Drilling a Hole In Glass or Tiles

HOW DO I START DRILLING A HOLE IN GLASS OR TILES?

The simplest way to start a hole is prior to drilling the tile or glass. Drill a hole with the drill bit

through a piece of timber, plastic or even cardboard. Place this ‘template’ over your target spot and

start drilling, this will keep your drill centred and will stop it from moving. With a diamond core drill

start of on an angle and then move the drill up to vertical, if you start vertically it will “walk” and

mark the glass or tile.

HOW HARD DO I PUSH?

Normally speaking with drilling, the harder you push the faster you drill. But when drilling tiles or

glass it is very important to use light to moderate pressure. The harder you push the more friction

occurs and the drill will “case harden”, the tip of the drill become too hot and brazes over. (You will

become more stressed and may even end up with smoke coming out of your ears!) . The drill will not

cut anymore and will just spin in the hole doing nothing. If the drill bit changes colour, Yellow, Blue,

Brown or Black are all colours that indicate that the drill is overheating and you need to back off the

pressure.

HOW DO I STOP IT “BUSTING” OUT THE BACK SIDE?

When you drill completely through a tile, it is important that you lighten up the pressure even

further, this means the drill will go through the tile without chipping or taking a large chunk out of it.

Better still, if it’s possible. Drill pertly through from one side and then flip the tile to drill through

from the other side. Beware, it is possible to use this method and they don’t quite match, “measure

twice drill once”.

WHAT SHOULDN’T I DO?

- When drilling either glass or tiles Impact settings or drills should not be used

- Drill the hole ‘dry’ with no lubricant (this can be water)

- Apply heavy pressure until the drill ‘case hardens’

- Start drilling 90 degrees to your work with a diamond core style drill