Using Carbide Drills to drill in to ceramic tile

[cms_]

Guys, I need to drill into some ceramic tile to mount a microwave. I tried a Carbide-Tipped masonry bit. They burned up quickly. A friend of mine told me to use a reg. solid carbide drill. Anyone tried this? Success?

Thanks

 

[TwoInch]

hammer drill or regular?

 

[hell_fish_65]

I use glass bits. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-4-Piece-Steel-Glass-and-Tile-Bit-Set-AR1650/100634348
We used them all the time when I use to install bathroom partitions.

 

[oldldh]

Glass bits are the way to go...

Go slow, use water to cool the tile...

Easy does it...a drill press would make it easier...

 

[nutjob]

Try using a center punch with a light hammer blow to chip the tile where you need to drill.

This helps to get the drill bit started on the hard surface of the tile.

Kevin

 

[rlitman]

Yep, a spade shaped carbide glass bit is how you need to start this.
Dry is fine. Just go very slow.
Don't hit it with a punch, don't use a hammer drill.

If you need a hole bigger than around 5/16", one option is to drill it out with a large glass drilling bit. Then use a masonry bit to open up the hole to the final size. This will not leave a really clean edge though, but that's fine behind a microwave. If it needs to be clean, you can get a diamond core bit, but those should be used wet.

 

[Packard V8]

You must be using the wrong carbide-tipped bits. There's a lot of shiny chrome Chicom junk out there which won't drill butter.

I use carbide-tipped bits in ceramic tile all the time, starting the hole with a 1/8" or 3/16" bit and then finishing to size.

jack vines

 

[evintho]

Go buy a tile bit. HD or Lowes should have 'em. $5, if that.

 

[Gary S]

I've used carbide bits to drill holes in glass. My success came by drilling very slow, sometimes by hand instead of using a drill.

 

[Thumper68]

Use the glass bit to start the hole, slow speed and low pressure. 2nd on the nail set to chip the surface.

 

[jhelrey]

Diamond bit...

 

[cms_]

Thanks for all of the reply's. I tried a reg. all carbide drill bit and it did work great. I have access to them readily so cost is not a factor. I will try some of the things you guys mentioned above. Thanks

PS, I was not using a hammer drill, didn't have it with me. Was using a Dewalt 20V Max Drill.

 

[RKA]

The hard part is breaking through the glazing. The glass and tile bits and even carbide will do that well, but it takes a little pressure and patience. After that it goes pretty easy, just keep the bit cool (flush it with water) and it goes through the tile quickly. I've tried using masonary bits without the carbide tip...it takes forever to break the glazing.

 

[hell_fish_65]

Don't use a hammer drill. It just cracks tiles.

 

[GRX]

You must be using the wrong carbide-tipped bits. There's a lot of shiny chrome Chicom junk out there which won't drill butter.

I use carbide-tipped bits in ceramic tile all the time, starting the hole with a 1/8" or 3/16" bit and then finishing to size.

jack vines

^^ agreed. A good carbide burr and drill tip should cut through ceramic with no problem. End cutting double rotary file.

>> http://www.discount-tools.com/40double.cfm

 

[Ign]

I had to drill some very hard tile in a bathroom. It was chewing up carbide-tipped bits. Finally got some diamond core bits from HD and that was the ticket. Still required several of those but was just glad to get it done. Unfotunately as I recall the only options were 1/4 or 5/16.