When arranging a bathroom, very often there is a need to drill holes in the tiles with which the walls are lined. This may be the need to attach a bathroom shelf or other accessory of our daily use, or simply make holes in ceramic tiles with it on the wall or floor. Let's look at the question of how to drill holes in tiles in detail.

Depending on the diameter required, different cutting tools are used. But no matter what holes we make, we need to rotate the cutting tool with an electric drill.

Let's consider the issue of drilling holes in several ways. Methods No. 1 and 2 are suitable for drilling holes of small diameter (up to 10-12 mm), methods No. 3 and 4 for drilling holes of medium diameter (from 10 to 80 mm.) and method No. 5 - holes with a diameter of more than 80 mm.

Method 1 – drilling using a ceramic tile drill

The main difficulty when drilling glazed tiles is the very durable top coating - the glaze. And in addition, this layer is very slippery, so an ordinary high-speed steel drill will not work - it will quickly become dull.

To drill small-diameter tiles, it is best to use special tile drills.

The main feature of this drill is the shape of its cutting part, equipped with a carbide plate with a pointed end, which makes it possible to start the drilling process at a set point more accurately. Similar drills are used for drilling glass, an even more slippery material.

To more accurately hit the desired marked place when drilling, it is recommended to mark the drilling location and stick a piece of tape to this place. Or stick a piece of masking tape and mark the drilling location on it.

Both one and the other method make it possible to start the process of drilling a hole in the tile on designated place without deviation. The drill will not slip or move away from the marking site when rotating. As the work is completed, the tape or masking tape is removed.

Method 2 - drilling holes using a carbide drill for concrete

This method very common in everyday life due to its high availability cutting tool– carbide-tipped drills – and its wide application. Almost every craftsman has one in stock at home, and, probably, in different diameters and different lengths.

Drilling with this tool also does not present any particular difficulty when using the method of holding the drilling point at the entrance, described above. main feature The application of this method of drilling ceramic tiles is that it is necessary to start drilling ceramics at very low speeds of the power tool.

The first and second methods are most often used for drilling holes for dowels and further fastening various interior items.

Method 3 – drilling holes using diamond-coated crowns

This method is used when it is necessary to obtain cavities for sockets, outlets, etc.

Drilling is done by rotating the crown placed on a guide drill. And the quality and accuracy of the hole will depend on the quality of the diamond coating and the grain size. The main disadvantage of this method is the high cost of the crown itself, which ranges from $30 to $80.

Method 4 – drilling with a circular drill on tiles or with a “ballerina”

The essence of this method is as follows: a movable cutter mounted on a rod is rotated using a power tool together with a guide drill. Due to the mobility of the cutter and the ability to move it along the rod, the tool can be adjusted to any required hole diameter within the length of the rod. This is very convenient and allows you not to buy, for example, a large assortment of crowns different diameters.

Another significant advantage of using this tool is its price, which is low and ranges from $10 to $15.

I carry out the drilling process in several stages:

1. I mark the center of the circle;
2. I adjust the circular drill to the required diameter;
3. I cut through the glazed layer;

4. I make a groove with reverse side tiles;

5. I cut the hole from the front side.

Along with many advantages, this method also has disadvantages:

Firstly, this tool not intended for production very much large quantity res. The service life of such a drill is 30-40 holes, although for home use this is quite enough.

Secondly, the tool must be used very carefully and use low speed when cutting. If these conditions are not met, there is a high probability of small chips of the tile at the cut site.

Method 5 – drilling large diameter holes

To make holes large diameter you can use the following technique.

Mark the center and draw a circle line of the required diameter;

We insert a ceramic drill (or an ordinary concrete drill) of small diameter into an electric drill, and with its help we drill along the entire length of the circle with inside holes. They should be as close to each other as possible.

Remove the drilled inner part. Using wire cutters or pliers, we remove the remaining burrs from our hole.

Final polishing inner diameter sandpaper or abrasive stone.

When using any of these methods, you should never use percussion instrument. Its use may lead to the tiles splitting, because... Along with high rigidity and hardness, it has great fragility.

Now you know how to drill holes in tiles with your own hands using various cutting tools.

Video: how to make a hole in a tile using a circular drill

Modern ceramic tiles are an excellent finishing material, actively used in construction and renovation.

Its excellent characteristics make it an almost irreplaceable material for finishing walls and other surfaces.

It is beautiful, durable, waterproof, practical, hygienic, easy to care for, and has a fairly reasonable cost. If desired, anyone can learn, albeit not professionally, but to lay tiles carefully and efficiently.

Is it possible to drill tiles with your own hands? After all, whatever one may say, holes will be needed sooner or later: for various accessories, for hanging, for various purposes, for, and for other possible needs.

What can make working with the material difficult? Let's remember how it is made.

Material properties

The simplest, already forgotten by some, manual. For making small and not too deep holes, it is usually quite enough. In addition, there will definitely be no problems with adjusting the rotation speed. In some cases, even a banal bracelet is used.

Special devices - conductors: They can be used to facilitate the process of drilling straight holes. Using suction cups, they are attached to the surface, preventing the drill, especially at the beginning of work, from moving to the side.

Special blowers. Under low pressure, they supply water to the workplace, which cools the hot tool.

Drill

Special spear-shaped (feather) drills, specially designed for tiles. They are very convenient for making holes of small and medium diameter (for dowel fasteners).

For reliable clamping in the tool chuck, they can be equipped with a cylindrical shank. Drills with a hexagon are produced to fit the size of standard bits - they are used when working with.

In an ordinary tile, such a drill can make on average no more than thirty holes before it fails. If you have to work with porcelain stoneware, then this figure is reduced to two or three pieces.

Core drills with corundum or diamond coating, which are included in the category of professional tools: they will do an excellent job not only with tiles, but also with porcelain stoneware.

Such drills are like a hollow tube, thereby significantly facilitating the work process. Waste is removed through the cavity without interference. Usually made to make fairly large holes.

Ballerina drill. Can be used for one-time work when you need to make a hole of significant diameter. It has a low cost and easily copes with the task.

Heavy duty carbide tipped drills. This option is not one of the most successful, since difficulties may arise when passing the mechanism through the top, most durable tile layer. They are more suitable for deepening holes that have already been made by other nozzles.

Carbide heavy-duty drills with acute-angled single-sided sharpening. Excellent penetration of the hardest, outer layer of tiles. Such products manufactured good manufacturer, will work for quite a long time.

Reminiscent of those just mentioned, tungsten carbide coated drills. They are used not only for drilling ceramics, they can also be used in hard natural materials, such as granite and marble. Mostly sold in sets various diameters, are used more often by professionals.

How to drill into tiles

How to drill small holes in wall tiles?

Such holes are usually needed when you need to place a cabinet, shelf, mirror, hanger, piece of furniture or other accessory on the wall. Most often used plastic driving dowels up to 12 mm in diameter.

Let's consider the option when the wall is already completely covered with tiles, under which there is a completely hardened mortar or glue.

How to use a drill to make a large hole in tiles?

Large holes (20 mm or more) are usually made in the material before it is laid on the floor or walls. The tiles are placed on the workbench, after which careful marking is carried out.

We've come to an end facing works- the tile pleases with its impeccable masonry and dazzling shine. And here many are overwhelmed by confusion - how to properly drill tiles and hang towel racks on the wall in the bathroom without damaging such beauty? Tiles are a fragile material that can easily break under mechanical stress, but this does not mean at all that you will have to give up the desire to decorate the walls with original accessories. After all, for those who approach business wisely, nothing is impossible.

If you ask a professional tiler how to drill a hole in a tile, main advice master of his craft will sound something like this: “Drill at low speeds!” There is considerable truth in these words. Not everyone knows that the result directly depends on the speed of rotation of the drill.

How to drill tiles?

Regardless of the tool you choose, remember, if you want to get the job done flawlessly, optimal quantity the revolutions should be from 200 to 1000. Of course, if you choose a household drill, then setting 200 revolutions will be difficult, but 1000 is quite feasible. Preferably cordless screwdriver, because its maximum rev is 800-1000 rpm.

Can be a good alternative corded screwdriver, practically no different from the battery in terms of characteristics. If there are no power tools on the farm, you can use a hand drill. The minimum number of revolutions (you won’t be able to accelerate too much) allows you to get a channel of an ideal shape.

It is important!
However, when using a hand drill, be aware that it will also not be possible to drill a large-diameter hole. Due to low speed.

The second rule is to purchase the right drill bits. Which ones exactly? We'll figure it out together. Instructions for .

Crowns with tungsten carbide coating

They have proven themselves well when working with porcelain stoneware, marble, ceramic tiles, and brick. The package includes 4 bits of different diameters, which help to drill grooves for different needs (for sockets, shelves, cabinets, etc.).

The downside is the considerable cost, but the versatility and strength of tungsten carbide bits are worth it.

The circular adjustable drill is designed for drilling large holes (30-90 mm). The drill consists of two disks: the first, centering, and the second, fixed in parallel. Cutting is carried out using soldered hard alloy, which are equipped with the cutting parts of the disks.

The moving parts are secured using bolts. The main reason for the increase in the popularity of ballerinas is the best remedy for the production of non-standard holes cannot be found. The only negative is that the edges are not quite even, but if the holes are drilled under the bathtub or sink, then this of great importance does not have.

How to drill through ceramic tiles

The progress of work can be divided into several stages:

It is important!
Please note that the diameter of the second drill should not exceed the diameter of the first. Otherwise, it will not be possible to avoid damage to the tiles.

That's all. Insert a dowel into the resulting hole and hang the accessory you like. The sparkling bathtub, lined with beautiful tiles and decorated with mirrors and shelves, looks stunning.

And the realization that all this beauty is the work of your hands fills the heart with special joy. A joy that is familiar only to those who know how to create perfection with their own hands.

At a certain stage in the process of renovation in a bathroom, toilet or kitchen, the need inevitably arises to drill technological holes in ceramic tiles.

Regardless of the cost of the tiles, you don’t want to disturb the beauty and evenness of the finish, but at the same time you need to hang a shelf or install an outlet.

The ideal option is to drill holes in the tiles before installation, but this procedure is not always possible. Let's look at how to drill tiles glued to the wall, avoiding the risk of cracks and chips.

Difficulties in working with ceramic tiles

Tiles may crack when drilled

Tile is one of the most durable finishing materials. It is resistant to aggressive environments, withstands operating conditions high humidity, has a hard and often slippery surface. The tile successfully withstands constant physical pressure, while the material is quite fragile to break.

All these properties create certain difficulties in working with tiles. Glossy surface creates tiles too additional problems: the drill can slip and scratch the surface of the material, and if, when laying the tiles, voids were allowed in the adhesive solution, then when drilling such a tile will most likely crack.

To make holes in tiles, it is necessary to use nozzles made of a material stronger than ceramic tiles. You need to know the technology of working with tiles, follow some rules and use the right tool.

Tool

Several tools are suitable for drilling a hole in a tiled wall:

• mechanical or hand drill;
• electric drill with the ability to adjust the number of revolutions;
• screwdriver with speed mode selection function.

It is important that the drill has the ability to adjust the number of revolutions

You can use a hammer drill provided that the tool has a function to turn off the impact mode. Moreover, it can be useful for drilling holes in concrete or brick wall behind the tiles.

Depending on the modification of the selected tool, an adapter may be needed.

It is fundamentally important that the working tool has the ability to work at low speeds, because you should start drilling from a low mode, increasing the speed to 200 rpm.

To make a couple of holes, a hand drill is ideal: you can control the amount of pressure, and the tool will not vibrate.

Bits and drills

Once you have decided on the tool, you need to select a drill or attachment. The choice depends on the size of the hole required and the number of drilling points. Should not be used regular drills for concrete: ruin both the tile and the drill, and the result will be disastrous.

Possible types of drills and attachments for working with tiles

Type of device	Nozzle material	Recommendations for use
drill	Will win	Most a budget option. Suitable for working on a couple of holes.
crown	Will win	Can be used for drilling holes with a diameter of no more than 150 mm. 1 nozzle is designed for a maximum of 20 drillings.
Spear-shaped (feather-shaped) drill	Wolfram carbide	Suitable for drilling a small number of holes. More expensive than pobeditovy, but somewhat more effective.
drill	Diamond sputtering	Expensive instrument. The hardness of the tip material exceeds the strength of the tile surface. Convenient to work with any type of tile.
crown	Diamond sputtering	Speeds up the work process. It is worth drilling as carefully as possible, starting from low speeds.
ballerina	Consists of a central pulley, a guide drill, a cross rod and a cutter with a carbide tooth.	Possibility to drill holes of various diameters. The cutter is set according to the size of the radius of the required hole.

Drilling technology

Having prepared necessary tools and nozzles, you can proceed directly to the drilling process.
The sequence of actions, regardless of the hole diameter, is the same:

If you use a power tool for drilling, you need to monitor the heat level of the drill. If you smell smoke, stop work and let the drill cool. The drill overheats due to increased friction, which means the load is too high and the tool cannot cope. The efficiency of work in this case is quite small. For more information on how to carefully make holes in tiles, watch this video:

Before you start working on ceramic tiles, soberly assess your skills and abilities. Drilling a hole in a tile is not difficult, but if the walls are lined with expensive material, it may the best solution will hire a professional who is guaranteed not to spoil the finish and will do his job efficiently.

Ceramic tiles have proven themselves to be durable, moisture-resistant, environmentally friendly, durable and inexpensive finishing material. It is not surprising that most people choose it when renovating apartments, in particular for finishing walls and. Thanks to the variety of colors, it is easy to match it to any interior and realize the most extraordinary ideas; it protects the walls well and can serve for a long time.

After the tiling and repairs are completely completed, they begin decorating and arranging the room. After all, a person spends a lot of time in the bathroom and the room should be cozy.

To place decor, as well as various accessories in the form of shelves, hooks, hangers and mirrors, it is necessary to make holes in the finished masonry. But how to drill tiles in the bathroom correctly so as not to spoil or chip them?

If you get chips or cracks due to careless work, then replacing such tiles will be problematic. When working with tiles, it is necessary to take into account its size, thickness, area of ​​application and safety factor. But with all the variety of types of tiles, they are united by one quality - durability.

If expensive materials were used during the renovation, and there are no spare tiles left, then for drilling required quantity holes, you need to invite a specialist. If you decide to do everything yourself, then our guide will help with this.

Note: The process of drilling tiles in the bathroom should be treated with maximum attention and accuracy, but you should not be afraid of this process, it is not difficult to do. Be patient and take your time.

So, for drilling you will need :

1. If you choose electric drill, then make sure there is a speed control. After all, working at high speeds will damage the tiles. A hand drill does not have these risks. The process is smoother, the speed is low, and the risk of cracks and material breakage is reduced. Until recently, it was believed that a hand drill was more suitable for drilling, since it was possible to regulate and control the pressing force and rotation speed. Now this opinion is controversial, since they began to produce electric drills with adjustable speed during operation. Buy a drill in the trusted Petrovich store.
2. Drill bit. Special drills are sold for drilling glass and ceramics. They have a spear shape. When purchasing a tool, do not hesitate to contact consultants, this will help avoid unnecessary damage to materials. Buy drills online in the same store.

Read more: Difference between a hammer drill and an impact drill

Diamond drills - a guarantee of reliability

The choice of drill size depends on the size of the fastener. You need to pay attention to the accessory that you plan to mount on the wall. Check the size of the fastener on the accessory, select a mounting screw in accordance with the diameter of the fastener.

The length of the screw should not exceed 60% of the wall thickness, otherwise there is a risk of damage to the wall on the reverse side. After you have selected the screw, you need to select a dowel for it the right size. Usually, all the necessary fastenings are included with the accessories. But, if you outweigh not new thing, then it’s easier and more reliable to buy a new screw of the right size complete with a dowel. The diameter of the drill must match the diameter of the dowel.

Measure the length of the selected dowel with a tape measure and install a limiter on the electric drill to this depth. If the electric drill is not equipped with a stop, you can make a mark using electrical tape on the drill itself. This way you won't go wrong with the depth of the hole.

Tip 1: Use drills suitable for the surface properties and materials. A hole in a tile can only be made with a tile drill. A hole in concrete can only be made with a concrete drill. By alternating the diameter of the drill from smaller to larger, you can avoid damage to the tiles. When working with a drill on concrete, you must not touch the edge of the tile.

For tiles, you can choose a special drill for ceramics, with a Pobedit or other carbide crown. For holes of large diameters, a “ballerina” is usually used. For precise and accurate work, take a sharp drill; a dull one heats up the drill faster and interferes with the work.

Tip 2: The glazed layer will deteriorate if exposed to excessive heat. The friction force very quickly increases the temperature of the drill and tile. By immersing the drill bit in water and wiping the drill point with a damp cloth, you can reduce the risk of overheating.

Using self-adhesive tape for work

Work is more pleasant when you have everything you need Consumables. First you need to make sure that there are no communications in the wall with which you will have to work.

Read more: Laying tiles on drywall: step-by-step instructions

First of all, make sure that there are no sockets under the drilling site; as a rule, the cable goes up from the socket to the ceiling. An electrical detector allows you to determine the location of the cable. Metal detector except electric cable, will still find reinforcement.

People with little construction experience may neglect to check the wall and risk damaging the power tool.

Here are some useful tips to avoid this:

1. We determine the location of the hole on the tile and mark it with a marker. To mark the center, some craftsmen chip the glaze with some sharp metal object, for example, a tap, a core, or a simple hardened construction dowel. To do this, you need to carefully remove all the enamel on the diameter of our future hole to create a small hole. Only accuracy and caution will protect the ceramic surface from damage. This method is best used only if you are confident in your abilities and have relevant experience.
2. Self-adhesive tape, film or other available material is glued to the marked point for the drill. Don't forget: no matter what you stick on, the marked point should be clearly visible through the selected material.
3. Perhaps the most important task is to carefully drill upper layer tiles The drill often slips due to the smoothness of the surface. It should not walk on the tiles or scratch them. The glued material will prevent the glaze from chipping and keep the drill in one point.
4. Let's drill a hole. Excessive pressure on the drill and high speeds will not help reduce repair time. A neat and even hole will be obtained only if you work with the drill strictly perpendicular to the wall, fixing the drill at one point. Movements should not be sharp or shock, and the number of revolutions should not exceed a thousand.