Holes in tiles for radiator

[chriselevate]

In my kitchen I've got to lay floor tiles and a tile skirting where there's a radiator.

My question is... how can I cut a hole in a ceramic tile in order for the 15mm radiator send/recieve pipes to go through? With it being tile skirted and not traditional wood/mdf... it'll look bad if I channel out a hole notch wouldn't it?

Thanks

 

[Richard C]

Three ways you can do it;

1. Use a 3mm masonry drill bit to drill a series of holes in a circle, break out the centre & use a round file to clean up the hole; this won’t work on porcelain tiles which are too hard.

2. Buy yourself a diamond tile drill. http://www.toolvolt.co.uk/tvsilverline.php?id=598566


3. Use two hammers; I wouldn’t advise this one as it requires a fair bit of skill & a lot of confidence. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35c7ig-qMdA

 

[tpt]

richard - haven't seen the two hammers method since i was a 15 year old apprentice tiler (long time ago) and it always amazed me watching it.

OP -richards advice does assume you have a disconnected heating pipe or are prepared to drain the system. many people do cut a small channel the same width of the pipe

 

[chriselevate]

As always guys, thanks for your kind help.

Yes the hammer trick looks brilliant doesn't it!!!

I think I'll go for the diamond drill bit as I can't see the hole saw on toolstation or screwfix for a reasonable price. Can you see one on there?

Can I ask what size hole you'd aim for when doing a 15mm radiator pipe? What would you use to fill in the gaps? Would it be a pipe shroud or will grout be better?

Yes the radiator is empty so I you can assume that I can take off the TRV and olive etc in order to drop the time into position.

Thanks for your help

 

[Richard C]

I think I'll go for the diamond drill bit as I can't see the hole saw on toolstation or screwfix for a reasonable price. Can you see one on there?

Why does it have to come from Toolstation or Screwfix? What about this one; http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-...ULE6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331915501&sr=8-3
May not be the best quality in the world but it should last long enough to drill a few holes in ceramic tiles.

Can I ask what size hole you'd aim for when doing a 15mm radiator pipe? What would you use to fill in the gaps? Would it be a pipe shroud or will grout be better?

If you use an 18mm, it will give you enough clearance of solder ring fittings & give space for sealing. You can use either a pipe collar or silicone around the hole, don’t use grout, it will crack.

 

[tictic]

richard - haven't seen the two hammers method since i was a 15 year old apprentice tiler (long time ago) and it always amazed me watching it.

OP -richards advice does assume you have a disconnected heating pipe or are prepared to drain the system. many people do cut a small channel the same width of the pipe

You must be older than me...tpt...

Am still doing it to this day,and showing/passing it on to the young yins...

Hope my wee video put a smile on yer face...

Some people just don't realise what ya can do with 2 basic tools,...for anyone out there it was a 4oz pin hammer.....enjoy....