Drilling Tiles for hanging a metal basket

B

burger1979

Registered User
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hi,

was wonderign if people could advise me please. i bought a corner basket to attach to the wall(s) of my ensuite to store shampoos and the likes. the walls of the ensuite are tiled. what is the procedure for drilling into tiles so that i can hang the basket? would be better to drill into the grout instead to avoid cracking the tiles when drilling? and if drilling the tiles what speed do i use?

thanks in advance,
burger.
 
Put some d3ecorators masking tape on the tile where you want to drill so the drill wont slip on the tile. Then, making sure the drill is straight, drill using hand pressure with the hammer action switched off,. Dont drill the grout. You will only chip the adjacent tiles.
 
First you need to drill a pilot hole so..
Use a 3mm steel drill bit and drill through the tile - stopping short of the wall if it is masonry.
Then change your bit to a 5/6mm bit to widen the pilot hole.
Once the hole is made in the tile for the wall plug - proceed as normal to drill into wall.
 
You can buy a special drill bit for drilling through tiles in any harware store and they cost about €5. They are not like regular drill bits in that the tip is shaped like an arrow head. The pointed tip means you don't need masking tape to avoid it slipping on the tile when you start to drill. you can get them in 6mm which is the width of most standard wall plugs (if you've got a concrete wall behind the tiles).

The other method is to use a standard standard masonry drill bit. You should put masking tape over the mark where you want to drill the hole to steady the bit and avoid cracking the tile.
 
Valhalla said:
The other method is to use a standard standard masonry drill bit. You should put masking tape over the mark where you want to drill the hole to steady the bit and avoid cracking the tile.
Click to expand...

A masonry drill bit will not drill through a tile - you'll need a steel bit for the tile and then use a masonry once through the tile (if you've got a masonry wall).
 
Valhalla said:
You can buy a special drill bit for drilling through tiles in any harware store and they cost about €5. They are not like regular drill bits in that the tip is shaped like an arrow head. ...
Click to expand...
They are also known as glass drill bits.

Use a steel masonary nail and tap (and I do mean tap) with a hammer to puncture the glaze on the tile first at the point on the masking tape where you want the hole.

Wear goggles and sweep or vacuum up the debris from drilling. Don't be tempted to try to wash it off as it'll just turn to mud and stain the grout.
 
If you do not want to drill through tiles you can use a glue like no more nails to fix the shelf to the tiles.
 
bren1916 said:
A masonry drill bit will not drill through a tile - you'll need a steel bit for the tile and then use a masonry once through the tile (if you've got a masonry wall).
Click to expand...

I have drilled through more tiles then I care to remember and always use masonry drill bits. Unless I am drilling through porcelain tiles

Mark spot, put weight behind drill and slowly start on drill action (non hammer). When through tile, put on hammer action and drill away.
 
BetsyClark said:
Hi

Q for Davyjones - what drill bit would you use for porcelain?

Betsy
Click to expand...


I too would like to know as i've gone through numerous drill bits trying to get through porcelain tiles - from masonery to the arrow headed bits specifically for tiles, you name it i've tried it.

This was only for 6 holes while putting up shower doors and it took ages. Now i have the mirror, light, towel rail etc. to put up and i'm dreading the thought!!

If anyone has any ideas, i'd really appreciate them.

Thanks.
 
BetsyClark said:
Hi

Q for Davyjones - what drill bit would you use for porcelain?

Betsy
Click to expand...


Oops sorry I missed this.

Porcelain tiles are a pain. I have often gone through bits trying to punch one hole in them.

even tile bits are of no use.

Steve, the only way to do it is to use diamond bits, they are expensive but work.

Here is one of many examples.

[broken link removed]
 
davyjones said:
i have drilled through more tiles then i care to remember and always use masonry drill bits. Unless i am drilling through porcelain tiles

mark spot, put weight behind drill and slowly start on drill action (non hammer). When through tile, put on hammer action and drill away.
Click to expand...

+1
 
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