device must first be disconnected from the network.

    • If, for some reason, a drill of the required size is not on sale, you can use a certain “artisanal method”. For example, it is quite possible to use a drill or drill of a higher professional level. The drill is clamped into the cartridge, first it drills the tile in shockless mode, therefore this mode is switched and the wall surface itself is drilled.
    • A special metal drill can be used to drill tiles at low speeds. But it is worth remembering that it will only be enough for one time. nine0010

    Operating procedure

    Important! Before performing work, you should lightly act on the tile, if the sound is dense, you can fearlessly start the drilling process, the tile will not crack. You also need to first mark out those areas where future holes will be located.

    The question of how to drill a tile in a bathroom is solved as follows:

    • In place of the hole, the enamel is chipped a little, which can be done with a file; nine0010
    • After that, adhesive tape or masking tape is glued, which will hold the drill at the very beginning of work;
    • A jig can be used to prevent slipping, i.e. a plate made of wood or steel. It is applied to the tile in the required place, pressed and a hole is already glued through it;
    • Having reached the base of the tile, the drill used must be changed to something that will correspond to the material of the wall, i.e. concrete or wood.

    Important! The second drill should not be larger than the first, otherwise damage to the material is inevitable. The drilling process is not laborious, but requires mandatory accuracy. nine0003

    Useful video on the topic: 5 easy ways to make holes in tiles tiles in the bathroom will rise in front of you inevitably.

    Someone does not dare to experiment and turns to specialists, but many are ready to take a chance and learn how to drill tiles on their own. Here is our article for such home masters. We have tried to cover the whole process consistently. nine0003

    Preparing for the tile drilling process: choosing a tool ↑

    The first thing to do is to evaluate the quality of the tile. Lightly tap on the surface of the ceramic and if the sound is dull, then there are no voids inside the tile and you can drill it. If the tile rang, then get ready for the fact that the tile will crack when you press it harder with a drill.

    Types of tiles ↑

    Tiles that are used for renovation work in the bathroom are divided into several types:

    1. Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clay, sand and minerals, fired and glazed. It is the glaze that allows you to get products of different colors, textures and textures. Drilling such tiles is a classic example. It lends itself to this process more easily than other ceramic materials. Don’t forget about the quality of the tiles. Perhaps, even at the stage of purchase, by “ringing” the tile in the store for internal air, you will refuse cheap and low-quality materials.
    2. Porcelain tile. The production of this material is similar to the production of porcelain, but it looks like stone. Dry pressing under high pressure and single firing at higher temperatures than porcelain give porcelain stoneware moisture absorption close to zero and high frost resistance. In terms of its technical characteristics, porcelain stoneware surpasses most varieties of natural stone. It is resistant to almost all aggressive environments and therefore is successfully used in bathrooms. Drilling such a tile is fraught with many difficulties, as it has a uniform and heavy-duty structure. This must be remembered at the stage of purchase. nine0002 Bathroom covered with porcelain stoneware

    3. Clinker is a single-fired tile with a dense base. Clinker tiles are produced by extrusion or pressing. The firing temperature of the clinker is very high, and therefore the characteristics of density and uniformity are no less high. It does not absorb water at all, which is why clinker tiles are used to decorate expensive bathrooms. Remember that clinker cannot be drilled with a conventional drill, no matter how hard you try.

      Clinker bathroom

    Tile drilling tools ↑

    Depending on which tile needs to be drilled, we select the tools. But you can select a general list for the most popular cases. The differences between drilling different tiles lies in the selection of the drill and the technology of the process. So, you will need:

    • Drill with different modes;
    • tile drills;
    • diamond drill bits for large holes;
    • jig (metal or wood plate with holes) if more than one hole is required; nine0010
    • tape or masking tape. A band-aid will do as well.
    Choosing the right drill ↑

    Some craftsmen insist on choosing a hand drill. They motivate their advice by the fact that the hand drill practically does not vibrate, and you can control the pressing process and speed. But to buy such a tool is almost impossible. Stores are full of power tools. If you have not stocked up on a drill yet, then immediately purchase a universal tool for the home. Choose a drill whose speed is smoothly adjustable. nine0003

    Drill for drilling tiles

    Professionals who often encounter this process have a whole system. It consists of a “correct” drill and some other details, but it is absolutely not necessary to have it at home.

    Professional Tile Drilling System

    Choosing a drill bit ↑

    Actually, making a small hole with a diameter of 6-12 mm in ceramic tiles is not so difficult. You will need a good drill with a winning solder. But it is better if these are drills designed for drilling tiles and glass. These are special drills with carbide tips. nine0003

    Glass and tile drills

    If you have to make large enough holes, you can work with a diamond hole saw. The advantage of this device is that holes can be made quickly. Minus – the tile is also quickly damaged. Therefore, if you want to work with a diamond crown, be sure to put water nearby. Even frequent wetting of the crown will be faster than dry drilling. It is possible to drill “dry” with crowns, but only at very low speeds, otherwise there will be a “burn” or crack on the tile. nine0003

    Diamond core bits in different diameters

    Drilling holes in ceramics can be done with a ballerina bit. This is a circular drill resembling a compass. Its tip is set in the center, and the distance to the cutter is adjusted depending on the diameter of the hole. The tool cutter is made of hard alloys. The drill in the middle is for centering only. When working with a ballerina, do not forget to set the desired diameter so that the distance between the central and side drills is half the diameter of the hole. nine0003

    This drill is easy to buy, but you will need a carbide ballerina. It can be used to drill both ceramic and concrete. Such a drill is not cheap, but if you adapt to it, then the money will be justified by the results of the work.

    Ballerina drilling process

    Some useful tips from experienced tilers ↑

    Do not use high speed tools on any type of tile. Any ceramic is drilled rather slowly. Don’t go over 1000 rpm. Focus on your own feelings. Don’t forget to turn off beat mode! After passing through the ceramic layer, you can turn it on again and continue drilling the wall. nine0003

    Before starting work, you need to remove the top glossy layer from the tile. You can scratch or chip the icing a bit with a self-tapping screw. Or use the tips below.

    1. If you need to keep the drill from slipping, apply a writing corrector to the drilling site. After it dries, mark the point of the future hole and proceed. Often they make it easier – they stick adhesive tape or a piece of adhesive tape as shown in the figure.

      Molar tape sticker for drilling site

    2. If you don’t have a factory jig, you can make your own from a wooden plate.

      Using a jig to drill tiles

    3. Periodically cool the drill with water during operation to avoid cracking the outer layer.
    4. If you are drilling a tile that has already been glued on, do not forget to replace the lancet drill with a regular one when it hits the wall.
    5. Drill the tile with a larger drill bit and for the wall under the tiles use a smaller drill bit. Suppose a tile drill is 8 mm in diameter, then to drill a wall you need to take a 6 mm drill. nine0010
    6. You can make holes in the joints of ceramic tiles if you are sure that the diameter of the hole does not exceed the width of the joint, otherwise the tile may crack.
    7. Tap the tiles before you start marking the holes. Tiles, as a rule, are not glued to a continuous solution, but in a dotted way. If you drill in a place where the tile is in tight contact with the wall with glue, then the load on the tile will decrease. Usually such places make a dull sound.
    8. And the last but very important advice for beginners. Before drilling expensive tiles, practice on pieces of the same tile! nine0010

    Video: Here are some bad tips on how not to do it.

    How to drill a hole in porcelain stoneware and clinker tiles ↑

    If you need to make holes in porcelain stoneware or clinker tiles, then neither the “ballerina” nor any, even the most expensive, victorious drill will suit you. The only way to drill high-strength ceramics is with high-quality diamond core bits. Don’t skimp on these drills! They justify themselves. But that’s not all. There is the most important secret of success – very slow drilling. Low speed drill will not allow the diamond coating to wear off. Drilling will take a long time. It may take you half an hour to make one hole, but the crown will remain intact, and it will be possible to drill hard material. nine0003

    Video: Holes in porcelain stoneware

    How to drill large holes for sockets, pipes, etc.

    Drill bits are used to drill fairly large holes in ceramic-coated walls. When buying crowns, you need to remember that they are available for both wood and metal. You need diamond crowns for tiles. Core drills with a center drill are very good – it makes drilling easier.

    Diamond core drills

    The workflow is quite simple. The center drill is placed at the marked point where the glaze has been scraped off. As the drill deepens, drilling with a crown occurs. On a regular tile, this is a very fast process. To prevent the crown from slipping, special jig templates are used exactly the size of the crown.

    The process of drilling a tile with a bit

    If the bit is without a center drill, then the exact size of the circle is applied to the tile, the bit is applied and drilled at low speed. Do not forget to constantly cool the crown in water, especially if you are drilling holes in high-strength granite. nine0003

    When drilling holes for the socket, be sure to leave room for the concrete mortar fixing the box and the socket.

    Large holes in tiles

    Video tutorial: how to drill tiles tiles on the walls and floor in the bathroom. Therefore, when the installation of the decorative coating is completed, you think that the problematic moments are already behind. However, the bathroom will have to be equipped with plumbing fixtures, cabinets, shelves, and sockets. To put in place each of the listed items in the wall, you need to make a hole, or even more than one. nine0003

    The craftsman is faced with the question of how to drill a tile into a wall without damaging it and without ruining the look. In this situation, there are only two options: trust the professionals or learn how to drill tiles yourself.

    Difficulty drilling tiles

    Ceramic tile is considered an ideal wall cladding option because it can withstand decades of rough use in the humid microclimate of the bathroom. These same qualities complicate the manufacture of holes in the tile. First of all, the following features of this type of finish are difficult:

    • Hardness. Ceramic tiles have a dense, solid structure, as they are obtained by extrusion or pressing. Therefore, drilling a hole in it is not at all easy, you need a special tool, drills, the hardness of which is greater than the tile itself.
    • Smooth surface. The outer surface of the tile is covered with glaze so that it is less porous, does not absorb moisture and shines beautifully. Therefore, when you try to make a hole in a tiled wall, the drill bit will slip, which can damage the tile. nine0010
    • Fragility. Despite the high hardness, it is quite easy to damage the tile during drilling. Especially if the glue was distributed unevenly during the laying process and there are air cavities under the tile. When hit in such an air pocket, the drill will almost certainly crack the tile.

    Without knowing how to drill tiles correctly, you can make a lot of annoying mistakes that will lead to the need to replace one or more tiles, increase repair costs, and just get on the nerves of the master. nine0003

    Tool selection

    Making a hole in a tiled wall requires a quality tool. You can rent what you need, borrow it from friends or buy it, because it will come in handy many times during the repair process. One way or another, you need to get a good drill and hammer. They must meet the following requirements:

    1. The drill must support various drilling modes, be able to work at low speeds, and have sufficient power. Pay attention to battery models that are easy to use due to their low weight, they are not “tied” to a power outlet. nine0010
    2. It is undesirable to work tiles with a perforator, as this impact tool creates vibration, which can lead to cracking of the tile surface. It is useful for drilling the wall under the tiles.
    3. The master must be able to control the pressing force and the speed of rotation of the drill. It is advisable to start work with low speed, gradually bringing the rotation to 200 rpm.

    Worth a look! A little trick: if an old hand drill is lying around, do not rush to get rid of it, because a hand tool is ideal for drilling tiles, as it is driven by muscles, and therefore does not vibrate. nine0003

    Choice of drill and drill

    Care must be taken to purchase a special drill and drill suitable for working with tiles. They need to be very hard and sharp, usually professional finishers use:

    • Spear bits made of tungsten carbide to make a hole in ceramic tiles. The best option if you need to make several holes in the tile. It costs more than Pobedite drills, but it has greater hardness, so it drills more efficiently. nine0010
    • Pobedite drills. The cheapest option. We do not recommend relying only on the Pobedite drill if you need to drill more than 1-2 holes, because each one can be tormented for more than an hour.
    • Diamond drills. The hardest glass, the hardness of which is much greater than that of a tile. Therefore, drilling them is a pleasure. However, the high cost makes it impractical to purchase for a one-time use.

    Very important! The diameter of the drill is selected according to the size of the dowel, and the diameter of the drill for the perforator should be a few mm smaller so as not to touch the edge of the tile during operation, otherwise the vibration will damage it. nine0003

    The purchase of a low-quality, unsuitable drill is a dubious savings that can come back to haunt you with chips, cracks and much higher costs.

    Tile Drilling Technique

    In addition to a power tool, you will need a spirit level, masking tape, marker, tape measure or ruler to drill a hole. Having prepared everything you need, follow the steps in the following order:

    1. Using a tape measure or ruler, measure the required distance and mark a point where you need a hole. Try to place the drill entry point closer to the middle of the tile, as the risk of chips and cracks is much higher along the edges. nine0010
    2. Cut two pieces of molar tape, tie them crosswise on the marker so that it is clearly visible. This measure is necessary in order to prevent the drill from slipping off the smooth surface of the tile. If you don’t have masking tape handy, duct tape or even adhesive tape will do.
    3. Insert a drill bit of the required diameter into the drill, place it at a right angle to the point made by the marker. At first, drill at low speed, without strong pressure on the drill. If the process is slow, stop periodically to allow the drill to cool. nine0010
    4. When you reach the wall, change the drill or use a hammer drill instead. Do not forget that the drill must be thinner than the drill so as not to touch the tile.
    5. The drill must be cooled with running water.
    6. Having made a hole of the desired depth, peel off the protective tape, carefully hammer the dowel into it with a hammer.

    Be careful! The drill should not overheat during operation, the smoke that appears is a sure sign that it is necessary to stop and cool it. nine0003

    Large diameter holes

    It is sometimes necessary to drill a large diameter hole in a tile. For example, to mount a socket or connect plumbing. To accomplish this task, other nozzles are used:

    • Pobedite crowns. They allow you to make a hole with a diameter of up to 15 cm. This is a fairly affordable option, but one drill is enough for a maximum of 20 times, after which the coating will begin to wear out.
    • Diamond crowns. With its help, it is easiest and fastest to drill tiles. The high price makes you think about the need for such a device in the economy. nine0010
    • Ballerinas. Nozzles that resemble compasses in their shape and operate on the same principle. The straight leg is set in the center, and the second one cuts circles around, making a hole.

    If you have planned in advance the places for mounting sockets and connecting communications, it is easier to drill the tiles before laying on the wall, as they say, on the shore.