Before you begin, prepare all the necessary tools. You will also need safety glasses, as when drilling, a lot of particles from the tiles fly off. The locations for the holes in the tiles must be determined in advance; they should not be located close to the edge. Due to the incorrect location of the holes, cracks appear on the tiles.
Before starting work, you must prepare all the necessary tools and protective equipment.
Basic rules for drilling tiles
Drill slowly at first to avoid damaging the tiles. Having passed the top layer of tiles, it will then be easier to drill. After finishing work, the drill should be carefully removed so as not to damage the edges. It is important to start and finish work smoothly here.
To avoid damaging the tiles, drill slowly and carefully.
Important! When making holes in the tiles, you should drill perpendicularly, without deviating even a centimeter. Using special nozzles, you can make large depressions in the tiles. With diamond and corundum drills, the work process is greatly simplified. With the help of a good drill and drill bits, holes in the tiles in the kitchen or bathroom will be made accurately and at no extra cost.
Drilling large diameter holes
When drilling holes for water pipes, a socket or a switch, where the diameter is more than 20 mm, use a ballerina or crowns.
Examples of unsuccessful drilling of tiles for electrical outlets
A crown is a tubular type instrument with a special (diamond) coating. The fairly high price of the cutter is offset by time savings and drilling quality. Using diamond core bits, it is possible to make holes with a diameter of up to 160 mm.
Drilling with cooling
Ballerina is a drill with a sharp tip, similar to a spear, on the lower part of which a holder is attached. Another drill of the same type is attached to it. By moving the bracket, you can set the diameter of the intended hole.
Drilling with a crown
Securing the crown
The drilling technique is similar to drilling for a dowel. The cutter is placed exactly parallel to the tile, so that when it goes deeper, the drill begins to evenly cut the ceramic around the circumference. Sideways movements are not allowed.
Drilling porcelain stoneware
Drilling with a diamond core involves the process of operating the drill at high speeds. Overheating in this case cannot be avoided; in order to avoid heating and burning of the crown, it is necessary to moisten the device with water. Of course, you can drill ceramics “dry”, but only at low speed.
If the cutter does not have diamond protection, do not use the “dry” method. Moreover, using water when drilling speeds up the process.
Drilling by ballerina
Working as a ballerina begins with setting the desired diametrical size. It is necessary to hold the tile and start drilling strictly at low speed. When working, it is recommended to use safety glasses to prevent waste particles from getting into your eyes.
Drilling with a circular ballerina drill
The drill must be held accurately, without changing position or tilting. Don’t forget to place a container of water nearby; when drilling ceramics with a ballerina, you also need it. The main thing is not to rush, act with caution so as not to damage the tiles.
The hole in the tile is cut by a ballerina
Advice! Drilling large diameters in tiles requires some skill. Therefore, it would be a good idea to practice on old tile scraps. Such training will allow you to “get your teeth into” and gain some experience, albeit a little!
How can you drill into ceramic tiles?
Drills of different sizes are required for drilling. You should drill slowly, strictly clockwise. In the kitchen and bathroom, a drill can be used to drill in different materials. If you follow the rules, you can achieve good results.
Drill bits come in different shapes and sizes.
When drilling with a power tool, you should not put pressure on the tile; everything should be done with ease and do not tilt the drill in different directions. Everything should be strictly in the center. After drilling a hole in the tile, a suitable fastener is inserted into it.
Drill a hole in the tile: suitable fasteners are inserted into it.
Little tricks for drilling tiles
In any business, it is better to learn from the mistakes of others, and drilling holes in tiles is no exception. We've already found out how to drill ceramic tiles in the bathroom, kitchen and other rooms, but what else should you know?
Helpful recommendations from experienced craftsmen will help you get the job done as efficiently as possible:
- Drilling the tiles with an electric drill to prevent them from cracking should be done at a speed of no more than 1000 rpm.
- If it is necessary to make a hole in tiles already attached to the wall, and a glass or ceramic drill is used, it must be replaced immediately after the tile layer has been passed through. The required depth of the hole must be made using a concrete drill.
- It is also recommended to change the diameter of the drill. To drill the tile itself, use a drill of a larger diameter, and for the wall a smaller one of 2 mm.
- You can make a hole in the seams between the tiles only when the width of the seam is greater than the diameter of the drill. Otherwise, the tiles will begin to crack and split.
The main principles of correct marking
You can mark the places where you need to drill on the tile. In this case, you can place a small square of fiberboard under the drill in order to drill smoothly and without fear of cracks appearing. The work requires a level with which you can correctly mark the places for drilling holes.
During the work process, the master will need:
- electric drill;
- roulette;
- drills of different diameters and thickness;
- fastening products.
Correct distribution of marks on the wall is a guarantee of successful work. Before drilling, the master should think through the work process down to the smallest detail. Even minor details should not be overlooked.
A guarantee of successful work is the correct mark for drilling.
Common mistakes when drilling tiles
Damage to the tile material is caused by various errors that are made during drilling. They are a consequence of the inexperience of home craftsmen. In order to do the job correctly, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the most common mistakes.
For example, an error may be made at the tile marking stage. Under no circumstances should files or glass cutters be used for this purpose. Also, this operation cannot be performed using a nail. All these methods lead to damage to the tiles. For proper marking, it is best to use a marker.
Another common cause of chips and cracks is improper use of equipment. Beginners often do not monitor the speed of the drill, which leads to damage to the ceramic tiles.
Marker
Important! It is recommended to drill in those areas under which the solution is located. When the drill gets into an empty cavity, the tile is pushed through and destroyed.
The last common cause of cracks in tiles is the wrong choice of drill bits. For such work it is necessary to use special tips that have a special shape and size.
How to carefully drill a hole in a tile for a dowel
The drill often slips off the tiles, so you should put a small piece of tape under it. You can also use electrical tape here, which will significantly reduce the slipping of the drill. After the hole in the tile is prepared, the drill should be replaced with another one, and the size of the drill will depend on the dimensions of the dowel used.
Note! After drilling the hole, you should blow away dust and small grains of sand from the tiles by inserting the dowel into the wall a few millimeters. Distributing everything evenly. you can finish your work. A pre-prepared surface is the key to the success of painstaking work.
Advice from experts: to prevent the drill from slipping on the tile, you can stick a piece of electrical tape or adhesive tape.
Drill for ceramics
For work, you should choose a drill that will drill at low speeds. When working with a drill, you must take control of the temperature of the power tool, since due to severe overheating, small cracks often appear.
The surface of the tile may be irrevocably damaged. Sometimes it is important to listen to expert advice on how to drill a hole in ceramic tiles with minimal losses. Armed with a set of necessary tools, you can carry out complex work.
For work, it is better to choose a drill that can operate at low speeds.
Carbide drill for concrete
A carbide drill is suitable for drilling in brick, concrete and stone. A drill may also be needed for drilling aerated concrete and foam concrete. This type of high quality drill is widely used in construction. When using a drill, you should pay attention to the beginning and end of the drill, which must be free of defects. The drill must be inserted tightly so that it does not come loose when drilling.
Important! There are special grooves on the drill body to remove dust and small grains. With strong pressure, drills are not recommended for use on some products. Products may require other types of drill bits. To drill into walls made of hard materials, you will need so-called pobedite bits.
Special grooves on carbide drills are designed to remove dust and small grains.
Choosing a tool
Ceramic tile coating has been described as a reliable and moisture-resistant material. It is used for walls and floors in the bathroom and kitchen. The tiles perfectly protect walls from moisture.
An example of finishing a bathroom with ceramic tiles
Thanks to the color palette, it is easy to choose tiles to suit any apartment design.
Bathroom decoration with beige ceramic tiles
Since the hardness of ceramic tiles varies, drilling can be done with different tools:
- a hammer drill with a “no impact” drilling mode;
- hand drill;
- electric drill;
- corded or cordless screwdriver.
A hammer drill is used very often in repairs. Its main purpose is to drill holes in a variety of materials.
Hammer
Hammer diagram
Before you start drilling ceramic tiles, you need to determine the work procedure.
- Usually, on the front side of the tool there is a mark with a picture of a drill. It is necessary to turn the toggle switch to this position.
- When performing work, it is forbidden to press the hammer drill trigger with force. There should be no extraneous hum, shaking, or knocking.
hammer drill
How to insert a drill into a hammer drill
A hand drill is a mechanism of the simplest design, consisting of a frame and a chuck. To make holes in the tile, a drill is inserted into the chuck, and the device begins to work. It operates slowly, and you need to strain to make a hole. The advantage of the device is its independence from electricity. A hand drill is most often used to make small holes.
Hand drill (brace)
Electric drill - cope with the task in a few seconds. Operates from a 220 W network. The tool drills holes in ceramic tiles at low speeds using a light feed. The work area should be periodically cooled with water.
Electric drill
How to choose a drill
Screwdriver - There are two types. In order to make holes in the tiles, it is necessary to use a screwdriver (preferably cordless) at a speed not exceeding 900 rpm. A mains-powered device must also have a low-speed operating mode.
Screwdriver
screwdriver
How to drill a wall tile for a pipe socket
Use a marker to mark where you want to make recesses in the wall. Places where it is necessary to make holes in the floor can be sealed with mounting adhesive tape. In some cases, this technique will help to perform a number of manipulations.
Drilling a hole in the tile for a pipe socket.
Often craftsmen use the so-called “ballerina”, with which cutting takes place in several stages:
- Marking the center of the circle.
- A power tool with a drill is installed in the center.
- Processing should be done slowly and carefully.
- Smooth cutting occurs in a circle and as a result, the corresponding recesses for the socket boxes are obtained.
This is what “Ballerina” looks like. This tool will help you drill large holes.
Also in floor tiles, it is important to know how to drill correctly into tiles, which are quite durable materials. For each occasion, you can choose the right power tools that will help make your dreams come true. When making renovations in an apartment, you can’t do without such tools. In addition, modern power tools speed up progress in many ways.
Floor tiles are a fairly durable material, so you need to use the right power tools to drill holes in them.
How else can you drill into tiles?
There is another technique that can be used to make a large hole in a tile that is not yet glued to the wall. To do this, as mentioned earlier, the ceramics are immersed in a basin of water. After a while, take it out and wipe it. Mark the diameter of the desired circle on the tile (draw a circle). Holes are drilled around the perimeter so that the center of the circle can be broken off. Therefore, the holes must be drilled close to each other. The resulting hole in the tile is ready, you can insert it into the pipe. The edges turn out uneven, we process them with a file.
The order of drilling small holes around the circumference
Gently knock out the center with a hammer
File uneven edges
The method is applicable if you don’t have a ballerina or a cutter at hand.
Advantages:
- The tile can be prepared in advance for the hole drilling process.
- soaked tiles significantly reduce the risk of splitting.
The nuances of drilling a large diameter hole to prevent the tile from cracking
When working, you should give preference to suitable products. It is best to choose quality tools for the job. For floor tiles, it is better to use diamond-coated drill bits. In the course of work, they are recognized as one of the strongest and best. They are also beneficial for those who often make renovations in large rooms.
Additional Information! With a pobedite tip, the most suitable drill bit that smoothly drills through wall coverings. It is not recommended to put too much pressure on the electrical appliance during work. Strong pressure contributes to the destruction of the finishing material.
To make it easier to carry out your work, you need to draw a circle with a pencil and carefully drill the necessary holes in the tile with a drill. In every job there are nuances that must be adhered to.
You can draw a circle on the tile and carefully make the necessary holes.
How to drill tiles in the bathroom
How to drill tiles?
The final stage of preparing the walls in the shower room is tiling. It means the final finishing work of the room. Fixing ceramics in the bathroom is directly related to the need to install various shelves, cabinets and other interior items. In order to carry out the correct installation of tile products, you need to carefully prepare them for it, i.e. drill holes. However, if done poorly, the tiles may become unusable.
It will crack or chip, which is completely unacceptable. Therefore, you should carefully approach this issue, since there can be quite a lot of reasons for the appearance of incorrect holes. In addition, you need to take into account the need for communications from electrical to water pipes. This requires additional skill, because you can drill holes between the ceramic tiles, which makes the risk of damage to it minimal.
Common Mistakes
For those who decide to drill tiles for the first time, it is common to make mistakes. However, sometimes mistakes reach the point of ridiculousness - an attempt to remove the glazed surface. In addition, novice craftsmen often try to mark ceramics, or rather, a hole for drilling with a nail or glass cutter. Separately, it is worth noting the use of a file to cut the glaze where it is necessary to drill a hole.
Drilling a hole in a tile
So, to avoid simple mistakes, the best thing to do sometimes is to just think about what you need to do. Although, of course, after scraping the glazed surface it will be much easier to drill. But regarding the future, how to mask damaged areas? After all, after such treatment, the appearance of the product will be completely unusable. Therefore, it is necessary to learn reliable and effective ways to prepare the required holes.
Tool
To drill tiles you will need a drill that has long proven itself on the positive side. It allows you to drill neat holes in the places where it is required, and not where it will work out. For this work you will need a hand drill, which is suitable for a diameter of no more than 12 mm. An electric tool operating at minimum speed, as well as a cordless or conventional screwdriver. Choosing a drill will be more difficult, since simple ones will not be suitable for wood or concrete.
Tile drills
- Diamond sputtering. A drill with this tip is the most effective option for drilling holes. It is convenient to use in work, however, its weakness is its high cost. Often these models are purchased by specialists involved in repairs on a professional basis. Purchasing an expensive element for several holes is a dubious pleasure.
Diamond Coated Drill
- Pobedite tip. According to the recommendations of home craftsmen, this drill is considered the most suitable option for drilling around the house. This copy is an order of magnitude cheaper than the diamond one, but at the same time copes well with tiles.
Drill with pobedite tip
- Specialized. This type of drill also copes well with the task. Its productivity will last for many years, while it is cheaper than models made from diamond, but more expensive than analogs made from pobedit.
Special drill bit for drilling tiles
Useful tips
In order to be able to drill ceramic tiles, you need to get some practice. Based on it, while making a sufficient number of mistakes, you can gain some experience. However, often there is not the required amount of material, as well as time, but you want to do the job correctly. To do this, you should study the recommendations from professionals in their field:
- The location of drilling a hole on a tile product must be marked at least 15 mm from the edge of the edge, otherwise the tile may break.
- To drill a hole without problems, you need to soften the drill from sliding off the surface of the tile. Masking tape is often used for this. It is glued to the work surface, after which they begin to drill through the tape.
To reduce the risk of cracks, ceramic tiles should be left in warm water for 30 minutes. During the drilling process, wet the area where you plan to make the hole.
Proper drilling of holes in tiles
Large diameter holes
You can drill holes significantly larger than the average parameters using a diamond-coated crown or a special circular nozzle for ceramics. To do this, you need to mark the place where you need to drill, and then install a drill with a crown of a suitable diameter, after which drilling is carried out from the front side. When using a reliable crown, an experienced specialist will complete the job in a few minutes.
Crown for drilling larger diameter holes in tiles
If you need to drill a hole of non-standard sizes, then a circular drill or a ballerina drill is suitable for this. The drill is selected to match the dimensions of the hole, after which the entire procedure is carried out. The entire process should take place at low speed, so it is best to hold the tile firmly with your hands and also use safety glasses.
Special attention should be paid to constantly maintaining the drill perpendicular to the tile and preventing the tool from becoming loose during work. A regular drill tripod will do the job perfectly.
In order to perform drilling yourself, it is best to practice on already damaged workpieces. This, of course, will not make you a professional, but it will give you some experience.
Video instruction
Bathroom renovation: how to drill tiles
Ceramic tiles are an excellent finishing material for rooms with high levels of humidity. Due to their hygienic properties and ease of use, ceramic tiles are ideal for the bathroom. It is very easy to wash and looks stylish. It protects well from moisture and is not susceptible to mold. In addition, this material is considered fireproof and very reliable.
But at the same time, when planning to make a wall cabinet or a mirror in the bathroom, you may encounter difficulties. Ceramics is a hard, but at the same time fragile material. Therefore, it is important to know how to drill tiles so as not to damage them. If handled carelessly, it can become cracked and break.
There are several rules on how to work with tiles and ceramic tiles. Holes should be made further from the edges, use a professional power tool. When drilling ceramic tiles, do not allow them to overheat.
When choosing tools to decide how to drill tiles, choose a drill with the ability to control the rotation of the drill. A tool with a high rotation speed may damage the tiles or break them into pieces. An electric drill is best suited, by controlling it you can smoothly change the rotation speed. If you don't have an electric one, you can use a hand drill. Initially, holes are made in the tiles and then attached to the designated place. Before drilling tiles, you need to select special drills. They must have soldering tips made of a special hard alloy. In accordance with the size of the intended holes, you need to select the required sizes and drill bits. They are used at the last stage of drilling. If you plan to make several holes, use a level.
Using a marker or felt-tip pen, you need to mark the tile where the hole should be. To do this, you need to make a small indentation using a hammer, the smallest drill or a metal tap. When considering ways to drill tiles, it is necessary, first of all, not to forget about caution when working with fragile material. The speed of the drill must be adjusted without pressure, very smoothly. If you have an impact drill, then initially you need to use the non-impact mode. After passing the hardest, upper part of the tile, you can switch to impact mode. As a tool for drilling, you can use not only a drill, but also a hammer drill. When working with it, you need to select a drill with a larger diameter than the Pobedit one. This will protect the tiles from splitting during the use of the impact mechanism.
These tips apply to drilling tiles that are in a horizontal position on the floor. But sometimes the question arises about how to drill tiles if they are already attached to the wall. Initially, the tile must be tapped so that there is no void underneath, otherwise it may collapse during drilling. To avoid deformation of the tile surface, you need to attach a paper rectangle to the place where the hole was supposed to be made. You can use masking tape for this purpose. Such measures are also necessary to ensure that the drill does not slip. To judge a drill, it must be lowered into water.
A master who drills tiles at home must be able to handle the tool and have experience working with it. If you are confident in your own abilities and are not afraid to harm the facing material, then feel free to start the repair.
Top 10 Broke Stars It turns out that sometimes even the biggest fame ends in failure, as is the case with these celebrities.
15 Cancer Symptoms Women Most Often Ignore Many signs of cancer are similar to symptoms of other diseases or conditions, which is why they are often ignored. Pay attention to your body. If you notice.
7 Body Parts You Shouldn't Touch with Your Hands Think of your body as a temple: you can use it, but there are some sacred places that you shouldn't touch with your hands. Research showing.
10 charming celebrity children who look completely different today Time flies, and one day little celebrities become adults who are no longer recognizable. Pretty boys and girls turn into...
Our ancestors slept differently than we do. What are we doing wrong? It’s hard to believe, but scientists and many historians are inclined to believe that modern man sleeps completely differently than his ancient ancestors. Initially.
What is it like to be a virgin at 30? I wonder what it’s like for women who didn’t have sex until almost middle age.
How to drill tiles correctly: choose a drill according to tiles and tiles
Ceramic tiles are a universal finish for walls and floors that have a number of advantages. It is widely used in rooms with high levels of humidity and pollution. In residential buildings, it is almost always used in the bathroom and kitchen (at least in the work area). This is due to its moisture resistance, ease of maintenance and the ability to wash its surface even with chemicals. In addition, it is durable and very strong, can withstand heavy and prolonged loads without losing its original appearance.
When finishing walls with tiles, one way or another, it becomes necessary to drill holes in it to connect communications (pipes, electrical outlets) or to attach shelves, cabinets, lamps, heated towel rails, hooks, etc. to the walls. This is where the problem arises, because the tile itself is quite fragile, so you need to drill it carefully and only with special drills, otherwise you will have to spend money on repurchasing broken tiles or locally change the finish in places where it is damaged. We will talk further about how to drill tiles correctly, with which drill and how to drill them.
How to drill tiles correctly
To drill tiles, you can use an electric or hand drill, cordless or corded screwdriver. The minimum rotation speed is selected - up to 1000 revolutions, and the tool itself is selected depending on the desired hole diameter.
How to drill into tiles without cracking them? There are several universal secrets that professionals use:
- drill a hole at a distance of more than 15 mm from the edge, which will reduce the risk of cracks and chips; the closer to the edge, the higher the likelihood of damage;
- Before drilling, put the tiles in water for half an hour to an hour. By absorbing moisture, ceramics become less fragile;
- if the tiles are already installed, you can wet the drilling site with water during the working process;
- when the hole is located in the seam, the risk of their splitting is minimal, but the dimensions of the hole should not extend beyond the seam and affect the tiles. This method, although simple, is rarely used, because the width of the seam is small and it is not always possible to place fasteners exactly between the tiles;
- the rotation speed of the electric drill should not exceed 1000 rpm;
- the surface of the tile should not get very hot, so during the drilling process it must be cooled by wetting it with water, otherwise cracks may appear;
- The drill should not be pressed hard against the tile - this can lead to its destruction. You need to press the tool carefully so that the drill can move inward, but nothing more;
- when drilling mounted tiles, first use a special drill (diamond, pobedite or special), and then use a drill for concrete or brick to make a hole in the wall itself;
- a special drill for tiles and tiles is selected with a slightly larger diameter and is used only for drilling tiles. A drill for concrete or brick should be slightly smaller (a couple of millimeters) in order to freely pass through the resulting hole in the tile.
Depending on the size of the holes and their purpose, the drilling process and the tools used for this may vary.
Drilling holes in tiles for dowels
The surface of ceramic tiles is hard and smooth, so the tool glides over it when drilling. To securely fix it in the desired position, you need to glue masking tape to the location of the future hole, and then drill through it.
Another important point mentioned above: holes in the tiles cannot be made with a regular drill, which is used for concrete or brick. When using it, the tile will almost certainly crack, so the result directly depends on the correct choice of tool. In this case, you need to use a tile drill, which can be:
- with diamond coating;
- with a pobedite tip;
- special for tiles.
A diamond-coated drill is expensive, although it is the most suitable option. Diamond is much stronger than the top layer of tile, so it drills through it quickly and without much effort. But there is no point in buying such a drill for two or three holes, so if possible, it is better to rent it from professional builders.
Diamond Coated Drill
A drill with a pobedit tip is more affordable, which is why it is used more often among non-professionals. You can buy it at the bazaar or at a building materials store.
Pobedite drill bit, for drilling walls
Special drills are used exclusively for drilling ceramic tiles and glass. They may come in handy in everyday life, and more than once, so it is better to purchase them just in case, especially if you have the financial opportunity.
Once the drill is selected, it's time to get straight to work. Drilling holes in ceramic tiles consists of the following steps:
- masking tape is glued to the location chosen for the hole;
- the exact drilling location is marked with a dot or cross;
- a tile drill is installed in the tool;
- a hole is drilled in the tile;
- The “tile” drill is replaced with a “concrete” drill;
- a hole of smaller diameter and the required depth is drilled in the wall. To determine the depth, a mark is applied to the drill in advance, upon reaching which drilling stops;
- the drill is removed;
- the resulting hole is blown out and cleared of dust;
- A dowel is inserted into the hole, going a couple of millimeters into the tile.
This algorithm is designed to produce holes whose diameter does not exceed 15 mm. But often this is not enough, for example, for installing sockets or laying pipes.
Drilling tiles for laying communications
To obtain larger holes, you need to use a more serious tool: a hammer drill, a drill or a ballerina.
To drill a hole in tiles with a hammer drill, you can use an expensive but effective diamond core bit. Its cost is quite high, so it is often replaced with a cheaper crown with pobedit teeth. This is a less durable analogue, which is enough for a maximum of 30 holes, which is quite enough for one apartment or house. Drilling sequence:
- the tiles are laid on a flat surface, preferably wooden, so that it is not hard;
- Markings are applied to the front side along which drilling will be carried out;
- A hole is cut using a puncher according to the markings.
Using a hammer drill to make large holes is the fastest, most affordable and safest way.
Drill for ceramic tiles
When drilling with a drill, a diamond bit is also used, which makes this method expensive. The sequence is similar to that described above. With a high-quality crown, the hole will be ready in 5 minutes maximum.
If you don't have a diamond bit for your drill, you can replace it with a diamond tip. In this case, the process becomes more complicated and consists of the following steps:
- The outline of the future hole is applied to the tile: a circle for a pipe or a rectangle for a socket. You can use a compass, a ruler, or simply attach and circle the desired object;
- Holes are drilled along the contour, the edges of which slightly protrude beyond the outlined boundaries (by a couple of millimeters). The result is about 20 holes, the diameter of which is 4-6 mm;
- the middle of the contour is carefully knocked out;
- the nicks remaining along the edges are broken off with pliers, after which the inner surface is sanded and cleaned.
This method of making holes is highly complex, takes a lot of time and requires not only nerves of steel and a steady hand, but also certain skills in working with the tool.
To drill the laid tiles, use a drill with a tungsten bit. In this case, to fix the drill in the desired position, a template with a marked outline of the future hole is used. It is applied to the wall, and a hole is drilled through it with a drill.
Drilling holes in tiles with your own hands
When you need to make a hole of a non-standard shape and size, a circular drill or, as it is also called, a “ballerina”, is used. To do this you need:
- determine the diameter of the hole. For a hole with a diameter of 5 cm, there should be 2.5 cm between the drilling points;
- mark the drilling locations;
- drill holes. In this case, the tool should operate at a minimum speed of up to 1000 rpm and not swing from side to side. A special tripod is used to fix it. The tile itself must also be securely fixed in a given position. During the process, small fragments may fly out from under the drill, so personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves, must be used.
Drilling tiles seems difficult only at first glance, but in fact there is nothing difficult about it if you strictly follow the advice of professionals and use the right tools. Indeed, there is a risk of damage to the tiles, which can lead to overpayment for materials or even repeated repairs if the tiles have already been laid, but if everything is done correctly, troubles can be avoided. It is important to pay attention to what and how to drill ceramic tiles - often it is an incorrectly selected tool that causes damage.
Diamond-coated drill Pobedit drill for drilling walls Drill for glass and tiles Diamond-coated bit for tiles Drill used for drilling tiles Drilling a hole in a tile with your own hands Drilling holes using a ballerina tile drill Drilling holes in a tile DIY tiles
- How to drill tiles on a wall How to drill tiles on a wall It’s impossible to do without holes in the tiles - you need to fix...
- How to plaster walls under tiles in a bathroom How to plaster walls under tiles in a bathroom? What mixtures are best to use for plastering walls in...
- What drill to use to drill tiles in the bathroom How to drill tiles without cracking: video, photos, tips The answer to the question of…
- Leveling the walls in the bathroom under tiles Assessing the need to level the walls The traditional method is leveling with plaster Alternative methods Tips The best finishing material…
Drilling with a ballerina
This tool is excellent at drilling large-diameter recesses in finishing materials. The tool includes a center drill, cutters and a bracket. Here you need to select special models of nozzles, which depend on the number of cutting parts.
When fixed with a special key, the incisors shift in direction. Using the main drill, drilling is done, and then a large hole is made in a circle on the surface using the sharp elements of the presented tool. The work is not difficult and drilling takes little time.
This tool is often used for drilling other materials. The tool can be called a universal one, with the help of which recesses of different sizes are obtained. In many cases it is simply irreplaceable. In everyday life, you often need to drill holes and you need just such reliable and high-quality power tools.
With the help of a ballerina, you can drill not only tiles. This tool is considered universal.
Selecting a drill for installing a pipe socket
Conventional drills are not suitable for this task. It is recommended to use special centered drill bits. A diamond-coated crown or ballerina crown is best.
If the pipe is covered with a large grill, then nothing special is required; the corners of the tile can be cut off with a grinder
Drilling large diameter holes
This is a complex and painstaking work that is performed according to the following algorithm:
- We mark the center of the future hole and place a bit of the required diameter on the drill.
- We place the drill in the center and start drilling at low speeds.
- As soon as the enamel layer has been passed, you can increase the speed slightly, and when the entire tile has been passed, we stop drilling.
- Next we use a hammer drill. It is important to do all work carefully.
Drilling with a crown To form a large hole, this tool is considered the most effective, but also the most expensive. When drilling ceramics using a crown, it must be constantly cooled with water, because the product overheats very quickly. The effectiveness of this method is due to diamond coating on the crown, which makes drilling faster and more convenient.
There is also a more economical version of a core drill - a product with a serrated edge made of hard alloy, which can reach up to 15 cm in diameter.
The crown must be cooled so that the tile does not crack and the crown does not break.
Drilling by ballerina
When deciding what to drill into ceramics with, many people choose ballerina. It consists of a central drill of small diameter and an adjustable leg, which is moved away from the center to a certain distance and determines the diameter of the hole.
It is important to remember that installing the ballerina's leg adjusts the radius, that is, half the diameter of the circle, which is important when working. After installing it, you need to tighten the screw firmly so that the leg does not move to the side during operation.
It is necessary to drill using a ballerina at low speed, without leaning on the tool. Due to strong pressure, it may jam. The device must be held at a strictly 90 degree angle.
Also, when working, you need to pay attention to the fact that the depth of the slot around the entire circumference is the same. It often happens that after work a small section of the tile remains uncut, then it must be carefully broken off with pliers. The uneven edge is then smoothed over with sandpaper.
What other tool might you need?
Repairs often require a lot of powerful appliances and electrical tools. At the same time, it is important to choose which drill to drill the tiles in the bathroom so that there are no cracks.
Spear drills can be used to drill holes for dowels. They are strong and durable. In addition, crowns with tungsten carbide coating can be used in the work. You can use not only electric drills, but also screwdrivers.
Crown with tungsten carbide coating.
Bulgarian
You don’t always need to buy any special equipment to work. In everyday life, you can easily use an angle grinder, which copes well with any task. The universal tool works well on wood and tiles.
Important! For cutting off unnecessary edges from tiles, a grinder will be the most suitable option. With a smooth cut, the tile does not deform. The edges of the cut remain even and smooth.
You can also use a grinder to cut out certain pieces of unnecessary tiles. Using a grinder you can make straight and curved cuts. Moreover, all this is done quite quickly and simply. Different cutting methods are applicable here.
A grinder can be used to cut tiles into specific pieces.
Jigsaw
As for the jigsaw, it can be used to cut wall tiles. Floor tiles are considered more durable, so they will be more difficult to cut.
When processing with a jigsaw, the tiles often split, so you need to work with the tool very carefully, without overheating it. It is easy for the material to deform here, so the tiles should be moistened with water before cutting. After an hour, you can begin processing the finishing material.
Note! Thanks to humidity, the tiles are easier to cut and there is almost no dust during work.
Before processing the material, the surface for cutting should be first cleared of all unnecessary things. There should be nothing superfluous in the work. Everything is just the essentials. It is advisable to use the tool at medium speed. The cut must be strictly along the marked lines. For cutting by hand, there is a special jigsaw with which you can carefully process durable material. The main thing is quality and accuracy.
A jigsaw is suitable for cutting wall tiles. The floor type is stronger and will be much more difficult to work with with a jigsaw.
Working with ceramic tiles using available tools
As for available means, you can use a glass cutter to make a suitable groove. The material can be easily cut thanks to this tool. Any remaining irregularities can be removed using pliers. This toolkit is no less in demand. To align the edges of the cut, they can be treated with special grinding.
You can cut tiles without much difficulty with a simple glass cutter.
The tools at hand will help you cut tiles of different sizes. Excess cuts can be easily sharpened with a special device. The finishing material is quickly processed with a small number of tools.
If you use pre-prepared products and materials and do everything correctly, the quality of the work performed will be at the proper level. Edges and protrusions can be easily sanded. It’s quite easy to do everything at home; it’s only important to choose the time for repair work. After processing, the tiles are smooth and even.
Grinding a tile cut at a 45 degree angle.
Special attachments for drills
The work cannot be done without special attachments. Often a special stop is required with which you can drill deep. The thrust device is equipped with a special handle, and there is a metric scale on its handle. In addition, consoles are often needed on which it is convenient to place the tools.
Important! Today, dust removal nozzles are widely used. All this contributes to the quality of the work performed. Also, a special vice is used for the drill, which is necessary for fixing it. For the drill, you can choose a holder that makes it more convenient to hold it. At the same time, it will not slide off. It is very convenient to have such devices.
This is what the dust collector nozzle looks like.
Diamond coated crowns
A coated bit is placed on top of a hammer drill or drill. It handles the selected surface well. Spraying from crumbs perfectly polishes the edges of the tiles. The hard coating is easy to thoroughly sand. This is an effective option in obtaining the desired result. The strength and reliability of the nozzles used has been time-tested.
A diamond-coated bit is placed on top of a rotary hammer or drill.
The cutters located on the crowns are very durable, so the material can be processed quickly and with high quality. As you know, crowns come in diameters of 10 mm or more. You can buy either a separate nozzle or a set of them. A set of devices should always be at hand. At first, you can use the attachments in a single copy.
This set of diamond-coated crowns will always come in handy around the house.
How to make a large hole for sockets or pipes
If you need to drill large holes for a mixer or pipes, you also need to take into account some features. One of them is choosing a suitable drill. For this purpose, you can use the following tool:
- A crown made of hard alloy.
- Ballerina.
Which tool is better to use: a crown or a ballerina
To decide which type of drill to give preference to, you should consider the features that each of them has.
In the first case, a number of the following signs can be noted:
- There are quite expensive diamond-coated crowns on the market that provide fast and high-quality drilling, eliminating the possibility of causing damage to the tiles if used correctly.
- In most cases, purchasing a tool of this type is impractical, especially if there is a need to make only a few holes.
- Drills of this variety are afraid of overheating, so you should always monitor their temperature, avoid using them at high speed, and also regularly cool them with water.
- If drilling is rare, you can purchase a more affordable crown with pobedit teeth, the resource of which is quite enough to make 20 holes.
- When using them, work should be done extremely carefully, avoiding sudden movements, which could cause the tiles to break.
- Drills of this variety have a diameter of 15 cm, which is quite enough, even when making holes for sewer pipes.
Ballerinas have the following features:
- A drill in the shape of a cylinder or spear, on the tail of which there is a fixed bracket and an additional tool of the spear type.
Note! It is best if the middle center drill is hexagonal rather than cylindrical.
- They have a more affordable price, but also an order of magnitude smaller resource.
- The bracket present on the tool allows you to adjust the diameter of the working area of the drill.
Having familiarized yourself with some of the main features of each type, you can understand that for home use, a more suitable choice is to purchase a ballerina, which is not only more affordable, but also allows for holes of various sizes. The crown does not have this characteristic feature.
The process of drilling large holes in ceramic tiles
First of all, before drilling a hole in the tile, you should make markings on its surface, for which you need to use a pencil with a compass, having previously established the required diameter of the depicted circle. After this, masking tape should be applied to the intended area to prevent the drill from slipping.
After completing the above steps, you can begin the main work, for the convenience of which it is worth using the following tips:
- For convenience, you can use a plywood board or fiberboard to use it as a stencil, which should be pressed well against the ceramic product itself.
- If the tiles are not glued, they must be laid on a flat surface, after which they must also be drilled using a stencil.
When making a hole using one of the above methods, it is necessary to drill the material at a right angle and only from the outside.
In the first method, actions are carried out as follows:
- Initially, you should install the ballerina or drill of a suitable diameter in an electric drill or other tool used.
- In the first case, it is necessary to adjust the optimal size using cutters.
Note! The distance between the drills of the ballerina should be two times smaller than the desired hole diameter.
- Next, you need to carry out drilling, while observing all the previously described recommendations. It is especially important to take into account the nuances regarding the pressure of the tool on the surface of the material, regarding cooling, and also do not forget about setting low speeds.
Important! When working with a drill, it must be held at an angle of 90° with respect to the ceramic product. In this case, the possibility of any unnecessary movements to the sides should be excluded.
When using a diamond bit, you can set high speeds and not cool it regularly, since it is not so afraid of overheating, but it should be borne in mind that in this case it will fail an order of magnitude faster, so to avoid this, it is still better to carry out constant wetting. This is especially important to observe when drilling glazed tiles.
Note! It is not advisable to place water near the power tool you are using.
The second way to make a hole is as follows:
- The first step is to drill a hole with a diameter of 12 mm using a drill with a diamond-coated drill bit.
- Next, a tungsten hacksaw blade should be installed in it, the ends of which must then be fixed in the hacksaw.
- At the next stage, you should cut out a hole of the required diameter, directing the tool as accurately as possible along a pre-designated circle.
- At the end of the work, you need to remove the tape from the tile and wipe it with a rag.
If the edges of the holes are not smooth enough, they can be processed using an abrasive stone.
Features of drilling unfixed tiles
No matter what drill you take, it is not recommended to press on the tile when drilling. Everything must be done with care and precision. Excessive pressure can ruin everything and then you will need to buy new material, and this is often a big expense. To avoid unnecessary expenses, you need to adhere to certain rules and expert advice.
Tile is a rather fragile material, so you shouldn’t put too much pressure on it when drilling.
It is important to know how to drill tiles so that they do not crack, using the advice of the experts. To prevent the drill from slipping on the surface of the tile, it is recommended to apply a corrector to the prepared area, thanks to which everything will go “like clockwork.” You can also use a metal plate with holes in it to prevent slipping.
There are many special devices that make it easier to drill such capricious materials as tiles.
A device called a jig helps to carry out the drilling process well. It is also convenient to use a feather drill for tiles. During operation, the tip is carefully deepened to the required distance. This will greatly help ensure that no cracks appear on the tiles.
A device called a jig will help you quickly and easily drill a hole of any diameter.
Note! If you are working with tiles, you can hold them with your hand so that they do not move. It is recommended to wear good rubber gloves and safety glasses beforehand. You simply cannot do without these accessories.
When working, you should follow all safety measures and protect your eyes. You should also wear a Panama hat on your head to keep your hair free from dust.
During work, all safety and protection measures must be observed.
After the work has been done, you need to carefully remove everything from the surface of the tile. The tile should always be smooth and clean. To do this, you can wipe it with a damp cloth using detergents and cleaning products. Each job requires thorough preparation to ensure it is completed successfully.
This will require skills and abilities, as well as recommendations from experienced workers. Over time, you can independently learn how to process tiles and, if necessary, carry out the assigned tasks. Everything is achieved with high-quality equipment. Have a successful and fruitful work!
Drilling algorithm: step-by-step instructions
First of all, you need to mark the center of the future hole with a marker or felt-tip pen. Next, we proceed directly to drilling a hole in the ceramic tile.
Important! It is necessary to cool the drill first by dipping it in cold water. This will help avoid overheating and cracking the enamel.
The main difficulty that many encounter is the drill slipping. How can you easily make a hole in a tile for an outlet and avoid this?
There are three main ways:
- A method that is not recommended to be used, but it can be done, is to knock off the enamel at the desired point, tilt the tile, or use a screw to make a small conical depression. We place the tip of the drill in this hole, it will be held steadily in one position, and drill the tile.
- When working, you can use a jig; this is a bar with holes of different diameters. It is applied to the wall in the right place, pressed very firmly against the surface of the wall, and they begin to drill through one of the holes.
Important! If you don’t have a conductor, making one yourself is not difficult. Just make a hole in a wooden board and use it.
- Place an adhesive plaster or mounting tape at the drilling site. They will help hold the drill while passing through the enamel layer, and will also help mark the desired point on the surface.
- If there is office corrector in the house (a white product for shading errors, sold in a bottle or in the form of a pencil), apply it to the surface and wait until it dries completely. The product creates a slight roughness on the tile, which allows the drill to hold steadily at the desired point.
To prevent the drill from slipping, simply use masking tape or electrical tape
Advice from the experts
It is not easy to do renovations in an apartment on your own. It is difficult for novice craftsmen to work in the bathroom. A complex of plumbing equipment and utility networks is concentrated here. Therefore, the advice of experienced craftsmen who know all the intricacies of plumbing and finishing work will be of great benefit. Among them are the following:
- A large diameter hole can also be made using a grinder with a stone disc or diamond coating. To do this, carefully make multiple short cuts around the circumference. After which their edges are leveled with nippers.
- The template (conductor) is made independently from a small piece of plywood.
- Having drilled through the ceramics and reached the wall, change the drill to a drill whose diameter is 1-2 mm smaller.
- Before starting work, you need to tap the tiles and make sure that there are no voids underneath.
- If you don’t have the skill to work with tiles, it is advisable to practice on unnecessary and inexpensive tiles.
By following the recommendations of specialists, many mistakes can be avoided. Self-made repairs are the pride of the owner. If you take your time and study useful information in advance, everything will be done quickly and efficiently.
