How to Bore a Large Hole in Ceramic Tiles
If you are laying ceramic tile in the bathroom, either on the floor or wall, you may come across a situation where you need a hole in the middle of the tile to run a pipe or other fixtures through
it. If it's a hole of more than half an inch or so, then you need to break out a hole rather than simply trying to drill one. The natural properties of ceramic, which can break like glass, can make this a
simple project with the right technique.
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Things You'll Need
- Drill
- 1/4-inch masonry bit
- Several pieces of corrugated cardboard
- Hammer
- Iron file
Instructions
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1
Mark out the perimeter of the hole you want cut on the loose tile, using a pencil.
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2
Lay the tile on a workbench or other surface that can be drilled. Load a drill with a masonry bit. Hold down the ceramic tile and drill holes all around the circle you drew so you have a line of holes that form the circle. Position the holes as close as possible to each other.
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3
Pile up corrugated cardboard pieces flat on top of one another. Set the tile on top if it so there is a cushion below the tile.
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4
Hold the tile steady with one hand. Take the hammer in your other hand and lightly tap the middle of the circle that's formed by the holes, breaking out the middle and leaving a jagged perimeter to the circle where the smaller holes were.
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5
File down the jagged edges of the perimeter of the circle with an iron file.
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6
Set the tile in place with mortar, positioning the hole over the pipe or fixture.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Wear eye protection when making the hole.
