Need to drill holes in 13mm thick porcelain tiles

[mediamonkey]

I've just tiled my kitchen splashback and for a first-time job I'm very pleased with it. :smilewinkgrin:

However I've now got rails and racks to install... and the tiles are 13mm thick porcelain (CIR In Tinta 100 x 100). I bought a pack of spear-pointed tile bits in Wickes and tried drilling a spare tile before attacking the wall. The first bit only got about three quarters of the way through the tile - I think I let it get too hot and knackered it.

I've got about 10 holes to drill, only fairly lightweight fixtures, and I'm scared of destroying my lovely new tiles.

Anyway, I've just ordered a pack of 6mm bits from 365 and the write-ups look impressive - will they be able to handle it?

A couple of questions - is a cordless drill better than a mains one? I'm a bit wary of splashing water around a corded one!
And is a 6mm hole OK for a 6mm wall plug, or should I drill a larger hole in the tile (7 or 8mm) so that there's no pressure on it? (Obviously I'll push the wallplug right in past the tile).

Any advice welcome...

 

[Gazzer]

I always use a cordless drill and the cores from 365 have never failed for me. Use the wet sponge method and keep the core cool.

 

[Rich]

As above, I think you will be fine with the 365s

 

[mediamonkey]

Thanks both. Is a 6mm hole in the tile OK when using a 6mm wall plug? I had heard that it is better to drill a larger hole in the tile than the hole in the wall, so there is no pressure on the tile, or is that not necessary?

 

[Gazzer]

Never had an issue myself but you may find that the hole is slightly over 6mm due to the "wiggling" action you use when drilling....I mean the wiggling of the core bit not your backside !:smilewinkgrin:

 

[Ian]

I always use 6mm bits for 6mm plugs and haven't had any issues, the only time you might have an issue is if you try to put screws in that are too big. Make sure you use the right size screws for the plugs.

 

[Deleted member 1779]

You should be fine with the 6mm cores

They do the red plugs

As mentioned above keep em wet. DONT put too much pressure on the core or you will TWIST the bit.

Mark em up on the tile

Nice results if you take it steady.

And as mentioned above KEEP THEM WET.
Either use your own sponge or we supply one from stock.

Deliver the water by holding the sponge next to the core so that it wicks the water.

JOB DONE !