Actually it would be better to find the studs, but not withstanding that, it would be better to drill directly into the tile than the grout. The reasoning would be you will damage two tiles when you drill into the grout. Should you ever decide to do away with the shelving, you will have two tiles to replace rather than one.
Full Answer
Do you drill into grout or tile?
If not done correctly, the ceramic tiles can crack, and the grout can crumble or break away. Grout isn't as stable and strong as tile, and drilling into tile grout isn't recommended.
Should you drill through tile?
Drilling through tiles can be more complex than at first glance as they are extremely strong and have little tensile strength, making them prone to cracking if you're not careful. Luckily it's possible to drill through tiles without any unwanted cracks or damage.
How do you drill into ceramic tile without breaking it?
0:151:18How to drill through tiles without cracking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSet the drill to the drill setting if you use a hammer action on your drill you risk cracking theMoreSet the drill to the drill setting if you use a hammer action on your drill you risk cracking the tile. You can use a piece of tape to help prevent the drill from slipping.
Can I use a regular drill bit to drill through grout?
Also, don't use your regular drill bits for this task – they are not strong enough to penetrate the hard surface of the tile. Instead, you should opt for either diamond-tipped drill bits or carbide-tipped masonry drill bits.
What kind of drill goes through tile?
1:106:50How to Drill a Hole in a Tile - TOO EASY! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow the number one thing you have to know about drilling a hole through us and running tile is thatMoreNow the number one thing you have to know about drilling a hole through us and running tile is that you just can't use a normal everyday drill bit one like this here we've all seen them before and
What drill bit is best for tiles?
Ceramic tile can be drilled with a carbide bit, while glass and porcelain call for a diamond-tipped bit. While that sounds expensive, a ¼ inch diamond tipped tip costs under $20, and a carbide bit of the same size can be had for less than $10. When in doubt, buy the diamond bit. It will drill any type of tile.
What drill bit should I use for porcelain tile?
Diamond Tipped drill bitIf you're drilling porcelain tile, either on the wall or floor then you'll need to use a Diamond Tipped drill bit as these are suitable for harder, denser materials, including natural stone. Some drill bits are water cooled whilst others are filled with wax to stop the bit overheating and damaging the diamonds.
How do you drill into a ceramic tile?
1:504:57How to Drill a Hole in a Tile. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDoesn't need to be an impact just put it on normal everyday drilling mode and that should do theMoreDoesn't need to be an impact just put it on normal everyday drilling mode and that should do the trick. Okay we're now all set to start drilling those holes. Let's do it okay this is how easy it is
How can I tell if my tile is ceramic or porcelain?
Porcelain tiles will have low water absorption. ... Porcelain tiles are considerably harder to cut than ceramic. ... They are denser and you can often tell from just holding a porcelain tile that it feels heavier than a ceramic of identical size.Check the price. ... If a tile is described as polished it is likely to be porcelain.More items...•
Can I use a masonry drill bit on ceramic tile?
As mentioned earlier, drilling through tile requires a specialist drill bit – regular or even masonry bits simply won't do the job as they're not strong enough to penetrate tiles' hard surfaces. Instead, you should opt for either carbide-tipped or diamond-tipped drill bits.
How do you drill out grout?
First scrape away the surrounding grout with a grout saw. Attach a 3/16-inch masonry bit to a power drill and drill six to nine holes in a series directly into the tile. Use a hammer and masonry chisel to carefully chisel out the old tile.
Can I use a concrete drill bit on ceramic tile?
When attempting to drill into ceramic tile, the glazed surface of the tile can cause the drill bit to wander. To solve this problem, apply two layers of masking tape to the spot to give the bit a surface it can grab hold of, then use carbide tipped masonry drill bit to drill into the tile.
Can you drill through ceramic tile?
Carbide-tipped masonry drill bits, on the other hand, are probably the most common type of drill bits for drilling through tile. However, although this type of drill bits will do the job on glazed ceramic tile and stoneware, they are not recommended for dealing with porcelain stoneware.
Can you drill into porcelain tile?
If you're drilling porcelain tile, either on the wall or floor then you'll need to use a Diamond Tipped drill bit as these are suitable for harder, denser materials, including natural stone. Some drill bits are water cooled whilst others are filled with wax to stop the bit overheating and damaging the diamonds.
Can I use a masonry drill bit on tiles?
As mentioned earlier, drilling through tile requires a specialist drill bit – regular or even masonry bits simply won't do the job as they're not strong enough to penetrate tiles' hard surfaces. Instead, you should opt for either carbide-tipped or diamond-tipped drill bits.
How do you drill through floor tiles?
0:192:05Tile 101 : How Do I Drill Into Ceramic Tile Without Breaking It? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd your nail punch. And where you've already marked the tile for your hole. You will lightly tapMoreAnd your nail punch. And where you've already marked the tile for your hole. You will lightly tap with the hammer. Just enough so that you can see that you put a little score mark on the tile.
How many RPM to drill into tile?
Low and slow is the best for drilling into tile and grout, so set the drill to between 100 and 200 rpm. Place the drill on the mark and gently begin to drill. Keep a steady hand.
What kind of drill bit to use to drill through tile?
Advertisement. A carbide-tipped masonry drill bit and a steady hand can drill through ceramic or glazed tile without breaking the brittle material.
What are the safety precautions for power drills?
Safety Precautions for Drilling. When using a power drill, wear protective gear. Safety glasses and a good particle mask can protect you from the fine dust particles that will fly up from the surface and irritate your eyes, nose and lungs. Work gloves can ensure that you have a good grip on the drill as well as the slippery tile surrounding ...
Can diamond tipped drill bits burn out?
They also do not burn out as easily as a carbide-tipped masonry drill bit. Drill bits can heat up quickly, particularly when working with hard stone or quarry tiles.
Can you drill into grout?
Grout isn't as stable and strong as tile, and drilling into grout isn't recommended. However, if you can't get around it because you have to install a fixture or the like, then there are a few ways to do it successfully.
Can drill bits heat up?
Drill bits can heat up quickly, particularly when working with hard stone or quarry tiles. Have a few on hand so that you can change them out if they heat up. Baggy clothes can be a hindrance when working with power tools of any kind. Loose pants and sleeves can get caught up in the moving drill bit.
Can you drill into grout to install toilet paper holders?
If not done correctly, the ceramic tiles can crack, and the grout can crumble or break away. Grout isn't as stable and strong as tile, and drilling into grout isn't recommended.
Location: Dubai, UAE
What's the general consensus when attaching bathroom fixings (loo roll holders, towel rails etc) - drill into the grout or the tile? I'm assuming the grout as it's softer and less risk of cracking the tile?
Location: Loogabarooga
If you've just stuck up new tiles and don't want to drill then you won't do any better than looking at nie wieder bohren range of bathroom accessories as they use a unique disc based adhesive system to glue them securely onto the wall.
Location: Surrey, England
If you've just stuck up new tiles and don't want to drill then you won't do any better than looking at nie wieder bohren range of bathroom accessories as they use a unique disc based adhesive system to glue them securely onto the wall.
Location: Loogabarooga
Really easy to put up, just fix the disc to the wall and inject the supplied adhesive, wait a few hours for it to set and then mount the accessory onto the disc. A bit more expensive than usual but 100% worth it.
Location: Loogabarooga
If the accessory is to be placed in a location where it will get constantly wet with shower water then they do solid brass one's which I have had now for over 6 months and not a spot of rust on them.
Location: Dubai, UAE
I've already bought my accessories, but could always return them I guess. Will have a look into Nie Wieder Bohren but would be also good to hear about drilling into grouting
Location: Bath
Diamond tired drill bit specifically for tiles, no hammer action, lots of masking tape and cross your fingers and toes!
How to drill into grout with a drill?
Press and hold the drill trigger. Once the bit is spinning gently, begin to push the bit into the grout at the pencil mark.
What is grout in a shower?
Grout is the material that is applied between tiles. It helps hold the tiles together, covers the gaps between tiles, and prevents moisture from seeping onto the wood underneath. In the case of showers and other tiled walls, you may need to install a soap holder, handle grasp bar or other accessories. Many of these require you to drill holes into the grout to install screws that hold these accessories in place. A steady hand and careful drilling is required when putting holes into fragile surfaces such as tile and grout.
How to keep drill bit surface temperature cooler?
Have someone hold the spray bottle while you are drilling. Instruct them to spray a small amount of water onto the drill bit while drilling to maintain a cooler bit surface temperature.
How to tighten a carbite drill?
Loosen the bit locking mechanism on the tip of the power drill. Insert the flat end of the carbite drill bit in the opening. Hold the drill bit steady while tightening the bit locking mechanism on the drill. Set the drill RPM to 100 to 200 but no higher.
How to mark pencil marks with a power drill?
Hold the power drill and place the tip of the drill bit directly over the pencil mark.
What to do when grout is flying?
Consider wearing eye protection and a respirator mask to protect against flying grout particles. Do not use "hammer drills," which can cause excessive damage to tiles and grout.
Where to insert carbite drill bit?
Insert the flat end of the carbite drill bit in the opening.
