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drilling porcelain tiles

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  • 05-05-2006 11:24am
    #1
    sakigrant
    Registered Users Posts: 72 ✭✭


    Does anyone have any tips on drilling through porcelain tiles? I have to attach a couple of units in the bathroom and the tiles are extemely tough. Thanks.


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    #2
    Mr Magnolia
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,429 Mod ✭✭✭✭Mr Magnolia


    Put some masking tape over the spot where you want to drill, this helps stop cracking.

    Also, turn the hammer-action off until you get though the tile. Take your time and keep the drill straight.

    Still no guarantees though. Good luck!


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    #3
    tribesman
    Closed Accounts Posts: 113 ✭✭tribesman


    Does your drill have hammer action? You need this.


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    #4
    squire1
    Registered Users Posts: 730 ✭✭✭squire1


    Try using a steel bit* rather than a masonary one to get through the tile. A very small bit to drill a small pilot hole may help. Variable speed drill helps as you can keep the speed low until you get into it a bit. Masking tape stops the bit from slipping on the tile. Hammer action would be risky as the impact may crack the tile if there is a gap in the adhesive behind the tile.

    * the bit may wear out very quickly so have a couple at hand.


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    #5
    sakigrant
    Registered Users Posts: 72 ✭✭sakigrant


    thanks for that - yep got a cordless 12V with hammer action and a corded with hammer - what do you reckon is best to use?


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    #6
    Mr Magnolia
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,429 Mod ✭✭✭✭Mr Magnolia


    squire1 wrote:
    A very small bit to drill a small pilot hole may help.

    This can cause chipping


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    #7
    Mr Magnolia
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,429 Mod ✭✭✭✭Mr Magnolia


    sakigrant wrote:
    thanks for that - yep got a cordless 12V with hammer action and a corded with hammer - what do you reckon is best to use?

    I'd say you'll be p!ssing in the wind with the 12V TBH.


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    #8
    6th
    Registered Users Posts: 17,247 ✭✭✭✭6th


    Black and Decker do a bit for tiles, its worth it if you arent sure what you're doing.


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    #9
    squire1
    Registered Users Posts: 730 ✭✭✭squire1


    Sparks400 wrote:
    This can cause chipping

    The steel bit helps avoid chipping.


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    #10
    sakigrant
    Registered Users Posts: 72 ✭✭sakigrant


    Thanks for all the info. I'll give it a go tonight with the corded drill, hopefully won't have to replace any tiles!!


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    #11
    tribesman
    Closed Accounts Posts: 113 ✭✭tribesman


    squire1 wrote:
    Hammer action would be risky as the impact may crack the tile if there is a gap in the adhesive behind the tile.

    This is true but without hammer action it very difficult to go anywhere.

    I had to bore a tile before it was put on, to create a hole for the shower head. When the tile is not on the wall you can't use hammer action as it will just split the tile. I needed a 22mm hole. I had to start off with 5mm and enlarge it gradually 7,8,10,12,14,18,22 mm. This was all with masonry bits though. Maybe metal bits would be better.

    Once the tiles were on the wall I had no trouble boring them with hammer action.


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    #12
    regedit
    Registered Users Posts: 861 ✭✭✭regedit


    As a matter of interst, is there any efficient option available which excludes drilling. They have striong doble sided tapes etc. I know that you need boring through a tile for heavy items but for soap-holders etc...


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    #13
    ctrl-alt-delete
    Registered Users Posts: 13,793 ✭✭✭✭ctrl-alt-delete


    Sparks400 wrote:
    I'd say you'll be p!ssing in the wind with the 12V TBH.

    Id say you'll be pissing in the wind either way, they are sh!t hard to drill through to be honest, the drill bit is gonna get major hot, keeping it cool is vital if a bit messy, when i had to drill through them before i had to get a specialist bit, and even then it was difficult.


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    #14
    jabaroon
    Registered Users Posts: 668 ✭✭✭jabaroon


    All, he is talking about porcelain tiles, not ceramic. All of the advice you have been given is for ceramic. Porcelain is essentially like drilling glass.

    Your best bet is a specialist drill bit with a tungsteon or a diamond tip. You can get these in most DIY shops, but they dont last too long without lots of cooling so if you have a few holes to drill, buy more than one!


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    #15
    ctrl-alt-delete
    Registered Users Posts: 13,793 ✭✭✭✭ctrl-alt-delete


    jabaroon wrote:
    All, he is talking about porcelain tiles, not ceramic. All of the advice you have been given is for ceramic. Porcelain is essentially like drilling glass.

    Your best bet is a specialist drill bit with a tungsteon or a diamond tip. You can get these in most DIY shops, but they dont last too long without lots of cooling so if you have a few holes to drill, buy more than one!

    I was referring to porcelain ;) and i agree with what you say, buy much more than one, if you have more than one hole to drill


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    #16
    wyndham
    Registered Users Posts: 2,284 ✭✭✭wyndham


    Tile drill bit.


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    #17
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users Posts: 14,906 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    You can do the job with a 12v drill no problems.
    You don't need speed and you don't need hammer action both are recipes for failure.
    Drill with pilot drill first, I used a 4mm drill to pilot the 7mm hole.
    Go as slow as you can, Use the lowest gear that your drill has and just keep pushing gently.
    Stop every minute and cool the bit with water it will prolong the life of the bit don't use high speed as the bit will chip and fall to bits.
    Thats all the advice I can give I drilled a load of holes this way and used about 4 bits at 6-9 euro each.
    Just take your time and keep the bit cool.


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    #18
    AdrianR
    Registered Users Posts: 267 ✭✭AdrianR


    Most repliers to this post don't know what it is to attempt to drill through a porcelain tile. Porcelain tiles are near impossible to drill perfectly, you would need a few expensive bits like tungsteon or diamond tip as jabaroon pointed out and the patience of jobe.

    I have Porcelain tiles in one Ensuite, when drilling I've used an SDS drill with and SDS masonary drill bit, I've just pressed the bit up against the tile with the drill set to hammer action and switched on, the bit tends to punch a hole through the tile, this is risky if you're near the edge of the tile as it can crack, the trick is to push in before turning on the drill. If I'd realised how hard porcelain were before buying them I would have left them in the shop. I've put up a toilet roll holder and towel rail without any problems.


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    #19
    sakigrant
    Registered Users Posts: 72 ✭✭sakigrant


    Thanks all for the good advice. Manage to buy a 6mm glass/tile bit and took it easy going through the tiles (8 holes) using a wet sponge to drip water down onto the bit. Worked out allright - units are still hanging anyway!!


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    #20
    tred
    Registered Users Posts: 1,472 ✭✭✭tred


    AdrianR wrote:
    Most repliers to this post don't know what it is to attempt to drill through a porcelain tile. Porcelain tiles are near impossible to drill perfectly, you would need a few expensive bits like tungsteon or diamond tip as jabaroon pointed out and the patience of jobe.

    I have Porcelain tiles in one Ensuite, when drilling I've used an SDS drill with and SDS masonary drill bit, I've just pressed the bit up against the tile with the drill set to hammer action and switched on, the bit tends to punch a hole through the tile, this is risky if you're near the edge of the tile as it can crack, the trick is to push in before turning on the drill. If I'd realised how hard porcelain were before buying them I would have left them in the shop. I've put up a toilet roll holder and towel rail without any problems.

    yeah the pros use diamond tipped bits. i have seen masonary bits being shredded to pieces where they tried to go through porcelein mosaic tiles..


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    #21
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users Posts: 14,906 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    I had to hang a Vanity cabinet, a Shower Rail, a Toilet, sink and another piece of bathroom furniture.
    in total 9 holes, I know all about drilling porcelain at this stage.... :(


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    #22
    tred
    Registered Users Posts: 1,472 ✭✭✭tred


    CJhaughey wrote:
    I had to hang a Vanity cabinet, a Shower Rail, a Toilet, sink and another piece of bathroom furniture.
    in total 9 holes, I know all about drilling porcelain at this stage.... :(


    did u have trouble?


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    #23
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users Posts: 14,906 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    No, No trouble just a lot of time spent drilling in horrible positions.
    I don't want to drill any more holes in porcelain tiles now.


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    #24
    Snaggerman
    Registered Users Posts: 213 ✭✭Snaggerman


    CJhaughey wrote:
    No, No trouble just a lot of time spent drilling in horrible positions.
    I don't want to drill any more holes in porcelain tiles now.
    Not surprised, CJ, wouldn't wish that job on my worst enemy.

    For anyone else attempting drilling porcelain, could I just add my tuppence worth?
    Use a 4" minigrinder to score the tile 3/4 way through, then finish off with an sds bit on the slowest possible speed(with hammer), thats if the cuts will be hidden behind what you're mounting ie., wash basin, mirror, shower door etc.

    For small fixings, as mentioned in previous posts, any good auto supplies shop should be able to supply P.U. (polyurethane) adhesive. This stuff will stick sh*t to a shovel, fantastic gear.
    There are specialist diamond drill bits available, but at e60+ each, fairly pricey. I picked one up from the states last year but only got 3 holes out of it before I had to bin it.


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    #25
    wishwashwoo
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 125 ✭✭wishwashwoo


    hi all well where to start ok ill start here right price tiles in blancherstown never ever ever buy any thing from this chain as it has been discovered that they buy up all the seconds in europe what does that mean i here you say well lets say you buy tiles for you bathroom and they are all suspose to be white well 60/percent will be and the other 40 will be off white wrong shape and very very bad to put up on the wall now when you go in to the store you will notice a sign saying and our tiles on display will not be the same shade as what we have in the warehouse due to time diferance a load of crap what they should say is our tiles are all seconds and please be aware of this well i am aware of this now as my tiles on the wall should be cream but instead they are 6 shades of some other colour so ther coming down and ill buy them else where also when you buy your order notice there are no prices on the invoice this is for vat and tax reasons also they dont give you everything to do the job so then you have to get more of this and that from them also we were charged for a plastic skirting for the shower it cost us an extra 79 euros when i rang tha manafacture they said it comes with the shower tray as standard and that they would be on there back about it please dont buy from them you really will be sorry for the extra few euros go and buy from a good tile shop as it will look every penny when it done thank you all


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    #26
    jabaroon
    Registered Users Posts: 668 ✭✭✭jabaroon


    wishwashwoo wrote: »
    hi all well where to start ok ill start here right price tiles in blancherstown never ever ever buy any thing from this chain as it has been discovered that they buy up all the seconds in europe what does that mean i here you say well lets say you buy tiles for you bathroom and they are all suspose to be white well 60/percent will be and the other 40 will be off white wrong shape and very very bad to put up on the wall now when you go in to the store you will notice a sign saying and our tiles on display will not be the same shade as what we have in the warehouse due to time diferance a load of crap what they should say is our tiles are all seconds and please be aware of this well i am aware of this now as my tiles on the wall should be cream but instead they are 6 shades of some other colour so ther coming down and ill buy them else where also when you buy your order notice there are no prices on the invoice this is for vat and tax reasons also they dont give you everything to do the job so then you have to get more of this and that from them also we were charged for a plastic skirting for the shower it cost us an extra 79 euros when i rang tha manafacture they said it comes with the shower tray as standard and that they would be on there back about it please dont buy from them you really will be sorry for the extra few euros go and buy from a good tile shop as it will look every penny when it done thank you all

    PM me your address so I can sponsor you for an english writing skills course. Possibly focusing on punctuation.

    PS - This thready is years old? What are you doing dragging it up for a rant?


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    #27
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users Posts: 14,906 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    Should be in this forum http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1193 :)


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    #28
    Joey the lips
    Registered Users Posts: 10,262 ✭✭✭✭Joey the lips


    wishwashwoo wrote: »
    hi all well where to start ok ill start here right price tiles in blancherstown never ever ever buy any thing from this chain as it has been discovered that they buy up all the seconds in europe what does that mean i here you say well lets say you buy tiles for you bathroom and they are all suspose to be white well 60/percent will be and the other 40 will be off white wrong shape and very very bad to put up on the wall now when you go in to the store you will notice a sign saying and our tiles on display will not be the same shade as what we have in the warehouse due to time diferance a load of crap what they should say is our tiles are all seconds and please be aware of this well i am aware of this now as my tiles on the wall should be cream but instead they are 6 shades of some other colour so ther coming down and ill buy them else where also when you buy your order notice there are no prices on the invoice this is for vat and tax reasons also they dont give you everything to do the job so then you have to get more of this and that from them also we were charged for a plastic skirting for the shower it cost us an extra 79 euros when i rang tha manafacture they said it comes with the shower tray as standard and that they would be on there back about it please dont buy from them you really will be sorry for the extra few euros go and buy from a good tile shop as it will look every penny when it done thank you all

    He is right but when you consider I tiled my floor for 80 euro you cant go wrong. just check batches


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    #29
    Joey the lips
    Registered Users Posts: 10,262 ✭✭✭✭Joey the lips


    Dont use a steel bit. Use a series of masonary bits starting off at the finest. The best bit to use is a diamond tipped porc bit. The trick with whatever bit you use is to pour a lubricant on it as you go.

    What I usually do is get a washing liqud bottle and squart as i go. every 3 seconds give it a squart of water.

    The final thing I would suggest is try to hang the accesories in the grout line. Makes it easier for drilling.

    PS: Cordless drill are useless for this task.


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    #30
    wishwashwoo
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 125 ✭✭wishwashwoo


    Hi All Just a couple of tips when drilling tiles.first off put some covers on the floor before drilling.second when drilling any tiles you will need a cooling grease for the bit water will not do as it will cause the tip of the bit to shave whats shave i here you say its when the bit gets to hot and starts to break up you will see little bits of the steel stuck to the side of the bit so please use cutting grease it will save you lots of time and hassle a little trick a tiler showed me a few years ago get the roughest sand paper you can find make all the holes you have to drill with a marker then with the sand paper rub it over the holes that you just marked it will take the first layer of selling off the tile then remard the holes then start drilling you will get no chipping no splitting just clean holes be good and always remember use your head be safe


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    #31
    zuroph
    Registered Users Posts: 11,097 ✭✭✭✭zuroph


    Mr Magnolia wrote: »
    Put some masking tape over the spot where you want to drill, this helps stop cracking.

    Also, turn the hammer-action off until you get though the tile. Take your time and keep the drill straight.

    Still no guarantees though. Good luck!
    :rolleyes: porcelain tiles. bad advice
    tribesman wrote: »
    Does your drill have hammer action? You need this.
    no, you dont.
    squire1 wrote: »
    Try using a steel bit* rather than a masonary one to get through the tile. A very small bit to drill a small pilot hole may help. Variable speed drill helps as you can keep the speed low until you get into it a bit. Masking tape stops the bit from slipping on the tile. Hammer action would be risky as the impact may crack the tile if there is a gap in the adhesive behind the tile.

    * the bit may wear out very quickly so have a couple at hand.
    steel bit is going nowhere on a polished porcelain
    regedit wrote: »
    As a matter of interst, is there any efficient option available which excludes drilling. They have striong doble sided tapes etc. I know that you need boring through a tile for heavy items but for soap-holders etc...
    flexel aint bad, but wont hold much of a load. have used it to fit shower doors fine. stick the mount on, and 24 hours later attach the item.
    AdrianR wrote: »
    Most repliers to this post don't know what it is to attempt to drill through a porcelain tile. Porcelain tiles are near impossible to drill perfectly, you would need a few expensive bits like tungsteon or diamond tip as jabaroon pointed out and the patience of jobe.

    I have Porcelain tiles in one Ensuite, when drilling I've used an SDS drill with and SDS masonary drill bit, I've just pressed the bit up against the tile with the drill set to hammer action and switched on, the bit tends to punch a hole through the tile, this is risky if you're near the edge of the tile as it can crack, the trick is to push in before turning on the drill. If I'd realised how hard porcelain were before buying them I would have left them in the shop. I've put up a toilet roll holder and towel rail without any problems.
    starts well, ends a bit messy, but better than some of the advice on here. When drilling any tiles I push hard before starting, on some ul hear i light crack sound, this is the glaze breaking and the bit will now hold in place. masking tape doesnt really work, it can slip easy. on porcelain tiles, get a diamond tipped bit, start at a slight angle to score the spot ur working on, then straight in. cool with a cup of water. have a few bits.
    wishwashwoo wrote: »
    Hi All Just a couple of tips when drilling tiles.first off put some covers on the floor before drilling.second when drilling any tiles you will need a cooling grease for the bit water will not do as it will cause the tip of the bit to shave whats shave i here you say its when the bit gets to hot and starts to break up you will see little bits of the steel stuck to the side of the bit so please use cutting grease it will save you lots of time and hassle a little trick a tiler showed me a few years ago get the roughest sand paper you can find make all the holes you have to drill with a marker then with the sand paper rub it over the holes that you just marked it will take the first layer of selling off the tile then remard the holes then start drilling you will get no chipping no splitting just clean holes be good and always remember use your head be safe
    sand paper wont work on a polished porcelain tile in the way u describe since there is no sealing.


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