Seeking Advice - Drilling into Marble Tile

[Tidybuoy]

I need to drill into the marble tile bathroom I just finished. Primarily for towel racks, toilet paper holder, and pedestal sink.

I'm not sure what type of drill bits I should use. I will definitely practice on a scrap piece of tile first, but I thought I would enquire here as we seem to have a lot of experts on the forum. One worry I have is that I think I should be cooling the bit with water but I will be drilling on a vertical wall.

I'm open to suggestions - Thanks!

[Tidybuoy]

Tile that needs to be drilled:

[masraum]

masonry bit, I believe would be the way to go. Fortunately, marble is one of the softer natural stones.

[908/930]

I have done quite a lot of marble, the safest bet is a diamond bit, about $15, the end is blunt and just wears a hole through the marble. A carbide burr would also get through. Keep a vacuum on it to get rid of the dust.

[MBAtarga]

I'd recommend a diamond bit as well. I've used one to drill two holes into a large bathroom mirror to install one of those flexible arm - expanding makeup mirrors near my wife's sink. Easy peasey.

[look 171]

How bit are the holes. If its for plugs, use these diamond bits. I assume the hole is 3/16". check the size accordingly

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186431415744?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-166974-028196-7&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=186431415744&targetid=2397207998592&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9030984&poi=&campaignid=20018480840&mkgroupid=152027219647&rlsatarget=pla-2397207998592&abcId=9312067&merchantid=6296724&geoid=9030984&gad_source=1

[rwest]

I will add, don’t use the hammer setting if you’re using a hammer drill, just straight drill mode.

[herr_oberst]

A diamond bit and a mai-tai from the tiki bar.

Drill the holes, clean up the mess, put the tools away and survey your work and bask in the manliness of a job well done with a Polynesian cocktail.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

A diamond bit and a mai-tai from the tiki bar.

Drill the holes, clean up the mess, put the tools away and survey your work and bask in the manliness of a job well done with a Polynesian belly dancer.

I have to always fix your stuff after you

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by look 171

I have to always fix your stuff after you

Bali Hai-Hai-HAI!!

[p911dad]

This is a seriously measure twice drill once project (after a sign-off from the boss)

[Steve Carlton]

Drink twice. Drill once.

[A930Rocket]

I would drill into the grout joint where you can. Makes it so much easier.

[gregpark]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Drink twice. Drill once.

Works for me

[RobFrost]

Originally Posted by masraum

masonry bit, I believe would be the way to go. Fortunately, marble is one of the softer natural stones.

Masonry bits use hammer action and that's the best way to crack your tile.

You need no hammer, and a bit which will either cut or abbrade the stone. I'd go with a diamond bit and slowly abrade the hole, with water cooling. A drill with a clutch will be necessary for a larger hole.

Be sure you have a replacement tile available before you start. If the material won't play ball you may need to cut the tile in two through the spot, and gnaw the hole away with jaws.

Sent from my SM-S918B using Tapatalk

[look 171]

Originally Posted by RobFrost

Masonry bits use hammer action and that's the best way to crack your tile.

You need no hammer, and a bit which will either cut or abbrade the stone. I'd go with a diamond bit and slowly abrade the hole, with water cooling. A drill with a clutch will be necessary for a larger hole.

Be sure you have a replacement tile available before you start. If the material won't play ball you may need to cut the tile in two through the spot, and gnaw the hole away with jaws.

Sent from my SM-S918B using Tapatalk

Marble is soft so a typical Bosch masonry bit will do the trick. We have gone over to using those diamond bits or hold saws and they work very well especially in granite, quartz, or porcelain tiles. For larger holes, we only use diamond hole, saws. Counter installers chuck that holesaw into their small angle grinders without a pilot bit but they use a wood guide and a bit of water. That method drills a very clean 1 3/8 hole.

[RobFrost]

Originally Posted by look 171

Marble is soft so a typical Bosch masonry bit will do the trick.

I agree, tct will be plenty hard enough. But definitely no hammer action. Abrade it, percussion is your enemy with tiles.

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[Alan A]

Diamond hole bits are cheap. $30 for a set on Amazon.
I used them for granite, so they’ll work on marble.
Blue tape to prevent skidding, water to cool and starting at an angle are all your friends.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Alan A

Diamond hole bits are cheap. $30 for a set on Amazon.
I used them for granite, so they’ll work on marble.
Blue tape to prevent skidding, water to cool and starting at an angle are all your friends.

This...

[Tidybuoy]

I picked up the diamond bit this weekend, but I was too lazy to get the project done. Well, not that lazy as I worked on many projects. Anyway, the hole size is 1/4" for the sink and 3/8" for the toilet paper holder. I will practice on a scrap piece of marble before the real thing.

Thanks for all the advice - I needed it. Last time I cut it twice and it was still too short.