In this article, we will tell you how you can properly and accurately drill a tile.
There can be many reasons for drilling tiles: this is the installation of a water pipe, an outlet is installed in the bath or in the kitchen, you need to hang a shelf, heated towel rail on the wall, etc.
It seems that it is quite easy to drill a tile, but it must be done so that it does not crack or split completely.
For such work, you only need to follow a few simple recommendations, and you will be satisfied with the result, having completed the work quickly and in the right way.
Of the tools, you may need the following accessories:
- electric drill (for an accurate result, choose the minimum number of revolutions);
- cordless screwdriver (the maximum number of turns for a tile is from 800 to 1000);
- network screwdriver (also low-speed);
- hand drill (if you need to make a hole up to 12 mm in diameter).
Which drills are best for you?
In this section, we'll take a look at the best drill bit to drill into tiles. It depends on the right choice how neat the hole will turn out and whether it will not be necessary to replace a piece of tile.
Before you start drilling tiles in the bathroom or kitchen, there are two things to keep in mind.
Firstly, the tile surface is quite slippery, so it is difficult to hold the drill in the required position to avoid slippage.
Secondly, to do everything right, you need special drills of a suitable type, tips for brick or concrete will not work here - the tile will immediately crack.
In order to solve the first problem, you just need to take a piece of masking tape and stick it on the drilling site.
This will eliminate slippery surfaces.
Choosing the right drill is a big deal in this matter. The following types are ideal.
Diamond drill
Of course, a tool with such a drill will allow you to drill any tile most successfully, but do not forget that this method is the most expensive.
It doesn't make sense to buy an expensive drill if all you need to do is make a small hole in the wall or floor.
On the other hand, almost everyone who professionally performs apartment renovation has such tips.
Perhaps, in this case, the purchase will be advisable.
Drill with a victorious tip
Also an effective tile drilling tool, it is a more affordable alternative.
If you at least sometimes use a drill at home or in the country, then get such a tip, it is sold in any building supermarket or just on the market, and the result is very accurate.
Special drills
The store may recommend even cheaper kits or separate tools for drilling various materials, including tiles.
However, there is already a danger of choosing such a tip, which, despite all the efforts of the seller, will turn out to be completely useless.
Therefore, in order to make a hole in a tile in the floor or in the wall, we recommend the second tool from this list.
How to drill a tile without cracks?
The algorithm of actions is quite simple, you can drill the tile with your own hands quite easily even if you do not have repair skills at all.
When calculating the drilling location, do not get closer than 15 mm to the edge. This will minimize the risk of cracking.
Before proceeding directly to drilling the tile, soak it in water for 30-60 minutes. This will further reduce the chance of cracking.
If a piece of facing masonry has not been previously soaked, then you can at least moisten the place of drilling. This method is suitable if the tiles have not yet been glued to the wall.
The best way to work is not to drill the tile itself, but to make a hole along the seam.
We drill a tile for a dowel
In fact, the instruction is very simple, you just need to complete all the steps:
- Apply a small piece of masking tape to the place where the hole will be drilled in the tile;
- Calculate the position of the place for the hole (at least 15 mm from the edge of the tile) and mark it with a cross or a circle directly over the glued piece of masking tape;
- Install the required drill. Remember that ordinary drills are not suitable for this case, you should choose them from the list above;
- Start drilling by holding the hammer (or drill) perpendicularly. At the same time, set the lowest number of revolutions;
- The finished hole must be adjusted to the size of the dowel. To do this, take a regular concrete drill and carefully drill it out. In order not to miscalculate with the depth of the hole itself, you can use a special limiter, but if you do not have one, then make a note on the drill itself;
- When the hole is fitted to the dowel in diameter and depth, blow it out, remove dust and remnants of concrete chips;
- The dowel can now be inserted. Please note that it should fit into the tile itself by a couple of millimeters.
How to make a hole with a hammer drill using a diamond core bit
Of course, diamond-coated bits are far from cheap pleasure.
So, the price largely depends on the quality of the material. You can choose the most affordable option, but the cost will still remain quite high.
As a cheaper alternative, you can use a bit with a victorious teeth. This tip is enough for 20-25 or even 30 holes.
To work with such a tool, you need to know a few subtleties. Pieces of tiles should be laid out on a flat and smooth surface. It shouldn't be too hard.
A good option is wood. Then mark the drilling location from the front. Using the guidelines above, carefully punch the hole to the desired size with a hammer drill.
Do not press too hard on the tiles, otherwise it will be difficult to avoid cracks. If the spraying or teeth are of good quality, the hole will be ready in a couple of minutes.
How to make a hole in a large diameter tile
The easiest way to really quickly drill a hole is to use the so-called ballerina.
This is a special drill designed for drilling holes of various diameters in tiles.
This tool has a special sliding ruler, thanks to which you can adjust the width of the hole.
However, it should be borne in mind that if it is not difficult to work with a conventional drill or perforator, then the use of a ballerina requires certain skills.
Therefore, before making a "clean" hole, practice on unnecessary pieces of tiles, just do not forget to moisten the drilling site.
Another tool that can be useful for drilling a large hole is a circular saw.
In use, it is lighter than a ballerina, and it will take about 6-8 minutes to work, taking into account the average pressure on the drill. We advise you to drill the tiles until you install them on the wall or floor.
Firstly, in case of failure, you will not need to replace the whole sector, and secondly, it will simply be more convenient for you to work.
Before starting drilling, be sure to briefly submerge the tile in water to avoid overheating.
Thus, it is not difficult to independently make a hole in tiles of any diameter.
The main thing is to choose the right drill, set the minimum speed and do not forget to wet a piece of tile with water, otherwise overheating is inevitable.
Pay attention to the choice of the position of the future hole, do not place it too close to the edge.