How to make a hole in the tile under the outlet: 6 ways

Ceramic tile is a complex, but attractive material for decoration. To make a hole in it for a socket in it and not spoil it, you need to have a lot of patience and experience. This article discusses several simple methods for the high-quality processing of ceramic tiles. The methods described will help to make holes of any shape. But first, prepare a tool and get acquainted with the features of the work.

Necessary tools

The holes can have different shapes. The simplest are considered square, and the more complex are round. Given the planned form, suitable tools are selected.

For square holes:

• Bulgarian;
• glass cutter;
• jigsaw;
• drill.

For round holes:

• diamond coated crown;
• ballerina;
• drill;
• jigsaw.

Which tool to use, everyone decides for himself. But whatever you choose, consider the features of cutting holes in the tile. This will facilitate work and help prevent material damage.

Features of cutting holes in the tile

1. Ceramics have a smooth surface, so it is not always possible to keep the drill or crown from slipping. To solve this problem, make grooves using a punch, and then drill them. Also, masking tape or a special template that will prevent the nozzle from slipping will help.
2. Place the tile in the water for one hour. This will help prevent further cracking. Drill slowly at the lowest speeds. Some craftsmen make holes right in the water.
3. Do not drill too close to the border of the tile; the edges may break off. The minimum distance to the edge of the ceramic is 15 mm.
4. Drill a tile which is already fixed on a wall with a hand drill.

Methods for cutting holes in a tile

The difficulty of installing the outlet in the tile is that there is a need to cut holes. There are several useful tools to help you do this difficult job.

Jigsaw
This is one of the simplest tools that can be successfully applied. So that they can cut ceramics, you need to buy a tungsten thread. The string is sold in any building materials store. Using a jigsaw, it is convenient to make a round and square hole for the outlet, while minimizing the risk of splitting the tiles. The disadvantage of the tool is the use of physical force. If you need to make many holes you can easily get tired.

Instruction:

1. Make a contour of the future hole on the glossy side with a marker.
2. Drill a hole in the center of the contour with a drill. Pass the tungsten thread, securing it to the jigsaw.
3. Saw gently from the inside, next to the contour. Try not to go to the marking, so as not to cut too much.
4. After making a hole, grind the edges with sandpaper.

Diamond coated crown
For fast cutting of ceramics, a special round nozzle is used. It has a reinforced, diamond crumb, cutter, effectively grinding solid ceramics. The result is a perfectly round and smooth hole. The crown has a different diameter, which is selected depending on the size of the outlet. If the cutter is erased, you can buy another and solder in place of the old one. This allows you to significantly save on the purchase of a new nozzle.

Instruction:

• Stick masking tape on the tile.
• Draw a circle of the desired diameter using a marker.
• Place a plank under the tile.
• Insert the crown into the drill and at low speeds start drilling, slowly deepening.
• The nozzle will be very hot. To cool, periodically dip it in water.
• After making a hole, trim the edges with sandpaper.

Ballerina
This is a compass drill head. It consists of a centerpiece in the form of a drill and one or two incisors located in parallel. Ballerina is used to create round holes in ceramics and glass. The cutters are adjustable horizontally - you can adjust the required diameter.

Instruction:

1. Make the central recess in the tile a regular drill.
2. Place the ballerina on the drill and adjust the diameter.
3. Insert the centerpiece into the hole made and start drilling at low speeds. Side incisors will scratch the ceramics, gradually deepening.
4. Having reached the middle of the tile thickness, turn it over and start cutting a hole on the back side until a circle falls out.

Glass cutter
Using this tool, you can also make a hole in the ceramic. It is advisable to apply if the tile has a small thickness and smooth surface. For work, additionally, pliers and a drill are required. To make a hole, it is important to correctly distribute the cutting points.

Instruction:

1. Draw the outline of the hole on the front of the tile. Draw diagonal lines to define the center.
2. Drill a hole in the middle of the drawing.
3. Pass several times with a glass cutter along all lines, pressing it with medium effort. To make the cut even, use a ruler.
4. Take the pliers and begin to break off the pieces from the center, gradually approaching the general contour of the hole.
5. File all the notches with a file to achieve a smooth cut surface.

Bulgarian
With this tool, you can easily and quickly make a hole for the outlet. To work, you need to purchase a special disk reinforced with diamond chips. The grinder is a universal tool. It is applicable not only for cutting any tile, but also for grinding the surface. When working with this tool, you must strictly follow safety precautions. Negligence will result in material damage and serious injury.

Instruction:

1. Draw a hole outline on a smooth surface so that chips do not appear when cutting.
2. Install the carved disc in the grinder.
3. Proceed to cutting the hole. Move the tool away from you, holding the tile. First, walk along the contour, making guide lines, and then gradually deepen.
4. Having drilled a hole, do not forget to immediately grind the surface of the cutout.

Drill and Pliers
Not everyone has special expensive nozzles, a jigsaw or grinder on hand, but many have a drill and pliers. These are simple tools that will make a hole of any shape. The cutting method is technically simple, but requires a lot of patience and time. This method is best used on tiles that are already glued to the wall - there it will not crack. If you need to make a hole on loose ceramics, then before you start drilling, soak it well in hot water. After soaking, the tile will become softer.

Instruction:

• Stick masking tape on the tile and draw the outline of the hole.
• Lay ceramics on a wooden surface.
• Install a 4 mm drill on the drill.
• Start making lots of holes. Drill them not along the contour, but side by side, from the inside.
• Take the pliers and bite, formed the partitions between the holes.
• Grind the remaining nicks with a file.

The methods described will help you cut a hole in the tile yourself. Above all, practice and gain mastery. Do everything slowly and use the tool carefully.

Video: how to make holes in a tile