Replies

1. 
   rebel357 | Mar 01, 1999 06:47am | #1

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   I always use a masonry bit in my hammer drill and easily drill through ceramic, brick or concrete. I use the type for hammer drills and not rotary drill but you should be able to use a rotary drill type for only one hole. If drilling many holes i highly recommend investing in or renting a hammer drill.

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   Guest_ | Mar 01, 1999 07:02am | #2

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   There are also those pointy carbide tile/glass bits available anywhere (incl. HD) that will work in an ordinary drill. I've found they sail through ceramic tile and are much less likely to "walk" -- if precision is important. Otherwise, sure go masonry drill.

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   Guest_ | Mar 01, 1999 09:17am | #3

   *addendum.Don't set the drill on hammer!! It will usually result in a broken tile if you do.

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   Guest_ | Mar 01, 1999 09:18am | #4

   *Don't just put the point of the drill on the ceramic tile and start drilling away. Your drill bit will "walk" on you and the accuracy of the location of the hole will suffer. Take something with a sharp point, like an awl or the corner of a small screwdriver blade, hold it a short distance away from the tile where you want the hole (about 1/32" is good). Now tap it lightly with a hammer, letting it come in contact with the tile with each tap. What you want to do is chip away a small area of the shiny glazing on the tile about the size of the hole you want. Now use the masonry bit to drill the hole. A hammer drill works best, but a regular drill will work OK. This technique will work for other masonry drilling as well to keep the bit from wandering away from where you want to drill the hole.

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   Guest_ | Mar 02, 1999 06:00am | #6

   *Brothers, all good info. One more helpful hint. Keep a small bucket of water and a tile sponge handy during drilling. Wet the sponge and lay it on the tile surface adjacent to the intended hole. Rest your bit against the sponge and then drill your hole. The water being held within the sponge will keep your masonry or carbide bit cool while drilling and it will cut easier (less chance of heat stressing your tile too).

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   Chuck_Guerrero | Mar 02, 1999 06:00am | #5

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   Need to drill a 5/16" hole in ceramic floor tile. What type of drill bit would be best for this job?