The porcelain tile is hard to drill. Porcelain tiles are nevertheless hard and can crack after all. With the due tools and methods however you can bore through them without damaging your self. When it comes to how to drill porcelain tile whether it is to install a towel bar or a faucet or any other items, learning how to drill porcelain tile is something that you have to know how to do. Onto this guide, we shall be drilling porcelain tile step by step without breaking anything and doing the job properly.
Why Drilling Porcelain Tile Can Be Tricky
Porcelain tiles are extremely durable and wear resistant which is why they become popular in bathrooms and kitchens. Nonetheless, due to the toughness, porcelain tiles may be difficult to drill. Unless you apply the correct methods, there is dual danger of cracking or breaking the tile. It is more so in the case of hard porcelain tiles since it needs to be taken more care and consideration.
Porcelain tiles, unlike lesser tiles, would hardly take a nail or screw, hence alternative techniques would have to be performed, including drilling. Therefore, it is essential to figure out how to drill through porcelain tile without breaking it. Thankfully, after a bit of patience and the proper tool a clean hole can be bored through porcelain tile every time.
What Tools Do You Need to Drill Porcelain Tile?
Once you get ready to drill, make sure you get the appropriate drilling tools. The following is the list of the necessary tools that will significantly facilitate your work:
- Diamond-tipped Drill Bit
The diamond bit is ideal when drilling porcelain tile which is hard. They are made to fit the hard surface of porcelain and they will prevent damaging the tile. - Carbide-tipped Masonry Bit
When dealing with softer ceramic tiles, then you can use carbide-tipped masonry bit. But porcelain tiles need diamond drill bit to perform the best. - Corded Drill
A corded drill will also supply steady power. A corded-heavy drill offers more torque than a wireless drill, suitable to drill through hard porcelain tiles. A corded drill is something to make sure you have as much power as you require. - Masking Tape
Masking tape It is a cheap and efficient tool to use in drilling porcelain tiles. It prevents the slip of drill bit in the tile-surface and may even minimize the chance of cracking. - Drill Guide
A drill guide would make you drill in the right position and straight getting the result you want. - Water Source
It is necessary to maintain the drill bit cold. To avoid overheating of the drill bit, you can spray using a bottle of water or use a sponge to cool the drill bit every now and then.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Drill Porcelain Tile
You have the right tools now you have to drill your porcelain tile. The following guidelines should make drilling safe and smooth.
Step 1: Mark the Drilling Area
Before you begin drilling process, you must mark the area you wish to be drilled. Rub a nick with a pencil. After that, cover the spot with a piece of masking tape. The tape enables you to find a more accurate starting point and prevents your drill bit wobbling as well. It also trims the chances of the tile cracking.
Step 2: Create a Pilot Hole
After you have marked your area, then comes the pilot hole. This is an essential step, mostly in cases where you are drilling on porcelain tiles. The first step is to drill at a 45-degree angle. so that drill bit has a chance to hold onto the surface of the tile. When you feel the bit grabs the tile, you can change the angle to 90 degrees thereafter drilling. The method helps to avoid the sliding of the drill bit and guarantees that you will not form any cracks.
Step 3: Start Drilling
You now have a pilot hole, so you can begin drilling the hole. When it comes to porcelain tiles, slow drilling is important. Use a light pressure on the drill. Cracking the tile by pushing too hard might also happen, thus it is advisable to work slowly. Drill slowly in order to prevent overheating the bit as well as to facilitate the operation. In case you were wondering how to drill through porcelain tile without cracking it then just keep this in mind, slow and steady wins the race.
When enlarging a hole say when installing a towel bar, ensure that you keep the drill still and monitor the hole regularly to make sure it is the correct size.
Step 4: Cool the Drill Bit
Porcelain tiles may be rough to your tools. This is why one should remember to keep his drill bit cool. The drilling process creates heat; this may wear out bit or even break. As a remedy against this, spray the bit with water when you are drilling. This makes the bit cool which keeps it lasting longer. It is also wise that you have a cloth or sponge to wet the area when drilling.
Step 5: Drilling the Final Hole
Once you have drilled the hole through the tile clean the hole of all dust and debris. Unless the hole is the right size you need you may widen it carefully by drilling more and checking the hole. Nevertheless, be careful to go slowly and carefully every time. When trying to drill a large hole like that of faucet or shower, make sure you use a diamond bit made specifically to drill large holes on porcelain tile.
Choosing the Right Anchor for Your Towel Bar
After the hole has been drilled, now you can fit your towel bar or attachment. To this, you will require the appropriate anchor. They are necessary in fixing anchors on the wall, when drilling on porcelain tiles.
In case you are drilling in drywall or cement board behind the tile, you will want to select plastic expanding anchors or toggle bolts. These will give a safe grip. Ensure that the anchor you use is suitable to the weight of the object you are hanging.
Troubleshooting Common Drilling Issues
Sometimes things do not go right even when the right tools are used. The following are some of the common problems and the solution to them:
- Cracking Tiles: When your tiles break, the reason is usually too fast drilling and improper drill bit. In order to prevent this it is essential to use a diamond drill bit and to use light and even pressure.
- The Bit Slips: This normally occurs in case you have not used a masking tape or a drill guide. The tape assists you to keep the bit in place aside of helping you to get a good starting point.
- The Hole is Too Small: This normally occurs in case you have not used a masking tape or a drill guide. The tape assists you to keep the bit in place aside of helping you to get a good starting point.
Conclusion
Drilling porcelain tile should not be hard. With the proper implementation of such tools as diamond bit and attentiveness to the instructions, a person will be able to drill holes in porcelain tiles without cutting or causing any cracks. We covered everything when it comes to detailing how to prepare the area with masking tape up to cooling the drill bit because every step takes away much of the importance given to the job done. You are now armed with the new knowledge you have learned, which will enable you to work on your next project with confidence!
