How to Drill Large Holes in Hard Tile

How to Drill Large Holes in Hard Tile

David Castro David Castro
3 minute read

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In this article, we’re going to review how to drill large holes in hard tile (ceramic and porcelain) using White Diamond hole saws, pointed diamond countersinks, and diamond milling cutters. These tools will show that you take pride in your work and will set you apart from any corner-cutting competitors.

  1. Diamond milling cutters for rounding corners and shaping openings
  2. Can be used with a ½” drill or SDS adaptor
  3. Start at a 45º angle and oscillate to a 90º plunge
  4. Square cuts are a thing of the past
  5. Tile & glass guides are useful against a wall

White Diamond Hole Saws

When drilling into porcelain tile and ceramics, diamond hole saws and milling tools work best with an angle grinder. They can also be used with a ½” cordless drill or an SDS drill in rotation mode if you have the right adaptors. See the adaptors section below for more on this.

White Diamond hole saws cut through category 5-porcelain tile in less than 30 seconds. Simply start at a 45º angle and oscillate down to a 90º plunge.

White Diamond hole saws have high-grade industrial diamonds vacuum brazed on the top, inside, and outside of the cutting lip. They are available in the following sizes:

  1. 1”
  2. 1-⅛”
  3. 1-¼”
  4. 1-⅜”
  5. 1-½”
  6. 2”
  7. 2-½”

Diamond Countersinks

This awesome tool is used for rounding the inner lip of holes sizes from 3/16” to 1-7/8” making it ideal for small anchor holes up to large pipe fitting jobs. This is especially useful for custom bathroom contractors, whose clients have an eye for details and expect the best.

In an industry where word of mouth is everything, going the extra mile by countersinking is a great way to separate your work from the competition.

Our Diamond Countersinks come in the two following sizes:

  1. 3/16” to 1-3/8”
  2. 1” to 1-7/8”

Diamond Milling Cutters

This versatile tool comes in 8 sizes and is a must-have for the tile craftsman. This tool is especially handy for any jobs where pipe holes need to be drilled into the side of a tile. You can start by first outlining the cut with a Sharpie marker. Simply core out the desired cut until you have a perfect fitting for piping, conduit, or whatever else you’re running. Square holes are a thing of the past!

Our milling cutters come in the following sizes:

  1. ¼”
  2. 5/16”
  3. ⅜”
  4. ⅝”
  5. ¾”
  6. 1”
  7. 2”
  8. 3”

Adaptors for Drill Guns and Placement Guides

All three of these tools come with a ⅝” - 11 thread so they can be fitted to any Angle Grinder out of the box. Although an angle grinder is an ideal tool to use, you may wish to use a rotary drill instead and for that, we have two adaptors. If you opt to use an SDS gun, just make sure to use it in rotate mode only.

  1. PAD-5811 - 5/8”-11 to 3/8" HEX Adaptor
  2. ADA002 - 5/8" - 11 to SDS-Plus Adapter

We also offer an easy-to-use drill guide for glass and tile for added stability and accuracy. Hold the guide to prevent any shaking until you’ve drilled about  ⅛” of an inch. Then you can lose the guide.

  1. Guide-1 - Tile Guide for 5/32” - 7/16" Holes
  2. Guide-2 - Tile Guide for 5/32” - 3-1/4" Holes

In Conclusion

We strive to bring you the latest in cutting tech and accessories. Call us at +1 (833) 438-6657 for any questions you may have and we look forward to serving you.

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