Using a Diamond Drill Bit on Tiles

Diamond drill bits are cutting tools used to drill holes. They are ideal for drilling holes in some of the hardest and toughest materials around. With other drill bits you may not get clean cuts, but because diamond is one of the toughest materials on earth, it will cut through most materials when attached to a drill. The cut will be clean and high speed, making your job easier. When drilling through tough materials, like glass and stone, it is best to use diamond drill bits as it is much more likely to prevent chips and cracks, making it a good investment by avoiding the costs of replacing these expensive materials. As the actual drilling is quick it makes for less noise.

Whether you are using ceramic, porcelain or any other hard materials, you will still come across difficulties when cutting. Here are some quick tips on how to use your diamond drill bit to cut through tile and get the perfect cut.

  • Before you start, make sure you know about the materials you are working with. It’s good to have a little knowledge on the material so that you can drill efficiently without causing damage to the material or drill. Porcelain, for instance, is a very hard material to cut because of how dense and defined the clay is, whereas ceramic tiles are usually easier to drill through and install.
  • When you start to drill, make sure you do not apply too much pressure, as the drill bit can easily slide, creating a scratch on the surface of the tile. To avoid any chance of a scratch, place a piece of duct tape over the space where you want to drill. Mark a point on the duct tape and then drill. The tape helps control the drill and protects from any potential scratching, if the drill does slide.
  • Using a diamond drill bit to cut the ceramic tile will give you the cleanest cut. You will need to apply cutting oil to keep the drill cool as it rotates on the tile. Drilling slowly will also help prevent a build up of heat.

The most important thing to do when drilling is to be careful and not to rush the process. Being patient and focused with the cutting tools will help avoid any scratching or cracking of the tile. You will not want the expense of replacing damaged material.