Best Drill Bits for Tiles in 2020 – Tested, Reviewed & Buying Guide

Have you decided to make the repair yourself, or install some tiles?

Regardless of the density of the tile, you can drill it without difficulty. The best way to do this correctly is to use one of the best drill bits for tiles.

Everybody knows that this task is not easy – one wrong move and you have to run to the store for a new tile.

And even with the best bits, you need to know how to drill tiles. You also need patience, diligence, and the information in my review to properly drill tiles. Let’s get started!

Our Top Picks

 

Reviews: Best Drill Bits for Tiles

 

1. Bosch 8 Piece Glass and Tile Bit Set with Storage Case GT3000

 
This drill bit set from Bosch perfectly copes with any ceramic or porcelain tiles. I checked the performance of these drills on ceramic and porcelain tiles, and even on porcelain plant pots. How did they do? They were great!

The bits feature high-quality carbide tips with reinforced heads in sizes of1/8inch, 3/16 inch,1/4 inch,5/16 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch and3/4 inch. The edges are ground with diamond to make them really sharp.

The set makes it easy to drill holes in glass, ceramic and porcelain tiles and weighs only 3.36 ounces.

Additionally, my experience with this kit showed that these drills are accurate and do not slide on the surface. It is also of high quality and has a reinforced head, which reduces stress and does not split the tile.

Finally, you can use these drills several times. These are some of the best drill bit for drilling porcelain tiles.

 

2. Owl Tools 10 Piece Masonry Drill Bits Set for Tiles

 
This set of bits is supposed to drill anything except heavy metals, which sounds pretty good. The tip of these drill bits is made from industrial grade carbide, and so they last for a long time compared to steel tipped bits.

The set includes 5 sizes, and you get 2 of the 1/8″ bits that are 3″ long, 2 of the 1/4″ bits that are 4″ long, 2 of the 1/4″ bits that are 6″ long, and 1 of the  5/16 bits that’s 6″ long, 2 of the 3/8″bits that are 6″ long, and 1 bit of the 1/2″ bits that’s 6″ long.

The bits are stored in a white hard plastic case. The whole set weighs 12.8 ounces. My experience with these drill bits showed that this is the best drill bit for hard tiles and high pressure is not needed.

 

3. BLENDX Diamond Drill Bits – Glass and Tile Hollow Core Drill Bits

 
The BLENDX diamond drill bits are different as they are hole saw or core drilling style bits, which means they have a hollow core. These drill bits are made of industrial diamonds, the toughest substance known.

You can use these bits on ceramic, porcelain, limestone, marble, slate, stone, granite and fiberglass but the depth of the material you are drilling must be ½” or less.

Also, this set is metric. The 10 bits are 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 22mm, 35mm, 40mm and 50mm.

The manufacturer reminds us to use a slower drilling speed, less drill pressure, and use water to lubricate the drilling surface. Using these methods helps the drill bits to last a lot longer.

These are the best diamond drill bits for porcelain tile. BELLISSIMA!

My experience with these drills showed that using a thin piece of wood is necessary to help center the bit and stop the drill from moving and spoiling the surface of the tile.

 

4. WORTOOL Diamond Glass Tile Cutter Drill Bits for Porcelain, Ceramic Tile

 
The WORTOOL diamond glass bit also offers hole saw style bits, but these ones are made of natural diamond sand and coated with a reinforced electroplated nickel coating.

This means that these drill bits provide high performance and durable drilling. When working with these drill bits, I got very neat and smooth holes. It is clear that these drill bits are suitable for working with ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, and glass. You can use these bits for drilling stone and granite too.

This is also a metric set, and it offers 16 sizes: 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, 25mm, 26mm, 28mm, 30mm, 40mm and 50 mm. You get one bit in each size.

These bits are not made for drilling concrete.

The holes were perfectly sized, and the appearance (and surface) of the tile remained excellent.

 

5. HOMEIDOL 6pcs Titanium Coated Drill Bits Set for Ceramic Tile

 
These drill bits are made of cemented carbide—a material rarely used—and coated with titanium, which is so tough they make submarine hulls out of it.

Each drill bit has a hexagonal shank to give your drill extra grip on the bit.

The diameters of the shank are: 3.1mm, 4.0mm, 4.3mm, 5.3mm, 6.9mm, 7.7mm
The drill bits cut 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm holes.
The total length of the bits are 65mm, 69mm, 72mm, 77mm, 81mm and 85mm.

When I drilled with these bits, I found little resistance or notching, stable drilling, and they didn’t slip. I used the bit several times but did not get any broken edges.

I recommend using these drill bits for ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, marble, and glass. Without a doubt, this set will last for a very long time if you use water to constantly cool the tip and drill at slow speeds.

 

6. Bosch GT2000 Glass and Tile Set, 4-Piece

 
Bosch GT2000 offers a unique tip design made specifically for precision drilling. This design also prevents bit walking.

The carbide bits have reinforced heads that stops the bits from cracking. Also the edges are ground by diamonds, making them super sharp.

The drill bits are standard 1/8″, 3/16″, ¼” and 5/16″.

The flat shank on the 5/16″ bit is an unusual shape for tile bits. The three smaller bits have round shanks.

I used these drills from Bosch for drilling glass, mirrors, ceramic and porcelain tiles, and natural stone. In all cases, the drill bits easily bored the holes I needed.

My verdict is that Bosch made powerful drill bits that are suitable for fragile ceramics as well as for porcelain stoneware and stone, which are thick.

 

7. Drilax 10 Pcs Diamond Drill Bit Set Hole Saws for Ceramic, Porcelain Tiles

 
When I hear that someone has used electroplated diamond bits, I have no doubt that they have enjoyed a great drilling result. The same goes for drilling with this Drilax diamond drill bit set. These bits have a diamond coating that will last a long time (when cooled during operation).

I have used these drill bits for wood, metal, stone, porcelain, and ceramics. If you use a piece of wood when drilling it enhances the bit’s stability, so it will not wander around the tile.

The 3-inch drill bits are well suited for harder materials like stone. The 2-inch drill bits are best used for materials such as ceramics.

The Drilax kit includes bits of the following sizes:5/32″, 3/16″,¼”, 3/8″, ½”, ¾’, 1″, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 2.

 

8. Drilax 4 1/2 Inch Diamond Hole Saw Diamond Tipped Porcelain Tile

 
All the Drilax drill bit set feature a diamond coating on the bits. Yes, these bits will last a long time and will maintain high performance. What’s different is that this is not a set of bits, just a single bit—and it’s huge. At 4 ½”, you can use this to drill through floor tiles when you need to install a toilet.

Remember that this huge bit has to be used wet. Use plumber’s putty to build a dam outside the perimeter of the hole and fill it with water to keep the bit from overheating.

You can use it for ceramics, porcelain, and stone. Believe me, you will not have any problems.

I used a regular 18-volt drill, low speed and constantly cooled the bits while drilling. As a result,  ceramic, porcelain and stone tiles succumbed to this bit, and this bit made perfect holes.

 

9. Relton 3/16″ x 3″ Porcelain Tile Drill Bit

 
At first glance, this bit from Relton seemed modest to me. But my opinion changed when I started testing it.

This is a single bit, not part of a set. So if this is the only size you need, you don’t have to buy bits you won’t use. It is best the drill bit for porcelain tile.

This bit has a Groo-V tip, and it can drill practically any material. Its serrated carbide tip, goes through materials up to 50% faster than standard masonry bits. And unlike many other bits, it can drill up to 1 7/8″ deep.

Believe me, the result is perfect: no cracks, and no wandering across the tile surface.

 

10. DrillGlass 3-Pack, 1/8″ Diamond Core Drill Bits For Tile

 
This 3-pack of DrillGlass diamond drill bits makes neat 1/8 inch holes. Experience has shown that these are the best drill bits for ceramic tile as they spit out the fragments so no debris remains at the end of drilling.

I also learned that these bits are suitable for using in a hand drill, a drilling machine or a drill with a collet (or adjustable) chuck.

I have used these bits to drill granite, ceramic, porcelain, and stone. I drilled tiles in the kitchen too. These bits are ideal for fragile materials such as ceramics.

 

Overview of Drill Bits for Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

There are many types of specialized drill bits available on the market, such as drill bits for stainless steel, metal drill bits, drill bits for glass, masonry, etc. So before you choose the best drill bits for tile, you need to consider the types of tiles you’ll be drilling into. There are three main types of tile surfaces.

Types of Tile

Main Types of Tile Surfaces: Ceramic, Porcelain and Stone

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular types of tiles used around the world. Ceramic tiles are made of clay materials.

Ceramic tiles are fired in a kiln at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles, this makes them a little softer, a little more porous (they let a little more water through), and they aren’t quite as dense as porcelain tiles. They are also a little lighter weight, which makes it easier to transport and install them.

Ceramic tiles can be glazed (a mirrored or polished finish) and an unglazed, more natural appearance. Ceramic tiles are often used for wall cladding and for flooring. Because ceramic tiles are lighter weight than porcelain, they are often a better choice for using on walls.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tile is denser than ceramic tile is. Therefore, this type of tile is a bit more expensive.

Porcelain tiles are ideal for using on floors because they stand up to heavy foot traffic. Just make sure the floor is strong enough to support the weight of the porcelain tiles as well as people, furniture and any machinery that will be on it.

Stone Tiles

Stone tiles are made from different types of stone. They can be marble, granite, slate, limestone and more. Stone tiles can be ground, polished or left with a natural finish, especially on slate tiles.

Stone has its own kind of warmth and beauty and comes in a wide range of colors. Some stones are stronger than others. Marble is a soft stone, granite is the hardest, so remember this if you are choosing stone tiles for flooring. If you are going to drill a stone tile, then you will need to be patient, because it will not be easy.

Buying Guide: Best Drill Bit for Tiles

If you choose the right drill bit, you will definitely get a clean, neat hole in the tile. Make sure the bit is designed for drilling into tile, and check how deep the bit can go. Many drill bits are designed for only ½” of drilling depth. Some of the big bits can handle a drilling depth of 1 7/8″.

Only Buy A High Quality Tip

To do this, look for a drill bit with a tungsten carbide tip or a diamond tip.

If you want your drilling to be accurate, make sure the drill bit tip is designed to prevent walking as this will mar the finish on the tiles.

Also, one of the common problems is the drill bit overheating due to the friction of drilling such hard substances as ceramic, porcelain and stone. I recommend that you moisten the tip with water, or use plumber’s putty to build a dam around the drill hole area and fill it with water. This will keep the drill bit cooler while you are drilling. Also, don’t dry to drill too fast. Slow down!

Number of Drill Bits

I often hear the question, “how many drill bits do I need to drill a tile?” It all depends on how many holes you are going to drill, and whether you go slowly and keep your drill bit cool, or go fast and burn out your bit by overheating it.

One drill bit will be enough to drill several holes of the same diameter if you use water and drill at a moderate speed.

If you plan to make holes of different diameters, you will need a set of drill bits. Sets come in different sizes, from 4 bits to 16 bits.

Drill Bit Sizes

There are different sizes of drill bits. Most often in retail stores or on the Internet, you can find drills in the following sizes: 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″ and 3/4″. There are also metric sizes, which are listed in millimeters (mm).

All common drill bit sizes can be bought as individual bits and in sets. The really large drill bits are only sold individually.

How to Drill Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

And now we turn to the most interesting how to drill tiles. Honestly, this is not easy, and therefore I will describe the whole process in a few steps.

Do You Know Your Tiles?

Pay attention to the type of tile you are going to drill. You need this information in to use the characteristics of the tile for better drilling.

For example, your kitchen floor is made of stoneware tiles.

We already know that this type of tile is dense. That is why the drilling of such tiles requires more time to work and to prepare for it. It the tile is stoneware and dense, then any drill will not work. You need a special drill bit that will make a neat hole in such a dense tile. That is why it is important to know the type of tile before drilling a hole.

What Kind Of Drill Are You Going To Use?

Ok, let’s imagine we figured out the type of tile. Now we need to clarify which drill to use for an excellent drilling result. You can immediately put the old drills away because worn drills will ruin the tile.

Keep in mind: in such an important matter you only need to use new drill bits that will outperform the old ones in efficiency. The new drill will not damage the tile surface.

Forget about ordinary drill bits, because such bits will not be strong enough and will not penetrate a hard surface.

The best way is to buy a new diamond or carbide stone drill bits. Why?

The point is that diamond drill bits ideally pass through even stone tiles. And yes, you can use these drills in the future. It is ideal for porcelain and stone. Carbide tipped drill bits cut through ceramic tiles.

Measure 7 Times And Drill Once!

Often there is a problem with drilling: the drills slide along the tile surface. In this case, it is almost impossible to keep the drill in place. It is fraught with the fact that the tile surface will be damaged.

In order to avoid such problems, it will be good for you to measure the distance between future holes. Take the duct tape and use it around the place where you place the hole.

Be sure to measure the area of drilling and place the masking tape on this place. Measure the area again after using masking tape.

The purpose of this trick is to ensure perfect adhesion to the tile surface. It will help you to grab the drill precisely in the place where you want to get a hole.

And What If You Are Going To Make Some Holes?

In such cases, I do this: I make a template from a wooden block with the marking of drill bits. It is simple: I make a hole in a wooden block as I want the holes to be placed on the tile.

I place this wooden block above the tile and boldly make holes.

We Start Drilling!

Did you perform the previous step? If yes, then it is time to move on to the most important thing – that is drilling.

Keep in mind – you cannot rush in any case. Drilling tiles is a difficult process, and any rush can ruin everything.

Be patient and do not hurry, then start drilling holes. And yes, keep low speed. Make holes very slowly, because you need to penetrate a hard surface. If you hurry, then you have every chance to damage the tile surface.

Use also constant pressure but not for long, because it can penetrate the tile, but not drill. You should have a good drill bit sharpener and screw extractor in worst case

Stop Your Drill Bit From Walking!

Often there is a problem with drilling: the drills slide along the tile surface. In this case, it is almost impossible to keep the drill in place. This is a problem because the tile surface will be damaged.

In order to avoid such problems, put some duct tape over the place where you will drill the hole. Clearly mark the center of the hold on the duct tape, using a marker or soft carpenter’s pencil. Or, better yet, buy a drill bit that is designed not to walk when drilling tile.

Cool Your Drill Bits!

I have already said that your drill bit will last longer if you lubricate the bit with water before you begin and keep the bit wet while you’re drilling. Often I use a wet sponge with which I lubricate the drill for cooling to avoid overheating of the drill. You can put this sponge under the drill so that it is always cool.

It is also a good idea to stop for a while and let the drill bit cool off in water. And, as we mentioned earlier, don’t try to drill too fast.

What Do You Need To Know When Drilling Porcelain?

Use diamond-tipped tile bits. And even if you’re using the best drill bit for drilling porcelain tiles, don’t let the bit overheat. Be sure to start drilling slowly, constantly splashing the drilling area with water.

Never use a lot of pressure or high speed. Generally, the rules for drilling porcelain are the same as the rules for drilling stone and ceramic tiles.

Wrapping up

So now you know how to drill different types of tiles.

The success of drilling in tough materials such as ceramic tiles or porcelain tile depends on several factors: patience, a slow drill speed, keeping the drill bit wet, and using a drill bit designed for drilling tile.

So, now you’re ready to start drilling, check our reviews to find the best drill bit set for ceramic tile, the best drill bit for porcelain tile, the best diamond drill bit for ceramic or porcelain tile, and get drilling!