How to Drill Into Tile - Kitchen Cabinets

Drilling into tile can seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques it can be a simple process. Being able to drill into tile gives you more flexibility when installing fixtures or making repairs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully drill into tile.

Selecting the Right Drill Bit

The most important factor in drilling into tile is using the proper drill bit. Regular twist drill bits are prone to slipping on the glazed surface of tile and can cause cracks or chips. Instead, you’ll want to use a special drill bit designed for ceramic tile. Here are the best options:

Carbide-tipped drill bit – Carbide is an extremely hard metal alloy that can cut through the rigid surface of tile. Carbide-tipped bits will have no problem drilling through porcelain or ceramic tile without damaging the surrounding area. They can be used for small pilot holes or larger holes up to 1/2” diameter.
Diamond-grit drill bit – These specialized masonry drill bits have small diamond particles embedded in the tip. As you drill, the diamonds grind away at the tile glaze for smooth drilling. Diamond drill bits can drill holes from very small up to 2” diameter in tile.
Glass and tile bit – Designed for use on both glass and tile, these drill bits have a spear-shaped carbide tip to prevent wandering and slippage on smooth surfaces. Built-in water channels help cool the bit during use. They can drill holes up to 3/8” diameter.

Always inspect bits for cracks or worn edges prior to use. A damaged drill bit is more likely to crack tile. Properly lubricating and cooling the drill bit will also minimize potential damage.

Preparing the Tile Surface

Before starting to drill, take a few minutes to prepare the tile surface:

Clear the area – Remove any items or décor from the immediate drilling area to give yourself plenty of free space to work. Cover countertops or floors below the drilling point with a drop cloth.
Mark the spot – Use a pencil to mark the exact spot where you want the hole to go. Measure carefully to avoid mistakes.
Apply painter’s tape – Place strips of painter’s tape over the drilling mark to help prevent slippage of the drill bit. The tape also reduces chipping of the tile glaze.
Optional pilot hole – For larger holes 1/4” or greater, it helps to drill a pilot hole first with a smaller bit. This gives the larger bit guidance and prevents wandering.

Taking it slowly on the prep work will give you better control during the actual tile drilling. Rushing in without preparing often leads to cracked tiles.

Drilling into Tile Without Chipping

Here are some key tips to drill perfectly round, clean holes in tile without any cracking or chipping:

Use a cordless drill – Avoid large hammer drills which can be unwieldy and provide too much power. A compact cordless drill provides more control. Variable speed is best to start slower.
Apply light pressure – Let the drill do the work, applying only light pressure. Too much force and pressure can result in the drill bit biting into and cracking the tile.
Start slowly – Ease the drill bit into the tile at a low RPM. Once you’ve drilled through the glazed surface you can increase speed.
Lubricate the bit – Frequently dip the end of the bit into water or apply tile drilling lubricant. Keeping it wet reduces damaging heat.
Use a center punch – For larger holes, lightly tap a center punch into the pilot hole before switching bits. This keeps the bit from wandering.
Back out to clear debris – Every so often, back the drill bit partially out to clear away drilling debris so it doesn’t interfere with the cutting action.

Patience and using proper technique will result in a clean opening through the tile. Take your time and let the drill do the hard work.

How to Drill Into Tile in Wet Areas

Special considerations apply when drilling into tile in wet locations like bathrooms and kitchens. Modifying your technique will lead to success:

Mark measurements precisely – Getting measurements exact for outlet holes and plumbing fixtures is crucial for these important locations. Double check prior to drilling.
Use a smaller bit for pilot hole – The pilot hole helps guide the larger bit straight and prevents slips. Use at least a 3/16” carbide bit for the starter hole.
Watch out for plumbing and wiring – Use a non-contact detector tool to scan inside the wall before drilling to avoid hitting any concealed plumbing pipes or electrical wiring.
Drill at low RPM – Keep the drill speed lower when working around plumbing to avoid cracking porcelain fixtures. Start at 200-300 RPM for the pilot hole and only go up to 600 RPM for the larger bit.
Hand excavate the last 1/4” – When you’re almost through the tile, finish the hole by hand with a cold chisel and hammer. This prevents the drill from damaging pipes or wires hidden right behind the tile.
Smooth the edges – Use a file or sanding stone to smooth out the cut edges of the hole to prevent cracking and create a nicer finish.

With extra care taken during drilling, it’s completely feasible to drill into bathroom or kitchen tile without mistakes. Just make sure to properly prepare beforehand.

How to Drill Into Tile on the Floor

Drilling into floor tile has its own specific concerns and techniques. Follow these tips when the tile drilling area will be underfoot:

Mark the hole location – Make alignment marks a few inches away from the actual hole in multiple directions. This allows you to line up the drill even if the original mark gets obscured.
Vacuum the floor – Use a shop vacuum to clean up any debris, dirt, or loose particles that could interfere with drilling. Debris can scratch the tile surface.
Watch out for uneven tile – If the floor tile is uneven, use shims to create a flat surface and prevent wobbling of the drill. Take extra care when drilling into grout lines.
Drill at a perpendicular angle – Position your body so the drill can enter the tile precisely perpendicular or straight vertical. Never drill at an angle.
Have a spray bottle handy – Mist the tile periodically during drilling to minimize heat buildup and keep the bit lubricated.
Avoid the edges – Stay away from tile edges and grout lines when possible. The thinnest parts of tile are more prone to cracking from drill pressure.
Drill from the room side – For holes that go all the way through the tile, like electrical outlets, start drilling from the side which will have the visible hole. This prevents chip out.

With the right angle and pressure, you can drill perfect holes in floor tiles for drains, piping, outlets, and more. Just take it slowly.

How to Drill into Porcelain Tile Without Chipping

Porcelain tile is prone to cracking and chipping because it’s harder and more brittle than standard ceramic tile. Follow these porcelain tile drilling tips:

Use a specialty porcelain bit – Porcelain drill bits have a sharper carbide tip and diamond granules designed specifically for drilling smooth porcelain. Don’t try to use a regular masonry bit.
Lower the speed – Keep RPMs lower than you would for ceramic tile, around 200 to start. Porcelain can crack easily under high drill speeds.
Use light pressure – Set the drill on the spot and let it work without applying extra downward force. Go just hard enough to keep the bit engaged.
Lubricate frequently – Stop every 20 to 30 seconds to spray the bit and hole with water or lubricant so it doesn’t overheat.
Aim drill perpendicular – As with any tile, the drill must be perfectly straight vertical to the tile, not at an angle which can cause chips.
Back out bit to clear debris – Debris can build up quickly when drilling porcelain. Frequently back the bit up part way to allow debris to clear.
File the cut edge – Use a diamond file to smooth and round the cut edge of the hole to remove any small cracks or rough areas.

With the proper porcelain tile drill bits and care taken to prevent overheating, you can get clean results. Just take your time and avoid forcing the drill.

How to Drill Into Tile Without a Special Bit

In a pinch, it is possible to drill into ceramic tile without a specialized tile and masonry drill bit:

Use a carbide-tipped bit – Though not ideal, a carbide-tipped drill bit for metals can penetrate tile if no masonry bits are available. Select the size needed for the hole.
Grind the tip – Use a bench grinder or rotary tool to shape the carbide bit into more of a spear shape. This helps it grind rather than chip the tile surface.
Drill at an angle – Tilting the drill at a 45 degree angle directs the grinding action of the bit along the tile surface to cut a hole.
Make a pilot hole – Starting with a small pilot hole prevents the makeshift bit from wandering across the tile.
Lubricate constantly – Keep the tile wet to prevent heat buildup and reduce vibration which can crack tile.
Drill very slowly – Maximum RPM should be 500 or less to give the bit time to cut the tile without cracking it.
File the edges – Use sandpaper or a file to smooth rough areas around the hole that may cause cracks later.

It takes extra care and time, but you can drill into tile without a masonry bit by following these tips. However, getting the proper bit is always recommended.

How to Remove a Broken Drill Bit From Tile

A broken drill bit stuck in tile is frustrating, but usually can be extracted:

Don’t panic – Set the drill aside and calmly assess the situation first. A cool head leads to smooth removal.
Try pliers first – Often regular locking pliers are enough to clamp and twist out a broken drill bit. Protect the tile surface with tape or a rag.
Use an extractor – Specialized drill bit extractors are made to grip and back out a sheared drill bit. Match the extractor size to the bit.
Drill around the bit – With a carbide bit, carefully drill into the tile around the stuck bit to loosen it for prying out.
Heat the bit – For a stubborn bit, use a soldering iron or torch to heat the bit which will expand the metal for easier removal.
Last resort – drilling – If all other methods fail, drill directly into the broken bit using a carbide bit. This will destroy the stuck bit but allow you to pry out the remaining shaft.

With patience and gentle care, you can successfully remove a broken drill bit without damaging the tile further. Just take your time and use the proper tools and techniques.

How to Smooth Rough Drill Holes in Tile

It’s common for a drill hole in tile to turn out a little rough around the edges. Here are some quick tips for smoothing holes:

Use a file – A round metal file fits into holes to file down high spots and smooth edges. Work circularly and frequently lift to clear away debris.
Try sandpaper – Fold sandpaper into quarters and sand in a circular motion inside the hole to soften sharp areas. Start with heavier grit and work up to fine.
Use a rotary tool – Small handheld rotary tools with diamond or stone grinding bits are perfect for smoothing interior hole walls. Work cautiously to avoid widening the hole.
Apply caulk – For small chips or cracks at the edge of a hole, filling in with matching ceramic tile caulk can conceal flaws. Follow caulking directions for a smooth finish.
Seal holes – When installing fixtures in holes, apply clear silicone sealant around the fixture to seal and protect rough areas.

With some simple tools and patience, you can ease the edges of a drill hole to create a perfect opening for any fixture installation. Take a few minutes to make sure holes have a finished look.

How to Drill Tile for Outlets and Switches

Tile walls can make electrical and outlet installation difficult, but with the right approach you can neatly drill holes for electrical boxes:

Use an outlet marking tool – This special template centers on the outlet and marks cut lines to guide your drilling. Check that it matches your electrical box size.
Drill starter holes at corners – Drill angled pilot holes at each corner point marked on the tile. This prevents cracking as you connect the holes.
Trace the outline – Connect the four corner holes by drilling along the marked outline of the box cutout area. Keep holes close together.
Make hole full depth – Use a bit wide enough for the electrical box to penetrate fully through the tile and any backing material down to the stud bay.
Insert box and mark – Test fit the electrical box in the hole. Trace an outline around the entire box perimeter onto the tile.
Carefully drill to fit – Use a carbide bit matching the hole size to carefully drill outwards to the marked outline for a perfect cutout fit.
Smooth all edges – File and sand rough edges from both the front and back to avoid cracking or shorts. Apply caulk around boxes to seal.

With the right preparation and gentle drilling, electrical boxes can be neatly fitted into tile walls. Just be sure to double check measurements for proper box alignment.

How to Drill Through Tiles With Wires

Sometimes wiring running behind tiles means you’ll encounter electrical lines when drilling. Here is how to handle that:

Use a wire scanner – Non-contact voltage scanners can detect live wires behind walls. Scan the planned hole location before starting to drill.
Outline the box cutout – If wiring is present, carefully trace a outline around the desired box location with an utility knife to guide hole drilling.
Drill pilot holes – Drill 3/16” holes at each corner point marked from the traced outlet box outline. This creates access points for the next step.
Insert wire strippers – Use long thin wire strippers inserted into the corner pilot holes to strip insulation if wires are encountered while drilling between holes.
Connect holes cautiously – Slowly drill the connecting holes between corner pilots, clearing debris frequently to avoid damaging wires. Clip any exposed strands.
Hand cut the last 1/4” – Use a chisel and hammer to finish penetrating the last bit before the wires to prevent contact with the drill bit.
Pull wires aside – Use needlenose pliers inserted through the access holes to grasp wiring and temporarily pull it safely aside within the wall while you drill.

With pre-planning and care, tile drilling can be accomplished safely when wires run behind the drilling location. Take it slowly and methodically.

How to Hide Drill Holes in Tile

While some drilled holes remain exposed for fixtures like receptacles and pipes, you can easily conceal holes in tile using these tricks:

Plug with grout – Mix tile grout to match existing grout and tightly pack it into unneeded holes. Use masking tape on the wall surface to keep clean. Smooth and wipe off excess.
Fill with caulk – Clear silicone or colored caulking squeezed into holes blends in well. Smooth carefully using a wet fingertip before the caulk dries.
Use wall anchors – Drill a larger hole and insert a plastic wall anchor. Snap off the center plug to create a false screw anchor appearance.
Install wood plugs – Glue sanded wood plugs into oversized holes drilled completely through tiles. Cut and sand plugs flush once dry. Stain or paint plugs to match.
Place tile inserts – Carefully cut small tile pieces to friction fit into holes in your existing tile. Select matching tile and use adhesive around the edges.

With some creativity, you can make old drill holes in tile seem to disappear. Pick the technique that best suits the location and tile type.

How to Fill Drill Holes in Tile Floor

Holes drilled into floor tile require their own filling methods so the patch won’t be loose or come out over time:

Thoroughly clean holes – Use a shop vacuum and then a wire brush to clean out all debris and dust from the drilled cavity. Wipe it completely dry.
Apply concrete epoxy – Special adhesive epoxies designed for concrete bonding make the most secure repair for floor holes. Follow the product directions.
Mix to color match – Add tile grout dust or concrete tinting mix to the epoxy to better match it with your existing tile coloration when dry.
Fill holes fully – Wet the hole walls with water first so the epoxy sticks. Fill the entire hole fully flush to the tile surface, slightly mounding the top.
Smooth while wet – Before drying, use a plastic putty knife to smooth the epoxy flat with the surrounding tile. Remove any excess.
Allow proper cure time – Leave the epoxy to harden fully for 24-48 hours without walking on the tile. Follow manufacturer directions.

With the right filler and care taken for smoothness, drill holes in floors can become nearly invisible. Be sure to match your grout color.

How to Drill Through Glass Tile

Drilling holes in glass tile requires specialized bits and techniques to prevent cracking:

Use small bits – Standard size masonry bits can crack delicate glass tile. Start with only 3/16” diameter and take it slow.
Constant light pressure – Allow the diamond bit to cut the glass through continuous light pressure rather than force. Ease off if you see cracks forming.
Lubricate constantly – Stop every 15-20 seconds maximum to re-lubricate the