Drilling porcelain tiles

I need to drill a few 1/4" diameter holes through the porcelain wall tiles in my bathroom.

The porcelain tile is about 3/8" thick and very hard. I tried a masonry bit, no luck.

Next I ordered a set of diamond bits. These are hollow bits kind of like a tiny hole saw.



How would I use these hollow bits to drill a hole at an exact location on the tile without skiding?

Do I need to drill out a 1/4" hole 0n a piece of 1X lumber then use that as a drill guide on the tile?

 

Yes..... exactly.

Or purchase a starting guide like in the picture. Be sure to spray water on the bit after it starts in the tile. You will only need the guide to get the bit started.

 

I cover the area with painters tap then use a prick punch to break the glazing and make a mark.
If you where trying to use just a regular drill not a hammer drill that's would be why the masonry bit failed.
My SDS drill and regular masonry bit goes through tile in seconds.

 

OK I'll try a drill guide and see. Thanks.

 

yes I have a hammer drill and a SDS demo hammer and masonry bits and they DO go through CERAMIC tiles in seconds.

These are hard thick porcelain tiles and totally different story. It is very dense and hard. Actually last year I had the same tiles and I took one to a local tile store and said I would pay them to drill two 3/4" diameter holes for supply lines...they guy said nope not these tiles. They said they only way they can do it is to use an angle grinder with a diamond blade to notch the tiles, or I can find a marble/granite guy and borrow his diamond hole saw.

 

I agree with MiamiCuse. Ceramic tiles are relatively easy to drill. Porcelain not so much. I have never been able to drill a porcelain tile with a hammer drill and a masonry bit.

 

A hammer drill on porcelain No way.

 

I use a carbide tip bit and start with a small bit and gradually move up in size. Also just the drill setting, no percussion.