How To Cut A Hole In Tile Without Breaking It. Porcelain tile hole saw

As a diamond coringdrilling tool, Raizi diamond tile hole cutter features comparable quality with RUBI, but more cheaper price. The vacuum brazed hole cutter drill bit is designed for coring and drilling ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, and other material such as marble, granite and concrete.

Lateral opening sesign will cool the drill and remove solid residues after each drilling, Diameters are available in 20-68 mm, which is designed for drilling water tapping points, sewers, electrical connections, etc.

These 5/8″-11 thread vacuum brazed diamond tile core drill bits are used on angle grinder. Also with our 10 mm Hex Shank drill adapter, it is ideal for power drill.

• Diameters：1-3/8″(35 mm)
• 5/8″-11 thread connection
• Dry Work Only
• Average Life: 50-60 holes
• Minimum Work Speed: 10000 rpm
• Diamond Height: 10 mm
• Machine: Angle Grinder
• Application: ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, marble, granite and concrete
• Bister Package

1 Pc Hole Saw Drill Bit with Bister Package

The average life of the tile drill bit depend on the type of material, thickness, proper cooling and user.

Confirm the suitable rotation speed and perform a slight orbital movement while drilling

Before futher drilling, we must ensure that the drilling bit is clean and free of any obstruction.

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Raizi began to produce diamond tools in 2007. In 2010, Raizi began to develop new product line on diamond tooling for polished concrete. We have full confidence in our products services. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a hassle free return and exchange policy. Please review our guideline for product returns and exchanges. All returns and exchanges must be approved before processing. Please contact us before sending any items back. TEL: 86-546-8312770 FAX: 86-546-8312775 Guideline 1.Products with damages, deformation during delivery can be returned and exchanged before you sign. 2.Our policy last 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since you sign, unfortunately, we can’t offer you a refund or exchange. 3.All custom products are exempt from being returned. (Please contact us for available options.) 4.If products are not in its original condition, are damaged, altered cat, or missing parts for reasons not due to our error, we can’t offer you a return or exchange. 5.Only regular priced items may be refunded, unfortunately, sale items cannot be refunded. 6.To complete your return, we require or proof of purchase. Items must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. Refunds Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days. If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again. Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted. Next, contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted. If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at Faye@igloxx.com. Shipping To return your product, you should mail your product to NO.231, DONG 3 ROAD, DONGYING, SHANDONG, CHINA。 You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs fir returning your item. Shipping costs are nonrefundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you may vary. If you are shipping an item over 75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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How to cut holes in Tile | Drill hole saw bit techniques to get it done like a pro

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How To Cut A Hole In Tile Without Breaking It

Emily Medlock is a freelance writer, published author, and certified life coach. Her passion is in home improvement, historical fiction, interior design, and helping others.

“How to cut a hole in tile” is probably in your recent searches. Out of all of the construction jobs that you can DIY, cutting and laying tile is one of the hardest. You need special tools for every step, the tile itself is expensive, and you have to know exactly how to lay the thinset.

But the hardest thing to do right without making mistakes is to cut the tile. Hiring a professional is always preferable if you can afford it. But if you’re feeling bold, learn how to cut and lay tile on your own.

How To Cut A Hole In Tile

Cutting tile isn’t easy at all. You can get a simple tile cutter for 20 or less that can cut straight lines in medium to small tile. But when it comes to cutting shapes, things get very tricky. You can use just any old cutter.

You need special cutters for cutting shapes or holes in the tile. Otherwise, you’ll break the tile or leave an ugly hole inches away from the object you’re cutting around. This is the fastest way to ruin your perfectly good project.

Types Of Tile To Learn How To Cut A Hole In Tile

The type of tile that you choose matters. Especially if you have to cut that tile, which you will have to in most cases unless your room or shower is just the right size. Tiles come in all sizes, with most of them being square or with a 2:1 ratio.

Tile Materials

There are many different materials of tiles. The two most common being porcelain and ceramic. It can be hard to choose between tile materials if you don’t know the pros and cons of each. Here are a few pointers to help you out.

• Ceramic – ceramic tile is probably the most common tile in America. It is durable, easy-to-clean, and can be put in any room. It also comes in both glazed and unglazed, so check both options out.
• Glass – glass tile is perfect for areas that can be difficult to clean as it won’t stain. But it is easy to break so it isn’t great for children who tend to drop things or are rough around the tile.
• Porcelain – porcelain tile is also very popular. It is similar to ceramic only it is made to look like natural materials like stone. It is more difficult to install than ceramic but is generally about the same all-around.
• Cement – cement tile isn’t very popular and is more like cement pavers than tiles. They require a lot of upkeep but can be highly customizable. So it is a middle-ground tile that is only for certain users.
• Marble – marble is gorgeous but expensive. That’s kind of a given. Natural marble only comes in certain patterns as well. Although you can get both ceramic and porcelain tile that looks like marble, only is cheaper.
• Granite – on countertops, granite is high-end. But in tiling, it is a cheaper alternative to some of the nicer tile options. It’s still pretty great, and natural, but the final result doesn’t look as fancy as marble.
• Limestone – limestone looks unique and is a natural stone. However, it is porous and isn’t great in moist areas. It will need heavily sealed regularly to last very long at all. This is why it isn’t very popular.
• Metal – metal is a relatively new material for tile. While it is durable in many cases, it can also dent fairly easily. Use it with caution to have some of the most beautiful and modern tile around.
• Resin – resin tile isn’t the most durable tile, but it is the most highly customizable. If you have a resin 3D printer, you can even print your very own tiles in your custom design and lay them yourself.

Buying A Tile Cutter: The Easy Way To Learn How To Cut A Hole In Tile

Buying a tile cutter is important if you plan on cutting holes in tiles. Even if you know how to cut holes in tile, you need a tile cutter. But knowing which one is right for your project isn’t easy for anyone.

Tile Cutters

These are simple cutters that cut straight lines in tiles are pretty easy to use. For a guide on tile cutters and the best ones that you can buy, check out this tile cutter buying guide. Or, simply buy any standard tile cutter from a trusted brand.

With a standard tile cutter, you simply place the tile under the cutter and score it with the scorer. Then, you press down to cut the tile on the scored line. It is easy to do and works with almost any kind of tile.

Hole Saw Kits

Because manual tile cutters only cut straight lines, you’ll need something else for round holes. One of the cheapest and most effective ways to cut holes in tile is with a hole saw kit. They are multipurpose and will serve you for years.

For a full guide on hole saw kits, check out this guide for tile on hole saw kits available online. Most of them come with everything you need aside from a drill, which you can purchase separately if you don’t have one already.

How To Cut A Hole In Tile

Now it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. Let’s talk about how to actually cut the tile. When it comes to straight cuts, it’s pretty simple. But when it comes to holes, things get quite complicated. A hole cutter is your best option.

A hole cutter can cut perfectly round holes in tile in seconds. You choose your size and cut the hole just like it’s a hole punch. Only it normally uses a drill to cut these holes, which you probably already have on hand.

How To Cut A Hole In Tile With A Hole Saw Kit

The first thing you should do is measure the object you need to tile around. This is most often a showerhead or nozzle. But it can be plumbing or something else entirely. You need to measure it and make a copy of that shape on cardboard.

Then, you can start testing out the hole saw heads that you have. Find the one that is the closest in size, giving a tile bit extra room. After you choose a bit, it’s time to start cutting the tiles to fit.

If you only have one tile to cut, like if the hole is near the center of a tile, then you will drill straight through. But a better way to prevent breaks is to have two tiles cover the hole. If they meet in the middle, it’s easier to cut without breaking it.

You will need to lay something under the tile to steady it and protect the floor, drill bit, and the tile itself. This acts as a cushion for all three. Drywall does a great job of this. Then, putting a knee or hand on the tile, start drilling.

Push quite hard to keep the drill and tile steady and it should drill through in less than a second. That’s all there is to it. The hardest part aside from that is making sure the measurements are all correct and in place.

How To Lay Tile: How To Cut A Hole In Tile, The Next Step

If we’re getting ahead of you and you still want to know how to lay tile, then have no fear. We can briefly go over the steps in laying tile so you can feel comfortable when you start your first tiling project.

Installing Tileboard

The first step in laying tile is making sure that there is a good subfloor for it. Or underlayment for some projects. There are many different types of shower boards and tile boards, so do your research to find out which one works for your project.

Laying Thinset

The first thing you will do after laying a subfloor is lay your thin-set. You won’t do this all together for two reasons. First of all, if you do all the thinset before laying any tile, you won’t be able to walk on your floor.

Laying The Tile

Now comes the tile-laying. You will lay your tile one or two at a time after you lay the thinset. It’s important that you remember to add spacers on every tile as you go. There should be at least two tile spacers on each side of the tile.

Grouting Tile

Grouting tile can be a hassle. While it isn’t as structurally important as thinset, it is what people will see and can be the difference in your project having a short or long life. So learn to apply it correctly.

For more info on tiling a shower and tub surround, this tile a shower guide is very useful and covers everything you need to know for your first project. Remember to buy all of the gear you need beforehand.

The Finished Project: How To Cut A Hole In Tile

Finally, you’re done! Although tiling isn’t easy, it’s one of the most rewarding projects you can do. Tile is a gorgeous way to add flooring to any room, put up a beautiful backsplash, or create an eye-catching shower!

So, go ahead and be bold! Get that project started and feel good about yourself whenever it’s done. But don’t forget to enjoy the process. Even if cutting tile feels like the end. Because it will be a masterpiece in the making.

We tested drill bits specifically designed to make holes in tile. Find out how they fared on various tile types, including ceramic, marble, granite, and more.

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Drilling holes in tile—to install towel rods in a bathroom renovation, say—can be tricky. There’s always a risk the tile will crack, especially if you use the wrong drill bit. What’s more, attempting to drill tile with a standard steel bit designed for use on wood can cause the bit to overheat, bend, or even break in half. Of course, with the right bit, drilling tile can be nearly as straightforward as drilling wood—and since most tile drill bits and drill-bit sets are fortunately affordable, it makes sense to have the right tool.

However, tile is made from various materials, so it’s crucial to select the right bit for the specific material. To help DIYers and pros alike get great results, we tested some of the best-rated designated tile bits, creating holes in ceramic, porcelain, marble, glass, and stone tiles. As we expected, some performed better on one type of tile than another. Ahead, learn about drilling in different types of tile and find out how the following bits earned a spot on our lineup of the best drill bits for tile.

• BEST OVERALL:Owl Tools 10-Piece Masonry Drill Bit Set
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Hillman Tapper Carbide Tipped Drill Bit
• BEST GLASS TILE SET:Bosch GT2000 4-Piece Glass and Tile Bit Set
• BEST PROFESSIONAL:DeWALT Rapid Load Carbide Masonry Drill Bit Set
• BEST METRIC SET:Qwork Multi-Material 8-Piece Drill Bit Set

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Drill Bits for Tile

Many drill bits might appear similar at first glance, but the best drill bits for ceramic tile are very different from the best drill bits for hard porcelain tile, wood, or steel. In addition to selecting the right bit for the type of tile, there are a few other considerations, such as tip shape and whether the tip comes with carbide or diamond-dust coating.

Types of Bits

Whether for drilling wood, metal, masonry, or tile, the shanks (stems) of almost all drill bits are made from high-speed steel (HSS). Though a hard-wearing, relatively inexpensive material, HSS can lose its sharpness quickly when drilling hard materials like stone and ceramic tile, so the tip of the bit will be given a coating to make it harder and more durable.

The most common tip coating is tungsten carbide (often just called carbide), which is a combination of tungsten and carbon. Tough and heat-resistant, carbide-tipped bits stay sharp for longer.

A less common coating is the powdered form of industrial diamonds (usually called dust), which is fused to the drill bit via an electroplating process under tremendous heat and pressure.

Diamond bits are among the only ones suitable for drilling into porcelain or quarry tile, both of which are extremely hard. Unfortunately, some diamond bits on the market claim they will drill through porcelain tile, but as we discovered in our hands-on testing, they fail. In other words, not all diamond bits live up to their seller’s claims.

Type of Tile and Tips

The material tile is made of will impact drill-bit choice. Fortunately, most drill bits list the types of tile they’re designed for on the package or product description.

• Ceramic tiles, the most common type found in kitchens and bathrooms, are ideally drilled with a carbide-tipped masonry drill bit.
• Unglazed terra-cotta tiles, popular for rustic decor, are relatively soft. They can be drilled effectively with a plain HSS masonry bit, though a carbide-tipped version will last longer.
• Glass and some types of stone, such as slate and marble, are also relatively soft, and a carbide-tipped bit will work well.
• Porcelain is much harder, so a diamond-tipped drill bit is necessary.

The two most common shapes for tile-drilling bits are spear and spiral. Spear tips look like small arrows, and while they have the sharpness needed to create precise holes, their narrow shape makes them less durable and more likely to break. Spiral tips have a flat blade along the top with a little point in the middle that helps the user center the hole. Spiral tips are typically more durable but—depending on the tile—can take longer to complete the hole. In general, spear tips are better suited to softer tiles, such as travertine, marble, or ceramic, while spiral tips are less likely to break when drilling harder tile materials, including quartz and granite.

Size and Quantity

Drill bits are labeled by the diameter of their shanks. The smallest drill bits for tile are usually around ⅛ inch in diameter. The biggest twist drill types are seldom more than ½ inch. When drilling in hard tile, it can be difficult to control large bits (more than ¼ inch) on shiny, glazed surfaces, so it’s common practice to first drill a small “pilot” hole and then follow up using the larger bit.

For holes larger than ½ inch in diameter, a hole saw (or hollow core bit) is often recommended. A hole saw bit features a circular ring of HSS, usually with a diamond-coated edge. Hole saws can be large enough to allow for the fitting of plumbing pipes, for example. However, some have limited depth, so it’s crucial to check the dimensions before purchase.

If only one or two holes are required for a particular job, buying a single drill bit can be an economical option. However, depending on the bit type, an individual bit can cost several dollars. If drilling tile is likely to be an ongoing task, a drill-bit set may be a Smart investment. A set typically includes several bits in various sizes.

Our Top Picks

The following drill bits are all suitable for drilling in tile, but some are better suited to one type of tile than another. Each was tested on the type(s) of tile recommended by the manufacturer or seller, but not all the bits we tested earned a spot in this lineup. Find out the pros and cons of each of the following bits and bit sets before selecting the best option for your tile-drilling project.

Owl Tools 10-Piece Masonry Drill Bit Set

When folks have a variety of different tile materials to tackle, it can be difficult to pick the best drill-bit set. In our tests, this 10-piece set of masonry drill bits from Owl Tools demonstrated a high level of durability while the spear tips proved to reduce wandering (sliding across the surface of glazed tile before creating a hole). The shanks are made from steel and the bits boast carbide tips for added hardness.

We tested the Owl Tools bits on several types of tile, including marble, travertine stone, shale, glazed ceramic, and glass tiles. We used masking tape on some of the tiles to further reduce the risk of wandering and prevent surface chipping, but we also drilled holes without the benefit of tape, and the Owl Tools bits excelled in both cases. We drilled all the test holes without adding drops of water because the bits were drilling so well dry, we didn’t feel water was needed.

After drilling 10 holes, we checked the bits for wear. The carbide-tipped spears were still sharp, and none of the bits had broken. After 30 more holes in various types of tile, we noticed the bits (we tested one of each size) were starting to drill slower. Upon inspection, we found the spear tips were beginning to wear down—but we still consider that superior performance for drilling about 40 holes in hard tiles.

Another advantage to the Owl Tools set is the number of different-size bits. The set includes 10 bits that range in diameter from ⅛ inch to ½ inch in both 4-inch and 6-inch lengths, making this tile-drilling bit set suitable for drilling a range of hole sizes in several common types of tile.

• Tip material: Carbide
• Number of bits: 10
• Sizes: ⅛ inch, ¼ inch, 5/16 inch, ⅜ inch, ½ inch (4-inch and 6-inch lengths)
• Fine spear points help prevent wandering when starting a hole
• Edges of the spear points remained sharp after drilling 10 holes in tiles
• See-through plastic storage case is included for keeping the bits organized

Get the Owl Tools drill bits for tile at Amazon.

Hillman Tapper Carbide Tipped Drill Bit

When a project requires only a few holes to be drilled in tile, consider buying a single bit rather than a whole set, such as this Hillman Tapper drill bit in a 3/16-inch diameter and 3½-inch length. (We chose that size to test because 3/16-inchis a fairly standard hole size for installing towel rods and toilet-paper-holder anchors). We drilled holes in marble, travertine, slate, glass, and ceramic tiles with this carbide-tipped spiral bit. We did use masking tape for most of the holes because the bit had a tendency to wander without it. The bit drilled clean holes in ceramic and stone tiles but seemed to struggle on the glass tile, so we added a few drops of water to the hole to help cool the bit and reduce friction (not cooling a hot bit is a primary cause of bit breakage).

Cut a hole in a ceramic tile

After drilling more than 45 holes, the Hillman bit started to slow down, and we could see that the tip was softening and wearing down some. However, we felt its performance and durability were still good under pressure, and the bit never broke. A single-size bit won’t be suitable for all tile-drilling purposes, but it’s more economical to buy just one if only drilling a few holes of the same sizes.

• Carbide tip makes quick work of drilling through ceramic tile and softer stone tiles, such as travertine and marble
• Buying bits in individual sizes is often more economical than buying a set of bits that won’t get used
• The flutes (spiral grooves) on the bit’s shank work to bring powdered tile material up and out of the hole for cleaner drilling

Get the Hillman drill bits for tile at Ace Hardware or Blain’s Farm Fleet.

Bosch GT2000 4-Piece Glass and Tile Bit Set

Drilling in glass tiles is more straightforward than it might seem—a good carbide-tipped blade is essential, as is using a slow drill speed. The four-piece bit set from Bosch excelled in our glass-drilling tests.

The set comes with bits ranging from ⅛ inch to ⅝ inch in diameter and from 2 inches to 2¼ inches long. Each bit features a spear tip with a sharp point the manufacturer claims will keep the bit from wandering. Unfortunately, we found each one of the bits tended to wander on the glass tiles unless we used masking tape—an easy fix that didn’t detract from the bits’ performance and durability. Wandering is common when drilling through tiles, so everyone should be prepared to use tape.

After 10 holes, we inspected the bits. The largest one showed a slight amount of wear on the edges of the spear blades, while the others looked nearly new. They all went on to drill 30 more holes apiece, but toward the end, they made slower progress, and we had to exert more pressure on the drill. Fortunately, we didn’t have any cracked glass tiles after all the drilling. That’s largely due to the sharpness and durability of the bits, but we also give a little credit to anold computer mouse pad that we placed beneath some of the tiles as we drilled, which absorbed some of the vibrations and may have helped prevent cracking.

While our main objective in testing these bits was to determine their performance on glass, we also tried them afterward on a marble tile and a travertine tile. At this point, the bits were slightly worn down but still drilled through both materials cleanly, albeit slowly.

• Tip material: Carbide
• Number of bits: 4
• Sizes: ⅛ inch, 3/16 inch, ¼ inch, 5/16 inch (2 to 2¼ inches long)
• Carbide tips make these bits suitable for drilling through glass tiles
• Spear tips help start a hole and gradually enlarge it to reduce cracking
• Bits are durable and hold up to making dozens of holes
• Suitable for drilling through other types of tile, including travertine and marble

Get the Bosch drill bits for tile at Amazon (tile-cutting blade included), Ace Hardware, or Overstock.

DeWALT Rapid Load Carbide Masonry Drill Bit Set

We’re well aware of the superior quality of many DeWALT power tools and accessories, so it was no surprise that the company’s seven-piece set of masonry drill bits excelled at drilling through tile. The set features bits ranging in diameter from 3/16 inch to ½ inch with lengths ranging from 3 inches to 6 inches. Three of the bits are ¼ inch, which is a commonly used size.

We used the DeWALT bits to drill through travertine, slate, marble, ceramic, and glass tiles. The bits have carbide spiral tips, and we tested them with and without masking tape. They wandered less than we expected, even without tape, but we would suggest taping highly glazed ceramic and glass tiles to be on the safe side.

These proved to be very durable heavy-duty bits: After drilling 10 holes with each, we saw virtually no softening of the blades or dulling. As we drilled an additional 30 holes per bit, we still didn’t notice much slowing down. The deep flutes in the shank quickly removed the powdered tile material as we drilled, and the holes were clean and uniform.

With the largest ½-inch bit, we did crack two glass tiles, but we feel that was primarily due to our wrists and arm muscles becoming fatigued and not holding the drill as stable as we should have. A few days after the original test, we tried again and drilled through glass tiles with no cracking. We feel these DeWALT bits fit the bill for professionals needing durable bits on the job.

• Tip material: Carbide
• Number of bits: 7
• Sizes: 3/16 inch, ¼ inch, 5/16 inch, ⅜ inch, ½ inch (lengths from 3 to 6 inches)
• Strong, durable bits easily drill through a variety of tile types
• They didn’t show wear or dulling even after making dozens of holes
• Set contains bits of several diameters and lengths for versatile hole drilling
• We found the bits wandered a bit on glass tiles if masking tape wasn’t used
• These bits are not designed to drill holes in porcelain tile

Get the DeWALT drill bits for tile at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.

Qwork Multi-Material 8-Piece Drill Bit Set

With a growing number of kitchen and bathroom fixtures now supplied in metric sizes, it may be necessary to have an accurate metric drill bit for tile. Imperial (United States) equivalents are close but not always close enough. In the past, we’ve had to guess which Imperial bit or anchor is most comparable to the metric one called for, so we were excited to test these carbide-tipped metric drill bits.

After drilling 10 starter holes, we examined the spearheads of the bits. The two smallest bits showed substantial dulling and wear on the blades, so we set those aside and continued with the other five. None of the other bits made it past 25 additional holes, so we can’t rate the Qwork bits as the most durable of the ones we tested. Perhaps the steel wasn’t quite as high in quality—but we still deem these bits to be a decent option for jobs that require metric bits and fasteners, since those are typically small projects, such as installing a towel bar or a ceramic soap dish. And interestingly, these bits didn’t wander much, not even on un-taped glass, so they earned a point in that department.Consider these as light-duty tile-drilling bits for metric usage.

• Tip material: Carbide
• Number of bits: 8
• Sizes: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 14, and 16 millimeters
• Set contains 8 different-size bits for versatility
• Spear tips offered precise drilling without wandering
• Metric sizes make this set suitable for installing or assembling fixtures for metric-size fasteners

Get the Qwork drill bits for tile at Amazon.

Also Tested

We had high hopes for both Neiko’s Diamond Hole Saw Bits and Blendx Diamond Drill Bits, but they didn’t live up to our standards. Both of these bit sets are marketed as having diamond dust electroplated on the edges of the bits, and porcelain was listed among the types of tile they would cut through.

Alas, it was not to be. Both the Neiko bits and the Blendx bits cut through ceramic, travertine, and even glass tile, but every bit in both sets pooped out before creating a hole in porcelain tile. Since porcelain is extremely hard, we always tried the bits on softer types of tile before drilling through porcelain—that way, we knew what they would drill as well as what they wouldn’t. None of the Neiko or Blendx bits got more than halfway through porcelain before the diamond dust burned off. And that was even with water droplets added to the holes as we drilled. In short, neither of these products qualifies as being among the best drill bits for hard porcelain tile.

We could still recommend these bits as suitable for drilling through ceramic and glass, but because they failed on porcelain, we had to eliminate them from the competition. One of our testing criteria is ensuring the products we test live up to their marketing hype. It’s not that these are bad bits, but both were advertised as being suitable for porcelain, and neither lived up to that claim.

How We Tested the Best Drill Bits for Tile

Over the years, we’ve had plenty of practice drilling tile, so our experience combined with in-depth product research was instrumental in selecting the drill bits for testing. We considered the brand to an extent—DeWALT and Bosch are both top manufacturers of construction tools—but didn’t automatically eliminate drill bits from smaller or niche manufacturers if they featured carbide or diamond tips and were rated well by consumers.

Our actual testing process was straightforward. All of the drill bits were tested using a standard cordless drill. We used masking tape on the tops of some tiles, which can help keep bits from wandering and reduce the risk of the tile chipping during the drilling process. It’s not always necessary, so we didn’t tape all the tiles—for example, the surface of a travertine tile is soft and porous, and most bits will not wander when drilling through travertine. As the manufacturer suggested—or if a bit was struggling to drill through—we added a few drops of water while drilling to help keep the bit from getting too hot and breaking.

We tested the bits by drilling multiple holes, but we only tried them on tile types they were designed for. In short, we did not test a bit made for drilling ceramic or glass tiles on porcelain tiles, which are much harder. Our goal was to determine how well the bits stood up to their intended drilling purposes.

We scored each bit (or bit set) using a rubric throughout the hands-on testing process. The better a drill bit performed, the higher the score. We looked for durability and relatively smooth-edged holes—it’s not unusual to have some slightly ragged edges, however. We did not judge the bits on how long it took to drill through a tile because different types of tile require longer drilling times, and it’s counterproductive to exert strong pressure while drilling as it can cause the bits to break. After drilling an initial 10 holes with each bit, we inspected them for dulling and wear before drilling more holes.

We finished by adding up the scores and using them to determine the best categories for each set of drill bits.

FAQs

When drilling through tile, it’s best to go slowly and use only light pressure on the drill bit. Don’t try to force the bit through—let the drill and the bit do all the work. If you still have questions about selecting and using the best drill bits for tile, keep reading for answers to some commonly asked questions.

Q. How do you drill through tiles without cracking them?

Using the right drill bit is critical. Standard drill bits will not cut through the tiles; attempting to do so is likely to cause cracked tiles and broken bits. Use masking tape to mark the position of the hole, which will also provide initial grip for the bit. Hold the drill firmly and apply slow, steady pressure. If you also need to drill the masonry or concrete behind the tile, do not use a drill’s hammer action until you are through the tile.

Q. What is the best way to drill through porcelain tile?

Diamond-tipped drill bits are recommended for porcelain. The bits can get very hot, so dipping them in water occasionally, or spraying the area while working, will keep them cool and help them cut more effectively.

Q. How do you drill a hole in ceramic tile?

A carbide-tipped drill bit is usually recommended, although a diamond-tipped one will also do a good job. To attach a fixture, such as a towel bar, to a tile wall, it’s always necessary to drill a hole first, after which the drill can be fitted with a screwdriver bit for installing a fastener in the wall.

Q. Can I drill in between tiles?

You can, but the grout is a relatively soft material, and the drill bit can easily wander. For accuracy, drilling through tile is usually preferred.

Q. How can I differentiate a ceramic tile from a porcelain tile?

Porcelain has a finer texture, but it can be difficult to tell the difference if the tiles are already on a wall. Ceramic tile usually has a glazed top layer that is a different color from the core, which may show at the edge. Porcelain is usually the same color throughout.

Q. What safety equipment do I need when using drill bits for tile?

Whatever you are drilling, you should wear suitable eye protection. If you usually wear glasses, put goggles on over them. A lightweight dust mask is also a good idea.

Wet cutting diamond drill bits

EASYGRES drill bits, diameters of 15/64. 1/2 in., are perfect for installing bathroom accessories or any type of decoration extra on ceramic surfaces and must always be used water-cooled and with the EASYGRES guide, which allows centring and proper cooling, ensuring high accuracy and the best finishes.

FORAGRES diamond drill bits

FORAGRES diamond drill bits are ideal for drilling stoneware tiles, porcelain tiles and pieces of granite and marble. The FORAGRES range of diamond drill bits includes all the diameters needed to perform the most common drilling for water tapping points, sewers, electrical connections, etc.

EASYGRES diamond drill bits kit

The EASYGRES drill kits are the most economical solution for those users who need to make perforations of different diameters in all types of ceramic tiles. The quality of the diamond used in the design and manufacture of the EASYGRES drill bits allows the drilling of stoneware, porcelain stoneware, granite, marble and glass. RUBI offers different construction kits to the construction professional, with configurations adapted to the most common situations.

FORAGRES diamond drill bits kit

The FORAGRES kit is perfect for making holes in ceramic tiles during installation and allows professional ceramic tile installers to get the best results in their finishes. FORAGRES diamond drill bits must ALWAYS be used water-cooled and with a non-percussive power drill.

MORE INFORMATION

RUBI offers the professional multiple options within the range of wet cutting diamond drill bits for ceramic tiles and other wall materials.

Drilling, especially in harder materials, is always critical. The FORAGRES, MINIGRES and EASYGRES wet cutting diamond drill bit systems that RUBI offers the professional are the best solution, both in quality and performance.

At RUBI we have always had a very close relationship with ceramic tile installers and it is vital for us to have constant, fluent communication with them. That’s why we have all the necessary tools to offer industry professionals an innovative product able to provide solutions to their daily needs while working.

Wet cutting diamond drill bits are designed for use with electric non-percussion drills, which is what makes them an adaptable solution to any market and situation. RUBI wet cutting diamond drill bits are the ultimate solution for drilling ceramic tiles and other wall materials, such as marble or granite, during installation and are particularly ideal for use when the material has already been installed.

EASYGRES wet cutting diamond drill bits are made through an electroplating process. One advantage is that the cutting occurs with very little vibration, which becomes a solution for drilling in fragile materials and offers the best quality cutting. RUBI does also have a range of accessories to facilitate cooling of the drill bits, so you can work safely and give optimum life to drill bits.

On the RUBI website, you can find a file of photos and videos properly classified for each tool, which will help you learn more about the product. The videos show the most important uses and applications of each tool. Simply search the catalogue and choose the product. There you will find all the information and audiovisual support you need.

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