How to Drill Clean Holes in Tile and Stone

Drilling tile looks intimidating, but the right bit and a calm technique make it manageable. Rushing is what cracks tile, not the drilling itself.

Pick the right diamond bit

Choose a bit rated for your material and the hole size you need. A set of dry diamond core bits in a common size like 10mm covers most fixture and fitting holes on a renovation.

Start at an angle

Begin at about 45 degrees to score a mark, then bring the drill upright. This stops the bit from skating across a slick glaze and keeps your hole where you planned it.

Let the bit do the work

Keep pressure light and steady. Diamond bits cut by abrasion, not force. Pushing hard only builds heat and knocks diamonds loose, which shortens the life of the bit.

Manage heat

Even dry bits benefit from cooling pauses. Let the bit rest between holes, and dip it in water if the material allows. Cooler bits stay sharp and cut cleaner.

Clear the debris

Bits with side flutes push dust out as you go. Back off occasionally to clear the hole so the cut stays smooth and the depth marks stay readable.

The bottom line

Match the bit to the material, start angled, stay light, and cool often. Follow that order and clean tile holes become routine.