How to Drill Through Glazed Ceramic

When you want to install a towel bar or other fixtures in the bathroom you may have to drill through glazed ceramic. Having glazed ceramic in the bathroom is very common because it is easy to clean and maintain as well as easy to install. When adding anything to the bathroom, you will have to deal with the glazed ceramic tiles. Drilling through the tiles can cause it to crack and break, meaning you will have to replace the tile. With the proper tools and some time, you can drill through glazed ceramic tile without it breaking, and this article will show you how.

Step 1 - Pick the Right Location

Choosing where you will drill the glazed ceramic tile is just as important as actually drilling the tile. Never try to drill the glazed ceramic tile on any of the edges or too close to an edge. When you place the drill bit too close to the edge, the velocity of the drill bit will oscillate too fast. This oscillation causes the glazed ceramic tile to vibrate and then crack. When you are going to drill through tile, always try to get in the center of the tile. Use a ruler if you have to in order to find the center.

Step 2 - Secure the Glazed Ceramic Tile

The glazed tile is already affixed to the wall, but you need to be able to prevent the vibrations from breaking the glazed ceramic tile. Once you decide where you want to drill, you will want to place a piece of masking over the tile. Place a second strip of masking tape over the first to create an "X" shape. In the middle of where the two pieces of tape intersect is where your drilling location should be.

Step 3 - Double Check

Masking tape is easy to remove, so it is always imperative to measure the ceramic tile at least two more times and adjust the masking tape as needed. Use the measuring tape to make sure the spot you are going to drill is as center as possible. Once you begin to drill, you cannot take it back.

Step 4 - Drill the Glazed Ceramic Tile

Before you begin to drill, always wear your safety glasses, as there's always a chance the tile will split, sending ceramic shards into the air. Never remove the tape before you drill. The masking tape helps to keep the vibrations created from the drill at a minimum. This will, hopefully, prevent the ceramic tile from breaking. Place the carbide-tipped masonry drill bit in the drill. Put the tip of the drill in the center of the masking tape. The tape will also prevent the drill bit from scratching the glazed surface if the bit happens to slip off of the mark. Make sure your drill is on a low setting and begin drilling the tile at a steady pace using even pressure. Never rush the process.