Best Overall
DeWalt Rapid Load Carbide Masonry Drill Bit Set
Best Bang for the Buck
Hillman Tapper Carbide Tipped Drill Bit
Best Glass Tile Set
Bosch GT2000 4-Piece Glass and Tile Bit Set
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bore mess in tile can be sly , especially if you ’re not using drill second for tile . undertake to drill tile with a stock steel number designed for use on forest can cause the bit to overheat , flex , or even check in half . Of course , with the right-hand bit , drilling tile can be nearly as straight as drill wood — and since most tile recitation bit anddrill - turn setsare fortunately low-priced , it makes sentiency to have the righttools and materialsfor the caper .
However , tile is made from various textile , so it ’s crucial to select theright bitfor the specific textile . To help DIYers and professional alike get great results , we prove some of the best - rated designated tile bit , produce holes in ceramic , porcelain , marble , shabu , and stone tiles . As we expected , some performed better on one character of roofing tile than another . Our top pick was theDeWalt Rapid Load Carbide Masonry Drill Bit Setfor its impressive durability and wide orbit of sizes to conform to most tasks . Ahead , see about drill in different types of tile and line up out how the following bits earned a fleck on our lineup of the best drill bits for roofing tile .
Drill Bits for Tile Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
The following drill bit are all suitable for drill in tile , but some are comfortably suitable to one type of tile than another . Each was tested on the type(s ) of roofing tile recommended by the manufacturing business or seller , but not all the bits we test garner a spot in this card . Find out the professional and flimflam of each of the following bit and act solidification before take the best selection for your tile - oil production project .
Our military rank : Effectiveness5/5;Performance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
We ’re well cognizant of the superior quality of many DeWalt power tools and accessory , so it was no surprise that the company ’s seven - piece solidifying of masonry drill bits excelled at bore through tile . The set features bits ranging in diam from 3/16 inch to ½ inch with lengths ranging from 3 inches to 6 inches . Three of the flake are ¼ column inch , which is a normally used size .
We used the DeWalt bits to drill through travertine , slate , marble , ceramic , and glass tiles . The bits have carbide spiral tip , and we examine them with and without dissemble tape . The deep flutes in the waist speedily removed the powdered roofing tile material as we bore , and the holes were clean and uniform . They thread less than we expected , even without magnetic tape , but we would suggest taping extremely glazed ceramic and glass tiles to be on the safe side .
With the largest ½-inch bit , we did snap two glass tiles , but we feel that was primarily due to our carpus and arm muscles becoming jade and not apply the drill as unchanging as we should have . A few days after the original test , we tried again and drilled through glass tiles with no fracture . We sense these DeWalt bits fit the bank note for pro and DIYers needing indestructible moment on the job .
What our tester says:“These evidence to be very durable heavy - tariff bits : After drill 10 hole with each , I view virtually no softening of the blades or dulling . As I drilled an additional 30 hole per bit , I still did n’t notice much slowing down . ” – Glenda Taylor , Cartesian product Reviews tester and writer
Get the DeWalt drill bits for roofing tile atAce HardwareorThe Home Depot .
Our Ratings : Effectiveness5/5;Performance4.5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value5/5
When a project requires only a few holes to be drilled in roofing tile , consider buying a undivided bit rather than a whole readiness , such as this Hillman Tapper practice bit in a 3/16 - inch diam and 3½-inch distance . ( We chose that size to test because 3/16 - inch is a fairly standard hole size for install towel rods and toilette - newspaper - holder anchor ) . We practice holes in marble , travertine , slate , Methedrine , and ceramic tile with this carbide - topple spiral morsel . We did use masking piece tapeline for most of the holes because the bit had a tendency to wander without it . The bit practice blank holes in ceramic and Edward Durell Stone roofing tile but seemed to contend on the trash tile , so we added a few driblet of water to the hole to help cool the bit and reduce detrition ( not cooling a hot bit is a primary cause of morsel break ) .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
After drilling more than 45 holes , the Hillman chip started to slow down , and we could see that the tip was softening and tire out down some . However , we felt its performance and durability were still good under pressure , and the bit never break . A single - size of it bit wo n’t be desirable for all roofing tile - boring purposes , but it ’s more economical to buy just one if only drill a few holes of the same sizes .
Get the Hillman exercise bits for tile atAmazonorAce computer hardware .
Our Ratings : Effectiveness4/5;Performance4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.5/5
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Drilling in glass tiles is more straightforward than it might seem — a respectable carbide - tipped blade is essential , as is using a slow drill speed . The four - piece moment set from Bosch excel in our Methedrine - drilling trial .
The circle comes with bits ranging from ⅛ inch to ⅝ column inch in diam and from 2 column inch to 2¼ inches long . Each bit features a spear tip with a sharp point the manufacturer claims will keep the minute from vagabondage . regrettably , we found each one of the bite tended to swan on the glass tile unless we used screening tape measure — an easy fix that did n’t detract from the bit ’ functioning and strength . Wandering is vulgar when drilling through tile , so everyone should be prepare to use mag tape .
After 10 holes , we inspected the bits . The largest one usher a slight amount of wear on the edges of the spear blades , while the others look about new . They all die on to drill 30 more cakehole apiece , but toward the end , they made slower progression , and we had to exert more insistence on the drill . as luck would have it , we did n’t have any cracked ice tile after all the boring . That ’s largely due to the sharpness and durability of the bits , but we also give a little mention to an old computer shiner pad that we placed beneath some of the tiles as we practice , which absorbed some of the vibrations and may have help foreclose cracking . While our main objective in testing these bits was to determine their performance on glass , we also prove them after on a marble roofing tile and a travertine tile . At this breaker point , the spot were more or less bear down but still drilled through both textile cleanly , albeit slowly .
Photo: Ace Hardware
Get the Bosch recitation bits for roofing tile atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,Ace Hardware , orGrainger .
Best Metric Set
Qwork Multi-Material 8-Piece Drill Bit Set
Our rating : Effectiveness4/5;Performance4/5 ; Durability3/5 ; Value4/5
With a produce bit of kitchen and toilet fixtures now supplied in metrical size , it may be necessary to have an accurate metric drill bit for roofing tile . Imperial ( United States ) equivalents are close but not always fill up enough . In the yesteryear , we ’ve had to guess which Imperial bit or anchor is most comparable to the metric one called for , so we were unrestrained to test these carbide - tipped metrical drill bits .
After drilling 10 starter holes , we examined the spearheads of the bits . The two little bits show substantive dulling and get into on the blades , so we correct those aside and continued with the other five . None of the other bits made it past 25 additional holes , so we ca n’t grade the Qwork bits as the most long-wearing of the ones we test . Perhaps the steel was n’t quite as high-pitched in quality — but we still deem these bits to be a adequate option for jobs that demand metric mo and fasteners , since those are typically small projects , such as instal a towel measure or a ceramic soap dish . And interestingly , these bits did n’t drift much , not even on un - taped drinking glass , so they earn a point in that section . Consider these as short - duty roofing tile - boring bits for metric utilisation .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Qwork drill bits for roofing tile atAmazon .
ALSO TESTED
Neiko ’s Diamond Hole Saw Bits
We had high hopes for Neiko ’s Diamond Hole figure Bits , but they did n’t live up to our standards . This bit set is marketed as receive diamond detritus electroplated on the edge of the bits , and porcelain was list among the types of tile they would cut through .
Alas , it was not to be . The Neiko bit cut through ceramic , travertine , and even glass tile , but every bit in the set pooped out before create a hole in porcelain roofing tile . Since porcelain is extremely hard , we always try the bits on softer case of roofing tile before drilling through porcelain . That elbow room , we knew what they would bore as well as what they would n’t . None of the Neiko bits produce more than midway through porcelain before the rhombus debris burned off . And that was even with pee droplet tally to the pickle as we drilled . In short , they did n’t qualify as being among the good drill bits for hard porcelain tile .
Photo: Amazon
We could still recommend these bits as suitable for exercise through ceramic and glass , but because they failed on porcelain , we had to eliminate them from the competition . One of our testing measure is assure the products we test live up to their marketing plug . It ’s not that these are bad bits , but they were advertised as being suited for porcelain , but did not exist up to that claim .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Drill Bits for Tile
Over the years , we ’ve had plenty of practice boring roofing tile , so our experience combined with in - astuteness mathematical product research was subservient in selecting the recitation number for testing . We considered the make to an extent — DeWalt and Bosch are both top maker of construction tools — but did n’t automatically obviate drill bits from modest or niche manufacturers if they feature carbide or ball field tips and were order well by consumers .
Our actual examination process was aboveboard . All of the practice session bits were tested using a standard cordless drill . We used covering tape on the tops of some tiles , which can avail keep bit from wander andreduce the risk of the tile chippingduring the boring process . It ’s not always necessary , so we did n’t videotape all the roofing tile — for example , the surface of a travertine tile is soft and poriferous , and most bits will not roll when exercise through travertine . As the manufacturer suggested — or if a fleck was sputter to drill through — we added a few drops of piss while drilling to help keep the number from getting too hot and breakage .
We tested the bits by drilling multiple holes , but we only tried them on tile character they were designed for . In short , we did not test a turn made for practise ceramic or glass tiles on porcelain tile , which are much operose . Our goal was to determine how well the moment stand up to their intended drilling purpose .
Photo: Amazon
We score each chip ( or turn set ) using a statute title throughout the mitt - on testing process . The better a practice session bit perform , the high the score . We look for strength and relatively unruffled - edged holes — it ’s not unusual to have some slightly ragged edges , however . We did not judge the bits on how long it aim to drill through a tile because different eccentric of tile expect longer drilling time , and it ’s counterproductive to exercise secure pressure while exercise as it can cause the bits to go . After drilling an initial 10 holes with each bit , we inspected them for dulling and wear before drilling more hole .
We finished by adding up the scores and using them to determine the best categories for each stage set of drill bits .
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Drill Bits for Tile
Many Mandrillus leucophaeus bits might appear similar at first glance , but the good drill bit for ceramic tile are very different from the good drill bits for heavy porcelain tile , wood , orsteel . In increase to selecting the right snatch for the type of tile , there are a few other consideration , such as tip shape and whether the tip comes with carbide or diamond - dust coating .
Types of Bits
Whether for exercise Sir Henry Joseph Wood , metal , masonry , or roofing tile , the shank ( stalk ) of almost all practice bit are made from high - speed sword ( HSS ) . Though a heavily - wearing , relatively inexpensive material , HSS can fall back its sharpness cursorily when drilling knockout material like stone and ceramic tile , so the tip of the bit will be given a coating to make it harder and more long-lived .
The most uncouth wind coating is tungsten carbide ( often just calledcarbide ) , which is a combining of tungsten and carbon . Tough and heat - resistant , carbide - tipped bit stay sharp for tenacious .
A less rough-cut coating is the powdered form of industrial diamonds ( usually call dust ) , which is commingle to the drill bit via an electroplating operation under tremendous high temperature and force per unit area .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
baseball diamond bit are among the only one suitable for practise into porcelain or quarry roofing tile , both of which are extremely hard . regrettably , some diamond bits on the grocery store call they will drill through porcelain tile , but as we discovered in our hands - on examination , they give way . In other Logos , not all rhomb second live up to their marketer ’s claims .
Type of Tile and Tips
The material roofing tile is made of will impact drill - fleck option . Fortunately , most drill bit list the types of roofing tile they ’re design for on the computer software or merchandise description .
The two most vulgar shapes for tile - drilling bit are shaft and spiral . Spear tips look like small arrows , and while they have the sharpness needed to create precise holes , their narrow shape makes them less durable and more potential to stop . volute tips have a flat vane along the top with a small stage in the middle that avail the user center the hole . Spiral point are typically more long-lived but — look on the roofing tile — can take longer to complete the kettle of fish . In general , lance peak are better suited to softer tile , such as travertine , marble , or ceramic , while spiral tips are less potential to break when drill hard tile stuff , include quartz and granite .
Size and Quantity
Drill mo are labeled by the diameter of their shanks . The small drill turn for tile are normally around ⅛ inch in diameter . The biggest twist drill types are seldom more than ½ in . When drilling in hard tile , it can be difficult to command large snatch ( more than ¼ in ) on shiny , glaze surface , so it ’s common practice to first bore a small “ pilot burner ” gob and then follow up using the larger routine .
For holes larger than ½ inch in diameter , a hole saw ( or empty essence bit ) is often commend . A hole saw bit have a circular ring of HSS , unremarkably with a rhombus - coated sharpness . Hole saws can be large enough to allow for the fitting of plumbing pipes , for example . However , some have trammel deepness , so it ’s important to chink the dimensions before purchase .
If only one or two holes are required for a finicky job , buying a single practice session bit can be an stinting option . However , depending on the bit type , an case-by-case second can cost several dollars . If oil production roofing tile is probable to be an ongoing undertaking , a Mandrillus leucophaeus - bit stage set may be a impudent investment . A bent typically include several bits in various sizes .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
FAQs
When drilling through roofing tile , it ’s good to go lento and use only light pressure sensation on the recitation bit . Do n’t endeavor to force the routine through — let the drill and the bit do all the work . If you still have interrogative sentence about take and using the best Mandrillus leucophaeus bits for roofing tile , keep reading for answers to some usually asked questions . let the drill and the bit do all the work . If you still have questions about selecting and using the good practice session flake for tile , keep interpret for answers to some normally ask interrogative .
Using the right Mandrillus leucophaeus bit is vital . Standard Mandrillus leucophaeus bits will not cut through the tiles ; attempting to do so is probable to cause snap tiles and broken bits . Use masking tape to tag the status of the golf hole , which will also bring home the bacon initial grip for the bit . Hold the recitation firmly and apply slow , steady pressure . If you also involve to drill the masonry orconcretebehind the tile , do not use a recitation ’s hammer action at law until you are through the roofing tile .
Diamond - tip off practice turn are recommended for porcelain . The bit can get very blistering , so dipping them in H2O now and again , or spraying the area while working , will keep them cool and assist them cut more effectively .
A carbide - tipped drill bite is unremarkably advocate , although a adamant - tippytoe one will also do a expert job . To confiscate a fastness , such as a towel stripe , to a tile wall , it ’s always necessary to drill a hole first , after which the Mandrillus leucophaeus can be match with ascrewdriver bitfor installing a fastener in the paries .
you may , but the grout is a relatively soft material , and the drill spot can well rove . For truth , drilling through tile is usually preferred .
Porcelain has a finer texture , but it can be hard to recount the deviation if the tile are already on a wall . Ceramic tile usually has a glazed top bed that is a dissimilar color from the inwardness , which may show at the edge . Porcelain is unremarkably the same color throughout .
Whatever you are practice , you should wear suitable centre trade protection . If you commonly jade glasses , put goggles on over them . A lightweight junk mask is also a good idea .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the building , remodeling , and real estate industries . She and her husband own a general contracting society , and Taylor is go through in both residential and commercial construction applications . She tests a wide cooking stove of index tools as well as other home improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden product .
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