I want to drill a hole for a mirror through tiles into a partition wall?

Question

How do you know what size of drill bit to use

Answer 1

The drill size is determined by the size of the rawl plug.

Answer 2

You've got two problems, with two seperate answers. The easiest solution is to use an adhesive to hang the mirror, hence no need to drill tiles or the partition wall. You can buy double sided adhesive pads that are suitable for the damp conditions in a bathroom from most good DIY stores, or you could try no nails (or similar) to the same effect.

If drilling the tiles is still your preferred choice, you need to buy a tile drilling bit. They come in various sizes from 4mm to 10mm, and they are a purpose made bit for drilling holes in tiles. Go for the smallest one you can (poss 6mm) and do not use the hammer setting on your drill. Locate the bit in the exact area you want to drill the holes, and turn the chuck by hand to mark the area for drilling. This will mark the glaze on the tile, and stop the bit from slipping.
Once you have the holes drilled, you have the problem of fixing into a partition wall, which are normally of a cavity design. To overcome this problem, you will require cavity wall fixings, again available from most good DIY stores. These fixings are ideal for this purpose, but please steer clear from products that are sometimes called 'toggle bolts'. These do the same as cavity fixings, but require a large hole for fixing.

Good Luck

Answer 3

1. Tape 4 rubber washers to the back of the mirror at the holes. this will make sure you do not crack the mirror by over tightening when you screw it to the wall later. (if your mirror has no holes, either use mirror adhesive or bring mirror to your local glazier who will drill the holes for you.)
2. Offer up mirror, locate where you want it to go. Use a spirit level and tape measure to make sure it is horizontal and vertical.
3. Mark the four holes with a marker.
4. Put masking tape, where you are going to drill, this will stop your drill bit slipping and damaging the tiles.
5. Use correct drill bit, plugs and screws. i suggest 7mm high speed drill bit, brown rawl plugs and a mirror screw 40mm with an 8 gauge.
6. drill hole, tap in plug with hammer, do this for the 4 holes. Take your time and dont rush.
7. Put up mirror, being careful not to over tighten the screws.
8. Look at your pretty face in your lovely new mirror.

Answer 4

Drilling through tile will require a special drill bit and you shouldn't push or force the drill - go to your local hardware store and ask in the tool department. Ask about putting tape on the tile first to prevent craking - might help.

There are also special kits used specifically to hang mirrors so you could get one while you are there -- have measurements and estimate the weight of the mirror, this help determine the way to hang it. If it is light enough you may be able to use adheasive fasteners. Find someone at the hardware store - a small privately owned store like a "Service Star" will be more likely to have staff who will be more helpful and knowledgeable.

Answer 5

Put tape over the area that the hole is to be drilled, this stops the bit from sliding over the glazing. Use either a masonry bit or tile drill bit to suit the rawl plug to be used.

Answer 6

DON'T even think about it. I broke a mirror years ago, even though I followed all the rules.
I mentioned it to a glazier and he said use VERITY clips, I wish I had known.
Briefly they are chrome/gold color and they clip on the sides. They are affixed first, and come with nylon washers to keep the mirror slightly off the wall, I have used them all the time since my incident.
I saw them in good old B & Q ( UK)
As far as drilling the holes through the tiles is concerned, Don't use hammer action, Buy the rawlplugs that have wings that expand.

Answer 7

I would of thought drilling into a partition wall through tiles is going to not only damges the tiles but cause perhaps irreplicable damage to the wall iwouldnt do it at all

Answer 8

I think you are talking about drilling the tiles, not the mirror ?

Use 8mm, either a very slow masonary bit ( without hammer ) or a special tile cutting bit.

just cut through the tile, then cut through the wall with a smaller bit suitable for your rawl plug ( 5.5mm for no8 ? )

8mm will clear a no 8 screw so it will hold on the rawlplug in the wall rather than the tile

Answer 9

Put lots of tape on the mirror and use the smallest drill bit first, make sure it isn't on the hammer setting

Answer 10

you will need a tile drill bit in most diy stores and a drywall plug