#Drilling through porcelain tile install#
#Drilling through porcelain tile full#
#Drilling through porcelain tile crack#

#Drilling through porcelain tile crack#

Applying too much force will crack the tile. Keep a light touch and let the bit do the work. As you create a small indent to prevent bit walking, you can squeeze the trigger more for additional speed. Slowly squeeze the trigger to turn on the LED headlight and start the chuck spinning. Put your drill on the lowest speed setting and place it against the surface at a 90-degree angle to the tile. Begin Drilling Image Credit: familievankessel, Pixabay

Please ensure that they are vacuum brazed. Use a pencil or marker to place a dot exactly where you want to start.ģ. For all diamond tip drill bits that are to be used for drilling into porcelain tiles. We recommend using a double layer much larger than the hole you intend to create to absorb some vibration and prevent the bit from slipping as you make your hole. When you have gathered your tool, you can get started by marking the tile with masking tape where you intend to drill. Mark the Tile Image Credit: X mark on the floor, Shutterstock Even if you are only making one or two holes, we highly recommend wearing a dust mask while you are drilling and until the dust settles.Ģ. Good luck.Porcelain tile has a lot of silica in it that can be dangerous to your health when it becomes airborne due to the drilling process. I'm not an expert with ultra-hard materials, but I've done my share of experimenting with tile, countertops, etc. More information from a previous question Brace your hands and make sure the drill doesn't plunge through after penetration. If you're pressing too hard you'll blow out the back side. Video of the Day Choose Your Bit The head of a masonry bit is slightly wider than the shank. These bits must also be kept cool with cutting oil, and you must drill. Back off even more as you get through to the inner face of the tank wall. You can use a ceramic tile hole saw, which makes a very clean hole, or you can drill small holes around the perimeter of the larger hole and tap out the center or cut it out with a jigsaw. If you do have to drill porcelain tile, buy special drill bits that have diamond tips.

#Drilling through porcelain tile install#

You could also melt the bit or wreck its temper. Steps in Drilling Through Tiles Safely Step 1: Install the proper drill bit Step 2: Support the tough surface layer of the tile Step 3: Keep drill speed. Creating an unwanted crack or knocking pieces off the wall during your remodeling. If you're trying to create a hole in a tile installation that someone else installed years ago, you may not have access to replacement pieces. I don't expect a lot of heat with this method, but if it gets very hot you'll possibly scorch the finish. Still, you can drill into this material without cracking it if you use the right drill bit and use plenty of caution. The outward pressure of the bit when enlarging a hole is a concern, so go even easier after the first hole. Drilling into tile is necessary when hanging items or when installing a shower or bath. Use your drill's highest speed, but press very lightly. That will be frustrating and damaging to nearby objects.

Even a hammerdrill will walk away once you apply pressure.

Use a sharp hardened punch to chip the surface where you intend to drill.

Start with a small bit and work up: Maybe 3/16' initially, and 1/6' increments. The smaller and faster the hammer action, the less likely you are to shatter the tank. I mean what you find in a cordless drill, and not a dedicated industrial hammerdrill.

Use a carbide masonry drill bit with a high-rate hammerdrill.

#Drilling through porcelain tile full#

Use some squeeze clamps or stuff the tank full and snug to apply pressure against the tank wall.

Pad the tank with towels, foam, or whatever you have on hand to dampen vibration.

If I was going to do a high-risk drill job like this (and I would try it before I'd pay for a new tank), here's what I'd do: