Drilling through tile

[Noah930]

We are in the final stages of a home renovation/addition project in the Noah household. We have installed subway tile (3"x6") in one bathroom, around the tub/shower. I hate those expandable shower curtain rods that always seem to slip and fall. Therefore I want to install a permanent shower curtain rod, where the ends are held in place, screwed into the walls. My general contractor refuses to drill through the tile, as he is afraid the tile will crack. I understand his concern, as drilling through tile isn't the same as drilling into sheetrock or wood studs, but is there some sort of unwritten rule that you should never ever drill holes through subway tile?

Again, the tiles are oriented in traditional staggered configuration horizontally and measure 3"x6", so they're not big. The curtain rod's mounting plate is about 2" in diameter, with horizontally-oriented mounting holes (holes are to be side-by-side, not one on top of the other), so I should be able to put both holes into one piece of tile, decently away from any tile edges.

[JavaBrewer]

With a masonry drill bit I wouldn't have any concerns drilling into ceramic tile. The hardest part is getting the hole started right where you want it. A steady hand and some patience wins out.

[Evans, Marv]

I mounted the shower rods (those kind that bow out at the top) in our showers without any problem. If you have porcelain tile, I think you need to get a dedicated bit for porcelain.

[Por_sha911]

Wouldn't the proper adhesive do the same thing with no risk of cracking or water leaking?

[dyount]

As long as you have stud backing behind the tile to drive screws into no biggy. I'd use a carbide scribe to cut through the top layer of the tile and drill with about anything. Do no use a hammer drill function btw. The tile would probably eventually crack no matter if you drill through it or not. Up at the rod it's out of the water zone anyway so who cares. If contractor is that worried just have half a box saved or so for a later date if it doesn't work out

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

Wouldn't the proper adhesive do the same thing with no risk of cracking or water leaking?

Interesting question. Anyone know of an epoxy I could use in this situation?

[Tobra]

Paging Trekkor

[KFC911]

Maybe I don't know what the hell I'm doing, but in my past, I've never had any success drilling through porclean tiles no matter what type of bits I used, and I tried several....years ago. Floor tiles though....I don't even try anymore....I just plan tile layouts, etc. ahead of time and use my tile wetsaw to make appropriate cuts....YMMV. I wouldn't even try....use an adhesive imo....

Trekkor will know....

[craigster59]

I've had success with Bosch bits.
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GT2000-Glass-Tile-4-Piece/dp/B001GNC8RI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1516216125&sr=8-3&keywords=bosch+tile+bit

[URY914]

^^^ Use these bits and go SLOW. Let the bit drill the hole and use very little pressure on the drill.

[flipper35]

Automotive body molding tape? I kept the bodywork on a lot of Pontiacs attached for lots of years.

[JonT]

why wouldn't you drill into the grout between the tiles? any cracking would be covered by the trim piece.

[KFC911]

What's the backup plan if the tiles crack, etc.?

If Trekkor can recommend an adhesive, that's the route I would pursue if it were me...YMMV.

That's if it's just holding a shower rod & curtain though....if ya wanna do pullups or use it for kinky shower sex then mebbe not

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by craigster59

I've had success with Bosch bits.
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GT2000-Glass-Tile-4-Piece/dp/B001GNC8RI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1516216125&sr=8-3&keywords=bosch+tile+bit

I recently installed shower doors and drilled through tile using these style bits. They weren't bosch but worked perfectly. No cracked tiles, no drama.
Got em at home despot.

[MBAtarga]

From the big box store:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-1-4-in-Diamond-Drill-Bit-DW5572/202548301

I've used this style diamond tipped bit but in Hitachi brand. Works great! Made for porcelain and other tile.

[vash]

put a piece of blue tape down..then mark the hole on the tape. drill thru. the tape gives you just enough traction to allow the drill to go into the right spot.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by vash

put a piece of blue tape down..then mark the hole on the tape. Drill thru. The tape gives you just enough traction to allow the drill to go into the right spot.

+1

[Bugsinrugs]

There are bits for drilling through glass tiles. They don't last long but you can extend their life by spraying water as you slowly drill.

[dad911]

If you are doing a straight rod, just use the curtain rods that expand. They old up fine.

If you really want to drill it, I've used the bosche bits also.

[A930Rocket]

This is what I've always done.

Same for exterior brick.

Originally Posted by JonT

why wouldn't you drill into the grout between the tiles? any cracking would be covered by the trim piece.