11 Jul 2022, Read Time : 5 Min

How To Drill Into Tile Without Breaking It?

This expert step-by-step guide will share how to drill through a tile without damaging it.

Are you looking to fit accessories or storage units to a tiled wall? Maybe you need to install lights, or perhaps you’re putting up shelves. No matter the reason, drilling in tile can be a pain. You have to be cautious not to break the tile and getting the drill bit into place without cracking the tile or chipping it up is tough.

Some stronger tiles are ‘relatively’ less prone to breakage than others. The article will show you how to avoid breaking your tiles when drilling holes in them and avoid wasting time on this task by drilling quickly and efficiently.

Also Read: Ceramic vs Vitrified Tiles: 7 Key Differences

How to Drill Into Ceramic Tiles?

Drilling holes in ceramic tile  is a ‘relatively’ simple task. However, whichever tile you have put, make sure to drill a hole carefully. If you’re not careful, you could end up with broken tiles and frustration! Nevertheless, there are a few deeds you can do to make your drilling as smooth and effective as possible.

Here are some considerations you need to keep in mind:

1. Ensure your tile is clean and dry. Because dirt and moisture can cause the drill bit to slip or get stuck, resulting in damage to your tile or tool. Keep the area around where you’re drilling clear of debris, too—you don’t want anything getting into your drill bit!

2. Next, ensure your drill bit has been properly sharpened. Dull bits can cause more friction than sharp ones, meaning slower drilling speeds (potentially more damage).

3. The proper speed for drilling holes in a tile depends on what type of drill. For example, if you’re using a cordless drill with variable rates, start at about 3/4 speed and work up from there; for a corded drill with only one speed, start at full power immediately.
4. Use a hammer drill bit instead of a regular drill bit because hammer drills can drill through hard materials like concrete, stone, and ceramic tiles without breaking them—and they’re much more potent than regular drill bits.
5. Drill slowly at first so that the bit doesn’t get stuck or break off inside the tile while trying to make your hole as deep as possible before it gets stuck there! (It will happen eventually)
6. Once you’ve drilled, use an old toothbrush or other small brush to sweep out all those little pieces left behind by your drill bit.

How to Drill  Double Charged Vitrified Tiles?

Drilling a double charge tile has probably fewer chances of holes and is something you’d do when installing new shower doors, but if you ever need to do more extensive remodeling, you’ll find that drilling holes in tile are more effortless than it seems.

Here are some considerations you need to keep in mind:

1. Pick the correct equipment

The first step to drilling a hole in a tile is to make sure you have the right equipment. You will need:

– A drill

– A drill bit (the size of your screw or smaller)

– A hammer and chisel

– Safety glasses and gloves (you don’t want to lose an eye or get a splinter in your hand)

Choosing the correct drill bit is an essential part of the process: too small and likely to break; too large, and it won’t fit. Make sure you have a T-handle attachment for your drill, which will allow you to press down with all your weight. That will give you added stability and make sure the bit doesn’t break through from being pushed from above as you drill. Squeeze a drop of oil onto the tip of your bit before you start drilling—this will also help prevent the bit from breaking through the other side of the tile.

Also Read: 9 Tile Ideas To Decorate Your Bathroom

2. Mark the point to drill 

First, mark the center of your tile with a pencil. Then, stick some masking tape over the area you want to drill. This will prevent splintering of the tile when you start drilling. It also helps keep things clean if something goes wrong and sawdust gets everywhere.

3. Begin the process 

Now that you’ve got everything ready, turn on your drill at its lowest speed setting. Set it down on top of the marked area and begin drilling! Keep the speed consistent throughout this process so that you don’t accidentally crack through one side of your tile while going too fast on another side—this can cause cracks or chips in areas where they’re not wanted! Once your hole has been drilled through entirely (and there are no sharp edges), turn off your drill and remove all masking tape from around it before moving ahead!

4. Decrease the speed considerably

After you have drilled the tile to the desired depth, make sure you start decreasing the speed consistently, this will start reducing the pressure over the surface, securing it from breaking apart. Make sure you do not diminish the rate in one go as it can increase the pressure on one point resulting in chirping. Thus, slowly and steadily drill out!

How to Drill Large Slab Tiles? 

Drilling a granite tile is often seen as a difficult task. But in reality, it is the opposite, especially if it  Granalt tiles. They are easy to install on kitchen and bathroom countertops because they don’t need special tools or equipment beyond what might already be available inside your house. Moreover, they can be easily cut, trim, chip and style as per your needs.

Here are some basic considerations you need to keep in mind:

1) Clean up the surface to ensure it is free of dust and dirt. Put the Granalt tile on a strong base and clamp it.

2) Mark the exact diameter or point for the hole. Stick some masking tape over the area you want to drill.

3) Start drilling at low speed by placing the bit’s tip right on the center of the mark.

Watch this video to understand more about large slab tiles and how they are easy to install and drill. 

Final words 

We hope this article has covered you if you thought drilling was an ultimate challenge! With the steps mentioned above, you can get the required hole in your tile without breaking it apart. So, what are you looking for? Get set go… with beautiful decor.