The opening of the electrical switch (light/fan) box in my bathroom is partially obstructed by a ceramic tile. Is there a practical way that I can trim about 1/4 inch from the tile, without either breaking the tile or removing it first?
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You'd probably be able to do it with a MultiMaster (or one of the clones), using an abrasive carbide or diamond blade.
Always a risk of chipping/cracking, of course, but I'd consider it a good bet.
I would do one of a couple things
If it's say a 4x4 tile and L-shaped where it's cut around the outlet, I might pop it off if stuck on w/mastic. Then I would recut with a water saw, being careful not to overcut at the corner notch. Tightening the outlet down on one of those might just snap it. Scrape/belt sand the old mastic off the tile and bed it back down with PL Premium adhesive. Might be able to slide it back up to the old grout. If newer grout-no problem, re-grout.
Or, I do own a multi-master and both the diamond and abrasive grit blades. A porcelain tile would be tough but probably doable. The softer ceramic-no problem once the glaze was cut. Again, being careful not to approach that original inside corner cut. I'd take out what's necessary and no more-angling the cut if needed.
I'm guessing that the overlap is where the screw holes are for the switch. Otherwise, why would you be concerned about 1/4" overlap?
You can get a diamond cutting wheel for a dremel which should handle a small cut. For a larger cut, you can get a diamond cutting wheel for an angle grinder. With reasonable care, the tile shouldn't break, but you will make a lot of dust.
Diamonds are a guy's best friend...
I use a diamond blade in an angle grinder.
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