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Original poster

Drilling into tiles

26 replies

Robinonaspade · 15/02/2021 22:49

I'm wondering if drilling into tiles is something that I could successfully do, given I've only used a drill to fix a cabinet to a plasterboard wall and hung a mirror and some pictures?

Our shower curtain needs fixing to the tiled walls at either end, and is ceiling mounted in three places along it's length.

I love the bathroom tiles, and would hate to damage them by doing it myself and making a mess... but have struggled to get anyone in to just put the rail up. They never come when they say or else it's too small a job. I'm really missing being able to use the shower!

The tiles are glossy white, each one just under the size of an A4 piece of paper. They have a surface that is not level, it has raised and lowered sections in it, forming a pattern. I'm worried the drill could skip all over or I crack the tile as I'm drilling. The tiles are ceramic and glazed.

Are there any competent people out there who can tell me if it's something I should tackle, (and tips please😊) , or am I best to keep trying to get someone in who knows what they are doing!

Thanks.

OP posts:

nimbuscloud · 15/02/2021 22:57

You need a drill bit that is suitable for ceramic tiles

Beetle76 · 15/02/2021 22:58

I’m no expert but if I recall correctly, having watched someone else do it, you need the right drill bit for the type of tile and you drill through something like masking tape.

Original poster

Robinonaspade · 15/02/2021 23:06

Thanks for such speedy replies. I've seen a video with masking tape and the special drill bit... I'm just hesitant about the actual drilling!

If I make a mess of a wall it's an easy fix, I know I can fix it. Just not sure if drilling tiles is as easy as walls!

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Original poster

Robinonaspade · 15/02/2021 23:07

Do you think it's something a novice welding a drill should attempt?!!

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Original poster

Robinonaspade · 15/02/2021 23:08

Wielding... Certainly not going to attempt welding!

OP posts:

1990s · 15/02/2021 23:10

I was scared about doing this and have done it a few times now and it is fine.

You need a couple of diamond drill bits as they will blunt quite quickly, and masking tape. It’s honestly not as bad as you think.

Do you have any spare tiles just in case? If it’s got to go up, it’s got to go up...

redastherose · 15/02/2021 23:17

It's fine if you use the right drill tip and mask off the area. Also you don't push hard when drilling just enough and do it gradually rather than rush it.

Original poster

Robinonaspade · 15/02/2021 23:19

Thanks 1990s, you give me hope I can do it! I'd not thought of the bits becoming blunt, so will get a couple. As you say it does need to go up!

We do have spare tiles so at least if it breaks one can be replaced.

Can I ask, did you find it easy to drill in the right spot? I'm presuming the tape helps the drill bit to go it, and not slide.

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Original poster

Robinonaspade · 15/02/2021 23:21

Thanks redastherose, going slowly sounds a good tip.
I think I shall have a go... I need use of my shower!

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PickAChew · 15/02/2021 23:22

Drill a smaller hole than you need, at first - less likely to crack the tile.

I used a pressure mounted shower pole when I had tiles at either end. They're surprisingly secure.

orangenasturtium · 15/02/2021 23:29

As you say, there is a risk of cracking the tile. I wanted some hooks for dressing gowns put up in my tiled bathroom and my builder recommended drilling into the grout rather than the tiles. Could that work?

Or could you get a shower rail that is entirely ceiling mounted or a tension shower rail that doesn't need drilling?

Original poster

Robinonaspade · 15/02/2021 23:38

Thanks pickachew, a smaller drill bit is a good idea.

Unfortunately a tension rod is no good due to the position of the bath, it needs to run the full length of the bathroom. I did try one, however it kept on falling down and when it stated up, and the shower was in use, water sprayed all over the floor near the sink!!

I will look at the position and consider if drilling the grout is possible, thanks orangenasturtium.

The rail we bought was sold as just ceiling mountable, we were assured sticky pads on the two wall ends would be fine... They weren't!

I think I shall just have to go for it, using the tips above. Thank you.

OP posts:

omygoditsearly · 15/02/2021 23:45

Are your tiles porcelain or ceramic? I tend to use small diamond cores, to centre them I usually drill a similar size hole in a block of hardwood then use it as a guide.

MissKittyCat · 16/02/2021 00:36

If you have spare tiles you could practice with one of those.

Riapia · 16/02/2021 03:45

Be sure the drill is not set on the hammer function.

peteneras · 16/02/2021 06:57

OP, it's not a tough job. . . but please never ever use a regular drill bit on tiles as they will almost certainly crack the moment you start drilling. Treat your tiles as if they are glass and therefore, you need a drill bit for glasses. These look completely different from a regular drill bit.

Stick a masking tape - better still, double layer - on the spot where you want to drill to prevent the drill bit from skating about. Do not use hammer action mode! Start gently until the drill bit "bites" onto the tile when you can then increase speed. No need to use a smaller bit first; just select the right size from the onset.

Original poster

Robinonaspade · 16/02/2021 07:41

Thank you for all your helpful tips. I think I will have a go, proceed slowly an with the special drill bit. It sounds like it's worth me having a try.

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Radagast · 16/02/2021 07:45

If you can drill into the grout between the tiles.

Like others have said though, slow and steady and make sure the hammer function is off!

1990s · 16/02/2021 07:45

@Robinonaspade

Thanks 1990s, you give me hope I can do it! I'd not thought of the bits becoming blunt, so will get a couple. As you say it does need to go up!

We do have spare tiles so at least if it breaks one can be replaced.

Can I ask, did you find it easy to drill in the right spot? I'm presuming the tape helps the drill bit to go it, and not slide.

Great that you have a spare tile, I’d definitely give it a go then.

Absolutely, the tape helps the drill bit bite and not slide, and yes it’s worth having two bits as once you’ve done a couple of holes you might need another.

As others have said just take it slow and make sure you have drill bits for tile and you’ll be golden.

1990s · 16/02/2021 07:47

Oh yes, smaller pilot hole first is a good idea, sorry forgot to say that as just something I do with every drilling thing!

whiteroom · 16/02/2021 07:52

Make sure the rawlplug isn't a really tight fit in the hole or else the tile will crack when you put the screw in.

Bluntness100 · 16/02/2021 07:57

Why don’t you order a couple of free samples of tiles from some of the big sellers, someone like porcelain superstore pretty much sends them out the next day, then practice and make a decision ?

Daftasabroom · 16/02/2021 07:58

Use a masonry drill bit the correct size for the Rawl plug. Use masking tape to start the hole. Do not use the hammer action while drilling the tile although it may make life easier once you're into the brickwork.

Chumleymouse · 16/02/2021 08:05

If the tiles are ceramic you can drill them with a normal ( newish ) masonry drill bit, if they are porcelain then a diamond bit will be needed.
Put masking tape on the tiles first as it makes it easy to mark the hole and see exactly where you are drilling.

I usually get a nail punch ( or a big nail ) and chip a tiny bit of tile off just where you start the drill, this will stop the drill from wandering about, all you need to do is tap gently till there’s enough for the bit to sit in.

When you drill, drill very slowly. This might be difficult if you don’t have a variable speed drill ? No hammer just normal drilling.

Just take your time and gentle pressure on the drill and let it work it’s way though the tile. I’d try and not drill between tiles or to close to the edge as they can break easily or speltch the tiles.

Original poster

Robinonaspade · 16/02/2021 08:11

Thank you for all the tips, I was just wondering where in the garage the spare tiles were, so ordering a couple of samples would be quicker than finding I think!

You've all encouraged me that it's worth a try, and with care it can be done 😊

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