How to drill a tile with a conventional drill. Drilling tiles to prevent cracking. Special drill bits for tiles

When laying tiles in the bathroom, toilet or in any other premises, the question arises - how to drill tile so that it does not crack, does not break and does not lose its appearance. After all, tile is a rather fragile material and it can be difficult for a simple layman to make a hole in a tile. But the matter is certainly important, because sometimes it is simply necessary to install a shelf for soap accessories, a mirror or the same bathroom curtain in the bathroom, but how ?. In this article, we will look at step by step instructions and watch a video tutorial that will help us learn how to drill tiles in just a few minutes.

Tools needed for the job

1. Electric drill or a good screwdriver;
2. Feather drills (spear drill on tiles);
3. Ring crowns (required for hole large diameter).

Instructions on how and how to drill tiles

1. Using a pencil and a ruler, mark the point where we will drill the hole, after we mark the point on top, we paste transparent adhesive tape, if there is no transparent adhesive tape, then we paste ordinary adhesive tape and mark marks on it for the future hole.
2. Installing the drill horizontal position in no case should you tilt the drill in any direction, this will only aggravate the situation!
3. We select a special feather drill on the tile, insert it into the drill, after turning off the position of the drill from the impact mode to the classic drilling position and start drilling, it is worth noting that it is necessary to start at low speed - this will protect us from slipping the drill around the perimeter of the tile.

Helpful advice!. Before you start drilling a hole for the place of the adhesive tape, you can punch a small hole with a kernet, this will make it possible to insert a pen drill and it will not “play” in the groove. By the way, while drilling the tile, it is advisable to moisten it with water so that it does not crack under the influence of drilling.

After you drill the slab, you need to insert a drill of the same diameter or even a little smaller and continue to drill concrete. When doing this, make sure that the drill is inserted correctly and that it does not play in the "groove" as this may cause some chips at the edges of the hole.

How to drill a larger hole

You can drill a larger hole different ways the first of which is the use of a ballerina. ballerina- this is a circular drill designed for drilling round holes in tiles of different diameters. With the help of a ballerina, you can easily adjust the size of the hole by adjusting the sliding ruler along the entire length. But it is worth noting that it is quite difficult to work as a ballerina, but if you destroy several tiles, then for 2-3 times you should definitely succeed according to the most pessimistic forecasts. Just don't forget to wet it with water.

Ballerina tool - for cutting larger diameter holes

The next tool that I suggest you consider is a circular saw for holes in tiles. This is a fairly popular tool with which even a beginner can make a hole in a tile, the hole is made in about 5-7 minutes with an average level of pressure on the drill. Again, we do not recommend putting too much pressure on the drill, because this can ruin the tile and it will crack, in addition, we advise you to drill the tile before we installed it on the wall, having previously immersed it in water, this will prevent it from overheating.

Let's summarize how to drill so as not to damage the tile

• Moisten the tiles with water to prevent overheating;
• Do not drill along the edges of the tiles, as this will create additional stress on the surface;
• After we have drilled a hole and started to drill concrete, we need to choose a drill with a smaller diameter so as not to damage the edges of the tile;
• Start drilling at a low speed and gradually increase the speed.

Video - how and how to drill tiles

Video - a hole in a ceramic tile

If the question arose of how to drill a tile, you need to carefully select the tool, because the quality of the future coating will depend on this.

This material is quite fragile in processing, so there is a possibility of chipping. The easiest way is to turn to a professional, but we will tell you in detail how and with what to make it yourself this species works.

Overview of tile drilling tools

To make a hole in ceramic tiles, you can use:

• An electric drill and drills, and the tool should work at low speeds, and the most best solution there will be a special (spear-shaped) drill bit for tiles, however, it will also work standard version, but it should be sharpened beforehand;
• A screwdriver is used to drill holes, and the battery device must be characterized maximum speed(the number of revolutions is up to 1,000), but drilling tiles using an analogue operating from the network will be correct at low speed;
• A mechanical drill is a less efficient solution, and besides, with the help of such a tool it is possible to drill holes no more than 12 mm.

Different cuts require the use of certain equipment and accessories. For example, to prepare ceramic tiles for installing an outlet in a bathroom or kitchen, a diamond crown is useful.

Measures to protect the material from chips and cracks

When dealing with issues of how to drill a tile, one should not forget about the precautions during work, so that it will be possible to avoid deformation and complete destruction of the finishing material. First of all, so that the tile does not crack, it must first be soaked in ordinary water for 1 hour. If there is not enough time for such a decision, you can moisten the area where the holes are being drilled with a spray gun.

To make it easier to start drilling big holes, you can cut a stencil from fiberboard or plywood, then pressing it firmly against the tile to start drilling.

It is quite possible to reduce the likelihood of cracking if at least 15 mm retreat from the edge of the ceramic tile to the cutout. And it is better to calculate the installation point of the socket / shelf so that the hole under fastener located on the connecting seam.

How to drill tiles for dowels

Such a problem arises if it is necessary to make a hole in the wall of the bathroom or in the kitchen in order to install a lighting fixture / shelf. In this case, you need to work directly on a vertical surface with ceramic tiles already attached to it.

What is the feature of drilling?

The surface of the tile is smooth, which means that it will be difficult to drill the tile if you do not prepare for this process. The main difficulty is that the drill slides over the surface of the material.

Glue at the marked point paper tape, which is able to hold the drill in place at the initial moment of drilling.

Therefore, one of the methods should be used so as not to damage the finish:

• Hole drilling is performed on top of adhesive tape pasted on ceramic tiles;
• It is necessary to slightly violate the integrity of the coating of the finishing material at the point of attachment of the lamp / shelf on the wall in the bathroom / in the kitchen;
• To prevent the drill from slipping, a jig is used - this is a certain type of plate made of metal or wood, with holes different diameters.

The last of the methods requires effort and increased care, since it will be necessary to simultaneously hold the jig, as well as control the accuracy of drilling. Otherwise, you can make a mistake.

What to drill?

To work with different materials use certain tools, as well as accessories for them. When dealing with the question of how to drill tiles in the kitchen or in your bathroom, you must immediately exclude the option of using a brick / concrete drill.

This option is completely unsuitable for working with tiles and in this case there is a high probability of cracking. It should be chosen only as a last resort.

For drilling tiles, it is best to use special spear-shaped drills with a sharp tip or diamond coating.

Correctly use drills for tiles of the following types:

• Diamond coated;
• Winning tip.

The first of the options is very expensive, and it is advisable to purchase it only in conditions of regular drilling, otherwise the tool will not pay off. Most often, a special tile drill with a victorious tip is used, which is sharply pointed enough to reduce the likelihood of cracking the material.

First, drill through the tile with a diamond tip or pen. Next, change the drill to one that is more suitable for the concrete surface.

Operating procedure

The procedure for fixing hanging furniture, as well as lamps on the wall:

1. At the point of installation of the dowel, masking tape is glued and a mark is made with a marker where exactly the fasteners will be located.
2. Using a suitable drill, you need to make a hole. The drill must work on low revs.
3. After you get a through hole in the tile, you should replace the drill with a suitable analogue for working with concrete / brick.
4. The surface is cleaned of crumbs and dust, after which the dowel is laid. Moreover, it must be recessed into the tile by a few millimeters.

Using this method, you can drill a hole no larger than 15 mm.

Choosing a drill for installing a socket / pipe

In this case, a simple drill is the least suitable solution. To prepare the cut big size, most often a crown is used, but it is also used special kind drill - ballerina.

Exist different variants to solve this problem: these are special drills (centering), drills with a diamond tip and crowns with a similar coating. However, the price of highly specialized components, in particular, diamond crowns, is quite high. You need to work with them very carefully, regularly moistening with water. The drill turns on at low speeds.

The drills themselves must be made of high-strength materials, have an appropriate sharpening, capable of passing through a dense structure.

Analog for more affordable price- with victorious teeth. It is cheaper, but less efficient. If desired, you can choose crowns of different diameters ( maximum size 15 cm). But drilling 20 holes in a row will lead to a complete failure of the tool.

Affordable and relatively easy to use - a kind of drill type ballerina. It provides a bracket with another sharp-angled drill.

Perforator and crown with diamond coating

Drilling directly on the wall in your bathroom or kitchen is not safe for finishing material. Therefore, it is better to prepare holes on the floor. The product is recommended to be placed on a hard surface. Marking a hole with front side, you can immediately proceed to drilling.

Drill with diamond core

The actions are similar to the previously considered option. Marking is carried out on the front side of the tile. A hole is drilled using a crown, while it is not recommended to put too much pressure on the tool.

Buy a hole saw with a center drill. When working with tiles, it is quite difficult to use crowns without center drill as they slide over the material.

Application of a ballerina

Drills are located at a distance two times less than the diameter of the hole for the outlet / pipe. First, marking is done, then drilling is done. You need to work with the tool at low speed.

The ballerina is not very expensive, so every home master can buy it.

Drill and drill bit with diamond tip

In this case, you need to make a lot of holes. Them extreme point should slightly extend beyond the intended contour for the installation of a socket / pipe.

The tube type drill is a diamond coated tube with which you can create holes with a small diameter.

Then the middle is knocked out, and the uneven edge is removed with wire cutters, after which the edge is sanded.

This is a more time-consuming method than using a crown. Therefore, it is recommended to use it, having some experience in such work.

Drill and tungsten hole saw with center drill

This solution is suitable for processing tiles laid on the wall in your bathroom/kitchen. To avoid slipping of the crown, it is recommended to use a prepared template that has a hole of a suitable diameter (according to the size of the crown). Next, it remains to attach the tool, and perform drilling in the bathroom or in the kitchen under the socket / pipe.

Video: Master Class, various ways drilling holes

When laying tiles, situations often arise when you need to make a hole in it: to bring the pipes of the mixer, bring out the socket or switch, hammer in the dowels for the shelf, install the toilet, and so on. In this material, we will talk about how to drill a tile to any required diameter.

Quick article navigation

Ways to drill tiles

• Special drills for tiles. Helps to make holes of small diameter. The tile drill has no thread, and its tip has a pointed solder. There are tetrahedral tips (feathers), but they are worse, since they will be difficult to sharpen if necessary. It can also be used when drilling mosaic or glass.
• Drills with a Pobedite tip for concrete. There is in almost every home, it is not necessary to buy a special drill. If the drill is without carbide, it can also be used, but its end will need to be resharpened, like a conventional drill.
• Self-tapping screws with an LM tip (so-called fleas). As wall tiles very soft, it can be drilled without a drill by screwing in self-tapping screws with an LM tip. On average, one hole takes 2-3 screws.
• Crowns on a tile with a diamond dusting. They allow you to make holes of large and small diameter for sockets or pipes, the installation of a toilet bowl. They have a fixed diameter and cost 300-1500 rubles, but they last for a long time. Minimum Diameter, which can be found - 5 mm. Perfectly suited even for drilling porcelain stoneware.
• Circular drills (ballerinas on tiles). In addition to the sharp tip on the pilot drill in the center, they have an additional movable cutter on the rod. This is convenient because you can adjust the diameter of the hole and not buy several crowns for each size. Another plus is the price of 300-500 rubles. Ballerinas are good for drilling a hole in the center of the tile, but if it goes beyond the edge, it will be extremely difficult to do it.

When using any method, it is necessary to turn off the impact mode of the drill / puncher and set the minimum speed to avoid chipping.

Using a diamond crown

markup

Let's start with a typical case where you need to drill a hole in a ceramic tile for a pipe outlet to a bathroom faucet.

Such things must also be taken into account, and try to make cutouts for pipes in the center of the tile. This is done by shifting the layout or changing the starting point of laying to the right place. If you can’t install the tap exactly in the center, then you should try to hide this fact as much as possible, and not highlight it by installing it next to decors or borders.

It is logical that both holes should be at the same height. Therefore, the first thing to do before drilling a tile is to measure the same distance from the floor. In order not to fill up the vertical, we use a plumb line with a weight or a bubble / laser level.

Measurement and marking of the wall

Next you need to measure required distance horizontally between the centers of the points and make two more marks. From the center of each point, measure the radius of the hole so you know where the cut line will go.

drilling

We switch the drill to drilling mode and set the minimum speed. We insert a crown with a diamond coating into the cartridge. They are different, for example, for concrete, wood or metal - do not confuse them when buying. Also, make sure that there is as much diamond grit as possible on the working part. It is better to take crowns with a center drill to reduce the risk of displacement.

We start drilling carefully, with a slight pressure on the drill, but so that it does not move. When the glaze is cut through, you can increase the speed and pressure.


During drilling, it is necessary to ensure the supply of water to the working part of the crown for cooling. Bosch has crowns that have coolant inside ( olive oil), you can work with them dry.

If you are using a small diameter hole saw without a center drill, use it with a jig to avoid displacement. You can make it with your own hands in 1 minute from cutting boards or plywood. Make a hole in it of the same diameter and use it as a conductor, pressing it with your hand.

Tile fixing

We apply the tile and check the coincidence with the pipes. If everything fits, apply glue to the wall, draw a comb over it for even distribution thin layer and press the plate into place.

Using a ballerina

You can make a hole with a ballerina in 5 steps.

At a certain stage in the renovation process in the bathroom, toilet or kitchen, it inevitably becomes necessary to drill technological holes in ceramic tiles.

Regardless of the cost of the tile, you don’t want to violate the beauty and evenness of the finish, but at the same time you need to hang a shelf or install an outlet.

The ideal option is to drill holes in the tile before installation, but this procedure is not always possible. Let's look at how to drill tiles glued to the wall, avoiding the risk of cracking and chipping.

Difficulties in working with ceramic tiles

Tiles can crack when drilled

Tiles are one of the most durable finishing materials. It is resistant to aggressive environments, withstands operation in conditions high humidity, has a hard and often slippery surface. Tiles successfully withstand constant physical pressure, while the material is quite brittle to fracture.

All these properties create certain difficulties in working with tiles. Glossy surface also creates tiles additional problems: the drill can slide off and scratch the surface of the material, and if when laying the tiles voids were made in the adhesive solution, then when drilling, such a tile will probably crack.

To make holes in the tiles, it is necessary to use nozzles made of a material that is more durable than ceramic tiles. You need to know the technology of working with tiles, follow some rules and use the right tool.

Tool

To drill a hole in a tiled wall, several tools are suitable:

• mechanical or hand drill;
• electric drill with the ability to adjust the number of revolutions;
• screwdriver with speed mode selection function.

It is important that the drill has the ability to adjust the number of revolutions

You can use a hammer drill, provided that the tool has a function to turn off the impact mode. Moreover, it can be useful for drilling holes in concrete or brick wall behind the tiles.

Depending on the modification of the selected tool, an adapter may be required.

It is fundamentally important that the working tool has the ability to work at low speeds, because it is worth starting drilling from a low mode, increasing the speed to 200 rpm.

To make a couple of holes, a hand drill is ideal: you can control the pressure, and the tool will not vibrate.

Nozzles and drills

After you have decided on the tool, you need to choose a drill or nozzle. Choice depends on size. required hole and the number of drilling points. You should not use ordinary concrete drills: ruin the tile and the drill, and the result will be deplorable.

Possible types of drills and nozzles for working with tiles

Device type	Nozzle material	Recommendations for use
drill	will win	Most a budget option. Suitable for working on a couple of holes.
crown	will win	Can be used for drilling holes with a maximum diameter of 150 mm. 1 nozzle is designed for a maximum of 20 drillings.
Spear-shaped (feather-shaped) drill	Wolfram carbide	Suitable for drilling a small number of holes. More expensive than victorious, but somewhat more effective.
drill	Diamond coating	Expensive tool. The hardness of the tip material exceeds the strength of the tile surface. It is convenient in work with any type of a tile.
crown	Diamond coating	Speeds up the work process. Drilling should be as accurate as possible, starting at low speeds.
ballerina	It consists of a central pulley, a pilot drill, a transverse rod and a carbide tooth cutter.	Ability to drill holes of various diameters. The cutter is set according to the size of the radius of the required hole.

Drilling technology

Having prepared necessary tools and nozzles, you can proceed directly to the drilling process.
The sequence of actions, regardless of the diameter of the hole, is the same:

If a power tool is used for drilling, then it is necessary to monitor the level of heating of the drill. If you smell smoke, stop work and let the drill cool down. The drill overheats from increased friction, which means that the load is too high, and the tool cannot cope. In this case, the efficiency of work is quite small. For more information on how to carefully make holes in the tile, see this video:

Before you start working on ceramic tiles, soberly assess your skills and abilities. It is not difficult to drill a hole in a tile, but if the walls are lined expensive material, perhaps the best solution would be to hire a professional who is guaranteed not to spoil the finish and does a quality job.

In this article, we will tell you how to properly and accurately drill a tile.

There can be many reasons for drilling tiles: this is the installation water pipe, a socket is installed in the bathroom or in the kitchen, it is necessary to hang a shelf, a heated towel rail, etc. on the wall.

It seems that drilling a tile is quite simple, but it must be done in such a way that it does not crack or split completely.

To do this, you only need to do a few simple recommendations, and you will be satisfied with the result, having completed the work quickly and in the way it should be.

Of the tools you may need the following devices:

• electric drill (for an accurate result, choose the minimum number of revolutions);
• cordless screwdriver ( maximum amount revolutions for tiles is from 800 to 1000);
• power screwdriver (also low-speed);
• hand drill (if you need to make a hole with a diameter of up to 12 mm).

What drills are better to choose?

In this section, we will look at which drill is best for drilling tiles. From right choice depends on how neat the hole will turn out and whether a piece of tile will need to be replaced.

Before you start drilling tiles in the bathroom or in the kitchen, you need to remember two points.

Firstly, the tiled surface is rather slippery, so it is difficult to hold the drill in the required position in order to avoid slippage.

Secondly, to do everything right, you need special drills. suitable type, tips for brick or concrete will not work here - the tile will immediately crack.

In order to solve the first problem, it is enough just to take a piece masking tape and stick it on the drilling site.

This way you get rid of the slippery surface.

Choosing the right drill is a responsible matter in this matter. The following types are ideal.

Diamond Drill

Of course, a tool with such a drill will allow you to drill any tile most successfully, but do not forget that this method is the most expensive.

It doesn't make sense to buy an expensive drill if all you need it for is making a small hole in a wall or floor.

On the other hand, almost everyone who professionally performs apartment renovations has such tips.

Perhaps, in this case, the purchase will be appropriate.

Drill bit with pobedite tip

Also effective tool for drilling tiles, this is a more affordable alternative.

If you at least occasionally use a drill at home or in the country, then purchase such a tip, it is sold in any building supermarket or just on the market, and the result is very accurate.

Special drills

The store may recommend even cheaper sets or individual drilling tools. various materials, including tiles.

However, there is already a danger of choosing such a tip, which, despite all the efforts of the seller, will be completely useless.

Therefore, in order to make a hole in a tile in a floor or in a wall, we recommend the second tool from this list.

How to drill tile without cracks?

The algorithm of actions is quite simple, you can drill a tile with your own hands quite easily even if you have no repair skills at all.

When you calculate the drilling space, do not approach the edge closer than 15 mm. This will minimize the risk of cracking.

Before proceeding directly to drilling the tile, soak it in water for 30-60 minutes. This will further reduce the chance of cracking.

If pre-piece facing masonry not soaked, then you can at least wet the drilling site. This method is suitable if the tile has not yet been glued to the wall.

The best way to work is not to drill the tile itself, but to make a hole along the seam.

Drilling a tile for a dowel

In fact, the instructions are very simple, you just need to follow all the steps:

• Stick a small piece masking tape to the place where a hole will be drilled in the tile;
• Calculate the location of the hole (at least 15 mm from the edge of the tile) and mark it with a cross or a circle directly on top of the glued piece of masking tape;
• Install the required drill. Remember that ordinary drills will not work for this case, you should choose them from the list above;
• Start drilling by holding the hammer (or drill) strictly perpendicular. At the same time, set the lowest number of revolutions;
• The finished hole must be adjusted to the size of the dowel. To do this, take a regular concrete drill bit and carefully drill it out. In order not to miscalculate with the depth of the hole itself, you can use a special limiter, but if you don’t have one, then make a mark on the drill itself;
• When the hole is adjusted to the dowel in diameter and depth, blow it out, remove dust and remains of concrete crumbs;
• Now you can insert the dowel. Please note that it should enter the tile itself by a couple of millimeters.

How to make a hole with a puncher using a diamond-coated bit

Of course, diamond-coated crowns are not a cheap pleasure.

So, the price largely depends on the quality of the material. You can choose the most affordable option, but the cost will still remain quite high.

As a cheaper alternative, you can use a crown with victorious teeth. Such a tip is quite enough for 20-25, or even 30 holes.

To work with such a tool, you need to know a few subtleties. Pieces of tiles must be laid out on a flat and smooth surface. It shouldn't be too hard.

A good choice is wood. After that, mark the place of drilling from the front side. Using the guidelines above, carefully poke a hole the right sizes perforator.

Do not press too hard on the tile, otherwise it will be difficult to avoid cracks. If the coating or teeth good quality, then the hole will be ready in a couple of minutes.

How to make a hole in a large tile

The easiest way to really quickly drill a hole is to use the so-called ballerina.

This is a special drill designed for drilling holes in tiles of various diameters.

This tool has a special moving ruler, thanks to which you can adjust the width of the hole.

However, keep in mind that if you work with conventional drill or a perforator is not difficult, then the use of a ballerina requires certain skills.

Therefore, before making a "fine" hole, practice on unnecessary pieces of tile, just do not forget to moisten the drilling site.

Another tool that can come in handy for drilling large diameter holes is a circular saw.

In use, it is easier than a ballerina, and it will take about 6-8 minutes to work, taking into account the average pressure on the drill. We advise you to drill the tile before you install it on the wall or floor.

Firstly, in case of failure, you will not need to replace the entire sector, and secondly, it will simply be more convenient for you to work.

Before you start drilling, be sure to briefly immerse a piece of tile in water, so you avoid overheating.

Thus, there is nothing difficult in making a hole in a tile of any diameter on your own.

The main thing is to choose the right drill, set the minimum speed and do not forget to wet a piece of tile with water, otherwise overheating is inevitable.

Pay attention to the choice of the position of the future hole, do not place it too close to the edge.