Drilling through porcelain tiles?

[butzla]

Just finishing up my bathroom remodel.  I need to drill some holes for anchors in porcelain subway tiles for towel racks and what not.  What's the best type of bit to use?  There's a few different types available at HD and all get mixed reviews.  Also any techniques you've had would be helpful.

 

[Paul G]

I just did some tile drilling with these http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-Glass-and-Tile-Drill-Bit-Set-4-Piece-GT2000/202242753?N=5yc1vZc248Z1z0wn8i

Also here's an earlier thread on the subject http://festoolownersgroup.com/home-improvement-other-projects/drilling-porcelain-tile-best-bitmethod/

 

[butzla]

Thanks Paul!  I should use the search function more often.  [scared] [tongue] [eek]

 

[leakyroof]

I always have good luck with the spear point tile bits. Very clean holes usually and starting them is usually easy as well.

 

[pugilato]

I have used a standard mansonry bit, but start it into the tile in reverse. Once scored, you can change the direction and go on. But what I have found works the best is to drill holes in the grout lines.

 

[GhostFist]

Diamond coring bits are the way to go IMO. Available at HD. Use water while you're drilling

 

[LostInTheWood]

I second the diamond core, best choice.  Especially now that you can buy inexpensive small bits in the big box stores.  Glass bits are squeaky loud and send chips flying everywhere. Masonry bits don't cut well enough and usually get dull. They are more for hammer drills and you don't want to do that!    A diamond bit and keeping the bit cool is the key.  A small puddle of water around the bit or a sopping wet sponge nearby is what I do.  Also, more speed does not always make for better drilling.  A medium to medium high speed and clean cool water is the best way to go.  It may seem slow, but the results are way better than a glass or masonry bit and it's better than having to replace a newly installed tile.

 

[festooltim]

I have a carbide bit for a rotozip router for cutting tile and I found if I drill a hole with it first with a cordless drill it is just 1/8 diameter then use a tile bit it works well. The carbide will drill thru anything with ease.

 

[joiner1970]

Diamond bits here too. You should be able to get a set with a pressurized water bottle. If not just make sure you keep it wet and make sure the centre of the drill doesn't block. I've used them at work literally hundreds of times on porcelain tiles

 

[Thunderchyld]

I'll second the diamond core bits.  My preferred method as well. 

However, if you don't want to spend the $ for the core bits, you can get amazing results using some plumbing pipe and powdered abrasive.  Works best in a drill press or using an accessory stand, of course.  Essentially, you're making your own core bit and instead of the abrasive being brazed on, the bit sits in a small puddle of slurry and uses that abrasive.  I found this trick worked great when I was helping a friend with a project.  Needed to drill 1/4" holes in 7500 1" ceramic tiles that were being made into a chandelier.

Step 1  Copper pipe, same size as the desired hole.  Cut one end flat, then take a triangle file and make a few teeth on the end.  Chuck in drill press.
step 2  Using clay, caulk, plumbers putty, etc, form a small dam around the bit. 
step 3  slurry made from sandblasters garnet and mineral oil is put in the hole.
step 4  drill at slow speed, light pressure.  push down lightly, then back off, repeat.  the push/back off cycle is basically there to let the slurry flow back under the edge of the pipe.

The teeth aren't really necessary, I just find that I get a little bit better start on the hole with them. They will get worn away, and the piece of pipe will get worn away as well.  The pipe does wear fairly slow, probably because the soft copper "grabs" the abrasive grains, but I find I lose about 1/2" of copper for every 1" of hole.  Better than doing the same drilling with glass tube, that wears at about 1:1. 

We picked the pipe method for the tiles because there were so darn many holes to drill.  We also built a clamping jig with sides to hold the slurry, so all the drill op had to do was put the tile in the box and toggle the clamp.