There are a number of spade and other drill bit types designed to drill glass and porcelain tile. But if you want a neat drill hole, use a diamond drill bit for all your glass tile and porcelain tile jobs. But you just can’t go down to your local home improvement store and grab a diamond drill bit and rush back to drill a hole in your tile. There are a few things you’ll need to be aware of before starting.
Diamond drill bits for porcelain tile and glass tile come in several different designs. Most are diamond core bits. This means that the center of the bit is hollow and there are micro diamonds embedded around the rim of the bit. As it cuts, shavings are pulled up into the bit. Generally there is a hole on the side of the bit near the top where the shavings will come out.
First off, if you can, lay the tile flat to drill. You’d think this was obvious, but you’d be surprised at the number of diyer’s and contractors who lay glass tile on a wall or ceiling then remember they needed some holes in it.
One thing you must do with a diamond drill bit is to go slow and use some water. You don’t want to heat the head of the bit up. You may even want to form up small levee’s around the area to be drilled with caulk.
When I was remodeling my hall bathroom, I had to dig out the old toilet flange bolts and ring that the home builder had slightly sunk into the concrete. Needless to say, the toilet was never solid and over the years had rusted even though being made out of galvanized steel. I then had to bust out some more concrete to tie into the drain so I could raise the flange slightly.
I could have used one of those flange units that slip inside the old drain, but this is my bathroom we’re talking about. Why not take some extra effort and do it right? Also, many of those quick fix flange repair kits that the big box hardware/lumber stores like to sell do not meet code, anywhere! Kinda like those flexible drain lines with the bellows they sell! LOL
Anyway, I drilled through the new porcelain tile with the diamond drill bit I bought at Lowes. I followed directions and drilled slowly. Instead of making little levee’s around my drill area, I used a spray bottle with cool water to keep my bit cool. It was kinda messy, but I ended up with some beautiful holes in my porcelain tile for the new flange.
The problem with the traditional style bits that are sold for use on glass and porcelain tile is that they can, and usually do, chip out the tile you’re working on. Normally these drill bits are made out of carbide or have small carbide tips on them to drill the hard and brittle glass or porcelain.
Take it from me, the extra cost of a diamond drill bit and the time it takes to use it, is worth it’s price in Gold. If you take your time (drilling glass or porcelain tile is a slow process, especially with a diamond bit) you’ll end up with some beautiful holes and the job will be done right!
