Porcelain tile is beautiful, but it’s also delicate and can be easily damaged. In this article, we’ll show you how to drill through porcelain tile without cracking it, so you can continue to enjoy its beauty while keeping your floors safe.
Contents
What is Porcelain Tile?
Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile that is made from a mixture of kaolin and clays. The result is a complex, brittle, and non-porous surface. This makes it an excellent material for flooring, countertops, and other uses where durability is key. Because acids or alkalis cannot easily damage porcelain, it is often used in places where other tiles would not be suitable.
Types of Drills for Porcelain Tile
When drilling through porcelain tile, there are three types of drills that can be used: diamond drill, auger drill, and rotary hammer. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a guide on how to choose the best drill for your specific project.
Diamond Drill: Diamond drills are the most popular type of drill because they are lightweight and have a long shaft. They are also great for drilling through hard materials like concrete and metal. However, diamond drills are not as good at drilling through porcelain tile because the diamond tips can easily break off and create chips in the tile. If you plan on using a diamond drill, be sure to use a bit that is specifically designed for porcelain tile.
Auger Drill: Auger drills are similar to diamond drills in that they have a long shaft and a pointed tip. However, auger drills are larger and have more torque than diamond drills. This makes them better at drilling through hard materials like concrete and metal. Auger drills also have a cone-shaped bit which helps reduce chipping when drilling through porcelain tile. Like diamond drills, auger drills come in different sizes so be sure to choose the correct one for your project.
Rotary Hammer: Rotary hammers are the oldest type of drill and are great for drilling through soft materials like porcelain tile. They have a round head which makes it easy to tap the tile with a hammer. The downside of rotary hammers is that they are not as powerful as other types of drills and they can be difficult to use. If you are using a rotary hammer, be sure to use a bit that is specifically designed for porcelain tile.
How to Drill through Porcelain Tile without Cracking
Porcelain tile is hard to drill through, but with a little creativity and some basic drilling skills, you can get the job done. Before starting your project, be sure to read through these instructions for safe drilling and removal.
The first step is to determine how many tiles you need to remove. Use a tape measure or a ruler to determine the distance from the edge of one tile to the edge of the next tile, and multiply that number by three. This will give you the total number of tiles that need to be removed.
If your porcelain tile is installed in an irregular pattern, follow these tips for drilling through it without breaking:
Start by marking the center of each hole with a pencil. Then use a drill bit slightly smaller than the size of your pencil point to make a pilot hole in the center of each mark. Once your pilot holes are in place, enlarge them using the larger drill bit. When your holes are large enough, insert the end of your screwdriver into the pilot hole and turn it until it comes out the other side. This will ensure that your screwdriver doesn’t get caught in the hole while you start drilling.
Now it’s time to start drilling. Place the tile that you want to drill on top of the hole and press down hard with your screwdriver. This will hold the tile in place while you drill. Make sure to keep your fingers away from the bit so that you don’t get injured.
Once you’ve drilled through the first time, carefully remove it from the hole and set it aside. Repeat this process until all of the tiles have been removed. Be careful not to damage the surrounding tiles as you work.
Once all of the tiles have been removed, clean up any debris using a bucket and a scrub brush. Then, use a power drill or manual drill to make a new hole in the floor for your drain or water line.
Conclusion
If you have a project that involves drilling through porcelain tile, be sure to read this article on how to drill through porcelain tile without cracking. Porcelain tiles are very fragile and can quickly become damaged if not handled correctly. By following the instructions in this article, you will be able to avoid damage to your project and keep it looking new. Thanks for reading!