What kind of drill for ceramic tiles. How to drill ceramic tiles - select a tool and drill according to all the rules. Tile drills, their brands and purpose

When there is a need to drill a hole in a tile or material that is different, on the one hand, in hardness, on the other, in fragility, the question arises about choosing a tool. Conventional drills, even with a pobedit cutting edge, are unsuitable for this: the configuration of their tips, sharpening angles and other parameters can only damage the material being drilled. In this case, a drill for ceramic tiles will help us; it will not be difficult to drill through the material.

Types of drills for ceramics

To drill ceramic tiles, as well as porcelain stoneware, you need special drills. In everyday life, most often it is necessary to drill small holes (no more than 12 mm in diameter) in a tiled wall: for dowels for hanging wall furniture, hangers, shelves, mirrors, etc. These tasks are performed using two types of drills: spear-shaped and with one-sided sharpening at an acute angle.

Spear drill bits for ceramic tiles

Drill for ceramics with one-sided sharpening

The first is a rod with a thickened end, sharpened, indeed, in the form of a spear tip. The material used for it is very durable, the one that will “win”, that is, VK8 steel. For drilling, you should use an electric drill with a power of 300-500 W or a screwdriver for small diameter holes. When choosing a drill, you need to make sure that the shank configuration (they are round, square, triangular) fits the clamp of the drill (screwdriver). Drill a hole in ceramic tiles at low speeds, having first turned off the impact function, if provided by the drill model. However, this rule applies to working with all types of drills.

The advantages of spear-shaped ones include their low price and quite a large resource. One drill will be enough for a cycle of work in the kitchen and bathroom, provided that the surface is ceramic and, say, not porcelain stoneware. In the latter case, one spear-shaped one will be able to drill no more than four to five holes, after which the tool will have to be replaced.

For such work, special drills with an even stronger cutting part are used. True, they cost five times more than spear-shaped ones.

Prices for some spear drills

The tip of so-called carbide drills with one-sided sharpening looks like a flattened metal surface with a perpendicularly set “tip” - the actual cutting part. It is included in hard material, figuratively speaking, like soap. True, in compliance with the requirements for the operation of a spear-shaped drill, in particular, low drill speeds: no more than 500 rpm.

Spear drill bit for tiles

And one more thing to consider when working with spear-shaped and single-sided drills. Their tips are sharp enough not to “crawl” on smooth tiles at the beginning of drilling. Still, to be on the safe side, you can stick tape or adhesive tape to the marked area and drill a hole through this layer. Is it true, experienced specialists For some reason they reject this option. Well, you don’t need to listen to advisers who recommend “coring” the surface in the place where you are supposed to drill, and it’s even harmful: the advice to scrape off the layer of glaze so that the drill doesn’t slip is no good. This procedure can simply crack the tile.

Place tape on the tile to prevent the drill bit from coming off.

It is better to use carbide products

To prevent the tiles from cracking

When drilling holes of small diameters, for which drills of the described types are used, there is a risk that the ceramic tiles will crack for another reason: due to vibration of the drill. This can happen at the moment when the tip overcomes the thickness of the tile and begins to bite into the wall material, brick or concrete. In this case, the “rod” of the drill will rub against the edges of the hole in the tile. If its density turns out to be significantly higher than the properties of the wall material, the drill may receive vibration, which will crack the ceramic.

To prevent this from happening, you should stop drilling after exceeding the thickness of the tile and replace the drill.

Ceramic tiles are drilled at low speeds

You can use the same one, or a brand designed for drilling under-tile material. But the main thing is that it should be of a smaller diameter, say, not the “eight” with which the tiles were drilled, but the “six”. It is precisely under the “six” that the polymer dowel that will be driven into the hole should be selected.

There is an opinion that it is more reliable and easier to drill tiles at the seams. But you need to make sure that the hole is exactly in the middle between the tiles. How hard to press the drill when drilling is a question of experience; the theoretical answer will not clarify anything: not too much (there is a risk that the tile will crack), but not at all gently (at the beginning of the process the “sting” will begin to “walk”, but at the end you can simply can't wait).

It's better to create a hole in the seams

Don't press the drill too hard

Crown for large diameters

In order to drill a large diameter hole for an electrical outlet, plumbing pipe or faucet, other types of drills are used: crowns and circular drills adjustable in diameter, commonly called “ballerina drills”.

Circular drill “ballerina”

The crown is a cylinder, the cutting edges of which are treated with ultra-resistant abrasive, artificial diamond chips, or a tungsten carbide (silicon carbide) layer. When choosing, you should pay attention to the presence of a centering drill (usually a spear-type) installed in the center of the cylinder.

Core bit with center drill

If the crown does not have a centering drill, then drilling a tile glued to the wall will not work: the drill will not fix the drill in a stable position.

Such crowns should only be used in stationary drilling machines. In this case, before drilling ceramic tiles It is advisable to soak in water.

Table - examples of prices for core drills.

If you have a centering drill with a cylinder, you can work with a drill in any plane. The drilling technology is similar to that described above, low drill speeds, balanced pressure force.

It is necessary to periodically cool the bit with water and also wet the tile so that it does not crack if it overheats. Under gentle conditions, cylindrical core drills are capable of not losing their properties when drilling up to fifty holes, moreover, in porcelain stoneware.

Circular "ballerina"

Disadvantage of crowns: inability to change the diameter. True, some, for example, tungsten carbide, are sold in sets of the most popular diameters (for sockets, switches, and so on).

You can change the size of the hole using a diameter-adjustable circular drill (“ballerina”), the principle of which vaguely resembles a compass. The mechanism makes it possible to vary the hole size in the range from 30 to 90 mm. To the main central spear-shaped drill on a transverse “bar”, on which a millimeter scale of radius length is sometimes applied, another tip is attached with a bolt, which cuts while the drill is operating ceramic surface around the circumference. The central drill serves as the axis of rotation of the side drill.

The principle of operation of a ballerina is similar to a compass

The operating conditions are no different from those described above. True, there is one significant drawback: the resulting hole will be quite rough, jagged edges. You should use a “ballerina” based on the fact that the hole will be covered decorative finishing or, say, a sink.

By by and large, this type of drill for ceramic tiles justifies its gentle name by the fact that it is very capricious. In the sense that working with it requires a certain skill. Therefore, beginners should not start their practice with a “ballerina”. It is easier (although more expensive) to use a crown.

Table - examples of prices for ballerina drills.

Option for the largest holes

Well, if you need to drill a hole in ceramic tiles, the diameter of which is larger than all existing drill sizes, you will have to use the only way out. The process, however, is labor-intensive, and the result is rough, but there is nothing to choose from.

The process looks like this. The soaked tile (of course, it is not yet glued to the wall) is placed on wooden surface, draw a circle of the required diameter on it and patiently drill a hole around the circumference tightly to each other with a drill, for example, 8 mm. When the circle is closed, its inside is broken out by carefully tapping it with a mallet or the handle of a hammer, and the uneven edges are smoothed out with a file. Whatever you say, a thoughtful process.

Drilling multiple holes to create one large diameter

Video

After the main stages of renovation in the bathroom or kitchen are over, all that remains is to arrange the furniture, strengthen the towel hooks, soap dishes, shelves, etc. This is where the question arises: how to drill ceramic tiles? It is important that it does not split. Moreover, it is often necessary to make several holes in one tile. So as not to spoil facing material Before you begin, please review the following guidelines.

Depending on the hardness of the tile, drilling can be done using:

• hammer drill with “no impact” drilling mode;
• electric drill;
• hand drill (for small holes);
• cordless or corded screwdriver.

How to drill tiles without them cracking: basic rules

1. Try to avoid drilling holes near the edge of the tile. It is necessary to retreat at least 15 mm.
2. If the tile is not yet glued, soak it in water for 30 minutes. This makes the material softer and reduces the risk of splitting.
3. When drilling, it is recommended to periodically moisten tiles fixed to the wall or floor with water. This prevents chipping.
4. If possible, the hole should be placed between the tiles. This makes drilling easier and safer.

Some tricks for drilling tiles

How to drill tiles on a wall without fear of ruining it? This question is especially relevant if there are no replacement tiles. At the very beginning of drilling, difficulties arise that must be taken into account:

• With a glossy surface, the drill slides to the side even with light pressure on the tool;
• the front side of the tile is usually harder and more durable;
• conventional drills for concrete and brick are not suitable for the job;
• Ceramics have weak bending strength, which increases the risk of splitting when pressed with a tool.

To reduce the risk, you should use some tricks.

1. The glossy surface at the drilling point must be scratched with a core or other sharp tool. If you break the outer smooth layer of the tile, the drill will not slip.
2. Apply electrical tape or tape crosswise to the drilling site. masking tape. This method will help to avoid “fidgeting” of the instrument.
3. If you need a hole of a large diameter (10 - 15 mm), you need to start working with a smaller diameter drill, and then change it to the appropriate one.

What drill to use to drill tiles

The main requirement for a drill is that its cutting part must be harder than ceramic. The following drills meet this requirement.

1. Diamond coated: they are relatively expensive and therefore not the best choice for one-time work.
2. Specialized drills for glass and tiles.
3. WITH pobeditovy tip: such drills are cheap, they are recommended for all home craftsmen.

a - diamond-coated drill; b - drill with pobedite tipped; c - crown with diamond coating; g - drill for concrete and brick.

How to drill tiles: operating technology

1. Mark the location of drilling the hole with a marker.
2. Apply a piece of masking tape to the marked area.
3. Having lubricated the drill shank with grease or any other thick lubricant, insert it into the drill (perforator) chuck.
4. In the “drilling without impact” mode, we begin to drill at low speeds, gradually increasing the pressure on the tool. The drill cannot be “swinged” from side to side. It is advisable to use a special tripod.
5. After the tiles have been drilled, it is recommended to replace the drill bit and continue drilling in the “impact” mode.
6. After removing the drill, clean the hole by blowing (using a vacuum cleaner).

Important: to ensure that the depth of the hole is not excessive, you need to use a limiter or mark it with a bold marker on the drill.

Drilling large diameter holes

How to drill tiles in a bathroom or kitchen to install an outlet? It should be noted that this work is performed after electrical installation work, which means you will have to drill the tiles that have not yet been glued. We carry out the work in this sequence.

1. Use a marker to mark the center of the hole after precise definition its location: you should project the installation location of the socket onto the surface of the tile. It is important that it is closer to its center (especially if the tile is small).
2. Cover the center of the hole with a piece of masking tape.
3. A diamond-coated bit is installed in a drill.
4. We install the centering drill in the intended place and start drilling at low speeds (without impact), gradually increasing them.

Important: the tiles must lie on a flat, stable surface (for example, on a chipboard). The edge of the tile must be held while drilling to avoid turning the tile.

What to do if a crown with abrasive coating is not available? You can replace it with a crown with teeth made of carbide metal. There is another way to obtain large holes: we mark the place where the hole is drilled, and then use the following technology.

1. Along the marked circle, using a thin drill tipped with pobedit (or diamond sputtering), drill as many holes as possible around the circumference (30-40 pcs).
2. A string coated with abrasive tungsten is inserted into one of the drilled holes and installed in the jigsaw holders.
3. Make a cut around the circumference, connecting the holes.
4. Disassemble the jigsaw and remove the string.
5. The edges of the hole are processed (if necessary) with a file.

For ease of drilling, you can use a special template

Drilling tiles with a ballerina

If the location of communications is already known, technological holes can be drilled special device- a ballerina. Outwardly, it resembles a compass: a special tip is used for installation in the center, and the distance from it to the cutter determines the diameter of the hole.
A special feature of the ballerina is the ability to adjust to obtain the required hole diameter. But after drilling, the edges need to be “refined”. They will be smoother if the drill is fixed strictly perpendicular to the tile and the tool does not deviate during the drilling process.
With the help of a ballerina, holes are drilled for connecting a heated towel rail, for installing faucets and for internal sockets. Relatively low cost and the versatility of the ballerina makes it convenient for everyday use.

How to drill porcelain tiles

To drill this hard ceramic material apply:

• galvanized diamond bits (enough for about 5 holes);
• sintered diamond annular drills.

The latter are used for processing natural stones and concrete. Such drills serve long years, but relatively expensive.

The technology for drilling porcelain stoneware is as follows.

1. The tiles to be treated are laid on a flat, not too hard surface.
2. The tiles are drilled without impact at low (medium) speed and exclusively from the front side to avoid the appearance of chips that spoil the appearance of the material.
3. The drill is oriented strictly perpendicular to the tile.
4. The cutting edge of the drill is cooled with water directly during operation. This can be done using a dampened sponge or a bottle with holes in the lid.
5. The hole can be deepened by 2/3 of the thickness of the tile, after which the excess fragment is removed.
6. Chips on back side no need to process: after laying porcelain tiles they will not be noticeable.

In conclusion - about how to drill tiles (video with explanations from a specialist).

When renovations in an apartment are nearing completion, it’s nice to look at the work done. New tiles in the bathroom or kitchen sparkle on the walls, but often there is a need to make a hole in the tile to hang a mirror or towel rack or other accessories.

Not everyone knows how and with what to drill ceramic tiles so as not to damage their integrity. It is extremely easy to spoil fragile ceramics; to avoid this, you need to know how to work with it.

When working with ceramic tiles, it is very important to take into account its parameters (thickness, length). The drilling process must be treated with extreme care and precision. Important factors to take into account include:

• overheating of the tile and drill is not allowed, as this may cause the ceramic to split;
• needs to be cooled work plane, regularly sprinkling with water;
• the pressure on the mechanism should be chosen optimally, not too strong, but not too low. In the first case, the tile will probably break, in the other, it will not be possible to drill a hole;
• When drilling holes in tiles, reverse mode is unacceptable. The rotation of the drill should be leisurely and strictly in a clockwise direction;
• If a hole is made in a seam, care must be taken. There is no protective layer at the edge of the ceramic tile, so the center of the hole must be located strictly in the middle of the seam.

Choosing a tool

Ceramic tile covering characterized itself as a reliable and moisture-resistant material. It is used for walls and floors in the bathroom and kitchen. The tiles perfectly protect walls from moisture.

Thanks to color palette, it is easy to choose tiles for any apartment design.

Since the hardness of ceramic tiles varies, drilling can be done with different tools:

• a hammer drill with a “no impact” drilling mode;
• hand drill;
• electric drill;
• corded or cordless screwdriver.

A hammer drill is used very often in repairs. Its main purpose is to drill holes in a variety of materials.

Before you start drilling ceramic tiles, you need to determine the work procedure.

1. Usually, on front side The tool has a mark with a picture of a drill. It is necessary to turn the toggle switch to this position.
2. When performing work, it is forbidden to press the hammer drill trigger with force. There should be no extraneous hum, shaking, or knocking.

Hand drill - mechanism simplest design, consisting of a frame and a cartridge. To make holes in the tile, a drill is inserted into the chuck, and the device begins to work. It operates slowly, and you need to strain to make a hole. The advantage of the device is its independence from electricity. Hand drill Most often used for making small holes.

Electric drill - cope with the task in a few seconds. Operates from a 220 W network. The tool drills holes in ceramic tiles at low speeds using a light feed. Work area should be periodically cooled with water.

Screwdriver - There are two types. In order to make holes in the tiles, it is necessary to use a screwdriver (preferably cordless) at a speed not exceeding 900 rpm. A mains-powered device must also have a low-speed operating mode.

screwdriver

Drill bits for ceramic tiles

Special drills are used for working with ceramics. They are radically different from those used for drilling concrete, wood, and metal. The principle of action exerted on the tile is different - friction of the drill occurs through abrasives. Having increased strength, drills are capable of drilling out a resistant plane of the tile.

Drills can be divided into a number of groups.

1. – key purpose: making holes in the clay coating. Crowns of this type are suitable for holes from 12 – 80 mm.
2. Diamond coated crown- an expensive mechanism, which at the same time has impeccable performance. If you need to make 2 holes in the tile, there is no point in purchasing it. These tools are classified as professional and are used by repair specialists. Using “diamond” drills, you can make any perfect hole without effort.
3. Carbide drills– used for drilling holes up to 12 mm. A distinctive characteristic is the method of sharpening the drill. It is made on one side at an acute angle. Perfect option for ceramics, since it is sharp corner eliminates slipping and “clings” to the smooth and unyielding surface of the tile.
4. Pobedit spear drills– have a long-term service life. They are used when drilling holes for dowels, for hangers and other small items. The cost of the tool is affordable, so it is possible to get the job done efficiently without any special financial costs.
5. Ballerina– a drill specialized for drilling holes with a diameter of up to 90 mm. A circular drill has two disks: centering and parallel. The moving parts of the ballerina are secured with bolts. Cutting occurs with the help of special solders, which are equipped with the cutting parts of the disks. There is no better tool for working with specific holes.

You can select a drill using the following table.

Drilling algorithm. Step-by-step instruction

Before starting to drill a hole, it is better to lightly tap the tile. If the sound is dense and dull, you can safely begin the process. Otherwise, the ceramic tiles may crack.

Step 1. Select a drill according to the size of the hole.

If you need to drill a hole for a dowel, use a diamond-coated drill, a tile drill, or pobedite drills.

If you decide to drill a place for a socket, then a hole of larger diameter is made with crowns or a ballerina.

Diamond coated drill - photo

Step 2. Mark and fasten the drill at a point.

The main difficulty when drilling tiles is the first glazed layer. It is he who has the highest resistance to mechanical stress. Therefore, it is necessary to mark the point and ensure that the drill is fixed. This can be done in several ways:

• punching. A cone-shaped recess in the tile is made with a self-tapping screw or a large nail. It is worth scratching a small dot on the glaze of the ceramic;
• gluing. The technique is quite simple, you need to stick a piece of adhesive tape or tape onto the surface of the tile;
• marked with a marker. Mark the drilling location with a correction pencil or marker. The corrector is more practical, because the applied layer is rough and will not allow the drill to come off.

Step 3. Drill installation.

Having selected the desired drill diameter, you need to insert it into the drill (screwdriver). Before this, the impact mode is turned off and transferred to the position that is called “drilling”.

Insert the drill

Step 4. Start of drilling.

Place the tool against the mark perpendicular to the coating. It is worth noting that it is recommended to start the process with low speed. These actions will allow the drill to stay in place. After the tip penetrates deeper into the ceramic, the speed is increased. There is no need to be zealous while drilling.

Step 5. We increase the speed.

Drilling with a tool on high speed will significantly speed up the process. This will cause heating work surface, which should be periodically cooled with water. Humidification knocks down dust, which is also important when drilling ceramic tiles.

It is important to note that if a hole is drilled for a dowel, you will also have to drill through the wall. In this case, the work is performed in 2 stages.

1. The tile is drilled (completely), the tool is turned off and the drill is placed under the concrete.
2. The operating mode switches to shock, otherwise strong concrete don't break through. The drill needs to be taken a little thinner in diameter, something that was used to drill the tiles. Otherwise, the ceramics may be damaged.

When hammering in the dowel, you must be careful; an inaccurate hammer blow can damage the tile.

Drilling large diameter holes

When drilling holes for water pipes, a socket or a switch, where the diameter is more than 20 mm, use a ballerina or crowns.

Crown - tool tubular type with a special (diamond) coating. Enough high price cutters are compensated by time savings and drilling quality. Using diamond core bits, it is possible to make holes with a diameter of up to 160 mm.

Ballerina is a drill with a sharp tip, similar to a spear, on the lower part of which a holder is attached. Another drill of the same type is attached to it. By moving the bracket, you can set the diameter of the intended hole.

Drilling with a crown

The drilling technique is similar to drilling for a dowel. The cutter is placed exactly parallel to the tile, so that when it goes deeper, the drill begins to evenly cut the ceramic around the circumference. Sideways movements are not allowed.

Drilling with a diamond core involves the process of operating the drill at high speeds. Overheating in this case cannot be avoided; in order to avoid heating and burning of the crown, it is necessary to moisten the device with water. Of course, you can drill ceramics “dry”, but only at low speed.

If the cutter does not have diamond protection, do not use the “dry” method. Moreover, using water when drilling speeds up the process.

Drilling by ballerina

Working as a ballerina begins with setting the desired diametrical size. It is necessary to hold the tile and start drilling strictly at low speed. When working, it is recommended to use safety glasses to prevent waste particles from getting into your eyes.

Neat holes

How else can you drill into tiles?

There is another technique that can be used to make a large hole in a tile that is not yet glued to the wall. To do this, as mentioned earlier, the ceramics are immersed in a basin of water. After a while, take it out and wipe it. Mark the diameter of the desired circle on the tile (draw a circle). Holes are drilled around the perimeter so that the center of the circle can be broken off. Therefore, the holes must be drilled close to each other. The resulting hole in the tile is ready, you can insert it into the pipe. The edges turn out uneven, we process them with a file.

The method is applicable if you don’t have a ballerina or a cutter at hand.

Advantages:

• The tile can be prepared in advance for the hole drilling process.
• soaked tiles significantly reduce the risk of splitting.

Little tricks for drilling tiles

Like any business, drilling has its own tricks and secrets, knowledge of which will help make the task easier and get the job done efficiently:

• You should not make holes close to the edge of the tile, this can cause it to split;
• if special drills are not available, you can use ordinary ones for metal. In this case, you can drill only at low speeds;
• If drilled hole under the dowel it turned out to be of a large radius, you can insert an ordinary wooden chopper into it;
• To reduce contamination from drilling, you need to place a scoop directly under the work area.

Using a tile glass cutter and pliers for making a hole in a tile

There are many reasons to make a hole in ceramic tiles:

• must be carried out water pipe;
• install a socket;
• hang a shelf on the wall;
• install a heated towel rail.

Drilling a hole is not a problem, but the fact that during the drilling process the tiles can crack or split causes some trouble. Setting themselves the task of how to properly drill a tile so as not to damage its integrity, professionals and craftsmen have tried many methods.

What tools are needed to drill ceramic tiles?

1. Electric drill, drilling is carried out at minimum speed.

1. Cordless screwdriver, with a maximum number of revolutions of 800-1000.

Screwdriver

1. Low speed corded screwdriver.
2. A hand drill is used for drilling small hole diameters up to 12 mm.

What to do to prevent tiles from breaking when drilling

Ceramic tiles are considered very practical and universal material for finishing many rooms. It is perfect for the interior of every room, be it a kitchen, a bathroom or even a hallway. Almost everyone can lay tiles at home on their own; this process is not complicated. However, after this you will need to install floor plumbing and drill holes in the tiles for communications. You need to know how to implement this so that the tiles do not crack.

1. When calculating the location where holes will be drilled in the tiles, it is necessary to retreat more than 15 millimeters from the edge of the ceramic tiles. In this case, the risk of a crack occurring will be minimal.

1. Before drilling a hole in the tile, you can soak the tile in water for 30-60 minutes. This will help reduce the possibility of chipping or cracking.
2. The drilling site can simply be moistened with water; thanks to this precaution, you can avoid splitting the tiles or replacing a piece of facing masonry.
3. The best option would be to make a hole in the seams between the tiles. In this case, the risk of breaking the ceramic tiles is minimal. But this method is not always possible.

Drilling ceramic tiles for dowels

Drilling Features

How to drill a hole in tiles? This question arises when you need to hang any cabinets, lamps, etc. on a tiled wall.

If the tile in which drilling will be done splits or cracks, the entire sector will have to be replaced.

If you need to drill a hole in a tile, you will have to use a few tricks.

Before drilling tiles, it is important to consider two not very pleasant points:

• the surface of the tile is very slippery and will constantly slide off;
• Brick and concrete drills are not suitable for tiles because they split them.

The first problem can be solved simply: you need to take masking tape and stick it to the surface of the tile so that the drill does not fidget.

What to drill with?

How and what can I use to drill a hole in a tile? To do this, you need to take a drill whose cutting edge is much harder than the surface of the ceramic tile.

So what kind of drills are needed?

1. Diamond Coated Drill. Drilling tiles with such a drill is the most expensive and effective way.
   Not everyone can afford to buy such drills in order to make a couple of holes. It makes sense to purchase drills with a diamond tip if you need to renovate apartments professionally, then it will quickly pay for itself.

1. Drill with pobedite tip. Drilling tiles with such a drill will cost much less, since this drill costs less than a diamond one. You can buy it in a specialty store or at the market.

1. Special drills and glass. May be useful in Everyday life, if finances allow, then you can purchase.

Sequence of actions for drilling a hole for a dowel

1. Place a piece of masking tape over the area where the hole will be drilled.
2. Mark with a cross the point where you will need to drill.
3. Insert the required drill bit (pobedite, diamond or special) into the hammer drill or drill.
4. At low speed, drill a hole in the tile.
5. After the tiles are drilled, you need to replace the drill with a regular one for concrete. The size will depend on the size of the dowel.

Tip: to ensure the hole has the required depth, you can use a special stop or simply stick a small piece of electrical tape on the drill, while marking the desired depth.

1. Drill the hole all the way, remove the drill.
2. Blow out the hole to remove concrete crumbs and dust.
3. Insert the dowel into the hole, and it should go into the tile a few millimeters.

Important: this method makes it possible to drill a hole up to a maximum of 15 mm in diameter.

Drilling tiles for a socket or pipe

How to drill tiles, what tools can be used for this?

Drilling with a hammer drill with a diamond-coated crown installed

The cost of diamond-coated crowns depends directly on their quality, but it is still an expensive pleasure.

Tip: you can use a crown with special pobedit teeth, which should be enough for 15-30 holes.

Drilling the tile:

1. Before drilling into a tile, it must be placed on a flat, not very hard surface (possibly wood).
2. Mark the drilling location on the front side of the tile.
3. Using a hammer drill, drill a hole of the required size.

This method is the fastest and safest.

Drilling with a diamond bit

How to drill tiles correctly?

You need to do the following:

1. Mark the location for the hole.
2. Drill into the face of the tile without pressing too hard on the drill.
3. If the diamond-coated crown is in good condition, you can make a hole of the required diameter in two to five minutes.

Drilling with a circular tile drill – “ballerina”

How to drill tiles if you need to drill a hole of a non-standard size?

1. Set the desired hole diameter (for example, if it is 5 cm, then the distance between the drills must be set to 2.5 cm).
2. Mark the drilling location.
3. Start drilling the tile.

Advice: you need to drill tiles with a ballerina at low speeds, holding the tile firmly so that tile fragments that may fly out from under the drill do not cause harm, you also need to use safety glasses.

Advice: you cannot swing the drill while drilling; you can use a special tripod for the drill.

Drilling with a drill with a diamond tip installed

This method can be used in cases where it is not possible to purchase a crown.

How to drill tiles?

1. Mark the diameter on the front side of the tile desired hole . If it is a switch or socket, then you can take a box of a certain size, attach it to the tile and trace it with a pencil.
   If the hole is for a water pipe, then you can use a compass.
2. Drill a drill along the entire contour of the hole so that the edge protrudes beyond the intended line by at least 1-2 mm (up to 20 holes 4-6 mm in diameter).
3. Carefully knock out the core.
4. The remaining teeth must be broken out with wire cutters or pliers.
5. Sand the cut surface.

This method is the longest and requires a lot of patience and skill.

Drilling with a tungsten core bit and a center drill

This method is suitable when the tiles have already been laid.

1. To prevent the crown from slipping or moving during the drilling process, it is advisable to use a special template with the required hole diameter.
2. Press the template against the wall.
3. Press down with a drill and make a hole.

Drilling ceramic tiles is quite a challenge for many people. difficult task, because they don’t know how and what to drill into tiles.

Most often you have to drill through tiles that have already been laid on a wall or floor, so you have to act carefully so as not to damage the entire masonry. The main thing is to select the right drill, which is better than others for the intended purpose.

In the process of renovation in the kitchen, bathroom, toilet and others utility rooms The question often arises of how to drill a hole in a tile. Of course, this must be done in such a way that it does not burst and lose its visual appeal.

At first glance it may seem that everything is simple, but this is not at all the case. Tile is a fairly slippery and brittle material, so unless you are a professional builder, drilling into tile can be a real challenge. So how to drill through tiles without loss?

In fact, everything is not as difficult as it might seem at first. You just need to listen to some advice:

• First of all, choose the right tool. It should fit comfortably in your hand. You need to hold it firmly and confidently.
• The operating speed of the selected tool should not exceed 1000, or even better, 800 rpm.
• Keep the drill or screwdriver in one position, do not press or change the angle. This can lead to the appearance of “cobwebs”.
• If you need to drill a hole at the junction of two tiles, use an extremely thin drill, even if it is not “tile”, but for concrete.
• If possible, leave at least 1.5 cm from the edge of the tile; the corners and edges of the tile are very fragile.
• It is best to drill holes before laying tiles on the wall. Soak the material in water for at least 40 minutes. This will make the tile more viscous and there will be no cracks.
• If you don't know how to drill into tiles without cracking, and you've never done it before, it's best to practice on scrap pieces first. This way you can feel the tool and understand how hard you need to press on the drill.

Choosing a tool

So, what to drill with? First, you need to choose the drill itself. The model should not be high-speed or impact, because you need to work with very fragile material.

Suitable for working with tiles:

• regular electric drill, turned on at the lowest speed;
• low-speed screwdriver that plugs into an outlet;
• cordless screwdriver with a rotation speed of no more than 800 rpm;
• hand drill.

Some nuances of work

To understand how to drill a tile, you need to take into account some subtleties:

• Under no circumstances should the drill or the tile itself overheat, otherwise the entire upper layer will become covered with a “cobweb” and the material will crack.
• To cool the work surface, regularly wet the drilling area with cold water.
• Try to correctly determine the force of pressure. If you press too lightly on the drill, the hole will not work. If you squeeze it, the tile will crack.
• When in tiles, never use reverse mode. Only slow clockwise rotation of the drill is permissible.
• Be especially careful at joints. There are no tiles there protective coating and crumbles easily.

Choosing drills

The science of how to drill a hole in a tile is not too complicated, but it has its own peculiarities. For example, the right drill bit.

If you are even slightly familiar with construction work, then you know that there are different types of drills: for wood, concrete, metal, and so on. So “tiled” drills have their own characteristics. The process here is based on the friction of abrasives. So, to drill tiles or porcelain tiles, you will need a Pobedit or diamond drill bit. Most often they have the shape of a crown or an arrowhead.

If you are not too strapped for money, then it is better to give preference to diamond-coated consumables. They are, of course, more expensive, but they work better with ceramics. Spear-shaped drills with pobedit are also designed for working with tiles. Due to the shape of the tip and the special angle of the cutting edge, the contact surface is significantly reduced. You will have to use less effort, which means the tile will not crack.

Drilling according to all rules

• Before drilling into the tile, seal the intended work area with several layers. This will prevent the tool from slipping and slightly strengthen the edges of the potential hole. You can also use electrical tape or a regular medical plaster.
• Use a bright marker to mark the markings.
• Insert a special “tile” drill and install it on the drill smallest number rpm
• If the device has a shock mode, be sure to turn it off. Failure to comply with this condition will certainly lead to the tiles splitting.

In cases where it is necessary to drill a deep hole in the wall along with the tiles, the work is carried out in two stages. First, the tile itself is drilled. Then they change the drill to a thinner one and continue to “gnaw” the wall itself to the required depth. This is done so that during the process of drilling concrete the fragile edges of the tiles are not damaged.

How to make a large hole

Or tiles, if you need to run a pipe or insert a socket? There are also special devices for such work:

• circular ballerina drill;
• crown with abrasive edge.

The ideal option in this case is a special diamond-coated crown. cutting edge. It's quite expensive, and if you don't professional builder, buying one doesn't make much sense. In order to make just a few holes, more will do. a budget option— crown with pobedit teeth. This consumable has several disadvantages:

• one piece is enough to drill about 20 holes, after which the device can be safely thrown away;
• No matter how carefully you try to act, the edges of the hole will never be perfectly smooth; there will definitely be chips on them.

The victorious crown also has advantages:

• low cost;
• there are many diameter options, up to 15 cm.

There is another option for drilling tiles if you need to cut a hole of significant diameter. This is the so-called ballerina drill. It is a spear-shaped structure, in the tail part of which there is a special bracket. Another one is inserted into the latter - a “tile” drill. If you've ever seen a compass, you'll easily understand what's what. This device is inexpensive and is quite suitable for home work. However, there is a small nuance here too. When working with tiles, try to choose a “ballerina” drill whose central drill bit is shaped like a hexagon rather than a spear. This design is more stable.

Drilling tiles using a crown

• Determine the location of the future hole and cover the surface with masking tape.
• If you are not too confident in your abilities, you can make a stencil from plywood and press it tightly against the wall in the right place.
• Install a bit of the required diameter and start drilling at the lowest possible speed.
• Try to keep the tool perpendicular to the wall. This way the crown will be able to “bite” evenly into the tile along the entire circumference of the cut.
• If you are using a diamond-coated bit, you can increase the speed slightly. And to avoid excessive heating of the surface, pour water on it while drilling.

The “wet” drilling method is generally much preferable. Especially if the tile has a glossy glass coating. In this case, any drill will last much longer, and the risk of overheating and splitting the tiles is minimized.

We work as a "ballerina"

In order to use a ballerina drill, you need to set the dimensions correctly. Please note that between the side and central drills you need to set not the diameter, but the radius of the future hole.

Place the main hex drill in the center and start working at low speed. Try to hold the drill firmly and levelly, otherwise it will jump off and you will not be able to achieve desired result. One of the advantages of the “ballerina” is that it can be used to drill a hole with a diameter much larger than 15 cm. But the crowns bigger size simply doesn't exist.

Conclusion

At the end of our conversation, let's remember once again how to drill tiles so that they don't crack and spoil the impression of a brand new renovation:

• Be sure to wet the work area with water, for example from a spray bottle. This way you can avoid overheating.
• Try not to place holes along the edge of the tile, this creates additional stress.
• If you need to make deep holes, change the drill to a thinner one after going through the thickness of the tile. This will protect the edges of the hole from damage.
• When drilling, be sure to use only low speed and do not press the drill too hard.
• Try to use only special drills for work. Believe me, they cost much less than replacing cracked tiles.