Drill Through Grout Line Or Into Tile

[AJH]

We've had the wet room tiled and it looks great. It's time now to fix a shower accessory shelf and a toilet roll holder. The tiles are approx 400mm long & 300mm high normal ceramic.Is it best to drill through the grout lines or through the tile? I was just wondering if drilling through the grout line (3mm) with a 5mm flat pointed bit (Screwfix type) will snag and cause the tiles to crack. Maybe I'm thinking problems that don't exist?

 

[Old Mod]

If they are correctly fitted and cured, they should not crack.
Chip at worst, it's only when there is void behind them that they are prone to cracking.
Keep the tip of the bit cool by having a wet sponge above pressed on wall so that water drips on to drill bit.
This should prevent bit from burning out, but on ceramics this shouldn't really be an issue.

 

[scotmk]

I tend to try and line up at least 1 or 2 holes with the grout then where ever the rest lay that's OK. I always used a nice long screw and red plug to anchor it in the block if I can.

 

[rufus the tiler]

safer to avoid the grout line and go through tile

 

[AJH]

safer to avoid the grout line and go through tile

Yes I went for the middle of the tile as apart from anything else it's a nice flat surface, the fittings rocked slightly on the grout line as the tiles are slightly different levels

 

[On one]

It's one of my pet hates seeing fixings through a grout joint,
I've seen it too many times,where plumbers or what have you think that it is easier to drill the grout joint,drill through the grout joint,clip the edge of the tile with the drill bit,crack the tile,then continue to fit the accessory and leave the bloody cracked tile..........DOH!

 

[jobdone]

All about what looks best for the overall job. I have been inclined to drill porcelain tiles on the grout lines but only if it looks right.

 

[macten]

Whatever looks best. If tiles have been put on properly and you use the right drill bit correctly it makes no difference.

 

[Stef]

They are ceramics, buy yourself a couple of arrow heads from ScrewFix, you will go through the tile easily.
If your fitting rawl plugs then push the plug right through the tile as if it's sitting flush & tight & you then screw into it you will put stress on the tile & that's when it will split.

 

[Maurice]

hello,
I'm after advise regarding drilling tiles/grout. I'm ok with drilling tiles and have manage perfectly ok over the years. I'm about to fit a wall mounted shower mixer, however the holes for the pipes(rear fed) one of the holes will be need to cut through tile and the grout line. I'm going to be using a 17mmtile holesaw from screwfix (5655v) for this any suggestions or advice would be great received.