Inexpensive Ceramic Tile Drill Bits That Work Well

[Garcky]

My wife is full of great ideas. Her latest one was, "Could you install a grab bar in the shower?" Since her wish is always my command, I said, "Sure."

It's a nice shower and tub. Ceramic tile on the wall. I hate ceramic tile, if I have to attach something to it. Holes must be drilled, so you can get a nice big, long screw into a stud. Finding studs is easy, of course. I have a nifty Zircon stud finder that works great, but not over a tiled wall. But there's drywall starting about 6' up, so it works there and a makeshift plumb bob makes it easy to lay out the stud location on the tiled area. But I digress....as usual.

Anyhow, I didn't have any drill bits designed for ceramic tile. Regular masonry bits don't work very well, I've found, so off to Lowe's. There, I found some Kobalt carbide bits specifically designed for that job. They were right next to some far more expensive tile-specific bits, but weren't all that cheap. The best bargain was a set of four of them, from 1/8" to 5/16" for $15. I needed just the 1/4", but I bought the set, because who knows what my wife will want me to do in that shower area next.

Anyhow, I used 1.5" blue painter's tape to define the studs' positions, and then used the grab bar itself to mark the positions for the screws. That tape makes it easy, keeps the drill's tip from wandering as you start the hole, and also acts as a protective film to minimize chipping of the glazed tiles. You need to use a water spray to keep the bit cool, as well. Anyhow, chucked in my cordless drill, running about 300 RPM more or less, the inexpensive Kobalt bit did the job just fine. It takes a little time and a little pressure, but it went through the glaze and the ceramic tile pretty easily. No chipping and no wandering, due to the painter's tape.

A good, affordable tool, if you need such a thing.

 

[mike93lx]

I have had good luck with Bosch tile bits.

 

[Garcky]

I have had good luck with Bosch tile bits.

Those look pretty good, although the point is shallower than the Kobalt ones. Ideally, hollow diamond bits are the best choice, but I didn't see any of those at Lowe's. In my handyman days, I had a set of those, but I sold them. The key with all of them, though, is supplying water to the bit and tile and taking your time with the process.

The Kobalt bits have two carbide blades, so you have four cutting edges at work. That made sense to me. I hate having to make holes in ceramic tiles, especially when they're already installed. A cracked tile is a PITA to replace, and matching old tiles is almost impossible. So, I approach those jobs with my breath held until the hole is there.

Anyway, my wife approved of the result. She doesn't watch me do it, thank goodness. So, I get to say, "Piece of cake...."

 

[lardy1]

It has been a few years but I remember that using masonry bits was a lot easier if you ***** the glaze before you try to drill it. Technology has likely passed that by, though.

 

[Garcky]

It has been a few years but I remember that using masonry bits was a lot easier if you ***** the glaze before you try to drill it. Technology has likely passed that by, though.

Yup. The glaze is pretty much glass, so it's tough. Regular masonry drills have a very obtuse tip, and don't penetrate glazes easily. Tile and glass carbide bits tend to have a sharper, more acute tip, which makes starting the hole easier. Always, though, ceramic tiles and glass are brittle, and easily cracked. It does help, though, to put tape on the surface, regardless of what bit type you're using. That helps prevent chipping of the surface.