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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Ceramic Tiles https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1081474968 Message started by Little_Miss_DIY on Apr 9^th, 2004, 2:42am

Title: Ceramic Tiles
Post by Little_Miss_DIY on Apr 9^th, 2004, 2:42am

Hi,

I've almost put the final touches to my new bathroom but can't work out how to attach toilet roll holder to ceramic tiles!

Should I use the grouting as a guide line to drill into?

I'll be absolutely gutted if I damage the tiles :o

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by HandyMac on Apr 9^th, 2004, 6:26am

wrote on Apr 9^th, 2004, 2:42am:

Should I use the grouting as a guide line to drill into?

No. If you attempt to drill in the grout lines you are likely to cause a situation where the drill bit will snatch against the edge of a tile, and that could cause the tile to get broken.

Drill holes in ceramic tiles somewhere away from the tile edge where possible.

You need to buy a special ceramic tile bit, which is a bit like a pointy little spear - this has a very sharp cutting angle (unlike regular drill bits which are a shallow cutting angle). The sharp point on the bit helps it to hold to a given point rather than slip across the surface of the tile. You can put a piece of tape on the tile to help here, though I haven't found it necessary myself.

Drill slowly until the tile bit is thru the tile, then switch to a regular masonry bit to dig the hole for the rawlplug.

Quote:

I'll be absolutely gutted if I damage the tiles �:o

You will have to damage the tile to put a hole into it. But I know what you mean :)

Andrew

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by engineer1958 on Apr 9^th, 2004, 10:03am

Handy,

Might be worth adding that when using the masonry drill bit DONT use the hammer action on the drill or else tile will break :(

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by HandyMac on Apr 9^th, 2004, 3:49pm

wrote on Apr 9^th, 2004, 10:03am:

Might be worth adding that when using the masonry drill bit DONT use the hammer action on the drill or else tile will break � � :(

True - thanks for reminding me/us.

Drilling tiles is typically a gentle process - the drill bit rubs away at the tile rather than attacks it like a regular masonry hole. Regular tiles for kitchens and bathrooms bought in the sheds (is that word banned yet???) are pretty soft stuff for tile drills and go thru in a matter of seconds. Not necessarily so for other types of tiles for floors etc.

Andrew

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by ColG on Apr 9^th, 2004, 6:32pm

We're in DIY land here so you can talk about B&Q, Wickes, Focus, Homebase as much as you like - just don't mention SCREWFIX ;D

Col

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by jmcbuilder on Apr 9^th, 2004, 7:09pm

Screwfix mmmmm :-X

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by Dewy on Apr 9^th, 2004, 7:41pm

I bought a set of negative rake drills that can drill into wood, metal, masonry, tiles & glass.
To drill into ceramic tiles or glass, you hand turn them backwards & forwards gently to break the glaze then drill slowly.
It's one of the few times the old hand drills are useful.
I bought another set of similar but cheaper drills & returned them for a refund because the first use into concrete took the edge off completely.

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by Little_Miss_DIY on Apr 10^th, 2004, 1:22am

::)

Thanks everyone for your advice, its certainly opened my eyes.

Managed to get myself a drill bit from Homebase, so hopefully, and now that i'm tooled up with the knowledge, I should be able to achieve those holes without butchering the tiles. (I'll let you know!)

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by HandyMac on Apr 10^th, 2004, 2:28am

Drill slowly and you'll be fine.

Always amazes me when I hear neighbours drilling holes in their walls to hang flower baskets etc. Electric drill set to hammer mode and 3,000,000 revs per minute ;)

Andrew

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by Kesh on Apr 14^th, 2004, 1:17am

I disagree about using the grout lines as a start for drilling - use a tile bit, but the tile edges will stop the bit from sliding, while the soft grout will centre the hole.

If the tiler used a level, then that's another advantage!

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by HandyMac on Apr 14^th, 2004, 2:23am

wrote on Apr 14^th, 2004, 1:17am:

I disagree about using the grout lines as a start for drilling - use a tile bit, but the tile edges will stop the bit from sliding, while the soft grout will centre the hole

True enough, though I tend to believe that the edge of a tile is a natural point of weakness, and if the drill dug into the grout unexpectedly (because of a hole under the surface of the grout maybe) then it could set up a sequence of events whereby the drill bit grabbed on the edge of the tile.

Probably not high on the list of possibilities though.

Andrew

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by thescruff on Apr 14^th, 2004, 10:01am

As a plumber with 45years practice at breaking tiles, the further away from the edge the better.

scruff :-[

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by Plumber on Apr 15^th, 2004, 4:32pm

I have always just used an ordanary masonary bit to drill tiles, a new one of course so it is sharp and drill off hammer untill I am through the tile then on hammer to drill the brick, never had many problems
Don't forget to always push the plug in past the tile otherwise it can crack the tile as you tighten the screw, as the plug expands

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by Little_Miss_DIY on Apr 22^nd, 2004, 1:31am

Hi,

A huge thank you to all of you ;D

Tonight I successfully drilled a hole through a tile!

Not just one but four perfect holes!!

And now, for my next trick....... :D

Title: Re: Ceramic Tiles
Post by Dewy on Apr 22^nd, 2004, 2:45am

Give yourself a big clap.
There are many men who have never been able to drill into tiles without breaking at least one. ::) ;D