How to drill small holes in tile

Robert95z · 12-07-2012, 12:52 AM

I need to drill a couple of tiny holes in my tile back splash..

Basically im replacing all my light switches with the flat rocker style.

The new switches overhang on the tile just a hair so that went I try to screw the face plate on the screws hit the tile. So basically I just need to drill 3 small holes that the face plate screws can go into.

Do I just use a regular drill bit? I was just worried about the tile cracking, even though these will be small holes.

epson · 12-07-2012, 01:28 AM

You can use carbide tipped masonry drill bits or diamond tipped drill bits. The diamond tipped bits are more durable and are best for drilling into very hard tiles more expensive, but they will not burn out as easily as the masonry bits. Note; when drilling into tile make sure you have a wet sponge dripping over the drill bite while drilling the hole as it will keep the bit cool and won’t make dust.

joecaption · 12-07-2012, 08:35 AM

If these holes are really close to the edge of the hole where the box is I'd just use a Roto zip with a tile bit instead of a drill.

ToolSeeker · 12-07-2012, 08:52 AM

Also they make regular bits that are for glass and tile. almost any bit you use will need you to take a punch tap it lightly but firm enough to break the glaze so the bit doesn,t wander all over the place.If these holes are near the edge this is likely to crack the tiles. The Roto-zip as previously mentioned with the tile bit and eat away at the edge may be your best bet.

philS · 12-23-2012, 07:56 PM

OP is probably long gone but I use a small piece of oak as a guide for the ceramic bit. Drill the same size hole in the oak and use duct tape to hold the wood guide in place. Works great at keeping the bit from drifting, almost like using a drill press.

Robert95z · 12-23-2012, 08:06 PM

I took care of it.. used a masonry bit and got the job done.. thanks

Seattle2k · 12-25-2012, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philS

OP is probably long gone but I use a small piece of oak as a guide for the ceramic bit. Drill the same size hole in the oak and use duct tape to hold the wood guide in place. Works great at keeping the bit from drifting, almost like using a drill press.

or, place masking tape over the spot you're going to drill. drill through the tape. the tape will keep the bit from walking

Fairview · 12-25-2012, 07:51 AM

I've had success marking the spot with a felt pen, cutting through the glaze with a Dremel and then using a regular twist drill.

12-07-2012, 12:52 AM	#1
Robert95z Newbie Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 16	How to drill small holes in tile I need to drill a couple of tiny holes in my tile back splash.. Basically im replacing all my light switches with the flat rocker style. The new switches overhang on the tile just a hair so that went I try to screw the face plate on the screws hit the tile. So basically I just need to drill 3 small holes that the face plate screws can go into. Do I just use a regular drill bit? I was just worried about the tile cracking, even though these will be small holes.

12-07-2012, 01:28 AM	#2
epson Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Ontario Canada, Toronto to be exact. Posts: 1,368	How to drill small holes in tile You can use carbide tipped masonry drill bits or diamond tipped drill bits. The diamond tipped bits are more durable and are best for drilling into very hard tiles more expensive, but they will not burn out as easily as the masonry bits. Note; when drilling into tile make sure you have a wet sponge dripping over the drill bite while drilling the hole as it will keep the bit cool and won’t make dust.

12-07-2012, 08:35 AM	#3
joecaption Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Hartfield VA Posts: 18,799	How to drill small holes in tile If these holes are really close to the edge of the hole where the box is I'd just use a Roto zip with a tile bit instead of a drill.

12-07-2012, 08:52 AM	#4
ToolSeeker Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: outside ocala fl Posts: 1,423	How to drill small holes in tile Also they make regular bits that are for glass and tile. almost any bit you use will need you to take a punch tap it lightly but firm enough to break the glaze so the bit doesn,t wander all over the place.If these holes are near the edge this is likely to crack the tiles. The Roto-zip as previously mentioned with the tile bit and eat away at the edge may be your best bet.

12-23-2012, 07:56 PM	#5
philS Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: OR Posts: 168	How to drill small holes in tile OP is probably long gone but I use a small piece of oak as a guide for the ceramic bit. Drill the same size hole in the oak and use duct tape to hold the wood guide in place. Works great at keeping the bit from drifting, almost like using a drill press.

How to drill small holes in tile