How to drill into ceramic tiles

[diybot]

I want to install a new shower head and rail-I will need to drill a hole through the ceramic wall tile. Obviously u use a drill but what type? Is there a special one to get as the drill will no doubt slip if I use a "normal" drill bit-cheers for any advice

 

[Softus]

If you can, drill into the grout lines.

If not, then place a strip of masking tape over the spot at which you need to drill, and mark the spot with a pencil.

Turn the hammer action off on your drill or you'll almost certainly crack the tile.

 

[diybot]

Ok-thanks for that-Yes the groat line for grip or tape-should be no problem,cheers for that!

 

[joe-90]

Wouldn't drill into grout lines or you'll likely chip the tile.

 

[daverik]

Use a masonry bit, hammer action off. I would definately keep clear of grout lines. The bit can jam and cause damage to the tiles. Bad idea in my opinion.

 

[Softus]

Wouldn't drill into grout lines or you'll likely chip the tile.

Small chips, which can happen, don't matter, because the hole is for mounting a shower rail.

I would definately keep clear of grout lines. The bit can jam and cause damage to the tiles.

Only if you're clumsy, but even then the damage is minimal and gets hidden behind the thing that's being mounted.

Bad idea in my opinion.

It isn't an "idea", it's something I do regularly, and without any problem. Ever.

 

[Zampa]

Forget ll this drill/grout/chips/cracks/ideas malarky..

None of em know what they are on about..

Use a couple of nails..

 

[joe-90]

Wouldn't drill into grout lines or you'll likely chip the tile.

Small chips, which can happen, don't matter, because the hole is for mounting a shower rail.

I would definately keep clear of grout lines. The bit can jam and cause damage to the tiles.

Only if you're clumsy, but even then the damage is minimal and gets hidden behind the thing that's being mounted.

Bad idea in my opinion.

It isn't an "idea", it's something I do regularly, and without any problem. Ever.

But the poster is obviously inexperienced or they wouldn't be asking would they? They may put the flat of the bit deep into the grout line and squeeze the trigger.
C'mon Softus. Be a man and admit you got it wrong.

 

[Zampa]

Nails...im telling ya!

 

[gcol]

C'mon Softus. Be a man and admit you got it wrong.

Like you do you mean Joe? First to hold your hand up aren't ya?

 

[Softus]

the usual nonsense

Trolling tw*t.

 

[crazycanuck]

drilling ceramic tile is easy. first don't drill in cracks the tiles will crack or break. next use any carbide drill bit in a variable speed drill. first mark spot to be drilled and carefully and ligthly using a hammer and nail mark spot hit only hard enough to mark glazed surface not hard enough to penetrate tile then drill, the mark will prevent drill bit from skating around
IMPORTANT-- use low speed on drill for drilling the slower the better do this and you will have no problem.

 

[gcol]

I can't recommend the centre punch method on tiles. If you can hold your drill level and square to the wall then a pencil mark is all you need. Start very slowly - practice on some offcuts if you're not confident.

 

[darren7]

these are nice http://365drills.com/ darren

 

[Trazor]

As gcol says....do not use the centre punch method....

I always apply a few strips of masking tape, which helps prevent the drill from slipping. Make sure your hammer action is OFF