How to drill into a tile wall without cracking it

How to drill into a tile wall without cracking it

[hotpinkcrayolas]

Thank you! I have been scared to put up my towel rail for literally a year, but bit the bullet and did it today - no tile cracks, just dry towels! x

[bkilpatr]

Great explaination. The only thing I would add is, if you are doing this in a wet or steamy environment (which is where tile is likely to be installed), I always dip the anchor and the screw threads in 100% silicone before setting them into the hole, just to help keep water from seeping in over time.

[angladephil]

It's very useful to put a piece of painting/masking tape over the mark where you want to drill, so the drill bit won't "glide" when you start to drill.

[brenovs]

I'm Brazilian and I live in the smallest state of Brazil. You know, I barely understand English but thanks to your video and the wonder of sharing knowledge, I was able to drill 6 holes in my wall tile and install an exercise bar rack even without experience with a drill.

[MahMegahed]

Best drilling video on YouTube. Priceless Tips. I succeeded to install my bathroom accessories by following your instructions and valuable tips. Thank you

[Stllno]

A couple of key points... there are specific drill bits for drilling into ceramic and porcelain tiles. These are typically diamond or carbide ‘spade’ type. These drill bits are not suitable for general masonry. Once you have drilled through the tile swap over to a general masonry bit of the appropriate size to complete the hole. Another tip for inserting a wall plug generally - use a block of hardwood and hammer (tap) the plug into wall striking the black of wood.

[Maltloaflegrande]

You can get special tile drills in all sizes which work nicely with your drill-driver (hammer action off) . Once the tile is breached, you can use a masonry drill bit with hammer on if necessary. It's always a good idea to tap the tile with your knuckles to check it's been fixed correctly rather than spotted. If it does indicate there's air under there, you just have to tread really carefully by being very gentle with the pressure you apply when drilling the tile.

[herobandar]

Enjoyed watching your video. Message is loud and clear. Gave me the confidence to drill my bathroom tiles

[Kent]

The ceramic tile will ware down your bits very quickly especially if you have to do a couple of holes. Get a ceramic bit to get through the glaze and then go over to your normal bit, also using masking tape helps stop the drill from slipping

[mturawa]

Thanks for the tip!
I didn't realise what a difference an SDS rotary hammer drill makes for drilling into masonary until recently. Purchased one before the lockdown and it's definitely worth the "investment".

[DuncanPerryOfficial]

For all the idiotic comments saying use a hole punch in it, don't! Use a peice of masking tape on when drilling and that'll stop the drill bit sliding around.

[windsorrocks]

Making sure there are no wires or pipes in the area where you are drilling - good luck with that. Trying to determine what is inside a tiled wall is often damn near impossible. Some advice : drill through the wall only - do not drill into the wall cavity. Once you are through the wall, use a small "feeler" such as thin long drill bit or piece of wire coat hanger to determine if there is anything in the wall cavity. BTW, the tile in this video is ceramic, which is very soft and very easy to drill. Other tiles, such as porcelain, require very different methods of drilling.

[mementomori]

Thank u so much for your video. I got no issues to drill my tiles. I'm extremely glad to find out your video.❤❤

[ersimon]

Thanks I didn't know this. I have 15 kitchen walls full of tiles to drill cabinets in.

[syedkazmi]

Beautifully explained even for the most novice. Super. 👌👍💐

[patronusgaia]

Man, that was the best tutorial type movie on youtube that I've watched, and I've watched a LOOOT of videos! Excellent sir, thank you for it! <3

[UnknownMelodies]

THANK YOU ecological time for this really helpful tutorial.

[NielMalan]

Oh, good instructions! I never thought of drilling a pilot hole first, the way I would in steel. Starting with a small drill will certainly reduce the stress on the tile and make it less likely to crack. With a small drill the force required to drill is smaller, so it's easier to drill straight.

[frankyjayhay]

All good advice, doing it in stages at different settings.
You can also use a proper glass drill that has a very sharp point that bites into the tile as soon as you touch it so it can't slip when you start drilling.

[rengalafuze]

The handy man sounds Afrikkans! I lived in Pretoria for three years in the mid 90s. I'm a Native New Yorker. I help found Tribeca Coffee Company. Blessings.