Shower door install question..

[BellyUpFish]

Ok, so our shower door is coming loose. I'm attributing it partially to my 4 year old twins and their slam the door habits.

Well, I figured I'd drill some extra mounting points in the frame.

Turns out Mr. Contractor felt 2 mounting screws is plenty.

Ok, so my question. Whoever put the door up drilled between the tile, in the grout.

Am I asking for trouble if I punch a few more holes in the center of a tile or should I keep the screws in the grout?

 

[VersionOne]

This is common to do; drilling into the grout lines. Some tiles are either quite hard to drill through, while others may crack from the percussion (hammering) of the drill. If you have an extra tile, try drilling into it to see its hardness. That'll give you a better idea on how to proceed. You can also try using a longer screw to penetrate deeper into the roughbuck 2x4 on those two pre-existing holes.

 

[Tweeker]

Ceramic tile is easily done with hammer drill. Porcelain requires a carbide bit,but you can get that at HD. No need to cheat and hit the grout joints if you use the correct tools.

Actually looking at the cross-section in your pic it looks like travertine(stone) which is softer like ceramic.

Porcelain bit \/ works great on anything else too.

 

[Cactus1]

I'll 2nd the V bit.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I drill tile all the time. I use dewalt titanium bits. Who knows if they really are titanium, but i have like 6 sets. Always use a super sharp one and keep medium pressure on the drill. Cracking mostly occurs when tile guys don't butter the tiles well and you have unequal adhesive on the back side.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

I used concrete bits and drilled through tile and grout with my hammer drill I sprayed water on the surface with a mister.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

They make a tile bit similar to those posted by "tweeker" but they have a more arched carbide tip. Plug you drill (better yet go cordless) into a GFCI outlet and have a helper us a pump spray bottle to keep the tip wet as you drill your new holes. You can drill into grout lines or in the middle of the tile. Bear in mind that porcelain tile is very hard and it will take some time but with the right bit and water you'll get through.

INMHO Don't use titanium high speed drill bits or a hammer drill. You really don't want to replace any tile...

 

[BellyUpFish]

Thanks guys.

Shower door is solid as a rock now.

 

[jhelrey]

I know I am late to the party but I will second some opinions. Do not hammer drill tile or you will crack them.

I use these style bits. http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/hitachi-product:729402

 

[BellyUpFish]

Work is done.. No cracked tiles..