how to drill glezed wall tiles?

Answer 1

i have lost count of the number of tiles i have drilled ..have never broken one ..but i have put the odd hole in a pipe where no pipes were obvious ..use a sharp masonry drill and MOST IMPORTANT ..TAKE THE HAMMER OFF THE DRILL !! if you don't you will split the tile every time ..all so if you are putting in rawplugs ..make sure you tap the plug BEYOND the tile ..or else you could split the tile ..i normally tap it through with one of the screws

Answer 2

well I didn't like any of the answers really, and I didnt' understand 1 word boy boy was talking about, pipes and such...:-??

Anyway I done this for years many many square feet of tile of all shapes and sizes.
First question how big a hold are you going to drill? If its a wall tile and your needing a hold big enough to hang a towel bar or something, then do following:
1. to keep the bit from skating around, get a spring loaded punch or if you dont' have that masking tape will work, measure your hold center and using the spring loaded punch press down to mark the tile, or with tape mark it. Take a carbide drill bit size you want and start slowly and light pressure let the bit sink into the tile about 1/8", once the bit starts to grab you can increase speed but carful not to press on it as you could crack the grout or tile.
2. If its a hole such as for plumbing stubs or pvc drain, take a carbide hole saw slightly bigger than the stub you have and it will have a bit in the center, follow the above instructions exept once the bit has gone through 1/16" move the bit in an orbital direction as your drilling, this will cut through faster.
hope you understand my directions, tried to keep is simple.

good luck

Answer 3

Use either a masonry bit or a diamond tile bit (encrusted with diamond particles. Place an "x" on the spot where you want to drill using duct tape (this prevents the bit from "walking", or "skating"). Drill SLOWLY, let the bit do the work. If the hole will be larger than 1/4 inch, start with a smaller bit first. If it will be larger than 1/2 inch, use a hole saw designed for tile (diamond encrusted like the bit)

So kraze doesn't like any of the answers, but he tells you to use a sping loaded punch? He must have cracked a lot of tiles! I have been setting tile for over 25 years, and I can tell you that a carbide bit is for STEEL, not glass and tile.
P.S. It's spelled HOLE not hold.



Good Luck :)

Answer 4

Make a cross on the tile with masking tape where you want to drill - it'll stop the ceramic/enamel from splintering.

(drill through the tape)

Answer 5

Mask and mark the spot where you want to drill and use a carbide or diamond tipped drill bit. Measure twice and cut once.

Answer 6

put masking tape on tile in a cross configuration where you need to drill mark tape where hole needs to go and drill.

Answer 7

Where ever you want the hole to be you need to mark the spot. Then get a scribe ( pointed tool like a chisel) and lightly score the mark. Then cover the mark with tape and drill thru nice and slow.

Answer 8

easy solution go to your local b&q or diy store and buy a ceramic tile drill bit !!! no need for tape, scribes or any thing else !!!

Answer 9

get a sharp object and gently make a small hole or mark put your drill on slow and proceed.