Drilling Ceramic Tile

Many folks believe that drilling ceramic tile is beyond the skills of the average homeowner or DIY-er. Not so! It is a bit tricky, and you will need a few special tools, but with these and the proper know-how - which we will supply you in this guide - you can get the job done.

First of All, A Bit About Ceramic Tile.

Before you begin your project of drilling ceramic tile, pull up a chair and listen a bit as we well you a few things about ceramic tile. Ceramic tile is actually an manufactured product. Ordinary tiles are made strictly of clay, but ceramic tile uses a higher content of silica (a mineral).

What gives ceramic tile it's hardness -- and what makes it so difficult to drill - is the fact that compared to other types of tile, ceramic tile is fired hotter and longer when it is baking in the kiln (oven) during the manufacturing process. When the ceramic tile is finished, it has a very hard, very smooth, glasslike coating that is also very slippery.

Why Ceramic Tile Is Hard To Drill

If you have ever tried to drilling ceramic tile before you may not been very successful, because the hard, slippery surface of the tile prevents the drill bit from getting a grip. That means when you try to drill ceramic tile, the drill bit can slip from where you want the bit to penetrate.

But there is another problem: When you are drilling ceramic tile it is VERY easy to crack the tile. Fortunately, there are some precautions that you can take to minimize this risk.

Drilling Ceramic Tile: Equipment & Supplies You Will Need

What Equipment and supplies will you need for drilling ceramic tile? Well, first of all you will need a good drill - and by good, I mean one that can deliver reliable power at very low speeds. Drills that operate effectively only at high speeds should not be used for drilling ceramic tile. You will also need a good set of drill bits - bits that are tipped with diamonds or carbide work the best. You should also get some good-quality masking tape, and a good black marker.

How To Drill It

Before you begin drilling ceramic tile, cover the area where you will be drilling with masking tape. This will help the drill bit by giving it something to bite into. Put the drill bit in your drill, position it and begin by drilling -- SLOWLY. When you are drilling ceramic tile, you NEVER want to operate your drill at a high speed.

As you drill, watch your drill bit carefully - especially when it is penetrating through the hard, glassy, smooth layer on top. When you are drilling ceramic tile this is the time when your drill is most likely to slip.

Also, to keep the tile from cracking, apply only enough pressure to keep the drill bit in place. Many people believe that you will get much better results if you drill ceramic tile from a drill press, as you will have much greater control over the drill than when you use a hand drill.

Also keep in mind that because you must do your drilling of ceramic tile slowly, there will be a lot of heat build-up due to the great friction. In order not to damage the tile or your drill bits, you should use a cooling liquid (some use water, some use cutting oil) on the surface of the tile, making sure that the drill bit is cooled by it.