drilling in ceramic floor tile

mrmac204

I"ve been installing several door stops in a house that we're building - the floor is ceramic? tile- very hard! the drill bits that we're using are the spear point carbide - they work well for two- three holes- I've got a can of cold water to dip them into every 1/2 minute or so- but even still, they wear out, or usually the carbide tip falls off - so in looking for something else more suitable, I've found diamond drill bits (on the net) has anyone used these? are they an improvement? I'd hate to spend 20 bucks on a bit to have it wear out in a few holes.

thanks!

Mac!

Gencon

The heating and cooling cycles are killing the bits. Maintain cool water on them at all times, not every 1/2 minute or so.
However, a diamond bit is well worth the investment but you have to keep it cool too. I just use a small spray bottle of water and keep a flow on the work surface. This also helps flush away the material you have already cut. A couple of rags on hand will expediate cleanup.

nap

ditto

build a dam of rags around the area you are drilling.

Personally, I maintain a dribble of water on the bit at all times.

troubleseeker

Two points come to mind for your difficulties. Ceramic tile is generally not that hard, could it be porcelain? Secondly, are you using a hammer drill or a rotary hammer. Hammer drillls, especially inexpensive ones, are really bad for melting drill bits in hard materials, as they have very little hammering action, even though they make a heck of a lot of noise, so the bit just spins and generates heat until it disintegrates. I would suggest switching to a Bosch or Hilti peercussion bit over the little spear point types.

nap

hammer drills break tile very easily. If one is not experienced drilling tile with one, I will guarantee at least one broken tile.

I would stick with the little arrow bits and water and a slow drill.