Sticking a piece of masking tape over where you want to drill will help prevent the drill from "wandering" as you start to drill. I always like to drill a small pilot hole first with a very sharp masonry bit.

There are special drill bits available for drilling in tiles but a good sharp masonry bit normally works ok.

It is a good idea to avoid drilling the joins, it can splinter the tile.

Some tiles will drill easily others are so hard nothing seems to scratch them. Do not resort to using the hammer action, this is NOT a good idea. Just be patient and don't let the drill bit run too hot.

This is one of the 5 minute jobs that can take all day

Much obliged for the replies. I'll try it as soon as I get the "boss"'s OK as to where she wants it put.

Do you think it's better to put the bar (about 24" long) at the side of the tub, or at the end, under the shower head?

Your replies are appeciated.

Murray

Hi Murry and welcome, an other little tip if placing this grab rail around the shower end, is to use a little dab of silicone on the screw thrtead, and around the screw hole when siting the item, it will help stop water ingress!!!

(just recently done this job for my elderly parents!!! (nightmare!!- 11 differing opinions of WHERE it should be put from the pair of them!!)  

Well just to throw a spanner in the works, I'd recommend the proper tile drill bits.  They only cost a pound or two and work well.

I use them in a cordless drill on slowish speed so fully in control.  They cut through the glaze without any fear of cracking the tile.

There are three or four sizes available, get the one to suit the plugs you're using.

If the wall is Celcon or similar I use the tile drill to drill the whole hole (whole hole?).... including into the wall so no need for the masonry drill.

I use this method for fixing shower equipment.  Never fails