Drilling into tile

[HoLeChit]

So I’m trying to mount a shower door. Using a 1/4” Bosch carbide tile bit. Ceramic tile. Very Slow speed, hitting it with water from a sprayer every few seconds. I cannot get through this dang tile for some reason. Drilled on one hole for over 3 minutes. Why? Does the bit just suck? Suggestions on a good bit to use? I really need to get this door hung today.

 

[rc508pir]

Yeah, some tiles are hard as F***. Its to prevent chipping when you drop something on it. Just gotta keep at it

 

[Cowbaby]

Ceramic is about as abrasion resistant as it comes and don't really cut either. I tried to drill a simple drain hole in a ceramic pot once and gave up. Might could get it with a hammer type drill if you went easy but it might crack if you push to hard.

 

[KOPBET]

I drill thru glass bottles all the time with these glass drill bits. Sometimes takes awhile if the glass base is really thick. Thin glass cracks pretty easy tho. You might try one on a spare piece of tile and see how it goes.

 

[KOPBET]

Subway tile. Took less than 30 seconds. This was under running cold water.

 

[chuter]

I mounted a grab bar in our shower and went thru several kinds of bits before finally getting it done. It's a real PITA.
There are you tube videos about it and they usually make it look easier than it was for me.

 

[swampratt]

Diamond drill bits and hole cutters work very well on tile.
3000 rpm keep spraying it with water and you will be through pretty quick.

 

[Oklahomabassin]

Diamond tipped bit would be what I would use.

 

[John6185]

Yes, get a new bit or even a couple just in case and use little pressure drilling to avoid cracking the tile. It can be done.

 

[trekrok]

I've had better luck with the little diamond hole saws and lots of water. Still a pretty slow process though.