How to cut a hole in ceramic tile for toilet flange with an angle grinder

[@plk5520]

For the privilege of watching a skilled master at work. Sharing his years of experience and passing his practical knowledge along to the rest of us so generously is a priceless gift.

[@krzysiekklejszmit6967]

It is indeed!

[@shepss217]

Crackheads built this country lol

[@buckbuck9225]

Are you fucking kidding me ? Whats this your uncle or something

[@Grizzleback07]

That is an understatement. Especially now with a shortage of skilled tradesman.

[@CulichorHimself]

Now BJ the man, he will really appreciated you

[@MakerOnTheMove]

Thank you so much for posting this! This video saved me a lot of time and money buying or borrowing specialty tools to cut one tile for a diy bathroom repair. All I needed was a $15 diamond blade and some patience!

[@notatthistime16]

Your video epitomizes what youtube should be. Very clear and helpful. Thank you!

[@kittypigeonclueless5566]

That was absolutely magnificent! My God I love people like you who give away experience and tips like this for free. For the life of me, I never thought of doing it that way, Genius! Thank you so much, you just saved me countless hours of work!

[@Fireship1]

Good tip sal. This is exactly how I learned to cut holes in tile and stone from my friend who was taught masonry in Honduras as a kid. He cuts all his holes for toilet flanges, shower valves and shower recessed lighting this same way.

[@banditorules9163]

I’m glad you pointed out that the flange is supposed to sit on top of the tile.

[@chevyhighrider]

Absolutely so many people miss this.

[@jeffreywhite7657]

I'm currently doing a remodel on our master bath and I did this exact cut around the toilet bowl pipe and it came out great!

[@shawnjakan7431]

I broke 3 tiles and then watched this video and I was successful. I always go to a Sal video for the explanation that I understand best. Most important was to go slow and the position that SAL held grinder was best for me. All i can say is thanks

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it helped!

[@teamdominator313]

Good video Sal. I've done a lot, and learn a lot on my own but I don't have experience with tile yet. So I appreciate the video. There's a million ways to do a million things. This is one. Thanks.

[@rinotidona952]

Hi Sal i always keep a 3x3 carpet tile handy to Put on my movable work table ,it works well ,keeps tile flat , and keeps it from sliding around

[@josephlieberman5324]

Thank you for teaching your trade skills.A well edited and narrated video, good work.

[@matthewblackburn2008]

Cool video Sal, I'm going to invest in a grinder now for a better circular cut on toilet flanges and mixing valves. To those who are recommending plunge cutting, this method provides a better seating as the radius will be tighter than an octagon cut. I'm not saying plunge cutting is wrong but just boils down to taking pride in your work in even what you cant see. Thanks Sal

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Matthew Blackburn Exactly.

[@nicholasjensen8965]

I cut circles and curves with an angle grinder like that all the time. But if you're setting the flange on top of the tile and hiding the cut anyhow ( the correct way to do it, which is good to see ) you could just do a 4 plunge cut square big enough to fit the stack pipe through with the angle grinder, or even better a wet saw, and take 1/4 the time to get it done.

[@ericnelson8172]

That's a lot of work! I cut an octagon around every toilet hole. 8 quick plunge cuts, finish them from the back of the tile. Bing bang boom done.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Eric Nelson Any way that gets the job done is good.

[@nicholasjensen8965]

@@SalDiBlasiMost in the profession would say that, as long as quality of the job isn't compromised, significantly faster is better. But you do you. If you're getting work, you're doing something right.

[@mosichat]

Thx for the video. It really clarified the circular cutting methods. I'm gonna do that today! Wish me luck!

[@SalDiBlasi]

+mosichat the better the blade, the easier it becomes.

[@polkovn]

Sal, thx a lot for the video, very helpful. I recently cut a hole for diversion valve after watching your video. Second try was success, first time ever doing this. I broke one tile by using 4" wheel on a grinder. I guess the hole was too close to the edge and unlike in your flange case 4 wheel was a bit too big for its diameter so I switched to a 3" or so diamond wheel that came with my rotozip and fit it on a drill instead of a grinder. And I squirted water from a sponge to avoid dust.

[@petelinster7093]

That works for me. Some tiles are to hard to cut other ways. A great demonstration.

[@maryc8070]

Another info-filled gem, but thanks also for taking the time to answer EVERY question. I learn just as much from reading through the comments. I hope everyone appreciates your generosity in sharing your knowledge and talent. I do! Ps- my yard sale rotozip busted cutting cement board...😭 busted twice, actually. Fixed it once, then something else broke.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I tried the roto zip on cement board once, found it to be a big disappointment, this is how i do it How to cut and install cement board for ceramic wall tile

[@Padoinky]

Just a note to say thank you for a great selection of how-to guides - I started out with a 6k sq ft home here in the Dallas suburbs, where I have 6 full baths and 2 1/2 baths, along with a large laundry room, mud room and walk-in pantry. Over this summer, I managed to renovate all of these spaces. To be honest, the biggest PIA was the demo work, taking out the old flooring and bath tile surrounds, the faux marble countertops and controlling the dust and debris. The other tasks in the overall demo and renovation project plan, just required patience and a deliberate/disciplined focus

[@SalDiBlasi]

Good for you, it is true, installing tile is hard work and requires patience, planning and discipline.

[@millenniumvlog6497]

almost 2 millon views master sal!!! it amazes me how many has seen this video out of all your videos!

[@edwardgurick5432]

30 yrs in the field and i must say bro Very Impressive

[@ravila518]

Nice! Yes theres faster ways but to cut next to the edge like that with a grinder is skill and patience. Good video.

[@jerrydesu]

Thanks for the demo. I followed your instructions today and it worked beautifully!

[@jesseserrano2653]

Wish you were in CT, I want to install a shower stall but am a little nervous..specially regarding the waterproofing! I will watch your videos over and over till i totally get it! Thank you sooo much, your videos are extremely helpful and I ESPECIALLY LOVE HOW METICULOUS YOU ARE WITH YOUR WORK

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks, have to make the customer happy.

[@Dm-mi3fj]

this is a perfect example of where the flange could be installed correctly ontop of the tile. sadly that is rarely the case. this is a well done video

[@michaelmartinez3944]

What a nice clean way of doing something that could be problematic. Good job God Bless

[@scottandildi]

I love plunging it into the groove!

[@ChronicKPOP]

that's what I said

[@TheFloorBoys]

Nice job, Sal. You're my hero!

[@eggman1978]

I'm going to do this on mine tomorrow, let's hope my hands are as steady as yours. Great job.

[@Yettiman1001]

A great tutorial, I used this to cut the extraction fan hole in my bathroom tiles. Thank you for posting

[@grom7826]

Nice to edit out the grinder noise. Good work on steadying the grinder. I would have tried a block of wood inside the circle to help support the grinder and to allow it to stand more vertical, But I'm just sitting here, easy to armchair coach. Thanks

[@boogie1014]

SAL YOU REALLY NEED TO OPEN A SCHOOL. You are the best.

[@canuuk1]

Great advice. I cut a perfect hole for my shower faucet on the first go. Never thought of this method. I was dreading the attempt to use the tile saw and was looking for alternative methods and found your video. Cheers. Bought the 4" diamond blade at HD for $14.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I very rarely ware gloves, its just the way I do things.

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

Sal DiBlasi 6 years later in Copenhagen, Denmark 😃 I find it hard getting a feel of the surface if I wear gloves. I actually cut out the fingers of rubber gloves because I’ve found out that my ring finger is perfect to grout with. Is it true that using your fingers without gloves is messing with the durability of the grout?

[@mandatethis8024]

40+ yrs in the tile trades ....... never worn gloves, everybody reminds me, They are restrictive , and my hands look better than most tradesmen

[@zqzqpj]

There's always something to learn I say...good advice!

[@baweralp9440]

Joe Patterson

[@ELTUK82]

Bawer Alp h

[@antonios4926]

Thanks for the video.From Cyprus

[@deeplorable8988]

After reading the comments, I know what you must deal with in a customer's house. Everybody 'thinks' they know a better way. Just once, I'd like to say, 'oh please demonstrate your superior method', but, of course I wouldn't humiliate the customer.

[@erroldillon1548]

You're a Master at your game. Thanks so very much for this wonderful video. You really do great work.

[@nallekarhu7994]

Nice , gotta get me a mini grinder, thanks for tip 👌😉

[@CherylCold]

Brilliant. Looking at options for a continuation of using porcelain tiles as a back board for a log burning stove onto an angled roof for the chimney exit. This may work. Now google filing tiles for a neater finish.

[@alaska7445]

looks good to me. I do it slightly different but it's always interesting to watch someone else.

[@MyGreenNest]

Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed watching and listening to you.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@donaldlucas8688]

No fare you have the skills necessary to do this. Good Job.

[@SalDiBlasi]

You are right, there is more than one way to do it.

[@ogunjimioluwafunbijames819]

Hi I'm a tiller from Nigeria please I want to learn more from you please how do I get your email address or watzap number,i love your video this is my email and watzap number Dansam [e-mail]

[@larrymoodie7291]

Sal DiBlasi yu

[@cbrSpeedster1]

I tile for a living and cut holes like this daily.... My problem is this... You never install tile over any wood subfloor.... Ever... The tile is bound to crack in a short time once the contractor gets paid and walks away....

[@travisjacobsvideos]

@@cbrSpeedster1 How do you know it wasn't just a dry fit? In my opinion that's the best way to go about doing tile.

[@peterstager7801]

Great work I only use a grinder on all tile I have for years.

[@mannansarwar1536]

Not Every Tile Fixer Can Do that Superb....

[@johnnyscott4990]

mannan sarwar if your a tile installer and you can’t make a toilet flange hole, you need to find a new profession lol

[@ELTUK82]

Johnny Scott-can you do it?

[@BREGGREN]

I Feel Honored Just To Be Able to View This Fine Sculptor at 'Woik!' Thank You!

[@Bobg425]

I do once round and then plunge cut a cross in the middle,the segments snap right off,I know you can just do a octogan of plunge cuts but my OCD doesnt like a octagon for a round pipe.

[@JamesLangUK]

Gave me a little insight to my complex tile cuts and thus helped me a lot, I am in the UK (GB) different fixings / fittings here but technique holds up. I don’t have a grinder tool as yet. will have one tomorrow though (going shopping online now) A+ on the video

[@SalDiBlasi]

Grinder is a very handy tool to have.

[@JamesLangUK]

Thanks again, yes, should have got one (or even 2 of different sizes) ages ago, so versatile with disks for everything. Sometimes you need a push to buy a new tool

[@nuffsed10]

James Lang shame on you mate.a bloke never needs a push to buy new tools

[@SalDiBlasi]

He just needed a little nudge, I on the other hand don't need any reason beyond the slightest need for a new tool.

[@nuffsed10]

***** respec

[@elenasunshine]

I hope you were wearing a mask!! Thank you for sharing the knowledge 😊

[@rexybuzon]

He showed us his technique and as we see here there are couple of ways to do this front as he has shown or cut it at back but be sure that dont over cut sides of tiles so when you set toilet closet flange holes for screws has something to support it so toilet would have a firm grab at the tiled floor

[@brotherjoeradosti]

Sal, your method is perfect! Do you have a video with you showing how to cut the rectangular hole for the heating/ac vent? Thanks!

[@SalDiBlasi]

You might find this helpful, kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpa3m2yZnMaGi5o

[@brotherjoeradosti]

Thanks Sal. I'll check it out.

[@woohunter1]

Sweet cut!!! But please don't use all plastic flanges, use pvc flange with stainless steel ring, plastic ones break all the time. Painted metal ones rust, then break, ss, best u can use. Awesome channel btw!!!

[@NsyShwl]

Just watching to see your technique.. have you ever tried using a flush cut router bit? I've been thinking about buying a bit to use for my upcoming RR renovation..

[@bernardshelton7349]

You should invest in some diamond hole bits that would save production time on your jobs. Would cut your time in half & very clean cut. A small investment that would pay for itself in one job.

[@hi5ma]

Можно проще: 1 раз по кругу проходим болгаркой на 2-3 мм, затем делаем насквозь крест по центру, переворачиваем, проходим 2-3 мм как в начале и отламываем кусочки.

[@baweralp9440]

Виталий Костров Uuzzt

[@oriontherealironman]

That is one thick tile. Most are much thinner and would require less scoring. But the principle is still the same I'll definitely be using this in the future!

[@loyesp]

nice control of the angle grinder

[@Deltro61]

Tried four porcelain tiles and broke four porcelain tiles. You make it look easy! I was using ever so gentle pressure, so going to try scoring the back first before doing the front. Seems no matter what I do the tile cracks. Even tried the octagon method, and tile cracked as well. Wondering if my blade is suspect? Brand-new diamond blade, but one of the cheaper varieties. Need to get this job done, but I can't seem to get the toilet flange cut to save my life. Already have an hour into it.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Sometimes the tile just can't be cut like that.

[@Deltro61]

Thanks Sal. I flipped the angle grinder over and retried, and that seem to work much better. Of course, when the hole diameter is 4 inches and you're using a 4.5" blade it really easy to get the blade too bind and crack tiles too. I'm sure a larger circle would be no problem, and in from the edge. I was within about an 1.25" in from the edge. I'm sure a lot of it just requires time with the tool too. You no doubt have years of experience vs next to no experience for me with an angle grinder. I sincerely appreciate you sharing your wisdom as I would have had no clue otherwise! You are no doubt a real master of the trade.

[@BruceThomson]

Thanks, 'helpful - watched it just before doing mine, felt more peaceful n confident.

[@markfernandes2396]

Good work, professional

[@Elrino379]

Thank for your videos I lenr how to make a shower pan from one of your videos and I already make two thanks a lot God bless

[@SalDiBlasi]

That is why i make the videos, so people can learn to do it properly and not guess at it.

[@mlb6d9]

Nicely done! Good enough for a toilet flange, I say. Thanks for the video!

[@charlieschmitt1420]

You are the man sal!!!!

[@7254hornet]

Sal, thank you for the information. Great video.

[@hardset-vi3ze]

Questions: Do you dry lay your entire field first? Isn't that time consuming to lay them all down first and pick them all back up? Where is your backer board or underlayment?

[@dannylittledrummer]

You have the best videos.

[@zafirabbasi129]

Danny Little 7prhggf

[@MrBluefeet7]

Nice job Sal, I noticed you work the circle to the inside, lots of folks "DYSer's" don't know that and, bump outside of the ring surface, its ok under the stool but a light socket ya may have to start over, thanks for showing your skills!

[@jeepmor]

Very helpful, off the to store for a diamond blade.

[@charliet1175]

I do a quick grind around the perimeter then do pizza slice segments till its cut all the way through. Once I done that I tap the slices out. Much neater and takes less time 👍

[@dlamb2840]

Great piece of instruction. Thanks.

[@chrisgibson6673]

nice job. we do pretty much the same thing but hold the grinder with one hand and press a damp sponge against the blade with the other. makes a mini wet saw and cuts way down on the dust. the octagon cut works good too but who is going to see it? well everyone that looks at your work before the toilet goes back on! after, nobody of course. but hey, why not add a technique to your skills set. never know when you need a cut like that around a drain or clean out. once the hole is cut you can clean it up from the bottom if needed and i have seen some outstanding cuts while standing at a urinal checking out the tile install quality.

[@TerryPullen]

chris gibson LOL. I have inspected a lot of tile work while sitting on a toilet.

[@RolandasJotube]

You can to mark opposite side of tile too and cut not so deep on good side of tile.. All cutting can be done on opposite side..then you'll get more precise cut on tile's front.. If you need precise

[@ELTUK82]

Soz pro!!

[@MrMarioSupermario]

I cut a circle little bit when just cut 4 crossed lines inside circle. it gives you like 8 triangles inside circle. when you just use small hammer or something to brake them gently from the circle.

[@bwfrieds]

This is awesome. Thanks, Sal.

[@igormijic-gj7xf]

It took forever for this!

[@pikifrino]

Congratulations!.. good job, thank you!

[@rosscobosco]

Nice work, thanks

[@pauldoyle3272]

I put a few small pea size dots of silicone on the flange and drop the tile down on it and it sticks where you want it and then cut it out

[@STSADaniel]

I like that, y next question is, should you use water when doing this cut (I noticed you are not)?

[@MrBugman2525]

Very good presentation

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks a lot

[@raihanadinugroho1046]

Perfect , i hope you publish more your interesting video

[@SalDiBlasi]

I have almost 600 videos already on my channel.

[@raihanadinugroho1046]

Ok i'll watch

[@markhoskins579]

I think that others have make this same suggestion, which is, keep the tile wet while cutting. Would this lessen the chances of breakage, and would it depend on the type of blade?

[@onlytheelites5797]

i notice that alot of you are criticizing this man for wanting to be perfect. The problem most of youguys have if the "No one is going to see" attitude

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Emmanuel Soriano My first priority is always to do the best job I can, something that is no longer important to so many installers.

[@onlytheelites5797]

+Sal DiBlasi Definitely, thats what it's about. i consider this a craft and take it as seriously as the Egyptian did when they were building, lol. I really do enjoy your videos, keep them coming

[@hi5ma]

I saw your way and proposed his own, with respect

[@zelamarconstructioninc]

Виталий Костров

[@beneditofrancisco4147]

Виталий Костров

[@wolverine102100]

Benedito Francisco

[@carlosfroylan392]

Виталий Костров

[@genevievehelie1832]

Thank you for all your videos, they are so helpful!

[@muckcityog8985]

great tip thanks sal!

[@allensanders4204]

After breaking 4 consecutive tiles, I realized the whole tile needs to be sitting on top of a piece of OSB or plywood.Dont try to cut the tile unsupported at the cutline. You will end up hitting the material underneath on plunge cuts so have it be a soft wood surface

[@SalDiBlasi]

Some years ago i tried the rotozip to cut a hole in Durock, i found It To Be very slow, hard to control and just not a good choice for the kind of materials involved in tile setting. I am sure that It works fine on softer materials, but there are better tools available.

[@SalDiBlasi]

7" diamond hole saw. to cut a hole in a tough porcelain tile?

[@leviledbetter]

I've been getting the drillax sets. Slowly upgrading till I can get my toilet flange size then I'll really be cranking out the work lol

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Another great video Sal. Do you still use that Makita blade or do you use something from Montolit for precision cuts?

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Home Repair Tutor I have several blades, and Montolit is for sure one of the better ones.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

We should do a quick video on all the blades. Maybe you've done one already.

[@brotherjoeradosti]

Excellent work Sal! Do you ever use a hole saw to make the hole for the toilet flange?

[@SalDiBlasi]

I don't have one big enough, otherwise I would.

[@brotherjoeradosti]

OK. Thanks again, Sal!

[@timbob987]

perfect damn circle - well done

[@donnylinton1411]

good job, now how did you cut the screw holes for the flanged to screw it and the tile

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Donny Linton I cut the whole in the tile so the flange will sit on top of the tile but will not interfere with the screws. In other word the tile will only go slightly under the toilet flange.

[@bungelsfinger]

Brilliant. I never thought that you could cut a circle with that small radius with an angle grinder. Very skillfully done. Question. Do you find it( generally) easier cutting things without the side handle on? . Ive never tried it without. Good vid mate!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

I never use the side handle, I don't even know where it is.

[@tuskil]

Use your side handle when you need stability to stop the angle grinder from kicking back into your face, people have actually died that way. That being said for it to come back at you it would have to be something pretty tough with varying resistance like cutting stone or wood are the most dangerous. A fine cut on a tile is something you could do one handed with almost no risk.

[@ziadkalaa5907]

ظتش سيسسسق

[@richardharris8399]

For everybody who says "why go to all that trouble over a hole nobody's going to see?", it's because I'M going to see it!

[@syedferozshah6558]

very good mister

[@neehooya]

Thank you, that was super helpful! Much appreciated.

[@SalDiBlasi]

👍

[@Football5198]

Nice job sir.

[@newenergy4428]

I like it. nice work.