Drill bits for tiles

NaughtiusMaximus

I'd like to fit a grab rail in the shower cubicle of the house we'll be moving into in a few days which will involve drilling through wall tiles. I've googled for suggestions and it appears there are 2 very different types of drill bit I can use but don't know which to go for. Can anyone help, what are the pro and cons of the two types below?

DaftyDuck

Unless you are drilling the hardest of tiles, the bottom type will suffice, and are much cheaper... and tend to come in sets.

You might find a few thick porcelain floor tiles that are better drilled with the top type... but even then, with care, the bottom type work just fine.

Carrot007

Seems a waste of a purchase if you are going to only use them for this job.

Never had a problem with using a masonary drill bit and some masking tape to protect the tile, which I suspect is probably going to be needed with thees odd bits anyway.

stator

I've used the top type, diamond drill bit. It works well and I would recommend it. They do wear out quickly though, I put up 4 shelves (16 holes) and I needed one and a half drill bits. For one grab rail then one drill bit should be sufficient.

flashg67

I've used both on porcelain prefer the top type, but usually wear out quickly.

If they're just ceramic tile, just gently break the glaze with a punch or sharp drill etc and use a masonry drill, but turn the hammer setting off on the drill.

bris

You can buy the bottom type for a couple of pound in places like Toolstation.


The work very well, no masking tape required, they bite and drill through very quick.

ic

I used the bottom type, bought as a set from toolstation. Used to drill holes both in the ceramic wall tiles (fit shower cubical, toilet cistern, radiators, sink and cupboard), and to fix the toilet, sink pedestal and a door stop through the granite floor tiles. They went easily through the ceramic, the granite was more hard going - I had to start small and worked my way up, stopping frequently to cool the bit in water and hoover up the dust.

NaughtiusMaximus

Thanks for the comments everyone, I'll try the second type of bit.

Ruski

Also consider these: they are the only ones I use for fitting, no need to swap bits depending on the material, and will go thru the tiles and into the solid materials behind too (should there be any!)

HTH

Russ

https://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-multipurpose-drill-bit-6-x-100mm/26900