How to Drill a Hole in Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles - Video 2 of 3

[@CharlieDIYte]

🛠Charlie DIYte Amazon Tool Store amzn.to/3fcLnY4 - all my tried, tested and much loved DIY tools. You can help support me by Buying me a Coffee ☕ bit.ly/3xuQ3zb or by becoming a Member to unlock a host of benefits - thanks so much 🙏.

[@leereynolds8923]

Every time I Google a DIY project I end up on your channel unintentionally. Not flash, no glam, no cheesy intros or self-promotion, just concise content to get the job done. Cheers.

[@United-Til-I-Die]

Easy to get started with dry diamond, got to start it at an angle 👍🏻

[@jayf4210]

Thank god someone else has some sense!

[@stephenjohnson6209]

I have used the diamond drill through 12mm ply as a drill guide, very successfully. Steve

[@CharlieDIYte]

That's a great idea Steve. Other people have suggested making a cross on the tile using the edge of the bit, to get it started.

[@JoffreyVerkadeNietVanDeKoekjes]

Second time you helped me out with a DIY problem :) I have rock hard bathroom tiles. I destroyed a few bog standard steel and masonary drill bits but could not get through at all. I ended up using your Armeg drill bit technique and I did 6 holes in about 5 minutes using 2 drill bits in the end. I cooled in water every 5-8 seconds. I used these from amazon: Gunpla 10 Pieces Drill Bits 6mm Glass and Tile Drill Bit Set Tungsten Carbide Drilling Tool - 10 drill bits for £10.45. I used a fairly low speed on a wired drill with the hammer off. Thanks a lot

[@sallybailey5558]

Thank you for this, you saved me a lot of extra work demonstrating wet drilling. Decided not to use the diamond head after seeing this video and the wet drill method with duct tape over the tile to protect it from cracking was perfect and very easy.

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome Sally. Glad you find it useful and thanks for the comment 👍🏻

[@ExtremeShez]

Hi Charlie, these videos helped me to drill porcelain tiles. I've just put up some shower curtains. I never thought I would be able to do anything like it. So thank you for the great videos. I'm not a DIYer but you have given me some confidence to try things myself. It's actually a lot of fun too. Much appreciated. If it helps, I purchased the Bosch Professional 5-Piece CYL-9 Ceramic Tile Drill Bit Set.

[@Broomehall]

Great tutorial, simple concise instructions and straight to the point, plus the pro's and cons at the end of the video, top stuff, keep them coming.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks buddy. I appreciate that. Sorry you had to sit through the cheesy background music though - that was an error in my earlier vids. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@MrAndy7316]

The diamond core bit has a wax core that melts as it heats up and the wax acts as a cutting compound, top tip once you are through quench the bit in a candle to refill the tip and stop the wax running out also if the bit is getting tired you can dip it in a candle to add extra wax that gets a few more holes, I can normally get a complete bathroom from a mexco bit no problem with out the use of a guide.

[@illysgrc]

The problem with the wax is when you drill the wall and not vertical like the video the wax is not lubricates the drill bit edge because it is not reaching it.

[@robertsaca3512]

The wax is a lubricant, not a cutting compound.

[@matthewbawden7917]

Use it at a 45 degree angle when first drilling using a diamond tipped drill bit....also, it's better to use wax cooled diamond drill bits, far superior.

[@terrymeade1930]

I totally agree with this advise. Hold the drill at an angle to start the hole then straighten up. Works every time 👍

[@jussttg]

Also get the one on angle grider with high rpm and this hole is done in 3 sec.. not like first one in 5 mins with cooling

[@MOPARdave999]

Charlie.........always real world and first rate guidance! Many thanks.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks 👊🏻🙏

[@ttnnaples8060]

The ways I've always done it...roll up plumbers putty and make a tiny pool in a ring around hole. For the water to constantly keep drill cool. Hole dust cleaned out. Try it.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Nice idea! Except on a vertical surface 😉

[@voodoomotion5855]

Thanks Charlie, think I'll empty the diamond flat tip bits from my basket! We're waiting for the dryer weather to paint our render, so i'm ticking off a few smalls jobs in the meantime. Hope you're keeping busy and not been slowed down by the rain. Thanks again 😀

[@Rajjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj]

I found that drilling at a 45 degree angle initially and then centering the drill bit gives good results with out a guide.

[@MaryJane-br5mw]

I use a small squeeze bottle of water with a narrow nozzle to shoot at the bit with my left hand while I am drilling so there is constant water supply to the bit while it is drilling. Will extend the life of the drill and you don't have to keep on stopping to dip the drill bit.

[@ttnnaples8060]

Try a ring of plumbers putty to hold water on bit constantly.

[@barrymayes6712]

Agreed. The water cleans the drill bit stops and the diamond drill from clogging up and that’s what causes it to overheat and not work. Needs water.

[@ljerka5023]

Hey Charlie, it's a lot easier to use the diamond drill at an angle first to dig up some of the material and then slowly straighten it up (while drilling down slightly)

[@CharlieDIYte]

Hi there. That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing! I guess the only possible downside with this is that if you're got to be millimetre precise with the position of the hole, it might wander off centre a little bit if you drill an angled pilot first? What's your experience on this?

[@reborn-tools]

do u sell this drill?

[@jamesduff6937]

@@CharlieDIYte Charlie is 100% correct. In theory, everyone is saying start the hole with the drill at 45 degrees. I had to mount a towel rail and do 2 x 5mm holes in pretty close proximity to each other. I used plastic plugs in these holes. Again, Charlie is correct, if the hole positions are out by a millimetre, the screws will not line up with the plastic plugs.

[@grassblade2]

That's answered my question. "They Call Me The Wanderer". I'll get me a new Spade. Thanks for that.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Cheers. That Armeg self centering bit is the business. 👊

[@grassblade2]

@@CharlieDIYte just as m'Learn'd colleague wisely counsels, they dance a merry jig if your not ready for one🤭. So if you're reading folks...mark his advice well and if you're not diggin holes regular give the diamonds a miss. Not all that Glitters Is Gary...🤣

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Great video, Charlie. Thanks.

[@stefanmeyers2808]

I've used 1/4" diamond bits (6mm) and even with cooling/lubricating water, they will only drill 2 or 3 holes before they are uselessly dull.

[@emilvlahovic3917]

Today i drilled 28 holes in gres tiles , 1 diamond bt, 10mm ,water cooled it the whole time , 1 guy drilling one puring water to cool it . The other Day we killed 4 bits on the other 28 holes as we were not suficiently xooling them , and those tiles are the hardest we have ever encounterd....

[@alexpowells]

Drill a 6mm hole in wood off cut ply or osb what ever about place over were hole needs to be then use diamond cutter throw 6mm hole in wood to start once started remove wood starter and continue drilling

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yep, great idea, that!

[@jamesduff6937]

I would use some blue tack to make a wall/border around the hole and pour some water into it. The water won't run away as it's contained by the wall.

[@salsamancer]

Won't that water just run into the hole and get absorbed by the wall behind? Also having such a small amount of water means it will heat up very quickly and become useless for cooling

[@jamesduff6937]

I stop and start the drilling so the drill bit doesn't get too hot. You can always top up the water in blue tak area too.

[@CurvedSlightly]

Blu Tak ring around the hole full of water for lubing and cooling.

[@BOWHUNTERLODGE]

What if you put some masking tape down first when using diamond drill .?

[@kpdvw]

We call our "mains powered drills" Power drills with AC line cord... and yes any competent Craftsman will have both types of drill motors!

[@dreamsunlimited5400]

Hi Charlie I am going to drill my porcelain slabs in the garden to place my gazebo n top , what sort of screw or bolt do you recommend using on the hole do I need a plug as well

[@CharlieDIYte]

You could try concrete screws that don't need a plug but if it was me I'd probably use a plug and some external fence or decking screws. Something like this would be good amzn.to/3keBudz

[@JohnLee-zn7zb]

If I haven't got a tile guide I use some thin ply or wood cut a hole in it at the right size of the diamond drill and it works

[@CharlieDIYte]

That's a great idea 👍🏻

[@gaypreator8547]

Flat surface easy peasy. Try drilling multiple holes on a vertical surface.

[@SBBUK]

I bought one of these erbauer bits and initjally thought it was crap HOWEVER I swapped from my cordless Makita (1300rpm) to a budget brand corded drill (3000rpm) and the erbauer bit works awesome! They need high speed to work effectively.

[@CharlieDIYte]

That's good to know Ben, and presumably you worked out that starting at an angle enables you to make a hole without the bit skidding around.

[@brianmcsweeney7441]

A good video . the armeg drill bit is interesting. I drilled some holes in my son's ridiculously hard porcelain tiles recently ( wall tiles do not need to be so hard ) I found that the diamond bit works better with the higher RPM of the 220v drill and the water to keep it cool.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Good work Brian. Yes that makes sense.👍

[@bbcac]

to stop wandering of the bit with the diamond drill bit, hold the drill on an angle and "grind" a starter with edge of the bit. It is easy to control this way. Then stand the drill up slowly and the bit will not wander

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks. Yes and perhaps another to create a cross.

[@jogb9515]

Looked like the diamond bit went through more quickly. I have an Armeg type and progress is incredibly slow.

[@andrewwhite7534]

If you start your drilling with the diamond tipped bit at a 45 degree angle, and a bit of masking tape, you can stop it wandering across your tile. Simples.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Andrew. Makes good sense and a few people have said that 👍

[@shellderp]

The diamond tips work perfect, others do nothing

[@CharlieDIYte]

The Armeg is also very good.

[@jalal7520]

Any advice on what drill bit to use to drill into cast iron guttering

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes a good hss bit. Just go gently so as not to crack it and as far from the edge as you can as it tends to be brittle.

[@deeannastack1426]

Very help full

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks 👍

[@emilvlahovic3917]

You dont need that quide for diamond , just tilt the drill 20° ,xut in with the side , and than straighten it out , it actually tells you that in the packaging of that bit you are using

[@CharlieDIYte]

Fair point 👍

[@adrianred236]

Have you worked out how many holes would the Armeg drill hit be good for? I found that the Ebauer is good for 18 holes drilling 10mm tiles. That was a 6mm drill bit using a battery drill. I didn't see a recommended speed on the packet, might last longer at the higher speed

[@CharlieDIYte]

No, but should do at least that number provided you keep it cool.

[@adrianred236]

@@CharlieDIYte I came across another video since where someone was using a glass bit. They were pulsing the drill with hammer action turned on, it seemed to work really well and the drill bit wasn't getting damaged. It was quite fast as well. Might be worth taking a look.

[@alibeautiful5310]

Hi. Which fixing should be use for tiled hollow wall for strong fixing? Please reply

[@shaneluxton8216]

When you start the hole off don't start like shown in the video start at a 45 degree so the vacuum drill bit digs in slightly then straighten the drill slowly to drill in straight. Use an electric drill to get the best use from the vacuum drill bit ( blue drill bit) and only drill through the tile not the block wall.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Shane. Yep, should have done it that way.

[@n0spam911]

what you should do hold the diamond tip at the angle to get the starting point

[@CharlieDIYte]

And form a cross 👌

[@2ndLastJedi]

Use 45 degrees angle to start.

[@hobmoor2042]

How do you keep the bit cool if you're drilling on a vertical surface?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Keep dipping it in water and don't force it. Let the bit do the work gradually.

[@Scugnizz8]

You are fab. Thank you. Very helpful!! :-)

[@roso2856]

How do you know the difference between porcelain and ceramic?

[@ianstewart4790]

You have to start the diamond drill bit on the angle and then straighten up

[@dennisgarcia1183]

You keep cutting the video, how long did the first hole take?

[@tomtai8165]

You never listen from water or in your city not happen?

[@isaacwizardpro1438]

Hi, what setting do you have your drill set to when using the flat diamond drill bit.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Slow speed bit.ly/3jMLxrI and keep it cool.

[@michellestone4313]

Hi Charlie, I have an old porcelain (at leas i think it is poreclain) piggy bank. It looks like there was a drill hole marked but never fully drilled. I want to drill into the pig but not break the pig if at all possible. Do you have any recommendations for this sort of job?

[@CharlieDIYte]

I think this Armeg bit is your best bet. I can't say for sure whether it will break or not but if you go very gently, that will give you the best chance, but you do need a specialist drill bit such as this.

[@michellestone4313]

@@CharlieDIYte thank you for the recommendation on that. A friend of ours recommend a a dremel and oil that wont get hot, but as Im no expert in this area I was hoping to find a video for this specifically and I found you. Is there a way I can upload a picture of what I'm referring to as the "marked drill hole"?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes sure. Email me at [e-mail]

[@urosgoa4834]

Great video ! Hello from from Serbia ! Can you , please , tell me which one Bosch drill bits I shold buy ? Thank you and I'm sorry , my englisch is not so good.

[@bralgon63]

Your English is excellent my friend. No apology required.

[@anthonyrthomasuk]

Can you use the diamond drill bit too enlarge the hole. I need about 25mm hole.

[@adamali8436]

Hi great vid. How many holes can you get with the armeg bit?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Mine hadn't gone blunt yet and I've drilled loads of holes - it's a quality bit of kit. As long as you keep the bit cool you shouldn't have a problem with it.

[@johnk815]

I need to do a 1” hole on a porcelain wall. Is it doable?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes you should be able to get a diamond core drill for that.

[@andrewdarling4337]

Couldn't you make a ring around the bit with plumbers putty to add water and keep bit cool while drilling

[@CharlieDIYte]

Andrew Darling I guess you could on horizontal surfaces.

[@chintasrvvegankitchen7761]

Thank you!

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. 👊

[@RoyCruse]

OMG put the water on the tile not the bit in the water !!! there should be a pool of water around the bit... On vertical surfaces i use a spray bottle and with the diamond bit, its much easier to brace and hold the drill if you get one edge started first - tilt the drill at 15 degrees then youve only got one direction to brace for - much more controllable...

[@MrToupsClassroom]

saw a lady on youtube put a clay border and fill with water to keep the bit constantly cool....fyi

[@hobmoor2042]

Could use Blu-Tack to make a border, to hold water.

[@tduncan55]

I am having to drill a hole for a water line to a refrigerator. After attempting to drill the hole I've decided to hell with that I will move the line to where it comes out of a wall instead of the floor. Man in 2022 you would think that they'd be a more efficient easier way to drill porcelain.

[@CharlieDIYte]

You can get core drills amzn.to/3vApbQ5 for porcelain. Might be worth a try

[@northface484]

TO get the second bit started...Hold it at an angle then slowly move until it is parralell with the tile...

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yep, I should have done that, I guess you can also do a cross and get it started that way.

[@whoeverwhoever400]

why diamond bit doesnt need to cool down?

[@williamnoble7915]

Not metallic.

[@richardtroughton3776]

It’s filled with wax that melts and cools the bit.

[@abuanihas3pazg149]

You can use a water spray bottle mate, to cool the bit, specially if on wall and one hand spray and one hand drill... operations.

[@CharlieDIYte]

I guess. It's a lot messier though 🤔

[@honestphilippalph2481]

As you can see it’s drilling beautifully LOL

[@waynehazard-ql5sv]

I believe this video with the diamond Tip Drill Bit is very misleading because when you watch other videos they show you exactly how to start the hole with the drill bit and then complete and it is very simple

[@robertsaca3512]

1) Why not just spray water onto the tile instead of constantly stopping? It took forever to make one tiny hole. 2) That's not how you use the second drill bit, you angle it at roughly 45 degrees first, then hold it 90 degrees to the surface. 3) Use an angle grinder for the higher speed required to do this type of drilling.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Difficult to spray the vertical surface as it won't keep the bit cool. I take your point about the diamond bit.

[@miscritpediakahar9811]

Sir Gary Moore ?

[@crazycutz8072]

Hold the drill at a 45 degree angel to get a footing

[@DSS-Renzokuken]

I have to drill 12 holes 😢

[@wvo2m]

Just make a drill guide for the diamond tip bit using a piece of scrap plywood. Drill a hole the same size as the diamond tip. Saves buying an expensive drill guide.

[@garvielloken3929]

Nooice!

[@adrianred236]

4:01 Nooooo, hold it steady around 45 degrees and make a mark, gradually straighten up to 90 degrees.

[@jasonashton8422]

what would help would be if stupid customers that have just spent 2 grand on a lovely tiled bathroom,didnt then ask me to put silly holders on the wall from Wilkos. some people are just so stupid its unreal

[@CharlieDIYte]

jason ashton I know! Breaks your heart having to drill through a beautifully tiled shower and it's so hard to guarantee water won't penetrate through the screw holes of its on the shower zone 🤔

[@RichardADastardly]

@@CharlieDIYte Can't you fill the holes with clear silicone and let it cure for 24 hours before you use the screws?

[@jasonbraithwaite2794]

Your supposed to start it off at an angle

[@CharlieDIYte]

Fair point.

[@pedrodeweever2850]

Drilling down on a flat surface is easier. Should have been done on a real wall with tile, etc.

[@CharlieDIYte]

It's no different.

[@ooiamsamoo]

"Beautifully clean hole". Lol

[@bralgon63]

Who doesn't want a beautifully clean hole Sam??!! LOL x much

[@YankeeinSC1]

@5:42" If it was me..." Isn't it you?

[@stefanmeyers2808]

Make your own perfect videos so we can watch them please.

[@seanbarrett2236]

Terrible advice with starting the erbauer diamond bit.

[@kiyoshim9593]

$3 dollsrs per hole 🤑

[@CharlieDIYte]

Cheaper than getting someone in 😉

[@kiyoshim9593]

@@CharlieDIYte I buy one brand that costs 1 dollar. It works for like 10 holes.

[@reddhater]

Hmm, does not look precise at all, drill dancing around like that is surely gonna drill misaligned holes and ruin your installation

[@CharlieDIYte]

Technique could have done with honing with that diamond drill. Start at all angle - maybe do a couple off cuts to make a cross, then gradually move up to the vertical.

[@lusty444]

Drills:I treated myself to a cordless,brushless Stanley Fatmax hammer drill for Xmas but for jobs that need some serious helmet,my 20 year old mains run Bosch is the weapon of choice!

[@CharlieDIYte]

I agree. Corded drills rock for those heavier duty jobs.

[@lusty444]

I wish I’d watched this video 4 hrs ago as I bought an arrowhead bit and the arrow snapped off in the hole after after four drills!😬

[@CharlieDIYte]

Sorry to hear that. The Armeg bit is quality but you do need to keep cooling any bit you use.