I put ceramic tile down on a concrete porch using thinset mortar. I had to reset the railing using 1/4 ” Tapcons for the base plates. I had a really hard time drilling through the tile. A regular carbide concrete bit burnt up before I was half way through. I couldn’t use the percussion on the drill as it would break out the tile if it was anywhere near the edge of the tile. I got a drill bit from a friend in the glass business and this was an improvement but still excruciatingly slow. It took me longer to install the brackets than to tile and grout. There were 24 holes. I have drilled ceramic wall tiles and floor tiles before and never had this much trouble. Any thoughts?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story

This floating home maximizes its waterfront location with seamless indoor-outdoor living, a unique two-story layout, and a design that prioritizes light and views.
Featured Video
Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by BrickHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Sounds like porcelain tile to me.
Special bits are available but pricy.
Chuck S
Steven's got it, I'm thinking.
These work well, but not as fast as drilling ceramic, follow their instructions and they'll last a while;
http://www.contractorsdirect.com/Tile-Tools/Diamond-Hole-Saws-Core-Bits/PTC-Porcelain-Drill-Bit
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
The same way you cut them! Use diamond tipped with water for lube and cooling. cooling water on the carbide works too. You can use the hammer thing once through the tile.
Had exactly the same situation.
At Lowes, I bought a Lenox Diamond Hole Saw Kit - 4 bits, 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" for ~$44. Lenox kit # 12158.
Individual bits may be available - have not looked recently as my originals are doing fine.
The secret to success is relatively slow drill speed (cordless recommended by Lenox), moderate pressure and LOTS of water to float the cuttings away - easy to do on a horizontal surface.
About 90 seconds per hole through 3/8" thick tile which I could not drill with my hammer drill and masonry bit.
For 1/4" Tapcons, I used the 5/16" or 3/8" bit to cut through the tile, then 3/16" hammer drill to bore the pilots into the concrete.
Jim
Thanks for the info. Rog
In your area you should search for a company the sell diamond drill bits . They have no center drill just a hollow core with the rim impregnated with industrial diamond . You start the drill at 10% off center and bring it perpendicular after you have scored about 20& of the diameter. Continue drilling slowly in the perpendicular position .
They work awesome!!!!! http://www.protechdiamondtools.com