Glass & Tile Drill Bits

About Glass & Tile Drill Bits

Glass and tile drill bits are specialised drilling tools designed to penetrate hard, brittle materials without causing cracks, chips or shattering. Unlike standard twist drill bits used for wood or metal, these bits feature either diamond-coated tips or tungsten carbide cutting edges that can handle the unique challenges of drilling through ceramic tiles, porcelain, glass, marble, granite and other similar materials. Whether you're a professional tiler installing a bathroom suite, a kitchen fitter mounting splashbacks, or a DIY enthusiast hanging mirrors, having the right drill bits for these delicate materials is essential for achieving clean, precise holes.

Our comprehensive range includes options from trusted brands such as Bosch, Marcrist, Draper, Faithfull, Irwin and Makita, offering everything from individual bits for specific applications to multi-piece sets that cover various hole sizes. Diamond-tipped drill bits are particularly popular for their exceptional durability and ability to drill through the hardest porcelain and ceramic tiles, whilst carbide-tipped alternatives provide excellent value for lighter-duty work. Many modern designs incorporate hex shanks for improved grip in drill chucks, and some feature advanced cooling technologies to extend bit life and improve drilling performance.

The category encompasses drill bits ranging from small 4mm diameters for pilot holes and mounting fixings, through to larger 35mm+ bits for plumbing work and waste pipe installations. Multi-purpose sets are ideal for tradespeople who regularly work with mixed materials on site, whilst specialist bits optimised for specific applications ensure the best results for demanding professional work.

Jargon Buster

• Diamond-Coated Bit: A drill bit featuring industrial diamond particles bonded to the cutting tip, providing superior hardness and longevity when drilling through extremely hard materials like porcelain, granite and glass. These bits typically last significantly longer than carbide alternatives.
• TCT (Tungsten Carbide Tipped): Drill bits with cutting edges made from tungsten carbide, a very hard compound that can penetrate ceramic tiles and glass effectively. More affordable than diamond bits, TCT bits offer excellent performance for standard ceramic tiles.
• Spear Point Design: A pointed tip geometry that helps position the bit accurately on slippery glazed surfaces and reduces the tendency for the bit to wander when starting a hole, particularly important when drilling tiles.
• Dry Drilling: The ability to drill without continuous water cooling. Many modern bits from manufacturers like Bosch feature dry drilling technology, making them more convenient for site work where water supply isn't readily available.
• HEX-9 Shank: A nine-sided hexagonal shank design that provides enhanced grip in drill chucks, preventing bit slippage during demanding applications and compatible with modern quick-change chuck systems.
• Arbor: The shaft component used with holesaw-style tile cutters, allowing larger diameter cores to be attached to standard drill chucks for cutting bigger holes in tiles and glass.

Who Uses Glass & Tile Drill Bits?

• Professional Tilers: Daily use for drilling mounting holes, creating outlets for pipes and fittings, and installing bathroom and kitchen accessories
• Bathroom and Kitchen Fitters: Installing sanitaryware, mounting taps, creating service holes and fitting towel rails and accessories
• Plumbers: Cutting holes through tiled surfaces for pipe work, shower fittings, radiator pipes and waste installations
• Electricians: Drilling through tiles to install sockets, switches, extraction fans and lighting fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms
• Glaziers and Glass Workers: Creating mounting holes in glass panels, mirrors, shower screens and decorative glasswork
• General Builders and Maintenance Workers: Various installations requiring drilling through tiled or glass surfaces on refurbishment and new build projects
• Shopfitters: Installing fixtures, signage and displays that require drilling through glass or ceramic surfaces
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects including bathroom renovations, kitchen upgrades, mirror installations and tile repairs

How to Choose the Right Glass & Tile Drill Bits

Material Type: Consider what you'll be drilling most frequently. Diamond-coated bits are essential for hard porcelain tiles, natural stone and toughened glass, offering superior longevity for professional use. TCT bits work perfectly well for standard ceramic tiles and are more economical for occasional use or softer materials.

Hole Size Requirements: Assess the diameters you regularly need. Individual bits suit specialist applications, whilst multi-piece sets from brands like Bosch, Draper and Marcrist provide versatility and better value for varied work. Common sizes include 5-6mm for wall plugs, 8-12mm for standard fixings, and 20-35mm for plumbing penetrations.

Frequency of Use: Professional tradespeople working daily with tiles should invest in premium diamond bits from Bosch Expert, Marcrist or Makita ranges, which offer extended lifespans rated for hundreds of holes. Occasional users can opt for quality mid-range options from Faithfull, Draper or Irwin that balance performance and cost.

Cooling Method: Wet drilling with water cooling maximises bit life and drilling speed but isn't always practical on site. Modern dry-drilling bits incorporate special tip designs and cooling channels, making them ideal for installation work where water supply is limited. Check whether your chosen bits require wet or dry operation.

Shank Compatibility: Ensure the drill bit shank matches your power tool. Standard round shanks fit most drills, whilst hex shanks provide better grip and are compatible with impact drivers. Some specialist bits use SDS shanks for hammer drills, though percussion mode should never be used when drilling tiles or glass.

Application Specifics: Glass drilling requires specialised spear-point bits with very fine diamond coating, whilst porcelain tiles demand robust diamond or premium TCT bits. Standard ceramic tiles are less demanding. Match the bit specification to your actual workload for optimal results and longevity.

Popular Accessories

• Drill Guide Templates: Ensure accurate hole positioning and prevent bit wandering on glazed tile surfaces
• Masking Tape: Applied to tile surfaces to reduce slipping when starting holes and prevent surface damage
• Centre Punches or Nail Sets: Create small starting indentations on tiles to help position drill bits accurately
• Variable Speed Drills: Essential for controlled, low-speed drilling through brittle materials without cracking
• Spray Bottles: Provide water cooling for bits requiring wet drilling, extending tool life significantly
• Drill Bit Storage Cases: Protect delicate diamond and carbide tips from damage between uses
• Safety Glasses and Dust Masks: Essential PPE for protecting against tile dust and fragments during drilling
• Tile Hole Saws: Larger diameter cutting tools for substantial openings in tiled surfaces
• Vacuum Dust Extractors: Control dust and debris when drilling tiles, particularly important indoors

Safety Information

Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or goggles when drilling tiles or glass, as fragments and dust can cause serious eye injuries. Small particles can travel at high speed during drilling operations.

Respiratory Protection: Use appropriate dust masks when drilling tiles, particularly porcelain and ceramic, as the fine dust created can be harmful if inhaled. Ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces like bathrooms.

Correct Speed Settings: Never use high speeds or percussion/hammer mode when drilling glass or tiles, as this will cause cracking or shattering. Use variable speed drills at low RPM for controlled, safe drilling.

Material Support: Always ensure tiles and glass panels are properly supported on both sides when drilling. Unsupported materials can crack or break under drilling pressure, potentially causing injury from sharp edges.

Electrical Safety: When drilling tiles in wet areas like bathrooms, use 110V transformer-powered tools on professional sites in accordance with HSE guidance, or ensure 230V domestic tools have RCD protection to prevent electric shock.

Bit Condition: Inspect drill bits regularly for wear or damage. Worn bits require excessive pressure to cut, increasing the risk of slipping, material breakage and injury. Replace damaged bits immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use normal drill bits on tiles?
No, standard twist drill bits designed for wood or metal will not penetrate tiles effectively and will likely cause cracking or shattering. Always use specialist glass and tile drill bits with diamond or tungsten carbide tips designed for these hard, brittle materials.

Do I need to use water when drilling tiles?
This depends on the bit type. Traditional diamond bits require water cooling to prevent overheating and extend life, whilst modern dry-drilling bits from manufacturers like Bosch have been engineered to work without water. Check the manufacturer's specifications for your specific bits.

Why does my drill bit keep slipping on the tile surface?
Glazed tiles are extremely smooth and slippery. Apply masking tape to the drilling location to provide grip, start at very low speed with minimal pressure, and consider bits with spear-point designs that locate more easily. Never use hammer/percussion mode as this exacerbates the problem and can crack tiles.

What's the difference between diamond and carbide tile bits?
Diamond-coated bits feature industrial diamond particles and are significantly harder and longer-lasting, making them ideal for porcelain, natural stone and professional high-volume use. TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) bits are more affordable and work well for standard ceramic tiles and occasional use.

How can I prevent tiles from cracking when drilling?
Use the correct specialist drill bit, work at low speed (typically 200-400 RPM), apply only gentle pressure letting the bit do the work, never use percussion mode, ensure the tile is properly supported underneath, and start with a smaller pilot hole before enlarging if needed. Placing masking tape over the drilling location also helps prevent surface cracking.