Drilling Small Holes in Vertical Granite
I have to drill a couple of 1/4-inch holes in a granite backsplash. What is the best way to do this without damaging the granite? I was going to use some predrilled 1x hot-glued to the granite as a template and use a masonry bit. Or would a high-speed bit be better?
Does anyone have a better idea or technique?
Thanks.
Replies
I think a good sharp masonry bit would be best.
A masonry bit will drill soft stuff like brick, but will have a difficult time in granite. A better tool is a rotary hammer. It will melt through the stone. An SDS type is what you're looking for. You can buy one new for $200 or so (Bosch is a good brand), or rent one for maybe $25 a day.
I'd be nervous with an SDS on a backsplash for fear of setting off a crack if it's not fully and firmly supported from behind. You can drill through granite with a spear-point bit for glass -- just drill, no hammer. You'll need to keep it wet -- I like to use a garden sprayer -- while drilling & go slow.
Some of the cheaper bits don't seem to work too well, but if you only have a few holes, give it a try. You can get nice ones at the John Bridge forum store, but be forewarned -- although they are good, they are a bit pricey.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Ahhh, yes a glass bit. I had heard that before. I'll give that a try.
Thanks.
Do they make diamond drill bits or hole saws that small?
Diamond bits are what the guys used that put our granite countertop in. Of course, they were drilling 1" holes, though.
Harbor Freight has some little diamond hole saws. Bought some & they work well. Wish I could find them, lost the whole lot of them somewhere in my storage.
Joe H
Here's where I get mine.
http://www.constructioncomplete.com/TileEquipment/TileDrillBits/PorcelainDrillBits.html
Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood
That's the site that John Bridge links to. As I said, a bit pricey, but worth it.
I just got a 1/4" porcelain bit from them. Although the info on the site doesn't say it, it came with a nice 1/4" masonry bit for continuing the hole after you get through the tile so you don't mung up the tile bit. Nice touch.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
Mike ,
I got the same bit kit in January. It is pricey.
You finish that new bathroom yet? That vanity top is sweet.
Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood
I haven't finished yet, tho' I have now installed the shower unit and window in the shower and the glass guys are coming today to measure for a door. Installing the shower unit was what I got the bit for. Carbide bits just melted to mush and hardly left a dent when I tried going thru that porcelain tile. Hard stuff!
I've moved to finishing up the outside. Spent the last two weeks planing 200 bf of white oak for the rail (which has left me enough shavings to pretty much cover all the clay left over from excavation), and trimming out the porch. I also need to get the BI some detail drawings for the wood-fired oven that I want to get completed by Fall.
I'll post some pics if I can find the other thread.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
Hi JoeI buy my bits from this guy on ebay http://stores.ebay.com/THK-Diamond-ToolsShipping is fast and the bits are ok, if you burn them out they are cheap enough to replace them.Martin
Looks like he's got HF and more. I'm not doing production work with them so cheap is good enough.
Joe H