What is a good tool for me to use for drilling in kitchen tiles and cupboards?

Question

I sometimes have to do some odd jobs around the house, such as hanging curtain rods etc. I am looking for an tool that is easy for me to use for screws etc. Any experts with any advice please?

To everwolf: Yes, I have tiles starting from the sink upwards ( at the sides of the window) in the kitchen and all the bathrooms are completely tiled. It was like that when I moved in.

Answer 1

No offense to you or Shannon, but drilling into or through tile is so not the right move.

From your description can we assume that tile goes high enough on any wall to be in a place where a curtain rod is to be hung?

If you're set on wanting to, or have to drill into such an area, drill into a grout line. That way you can use a "Tap Con" bit, a cordless drill, and effectively adjust width and height measurements to be viable.

Think of a piece of tile as a piece of glass, or an old water pitcher you wanna make into a LAMP? The issue isn't that it can't be done, but more that there will be possible degradation to the rest of the piece of tile,,, perhaps to the point of chipping or cracking it.

I personally use all brands of cordless tools, and most sold today are decent, especially for a DIY. Not to offend your gender, but the same manufacturers make small versions of the cordless drills, easy to handle, and like a power screw driver.

I'd re-think drilling into tile however,,, but not knowing the layout, the tile placement, the window sizes or placements, I'd still have to research more about curtain rod placement, if it was my kitchen.

Rev. Steven

Answer 2

Ok, get yourself a cordless drill..

Now, for the cupboads, you can use a regular drill bit. But, if you want to drill into tile, then I may recommend a diamond bit. Just to start the drilling process, then change over to a masonary bit, after you have broken the "glazed" surface.

If you just drilling into tile, then I would suggest you put a piece of masking tape over the tile, then use a glass bit again to break the glaze, and then the masonary bit.

If you dont have a "stud" behind the wall, then use anchor sinkers...(the type of screws with the wing nuts behind them...You drill as large as the wings are, then shove them into the hole, attached to the screw, and then, screw the screw until the wings are all folded out and secured against the back of the drywall).

If you can hit a stud, then make sure that the drill bit you use, is "half" the size of the screw, because you dont want to drill a hole the 'exact' size, or you wont have any 'bite' with the screw! And make "sure" you put some masking tape around the screw hole because if you "slip" with the screw driver or drill driver, you will mess up your glazed tiles...

Also, glass bits, are just diamond bits and they look like a small "paddle bit", oval in shape with a point, you can get these at any hardware or lumber yard that sells tools.

I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 3

Use a carbide-tipped masonry bit; regular twist-drill bits can't cut through the fire-hardened glaze. You'll also need to keep the bit from slipping off the glossy surface.

The secret: Put two strips of masking tape onto the tile in an X pattern . Then drill through the tape — you'll feel the bit grind as it goes through the glazing. Drill through the tile and into the drywall or backer board. Just be sure to lighten pressure at the end to ensure a clean hole at the rear of the drywall or backer board to accommodate a hollow-wall fastener.

As for tools you can buy a handyman kit at any Hardware store which will have all the tools you will need.

I hope this answers your question, if need more help feel free to ask me.

Answer 4

As far as hanging curtains, instead of drilling a hole in the tile you may want to use these slide on brackets for mini blinds. It's a new product I came across. You replace the slide on thingys on your mini blinds with this bracket that holds single or double curtain rods. Thought it was a good idea since I hate drilling into the wall to set up curtain rod brackets. Hope it helps. Oh, here's the site www.slideonbrackets.com.

Answer 5

You will want to get a Carbide tip masonry drill bit. Make sure it is the same size as the screwws you intend to use. Then drill through the tile, but only about half the length of the screw. This will give you a solid anchor point.

Answer 6

Any cordless drill 9.6volts or greater or any corded drill. Insert a Black & Decker V-shaped drill bit in the drill, use the tape trick cited in an earlier answer to keep the bit from 'dancing' away from the point at which you wish to drill. The drill bit is readily available at most home centers. If your cupboards are wood then any sharp High Speed Steel Twist bit will work.

Answer 7

MY husband hangs kitchen cabinets for a living and he uses a good dewalt drill. You can get a light weight one at Home Depot for pretty cheap. They are always having sales.

Answer 8

you might try a masonry bit. i've had some luck with them. i did, however, ask the guys at ace for advice. i also compared that advice to other pieces of advice i'd gotten. just to add a touch of info for you: i worked for a while with a crew that had to cut all sorts of materials (they didn't mind me watching /asking questions ~ nice guys). they'd put a strip of masking tape down, sometimes doubled, along the line to be cut. it made for a much cleaner cut with a whole lot less debris. hey, it's worked for me a lot, along with the old addage : measure twice (or more!!!), cut once. generally the guys don't mind sharing knowledge.
and so it goes... ~joice~

Answer 9

I'm not really an expert , but i have seen it being done. Really tricky business that is . You should hire somebody to do it right and not damage anything. But I do admire your enthusiasm to do it yourelf.

Answer 10

Umm for drilling you say? Let's see....a cordless drill possibly?