Drilling Tap Holes in an Enamel Bath

BertieUK

I would like to drill two holes in the corner of my Enamel Bath and fit new taps. The bath must be about more than 20 years old at least.

Has anyone had this experience before?

Or is this a job to stay well away from ?

regards

Bob

phill99

When you say 'enamel' do you mean enamel on steel?

BertieUK

phill99 Yes that is correct as the bath is very heavy.

phill99

As it is steel, you would need a very large dill bit and a very powerful drill!!

ormus

what size holes are you drilling?
you may have to drill the biggest hole you can, and then file the rest of it.

martinthebandit

I have just drilled a tap hole in a stainless steel sink

I used one of these, http://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-cobalt-holesaw-32mm/36439

worked fine for me

BertieUK

Thanks for your varied comments, they are appretiated.

The taps that I wish to fit need a hole of around 30mm.

My concern is that as the steel is coated with an enamel finish, this would make cutting through two different materials very dodgy. The enamel may splinter and ruin the surface, if the proper drill(s) were not used. Or am I being over concerned ?

Maybe something like taping the surface with strong tape and using maybe a diamond core drill might do the trick. Not sure.

The screwfix idea looks a possibility.

regards

Hintza

Probably cast iron bath if so heavy. The holes are probably normally put in when it is cast.

What is wrong with the holes that are there? Might look daft if you end up with a couple of plugs (if this thought is relevant).

If you want to drill this take it slow and start with a small drill bit to create a pilot hole put tape on first to stop it slipping as you start.

DVardysShadow

My first thought would be to buy a hole saw drill attachment, put in a pilot, then use the hole saw on a slow speed and very lightly at first just to score the enamel.

BertieUK

Hintza You could be correct in saying that the bath is made of cast then enameled after cast.

My reason for wishing to change the taps location, is the fact that the bath itself has been fitted so tight into the wall, then panelling has been fitted, the next point is that being a very old bath, it only has one hole to fit a monoblock tap assembly. Trying to work underneath it, and having the toilet pan close to the bath has created a problem for me.

So I thought about the idea of two tap assembly then putting a blanker in the single hole.

Does this make sense ?

regards

phill99

I think you will find it is the devils own job. And being cast iron, there is a chance that it may shatter!!