What Drill Bit For Tiles?
Drilling tile is a tricky task, even the slightest mistake can lead to the tile cracking a pain if it is not yet on the wall, or complete disaster if it already is. So what can you do to make it easier? Well to start with using the correct drill bit for tile will go a long way, but what is the best drill bit to use on tile?
When it comes to tile drill bits there are two common types. One that looks like a regular drill bit but with a spear-like tip, and another that looks completely different to other drill bits.
Spear Tipped Drill Bits
So let’s start with the more usual drill bit. These are very similar to regular bits apart from at the tip. These bits feature a carbide tip that is shaped like a spear.
This creates a very small surface area where the drill bit is actually making contact with the tile. This is also very sharp, allowing it to slowly cut into the tile. When compared to regular drill bits this helps them to not crack the tile you are drilling.
I have used these bits quite a lot and they work just fine. They are affordable and will get the job done. One thing they are not though is quick. On really hard porcelain tiles you can be drilling away for what feels like hours, progressing forward at a snail’s pace.
If you want an affordable way to drill into tile then I recommend the bits below.
Diamond Tipped Drill Bits
Now, these things look completely different to a regular drill bit. Looking more akin to a hole boring drill bit. They have a circular tip that is coated in diamond grit.
This grit coating allows the bit to slice through tiles while retaining its sharpness. As you can probably guess though these bits come at a bit of a price premium.
I would recommend the Mexco brand as I have a little experience with these bits and I have always found this brand to be decent. Be warned I have tried the cheaper non branded ones on Amazon and they seem a bit of a rip off to me, never performing any better than the spear tipped bits.
If you can’t find the right bit on Amazon then have a look at Toolstation, I know they stock a few different sizes of the Mexco bits.
Wax Filled
One feature of these types of this type of drill bit is that the core is actually filled with a specialist wax. The idea behind this is that it helps to cool the drill bit as it is in use. This means you can dry drill, although if you are doing a few holes then dipping it in water every now and again is always a good idea.
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Planning on doing some heavy-duty drilling? You will want the right drill bit for the job, make sure to read these posts.
