Tiles, now-a-days, form an inseparable part of every construction whether it is a home, building, office, school, college etc. They range from simple to designer ones and are used according to the site of construction. Tiles can withstand any kind of pressures or adverse conditions. Although, they seem to be tough, they are brittle if not handled carefully. Sometimes, you need to drill the tiles in order to hang something like shelf, appliance or a show piece or to even integrate the switch boards. It requires a lot of practice to drill neat and precise holes without disturbing the surrounding tile area and without breaking the tile. However, you can master this technique by following the simple steps given below.
Complexity Level: Moderate
Time Required: 10 Minutes
Resources Required:
1. Tile
2. Protective gears including goggles
3. Drill bits
4. Electric drill
5. Masking tape
6. Sponge
7. Water
Instructions:
1. Select the specific tile which you want to drill
The first task is to determine the exact spot where you want to drill the hole. Remember, you cannot fix the hole once you have started drilling it. So, think twice on the perfect location of the hole so that you do not regret it later. Also, decide the size of the hole. You must take care that the size of the hole is neither bigger nor smaller than the one required.
2. Choose the correct drill bit size
As the tiles are very hard, regular bits will not be able to stand the pressure of drilling into the tiles and are more likely to break. Carbide-tipped masonry bits (cheaper ones) or diamond-tipped bits (a bit expensive ones) are highly recommended for drilling into the hard surface of the tiles and they do not even break the tiles. Insert the drill bit of your choice into the variable speed electric drill before starting the actual drill.
3. Make use of the masking tape
Put the piece of masking tape over the tile where you want the hole to be made and measure the exact position. Mark this position with a pen or pencil. Check your markings once again to make yourself sure that you have made the correct judgement. The masking tape will avoid the drill bit to slip on the hard surfaced area of the tile and help to hold the drill bit tightly over the mark when you start drilling. Even if the bit slips, the masking tape will prevent the scratches to occur and does not even spoil the look of the tile.
4. Now, start with the exact drilling part
Place the tip on the mark and switch on the drill. Start drilling slowly for few seconds and do not hurry while drilling. Remember, drilling is an act of persistence. So, be patient and gradually increase the speed and be your own judge to decide the appropriate speed. Apply a steady and constant pressure but not too much otherwise you will break through the tile. It is advisable to avoid the bit from overheating. So, stop drilling in between and make use of the wet sponge to cool down the tip of the drill bit. Then, start drilling again. Once the hole in the tile is done, lower the pressure and smoothly drill the wall surface. Drilling the tile will take approximately five minutes but drilling the wall surface will be quick. You can even change the drill bit to a regular one for drilling the wall surface.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the best way to drill ceramic tiles?
Any type of tile, whether it is a bathroom tile or a ceramic tile, you have to follow the steps as discussed above. Just avoid the temptation of applying a lot of pressure and hurrying it up just to complete a task fast. Doing this will just add another job to you of replacing the cracked tile.
2. How to drill a tile before mounting it over the wall?
Always keep something beneath the tile for support. Otherwise, there are chances of breakage of the tile. You can use a piece of scrap wood for support.
Quick Tips:
- Try to avoid the use of a single speed drill or a hammer drill to drill the tile. They will only shatter your tile into a number of pieces.
- Use carbide-tipped masonry bits or diamond-tipped bits as they are not easily breakable and do not burn out easily too.
Things To Watch Out For:
1. Always use a mask to cover your nose and mouth to prevent the dust entering into your lungs.
2. Protective gear like goggles should always be used while drilling to avoid direct contact with the dust particles.
3. Do not forget to lubricate the tip of drill bit with water or oil to avoid it from overheating and breaking.
