Cutting a hole in tile


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Old 05-24-17, 05:03 AM
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Cutting a hole in tile

Hi All, shower head pipe will fall in the center of a tile, what would be the best way to drill a hole?
Geo
 
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Old 05-24-17, 05:05 AM
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With a tile drill bit. Go larger than you need so if your placement is slightly off it won't matter. The escutcheon plate will hide it.
 
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Old 05-24-17, 05:08 AM
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Get a glass or ceramic drill bit. Using a center punch tap slightly to provide a starter point for the drill. Use a bit of water to cool drill as you drill hole. You can buy a diamond edged hole saw for the same purpose.

http://www.dhgate.com/product/fs-hot...261660645.html
 

Last edited by Norm201; 05-24-17 at 05:26 AM.
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Old 05-24-17, 02:20 PM
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I use this one, similar to the one Norm mentioned. It gives a reservoir to hold water while you drill to keep the heat down. QEP 1-3/8 in. Diamond Hole Saw with Water Delivering System-10569Q - The Home Depot
 
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Old 05-24-17, 02:56 PM
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Larry, nice. I did not know those were available.
 
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Old 05-24-17, 03:16 PM
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The sticky pads stick to the tile and to the blue guide, which keeps the water in contact with the bit. It all peels off and you got a perfect hole with no burns.
 
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Old 05-24-17, 03:54 PM
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what would be the best way to drill a hole?
What kind of tile?

Ceramic, a carbide hole saw will zip right through, porcelain will cut but it's a little harder, a diamond hole saw will work great.

Either one is not terribly expensive assuming a one time inexpensive 1" size.
 
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Old 05-24-17, 08:02 PM
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Depends on what type of tile you have. Others have given options. But this goes further to the actual planning stages of the tile install. I always plan my tile so that all elements from diverter valve, to tub spout to hand held adapter so that everything falls on a grout line so there is no cutting in the middle of a tile.

Problem is with today's lust for large format tiles. Leaves little to work with as far as planning.

As an aside, I disagree with Norms suggestion to hit it with a center punch to start your pilot hole. Just asking for a cracked tile. I use a very small glass bit to start the hole and progressively get bigger. No chance of cracking a tile.
 
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Old 05-24-17, 08:50 PM
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if using a glass or ceramic drill bit, without a slight tap from a punch to get past the glaze, your drill will wander all over the place. I never had cracked tile from that procedure. A very slight tap is all it takes to assure a precise location to start the drill. I've used this procedure on new and existing tiled walls and never a failure.
 
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Old 05-25-17, 04:46 AM
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I use a very small glass bit to start the hole and progressively get bigger.
You will note that I said "glass bit" the smallest one I have I believe is 1/8" and is shaped like an arrow head. It does not wander when you start it, it bites immediately and begins to do its job. Would you also recommend hitting a piece of glass mosaic with a center punch? Tile, in and of itself, is pretty fragile until it is embedded in a layer of thinset.

I'm glad the procedure worked for your bathroom remodel, I just don't think it is a good recommendation to use a center punch for others who may be using a softer ceramic or like I said, glass tile.
 
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Old 05-25-17, 08:57 AM
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I disagree with Norms suggestion to hit it with a center punch
I've used this procedure on new and existing tiled walls and never a failure.
Just goes to show there is no single "right" answer to any question, what works for one may not work for the other.
 
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Old 05-27-17, 04:21 AM
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Chandler, look's like a nice setup,will look for one when the comes.
Geo
 
 

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