Drilling holes into tiles

CocoPopsLover

i have looked and looked through the forums but found no answer tomy question

i need to drill a couple of holes through my ceramic tiles to put a holder for my shower up. I have researched on how to do it but I do not know what drill to buy and where to get the so called diamond bit as i cannot see it in any drill bit set!

I am hoping someone can be of assistance!

I am scared but it needs to be done! No one around to do it for me!!

Zazen999

Just get a tile drill bit - any drill itself will do.

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Glass-and-Tile-Drill-Bit-Set/invt/195591?source=123_4

However, if you have not used a drill before, and are a bit scared - then can you get someone else to do. It is a power tool and you should at least have a little training on how to use it or you might do yourself an injury.

absent_dad

Just to add to what has been said...

Find where you want to drill the hole and stick a bit of the old maksing tape on the tile, then mark the hole. This will give you a clear mark where to start drilling and help pilot the drill bit as the bit may slide about.

Don't push too hard, apply firm pressure with the drill and let the bit do the work. The job of the bit is only to cut through the glaze and not drill a hole so once it has dont this, say gone in about 1 cm stop and change to a normal drill bit, depending on what the tiles are stuck to, ie stud wall in which case a wood drill bit or masonry and obviously a masonary drill bit. If you continue to drill with the tile drill bit into masonary, you are going to ruin it.

Don't forget to put in the correct rawl plug if you are into stud work.

Ok, have fun and hope this helps

IronMaidenFan

We find putting a strip of masking tape over the area you want to drill stops the drill bit from slipping.

We had porcelain tiles put in our bathroom about a year ago and wanted to drill a hole to hang a mirror. We were a bit nervous as the tiles were like drilling through steel, your ceramic ones are a LOT easier, but with the right drill bit it wasn't much of a problem.

Just take your time, use a tile drill bit and you will be fine

keith969

I just use a normal masonry drill bit. Apply some pressure with the drill bit to the tile (with the drill turned off) to create a small scratch mark, this then acts as a 'key' to stop the drill slipping.

CocoPopsLover

I have used a drill before but a VERY long time ago! I wish I had a bit of tile to practise on but I guess as long as I go slow as adviced then I should be fine!

I think I will be using the masking tape advice as well as I have heard everyone suggesting this!

I now just hope I dont break the tile!

keith969

Why not go to a tile shop and ask for a spare tile to practise on?

CocoPopsLover

keith969 wrote: »

Why not go to a tile shop and ask for a spare tile to practise on?

I guess I could go and ask! No harm in asking!

I would have got someone to do it for me but no one to do it and i cannot afford to pay anyone to do it

System

screwfix do a cheaper glass + tile drill about £6 ish

Plasterer

CocoPopsLover wrote: »

I guess I could go and ask! No harm in asking!

I would have got someone to do it for me but no one to do it and i cannot afford to pay anyone to do it

Make sure the drills not on the hammer setting
Yes the tape trick works a treat - also if your using a corldless puit it on setting 1 (th slow setting) and you'll be fine.

Zazen999

The tape does work a treat.

Even better, tape a plastic bag underneath to catch the drillings.