Porcelain Bathroom Tiles

[Mass_Hysteria]

I need some advice on drilling into porcelain tiles to fit a blind. Do I need a special drill bit or will using a new masonry bit be ok. I need the holes to be 6mm so was thinking of starting with 3mm holes and enlarging. Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

[Brinjal]

The only thing I know about drilling tiles is that you should put masking tape over the area to drill so that you don't chip the surrounding glaze.

[Misky]

If you look on You Tube there are lots of really good videos (or whatever they're called these days!) showing how to do this... Just search "drilling holes in bathroom tiles" or something similar. Good luck.

[stuey]

You can buy different sized industrial-diamond tipped drill-bits at you local hardware store.

[SlackAlice]

As Brinjal says use 'masking' tape where the holes going, helps to stop the drill sliding. Use a slow speed and firm pressure until the drill starts to pierce the glaze surface then speed it up a little bit. I've always used 'spear point' masonry drills for this type of hole, they don't wander so much.

I'd stay with the 6mm size. If you start with 3mm and then go to 6mm you stand the risk of the 6mm jamming in the 3mm hole.

Obviously, do not use any percussion setting on the drill ☺☺☺

[bookbinder]

For a neat hole in such tiles, you should use a glass drill bit. These are good for drilling holes in mirrors, and so on. Their big advantage is that the edge of the hole does not chip, i.e. you get a neat-edged hole. You can use a masonry drill bit, but you might get a bit of chipping around the edge of the hole. If that will be covered by the fitting (wall cabinet, or whatever) the edge chipping does not matter. Your idea of starting with a small-diameter bit, then enlarging is a good one. Use brand new bits if possible.

[Old_Geezer]

Any drill is likely to do the job if you don;t try forcing it and cracking the tile. I (nearly) always use pilot holes. I think it's easy to get them in the right place and one has not ruined a tile if the pilot is fractionally out. But it's up to you.

[stuey]

I make a jig for drilling the holes. Use a piece of wood about 1/2" thick; drill a hole in it slightly larger than your diamond tipped bit; place this over where you want to drill, drill vertically to get the hole started; and once you have a good start remove the jig and carry on drilling keeping the bit and the hole well watered for cooling.

[Mass_Hysteria]

Thank You ALL!!

[The Builder]

All good stuff from the other posters, Mass.

I just use a cordless drill with speed control. Gentler and easier to control than a mains drill, but that would be fine on a slow speed if you don't have a cordless.

I have no trouble using a 6mm bit only. A good tip might be to score a small hole with a pointy tile cutter first. That'll anchor the drill bit to avoid sliding.

[Mass_Hysteria]

Thanks Builder.
I know porcelain tiles are a lot tougher than normal ceramic. I have a speed control powerful cordless so should be ok. Probably getting worked up a little as I've drilled up into lintels before, trough tiles, no problem, it's the porcelain (expensive) bit that's bothering me!!

[stuey]

I don't know why I said drill the hole in the jig slightly larger than the diamond drill: drill it the same size. Also, glue some non-slip material of some type onto the bottom of the jig to help prevent it moving.