In this guide, I will test three different tile drill bits from Home Depot to find the best one for your needs. This way, you will save your time and money. The three bits I’m examining are a carbide-tipped bit, a diamond core bit, and a diamond-brazed core bit for use with an angle grinder.
Here is the video version of this article.
Understanding Tile Hardness
Before diving into the tests, it’s crucial to understand that the harder the tile, the more challenging it is to drill through. Tiles range from soft ceramic to hard porcelain. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Soft Tiles: Ceramic, Marble
- Medium Hardness: Limestone, Sandstone, Slate
- Hard Tiles: Granite, Quartz, Glass, Porcelain
Test Setup
To ensure thorough testing, I set up a variety of tiles:
- Ceramic Tile
- Porcelain Tile
- Natural Slate Stone
- Glass Mosaic
- 1/2″ Thick Porcelain Tile
I also timed how long it took each bit to drill through when drilling wet and dry.
Tools Needed
You’ll need a few tools for marking and measuring your holes:
- Tape: To mark hole locations
- Sharpie or Whiteout Pen: Alternatives for marking
- Tape Measure: Essential for precise measurements
- Pump Sprayer: To cool the tiles and bits with water
Safety First
Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, ear protection, and a mask. Having a friend help spray water while you drill can also prevent the bit from slipping off your mark.
Testing the Carbide-Tipped Drill Bit
First up is the carbide-tipped drill bit from Milwaukee, priced at $16.47. Milwaukee recommends this bit for glass and ceramic in a regular drill setting and for harder stones in hammer drill mode. It’s not recommended for porcelain, but we’ll test it anyway.
Carbide-Tipped Drill Bit Results
- Ceramic Tile: 20 seconds wet, 18 seconds dry
- Porcelain Tile: 60 seconds wet, 52 seconds dry
- Slate: 20 seconds wet, 10 seconds dry
- Glass: 34 seconds wet, 68 seconds dry
- 1/2″ Porcelain: 55 seconds wet, 1 minute and 40 seconds dry
Observations: The carbide bit performed better than I expected, especially with porcelain. However, this kind of tile drill bit will wear out faster than the others. That will make it less effective in the long run and make it more prone to drill less accurately.
Testing the Diamond Core Bit
Next, I tested the diamond core bit, also from Milwaukee, priced at $22.47. This bit is recommended for all my tiles since diamonds are harder than the materials we are drilling.
Diamond Core Bit Results
- Ceramic Tile: 30 seconds wet, 34 seconds dry
- Porcelain Tile: 45 seconds wet, 40 seconds dry
- Slate: 1 minute and 30 seconds wet, 55 seconds dry
- Glass: 60 seconds wet, 42 seconds dry
- 1/2″ Porcelain: 2 minutes and 17 seconds wet, 1 minute dry
Observations: You noticed that this tile bit was drilled a lot faster through the tile dry. That is because I could press the drill with both hands when drilling dry. This type of bit leaves a core of tile behind inside the shaft. If you don’t remove it first, then you have to push a lot harder to break it up as you drill your next hole.
Testing the Diamond-Brazed Core Bit
Lastly, I tested the diamond-brazed core bit from Monster, priced at $11.72. This bit fits on a standard angle grinder and drills quickly, thanks to the cooling wax inside the shaft of this tile drill bit.
Diamond-Brazed Core Bit Results
- Ceramic Tile: 9 seconds dry and wet
- Porcelain Tile: 24 seconds dry, 25 seconds wet
- Slate: 13 seconds dry, 19 seconds wet
- Glass: 40 seconds dry, 41 seconds wet
- 1/2″ Porcelain: 55 seconds dry, 1 minute wet
Observations: The diamond-brazed core bit was very fast and easy to use. The only downside is its limited size availability (no smaller than 1/4”).
What is the Best Tile Drill Bit
The diamond-brazed core bit is differently the best for drilling tile. It drills quickly and lasts longer, even without water. If you can wait for it to come in the mail, then it is the one you should get. It is also the cheapest of the three.
However, if you need a bit immediately and are at Home Depot right now, then the carbide bit is a good option, but remember, quality varies with price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tile bit is best for porcelain?
The diamond-brazed core bit for an angle grinder is highly effective for porcelain, offering quick and efficient drilling.
Why is my drill bit slipping off its mark?
Slipping occurs when the bit doesn’t grip the surface properly. Using tape to mark the spot can help prevent this. Also, see this article for how to drill tile.
Do I need water to drill through tile?
Water cools the bit and the tile, prolonging the bit’s life and preventing tile damage. But you can also drill dry. Your tile bits will just not last as long.
What PPE should I wear when drilling tile?
Always wear safety glasses, ear protection, and a mask.
Thank you for reading. I hope your tile project goes well.