Is there a way to make sink clips fit if tile countertop not cut properly?

Question

Our Kohler sink needs a bigger hole than cut in the tile due to the sink clips. (The hole was cut assuming only caulking would be needed.) We're looking to see if there are special sink clips that also work as "expanders", if we should cut the tile somehow (yikes!), if we should just try to find another sink with (somehow) the same dimensions as the hole, or if there's any other solution.

Countertop is 1.5" plywood (two layers) and ceramic tile set in mastic (no Wonderboard etc.)

Thank you!

Additional info: the countertop is homemade out of plywood and is for a kitchen. Unfortunately, the person installing the countertop and tile didn't read the sink installation instructions - and so cut only as if one were caulking...

My husband tried to drill through the tile using a tile bit and cracked the tile, so at least one of them will need to be taken out and reset.

Cutting any further in the front, though, will cut into the actual cabinet and therefore can't be done. There isn't a lot of room to cut more in the back, either.

Answer 1

No offense at all to answer one, but do not use a paddle bit with a tile top.

The sink was probably designed for a more flush surface, IE: Formica, and one thing you should do first is measure the depth of the (clips receptacles) welded to the bottom of the sink, and the thickness of the counter top, which may be as much as 1 3/4 inches.

I do agree with answer one in that All else being OK, you can mark out where the clip receptacles are and use a Diag. Grinder, with a Diamond blade, and/or a Dremel with a bit designed for tile.

The issue might equate to changing everything at some point? With all due respect, I'm wondering if this issue was thought about before buying the sink?

Related to cutting for the clip receptacles, and the depth/thickness of the counter top, If successful in seating the sink, and the receptacles do not drop low enough, it's entirely possible that you can find machine screws in the same Diam. and thread size, but Longer than those offered with the sink and clips, and then add the clips at that greater depth.

Steven Wolf

Just my two cents, but I'd probably look at alternative sinks before I cut into any tile or counter top.

Answer 2

I am not familiar in doing this for lavatory sinks, but if it is a kitchen sink, try this:

Lay out the position of the clips around the perimeter of sink cut-out hole.
take a 1/4- 1/2 flat paddle bit (whatever width will accept the clips) and drill into the edge of the plywood, low enough to accommodate the clips, being careful of the tile. When drilling the holes in front, be careful not to come all the way through the nose of the counter top.
I have done this many times when installing new sinks, sometimes, I have also had to shorten the clips by trimming enough off the tip that goes under the counter top
( or into the drillled slots ) I use a pair of lineman's pliers or side-cutters, but it takes alot of grip. a hack saw or dremel toll would do, also.
If the hole cut into counter-top is big enough to accommodate the bracket on sink for clips, it is big enough to get to the clips to tighten them with a long screwdriver or nut driver, you can use a cordless drill to tighten them, but set the clutch loosely at first, so as not to strip them, or bend the sink deck. tighten like you would when changing a tire, loose at first then working around tighter and tighter.
You do still have to caulk the sink in, don't apply any caulk until you are sure everything is ready and fit for final installation.

Answer 3

Kohler Sink Clips