I stupidly placed the THICK ceramic bathroom shelves directly under the shower and of course they are always full of water. Is it possible to drill a hole through the ceramic shelf without cracking/breaking the whole thing I wonder, so that the surplus water can run through? AND IF SO, would I use a drill head for metal?
2007-09-24 20:54:51 · 7 answers · asked by 48yearsold 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
yes, you will have to have a carbide drill bit,but before you drill you have to use a punch to chip the spot where you want the hole, use a sharp center punch and just tap it gently so as not to break the ceramic shelf, just enough to get thru the glaze, once thru the glaze start your drill and with slight pressure and drill slowly thru the ceramic.
2007-09-25 00:27:08 · answer #1 · answered by missourian 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ceramic tile is actually artificial or man-made rock. Any geologist will tell you that some rocks are far harder than others. The same is true for ceramic tile. Some tile, especially real porcelain tile, is very hard. You might have tried to drill a hole in porcelain with the wrong drill bit and a drill that spun too fast. The key to drilling regular ceramic tile is to use a brand-new Caiman Segmented Core Drill Bits and a drill that has a variable-speed trigger. You never want to drill ceramic tile with the drill at high speed. The lowest speed possible, say 100 or 200 revolutions per minute, is perfect to drill standard ceramic tile
2016-04-06 00:10:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With no offense meant; certainly it's possible. Tap Con bits/ concrete bits; etc. The issue might be confounded initially by any surface glazing and it being slippery in getting a start. Then the drilling process has to be relatively precise to avoid vibrations or wallowing in the hole as one proceeds. Ceramic is essentially GLASS.
I'll assume these shelves (soap/shampoo holders?) are already mortared onto the substrate? In any case have you a source of supply for another shelf?
Without seeing the shelf itself; it may be that tilting the horizontal with extra mortar might have helped?
Your problem isn't strictly unique however; even molded plastic tub/shower surrounds endure the same issue from wet bars of soap, modest to wild splashing while taking a shower; etc.
Might be something you consider inventing. Shower/Bath shelving and add ons that have holes; to serve the exact purpose you describe. Certainly an easy modification in the process; for a manufacturer
Steven Wolf
2007-09-25 01:08:35 · answer #3 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The truck mechanic living in Canada is full of wee white mice.
Buy a small silicon-carbide drill bit, insert in drill, put a sticking plaster over the area to be drilled, and start drilling, when you are through, drill a bigger hole with a bigger drill bit.
Don't attempt to use a drill bit designed for use in metal.
2007-09-24 22:42:07 · answer #4 · answered by xenon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i don't think you can put enough force on the shelf while drilling as to not pull the shelf off the wall. if you want to try you need to buy a carbide drill bit. "Lowes". be careful the bit will want to dance around when you start to drill. also, do you have extra tile so you can move the shelf and put new tile in it's place?
2007-09-24 21:30:17 · answer #5 · answered by sammyjk1 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Never tried that, but I have drilled into wall tile using a masonry bit,and had to use a center punch to chip the glazing
so the bit didn't dance around the tile.......very very easy with the punch ,just a tap!
2007-09-25 01:09:42 · answer #6 · answered by little eagle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do it, I own a winshield repair shop, take a new or used dental drill bit and it will walk right through it or a diamond bit for drilling windshields. These are specialty tools so you won't find them at Home Depot or Lowe's.
2007-09-24 22:34:21 · answer #7 · answered by nbr660 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋