Ceramic tile - using a Dremel tool for making a small hole?

Question

I have a few small (4" square), decorative tiles which I would like to have a small hole drilled into (for hanging/mounting). Would a Dremel tool work for this purpose? If so, any tips/suggestions on the type of bit to use for this?

Thanks!

Answer 1

My dremmel came with a ceramic tile bit and a masonary bit in the kit. I've used them both to drill holes in ceramic tile that I have painted on and made hanging trivets with. A couple of hints. First make a strip of masking tape with a mark on it where you want the hole on the front and another piece of tape on the back where the drill will come through. I've had the drill slide and scratch the tile while trying to make the hole. Second, wear safety glasses because there will be flying ceramic dust which is nasty when it gets in your eyes. Third, be careful how much pressure you use, let the drill do the work. It is tedious and takes quite a while to get through the tile and go straight down. Somehow I've managed to get some of my holes that are at somewhat of an angle. Finally, make certain that your hole isn't too close to the edge of the tile. I've broken the tile by making the hole too close to the edge and I've had tiles crack because the weight of the tile hanging off of the hole was more than what could be supported.

Answer 2

Cutting Tile With Dremel

Answer 3

Dremel Tile Cutter

Answer 4

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I start using a masonary nail to give a centre for the drill bit. The spear shaped tile bits are the ones to use. The important thing is drill speed and it has to be slow. I use a low power cordless and blip the trigger using the tile to slow the bit to a stop each time. This works very well and once through the glaze and the biscuit swap over to a powerful drill with a masonary bit and again blip the power to get the drill well seated and then switch to hammer if necessary. Slow speed is the key. If your tiles are Porcelain then these are very hard to drill through and you will lneed a specialist drill bit. These are diamond coated and are quite expensive, around £20 each in the UK, and they will not last long. Again it is a slow drilling speed to get through the tile. So be patient and keep a steady hand. Good luck DWD

Answer 5

With all due respect, and a bunch of years in this; "I WOULDN'T"

One thing I notice however; is that you don't state an intent for the tiles; or a reason to implant hooks. That might help us in answering. EXAMPLE: A shower stall tile addition.

A dremel might be as decent as a concrete bit; but a tedious task in any case. Tile is essentially GLASS. Hopefully you have extras in case of any OOOPS?

Then there is the question of how YOU define SMALL?

More info by request.

Steven Wolf

Answer 6

Home Depot sells glass and tile drill bits in the hardware section. that is if your looking to drill a small hole. these bits are mainly for wall tile, but will work on floor tile. You have to go slow with these bits as they are expensive and you dont want to do any damage to tile or bit. if its a hole like 3/4"-6" then go to the flooring dept there and ask for a carbide tile cutter that goes on your drill. it will make a hole ranging from 1 1/4"-6".

Answer 7

Papercut has the right idea. A carbide tipped masonry bit and a electric drill will do the job.

You will have to be careful getting the hole started. Any drill bit tends to wander around until the hole gets started.

I have always used a center punch and a hammer to gently tape a very, very small chip in the glaze so the drill will "bite".

Tap very lightly and drill very slowly.

Answer 8

You can use a 1/8" masonry bit available at any hardware store big or small.