How To Drill Large Round Holes in Tile
Get off to a good start when using a hole saw by using plumber's putty, a little water, and a glass-and-tile bit.
Diamond hole-saws are perfect for making holes for plumbing penetrations in tile showers, tub surrounds, or backsplashes, but the pilot bits that come with these hole-saws often leave a lot to be desired. So when I’m drilling a 1 3/8-in. hole for a faucet handle I will often start it with a glass-and-tile bit. The pointy end starts the hole, and then I finish the cut with the diamond hole saw. I use plumber’s putty to establish a dam around the cut, allowing me to fill the cut area with water and drill it wet. The water eliminates dust and lubricates the cut.
—David Schmid Indianapolis, Ind.
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #284
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