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S
Lv 7
S asked in Home & GardenDo It Yourself (DIY) · 9 years ago

How long should it take to drill through tile?

I'm putting in a shower enclosure & drilling the holes into the tile for the mounting screws. I've already gone through one drill bit (drill master), & now working on a Bosch bit. I was told not to apply too much pressure, but finding this incredibly slow going, and any pressure causes the bit to quickly heat way up. As I would like to finish this up this weekend, I can't spend the rest of the day drilling 1 hole. What's wrong here?

8 Answers

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  • XTX
    Lv 7
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    --- use a nail to act as a no-drift point to start into the tile --- a metal drill bit at a medium speed will cut through the tile in no time === what you are finding slow is the ceramic top coat and you must score the tile to get the bit started into the tile .... tap lightly and break away the top coat to make it easy to drill .... tep lightly to avoid breaking or cracking the tile ---- use a small wall anchor as there is no need to ""batten down the hatches"" on this operation == when you sink the plastic wall anchor be sure to trim the top circle so the aluminum shower door will fit flat to the tile and run a bead [[ for waterproofing and to prevent water from wicking out of the shower enclosure ]] I hope these suggestions help you and maybe you need a hammer drill [[ hold it level and steady == you can rent a H-drill from the hardware giants ]] the smaller concrete bit for the holes and the hammer drill make quick work and use some caution so you don't crack any tiles ==== I have a concrete and tile house -- no wood or sheetrock -- so I have done this and it works .....

  • 4 years ago

    1

    Source(s): Woodworking Tips and Tricks http://woodworkingprojects.enle.info/?pQ2O
  • Jim W
    Lv 7
    9 years ago

    Masonry bit, hammer drill, acetic acid/ universal solvent 50/50 mix. Slow and easy will drill the needed holes. Allow about 10 minutes per hole for 1/4" to 5/16" bigger hole a little longer but not much until you are more than 1/2". DAGS on how to drill tiles.

  • Anonymous
    9 years ago

    Hello

    You will find a tile/glass drill bit works well, Tungsten or diamond coated spade tip, can be expensive but well worth it if you have an interest in DiY, price range between £6 to £20 depending on size and whether Tungsten or diamond. available all good DiY stores, Amazon, Screwfix.

    Regards Alan

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  • 9 years ago

    Use a glass bit. Once you get through the glazing the ceramic tile is like butter to it.

    Do not listen to whoever said hammer drill, it will shatter the tile.

  • Anonymous
    9 years ago

    you should be able to apply pressure without any issues if the tile was correctly installed

    I recommend heavier pressure but a slower speed to avoid heating the bit, also keep a cup of water close and frequently dip the bit in their to keep it cool, once the bit turns red it immediately dulls, may as well toss it

  • 9 years ago

    If you have a porcelain tile it can take several minutes. Use water and a diamond bit.

    Source(s): SOHK
  • 9 years ago

    You need a masonary bit. It will go through in about a minute or less. Any good hardware store will have a selection of sizes.

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