5 Best Drill Bits for Porcelain Tile

Over the years, porcelain tiles have become a lot more popular and fashionable compared to ceramic tiles. They are not only aesthetically pleasing to see but also built to last. These tiles are tough as tanks and that is why many people buying a house now these days, opt to go for porcelain tiling in their home.

So how can you drill through it? You need the best drill bits for porcelain tile that is specifically designed to tackle the sturdy surface of a porcelain tile. You can find many bits on the market claiming to be able to drill a porcelain tile, but not all are equally effective.

For a ceramic tile, you could just use a ceramic tile bit to drill through it. It is easy, and the drill goes through like a hot knife on butter. However, it is very different when it comes to porcelain tiles. These floorboards are smooth and will not let you get a good grip with just any drill bit.

To make it easy on you, we have rounded up five drill bits for porcelain tiles in this article. We have made our selection carefully so that you can safely pick out any of the products on our list without regret. So, without further delay, let us dive in.

Model	Preview	Pieces	Price
#1 10 Piece Masonry Drill Bits Set		10 Pieces	Check Price
#2 Neiko 00823A Drill Bit Set		5 Pieces	Check Price
#3 BLENDX Diamond Drill Bits for Porcelain Tile		10 Pieces	Check Price
#4 QWORK 5 Pcs Drill Bit Set for Tile		4 Pieces	Check Price
#5 Bosch GT2000 Glass and Tile Set		4 Pieces	Check Price

Top 5 Best Drill Bits for Porcelain Tile – Expert’s Picks

There are literally thousands of products in the market, each claiming itself to be the right one. Amidst all the confusion, it is easy to make the wrong choice. Our roundup of these drill bits for porcelain floor tile aims to help make it easy for you to find the right product.

#1 10 Piece Masonry Drill Bits Set

First on our list is the 10-piece masonry drill bits set by Owl Tools. It is a highly versatile tool and one of the best drill bits for ceramic tile and porcelain tile drilling. With this set of bits, you can drill not only ceramic tiles but also through cinderblock, hard plastic, or even concrete and bricks. So, you get a lot of additional usage out of the bit set.

The bits included in the set are all tipped with industrial-grade carbide. It means you can expect it to stay sharp for an extended period of use. Carbide tips are superior also in its longevity. Especially when you compare it with steel drill bits, carbide always comes out on top.

To help keep your tools organized, the manufacturers include a convenient storage case with your purchase. Often, you will find your bits get rusty and dull when kept without proper care. However, thanks to the included rust-free hard plastic case, it will not be the case with this unit.

You get a wide range of bit sizes with this set. It comes with two 1/8-inch bit, four 1/4-inch bits of two different sizes, and one of each 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch and ½-inch bits included in the set. Whatever your requirements may be, the manufacturers made sure that you are covered for every possible scenario.

#2 Neiko 00823A Drill Bit Set

Next up on our list, we have this beautiful five-piece drill bit set from the good folks at Neiko. Despite featuring only five bits, Neiko 00823A Drill Bit Set allows you to take on a lot of drilling tasks. It is well-made and comes with a unique slug removing slide holes to help keep your working condition neat and clean.

The great thing about the set is that the bits come with diamond coating. It makes the bits even more durable than carbide-tipped units and also helps it retain its edge for a longer period. You can cut precise holes in finicky materials like glass and ceramics with no excessive effort.

Another exceptional feature we noticed is the nickel plating on the bits. Corrosion and rusts are an annoying thing to find on your bits when you pick them up after a couple of months. However, thanks to the plating, you can expect this unit to be free of any rust damages. That says a lot about its durability.

The set includes five bits, as already mentioned above. You get one of each size of 5/32, ¼, 5/16, 3/8, and ½-inches bit. The cutting depth of the bits is ¾-inch along with a 1/4-inch shank. Less is more with this unit, and you can rely on this set for all your drilling purposes.

#3 BLENDX Diamond Drill Bits – Best Diamond Drill Bits for Porcelain Tile

The bit set from BLENDX is exceptionally designed to handle all your drilling needs. Whether you want to work with ceramic tiles, glasses, block jars, or even granite stones, this set will work correctly. Featuring exceptional design and longevity, this is genuinely a one-set-does-all type of deal. So, it is one of the best drill bits for tile drilling.

The material of the drill bits is steel, so you do not have to worry about its sharpness or drilling capability. It is a low-speed, low-pressure drill bit that uses regular water lubrication to ensure a smooth operation. This feature enables it to have a long lifespan and not suffer any unnecessary damage.

It is a hollow core drill bit aimed at users who like to keep their drilling accurate and clean. Using this precise tool, you can drill holes on any surface without messing up the finish. Also, thanks to the included operating instructions, even beginners will have an easy time using it.

This set features ten different sized bits for all your intents and purposes. The included sizes are 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 22mm, 35mm. 40mm, and 50mm in ascending order. However, it does have a downside. As per the manufacturer’s advice, you should use it for drilling holes in concrete or depths of above 1/2-inches.

#4 QWORK 5 Pcs Set Multi-Material Drill Bit Set for Tile

Here is another superb five-piece set for you to see. Designed and manufactured by QWORK, who is reputed for making useful power tool accessories, this minimalist set is perfect for drilling porcelain tiles. On top of that, you can use this product for drilling concrete, glass, plastic, and even wood.

The tip comes with carbide coating and features a pointed spear design that can easily penetrate any surface. Because of the innovative and simple design, you do not need to worry about any breakout. Thus, you can safely assume that the bits included in the set will have a decent life and will not break while you are working.

The product further features U type slot design to remove dust or material residue easily while drilling. Its 3-flats shank allows it to have a tight grip on your power tool and ensures that it does not come off while in use. The heavy-duty nature of the set allows it to make short work of porcelain tiles.

It features four drill bit sizes, although it is a five-piece set. The set comes with two 6mm ¼-inch bit to allow you to alternate between them. So, you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing the right size. Furthermore, if you need a drill bit for steel drilling, here is a guide for you but don’t use QWORK 5 Pcs Set for metal.

#5 Bosch GT2000 Glass and Tile Set, 4-Piece

To round up our list of five drill bits for porcelain tile, we have this set by Bosch for true minimalists. This four-piece set comes with everything you need for all your drilling purposes. Featuring high precision drilling and amazing functionality at a very affordable price, this is every DIY lovers’ dream set.

The included bits in the unit comes tipped with carbide with a reinforced head. It allows the products to penetrate hard surfaces like porcelain tiles with no effort. The tool is designed to reduce stress and cracking, which ensures a longer lifespan. Apart from tiles, you can use it to drill materials like glass or concrete.

It comes with a three-flat shank, which results in a superior grip. Even on large bits like 5/16-inches, you do not need to worry about any slip or skid. Furthermore, the high speed of the bits, thanks to the innovative geometry, allows you to get the job done quickly without compromising precision.

There are four individual bits included in the set. The sizes are 1/8-inches, 3/16-inches, ¼-inches, and 5/16-inches. As you can see, all the common sizes required for basic drilling are included in the box. It allows you to get creative and lets you perform any drilling operation you see fit.

Types of Drill Bits for Tile

There are a few different kinds of drill bits that are used for tiling. Knowing the difference between them will help you get a better understanding of which one you need. In the following section, we will look at the most commonly used drill bits for tiling.

Carbide

Carbide drills bits might be the most commonly used type when it comes to tiling. When it comes to industrial applications, many will often stick to carbide drills. Since they have a sharp edge and capable of cutting at high speed, they save a lot of time on the user.

However, if you are not in control, you might risk puncturing the tile. So you need to be careful when using this type of drill bit. If you can drill with applying low-pressure and have steady hands, this might be the one you need.

Diamond

Drill bits with diamond tips are highly versatile and can pack a lot of punch when it comes to drilling holes. Because of its high strength, it can drill through a porcelain tile with no effort. You do not need to worry about any fractures when using this type of bit.

If you want a bit that can tackle both tiles and wood, it is not for you. The power of this type of drill bit makes it unusable for wood as the wood might break. However, for making a clean hole through porcelain tile, it is perfect.

Diamond drill bits can again be subdivided into two categories. They are; core style drill bits and blunt nose style drill bits.

Core Drill Bits

This type of drill bits come with a hollow tip or core and hence the name. It uses the edge of the tip to make a clean round hole in the surface. For this reason, the side comes lined with diamonds. This type of drill bits can work fast and are also quite accurate when it comes to punching a round hole.

Blunt Nose Drill Bits

The tip of this type of drill bit comes lined wholly with diamond along the edge, which makes it quite reliable hen working. This type of tool is effective when you want to make a small but complete hole. The maximum size you can find this bit is at 3/8-inches.

How to Drill Your Porcelain Tile

Drilling porcelain or slate tile may be a simple task, but there is still a lot to learn before you take it on. Also, you need the best drill bits for slate tile. So, if you are a first-timer, you will make mistakes, and that is natural. We are here to help you by giving you a step by step guide on how to drill your porcelain tile.

Step 1:

The first step to drilling your tile is to understand it. Porcelain tiles are despite being hard are quite fragile. If you make a mistake, you might end up shattering them. It will end up costing you if you mess up. So, you need to proceed carefully when working with porcelain tile.

Once you understand this, you need to find the right drill bit to penetrate the tile. Each of the products that we reviewed is well-suited to this task, and if you have one of them at your disposal, you can start right away. If not, then check the specifications of your device and see if it is recommended to use with this tile.

Step 2:

Now that you have the correct bit to drill the tile, you need to mark the spots where you will penetrate. Not pre-marking the spots is the biggest mistake an amateur can make. It gives you an idea of how you will proceed with the task making it easier to operate.

You can use something as simple as masking tape to make the mark on the tile. When you marked all the points, double-check it to make sure that everything is set. If everything lines up correctly, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 3:

This is the step where you actually drill the tile. But it is not as simple as it sounds. You need to give extra attention to stability and precision when it comes to drilling ceramic tiles. Avoid going sideways and only go through the tile keeping your hands steady.

Porcelain tiles are fragile, as we already mentioned. If your drill moves sideways, it might send shock throughout the tile, causing it to crack. Not only that, you must keep your bits lubricated between drilling to make sure they are performing at their best.

Step 4:

The fourth step is not exactly a procedural step but rather a piece of helpful advice. Often when working, you might find that your bit is not performing at its best. That is why it is always recommended to keep one as a backup in case of a failure. If you do not have a backup, you may end up having to leave the job half-done.

So, it might be worthwhile to get two bits of similar size to save you from this trouble. Bit sets are not as expensive as they used to be, and it is very good news for all DIY lovers. A little extra investment can save you from a lot of trouble when it comes to drilling porcelain tiles.

Final Thoughts

Porcelain tiles are a fantastic way to decorate your bathroom or the kitchen. It is a subtle way to add something extra to your home. By investing in some drill bits for marble tiles or porcelain tiles, you do not need to hire a professional every time you need fitting.

We hope our review of the best drill bits for porcelain tiles could help you find the right products for your inventory. Now you can take care of your drilling needs by yourself without needing any extra help.