Drilling into tough yet delicate materials like ceramic tiles takes patience and expertise to prevent unwanted damages, so having the right drill bit is important to make the job successful Below our experts share a buying guide in how to choose the right drill bit for your ceramic project, as well as our top 7 picks!
Our Top Picks
 | Editor’s Top Choice: | BOSCH GT3000 Drill Bit |
| | Runner Up: | BLENDX Diamond Drill Bits |
| | Best Rated: | QWORK Drill Bit Set for Tile |
| | Highest Drilling Rate: | HOMEIDOL 6pcs Drill Bits Set |
| | Best Reviews: | Eaninno Drill Bit Set for Ceramic Tile |
| | Budget Friendly: | Macp 6Pcs Tile Drill Bits |
Comparison of Top-Quality Drill Bit for Ceramic Tile
The following table gives a brief analysis of the top ceramic tile drill bits as selected by our independent researchers.
Choosing the Right Bit for a Ceramic Tile Job
The market is flooded with different brands of drill bits. This makes it more confusing for you to pick the best ones for your needs. The following factors are here to guide you in the selection process.
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Size and Number of Bits
There are different densities of ceramic tiles, which call for various-sized bits. The most common bit sizes are 1/16, 1/4, 1/2, and 5/8 inches.
Bits can be purchased individually or as a set, depending on your budget. However, buying the set with multiple sizes is more economical and helps you complete different drilling projects.
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Type of Bit
Carbide and diamond are the most common bit types. Carbide bits are the strongest and are great for most heavy-duty applications or industrial drilling work.
However, these bits demand less pressure and are prone to slipping. Taking the utmost care will help you to not fracture your precious ceramic tiles.
Diamond bits, on the other hand, are equally strong and are great for drilling large holes with fewer tile breakages. In fact, most DIY enthusiasts usually prefer diamond drill bits over carbide ones.
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Bit Tip Material
The bit tip is what drills into any given surface. Therefore, it is the most essential part of a bit.
The type of bit tip can be chosen depending on the desired outcome. You need a bit that’s made from a high-quality material that won’t bend or break easily as you work through different tile densities. Diamond, carbide, and tungsten tips are the most commonly used.
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Bit Shank
The shank is the smooth surface that holds a bit in place by clamping securely on the drill’s spindle. Tri-flat and hex shanks are the most commonly used, although there are others like straight and rounded shanks.
Despite the shape of an individual bit’s shank, the surface should be non-slip for easy gripping by the arms of the drill’s chuck.
Review of the 7 Best Ceramic Tile Drill Bits on the Market
1. BOSCH GT3000 Carbide Drill Bit – Editor’s Top Choice
- Material: Carbide
- Flute Type: Straight
- Finish Type: Black oxide
- Package Quantity: 8
- Flat Shank: 3
- Shank Type: Tri-flat
- Ideal Use: Glass, regular and other specialty tiles
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These versatile Bosch drill bits are great for use on either ceramic or other tiled surfaces because they have a unique tip design to prevent them from wandering.
However, you need to handle the bit tips with care as they tend to wear out quickly if subjected to intense pressure.
The carbide tips feature reinforced heads and diamond cutting edges to reduce stress and maximize each bit’s life.
What’s more, the tri-flat shanks ensure a safe grip of the bits for fast completion of tasks, while the advanced geometry enables easy drilling.
- Multipurpose and high-quality
- Reliable tri-flat shanks
- Available in multiple sizes
- The tips wear out quickly
We start our list with this buyer favorite! Users share that this set works effectively with multiple materials, including ceramic. There are reviews talking these up for both DIY and professional projects ” Really really good bits.”
2. BLENDX Diamond Drill Bits for Ceramic Tile – Runner Up
- Material: Ceramic, Glass, Porcelain, Ceramics, Diamond
- Flute Type: Straight
- Total length: About 5.5 cm
- Shape: Hollow core
- Package Quantity: 10
- Shank Size: Over 1/4 in
- Ideal Use: Fiberglass, Stone
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 3.2 x 2.6 in
These multipurpose diamond bits by BLENDX are the real deal for glass, tiles, and porcelain materials. The 80-grits tip head is coated in diamond for exceptional durability, while the rounded shank fits properly into the drill’s chuck.
The bits are made from sturdy steel and come in ten different sizes for added versatility. However, they are only good for drilling into a thickness of up to 1/2 inch.
- Available in multiple sizes
- Versatile & durable construction
- Make clean cut-outs
- Great value
- Not ideal for depths beyond 1/2 inch
- Heat up quickly and have to be dipped in water to cool
“FINALLY SOMETHING THAT WORKS!” Buyers are happy with this effective, affordable set. It is a great value for the number of bits that are included, and plus they are high quality and effective, a set you can’t go wrong with.
3. QWORK Drill Bit Set for Tile & Concrete – Best Rated
- Material: Metal
- Measurement System: Inch, metric
- Package Quantity: 10 with transparent plastic box
- Cutting Diameter: 6 mm
- Groove: U-shape
- Shank Type: 3-Flat
- Ideal Use: Suitable for glass, tile, wood, ceramic, etc
- Dimensions: 0.71 x 0.71 x 4.33 in
These spear-pointed bits by QWORK have sturdy tungsten carbide tips that penetrate through different materials with ease.
The ten-piece set contains 1/4 inch bit tips that can be stored safely in the included plastic case.
While water may be needed for lubrication of the drilling surfaces, these bits are great for uniform cutting. They also have a u-shape groove for efficient heat and scraps discharge, while their tri-flat shanks allow for tighter chucking.
Unfortunately, the tips need frequent sharpening as they get blunt with just a few uses.
- Multiple pieces, Comfortable to use
- Non-slip shanks and have a storage container
- Spear-pointed tips
- Tips get dull quickly
Our list continues with another great set. Buyers love the performance of this set. Several reviewers mention using these on a slow speed for the best performance, so keep that in mind.
4. HOMEIDOL 6pcs Masonry Drill Bits Set – Highest Drilling Rate
- Material: Carbide
- Finish Type: Titanium
- Cutting Diameter: 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 mm
- Measurement System: Metric
- Wide Fit: Electric hand drill, bench drill, impact drill
- Drill Clamp Range: 10 mm and above
- Shank Type: Straight
- Ideal Use: Ceramic tiles, marble, china, mirrors and glass
- Dimensions: 2.56 x 0.12 x 0.16 in
This set comprises six HOMEIDOL drill bits made from premium-quality cemented carbide for perfect drilling into glass or ceramic tiles. The four cutting edges with cross tips help reduce breakouts as you drill into different materials.
Additionally, the different shank diameters, ranging from 4 mm (1/8″) to 12 mm (1/2″), work with different types of drills.
However, you should remember to lubricate the surfaces to prevent the tips from overheating.
- Wide application and Offer superior drilling performance
- Quality material construction
- Set includes multiple pieces
- Heat up quickly
Buyers share that this set works amazingly on ceramic! Reviewers share that they work accurately and quickly. Some reviewers felt that they didn’t hold up well over prolonged use as they tend to overheat so keep that in mind.
5. Eaninno Drill Bit Set for Concrete/Ceramic Tile/Brick – Best Reviews
- Material: Carbide with thickened tip
- Flute Type: Spiral
- Bits Type: Masonry
- Groove: U-shape
- Measurement System: Metric
- Wide Fit: Electric or cordless hammer drills
- Shank Type: 3-Flat
- Ideal Use: Wood, Ceramic, Glass, Plastic
- Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.1 x 0.5 in
This multipurpose masonry drill bit set from EANINNO is what you need if you have different materials to drill through.
It includes five drill bits of 2 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ for easy drilling into different surface densities.
All five pieces are made from durable cemented carbide and feature hardened yet smooth tips for easy chip removal.
The bits are ergonomically designed with non-skid triangular handles plus a u-grove body design for convenient use with electric drills.
You can cool the bits with water when drilling for added efficiency, and apply a lubricant after use to prevent rust.
- Multiple sizes with upgraded tip design
- Versatile & Durable cement carbide construction
- Nice variety of sizes for the price
- Prone to rust if not lubricated regularly
6. Macp 6Pcs Tile Glass Drill Bits – Budget Friendly
- Material: Carbide
- Flute Type: Spiral
- Bits Size: 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2 in
- Package Quantity: 5
- Carbide Tip: Yes
- Shank Type: Hex
- Ideal Use: Ceramic Tile Marble Mirror & Glass
- Dimensions: 6.06 x 3.9 x 0.55 in
These Macp bits are made with high-quality micro-grain carbide and feature automatically centered points for precise drilling of straight holes through glass, ceramic tiles, and plastic.
The six bits are of sizes 1/8″, 3/16″, ¼”, 5/16″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ for additional versatility. The bits have precision sharpened spear-shaped tips to minimize walking, as well as skating. Furthermore, the hex shanks provide high stability during the whole drilling process.
Unfortunately, the bits have to be used at low speeds, especially at the start of the drilling process and are also not ideal for use with hammer drills.
- Multiple uses with different sizes
- Durable tungsten carbide tips
- Not recommended for hammer drills
- No storage case
7. 3M Temflex Multipurpose Drill Bit Set
- Material: Ceramic, Glass, Porcelain, Stone, Diamond
- Cutting Diameter: 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 mm
- Wide Fit: Handheld electric drill
- Ideal Use: Porcelain, glass, ceramic, marble, stone
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 4.29 x 1.18 in
These super-efficient drill bits from Rtree work well on ceramic, porcelain, glass, and stone.
The different bit sizes allow for easily cutting holes of a diameter of 1/4″ to 5/8″ when used on glass and 1/4″ to 1/2″ or bigger on other materials.
What’s more, the package contains multiple hole saws, rubber bits, rough bits, and grind bits to deliver outstanding drilling performance.
- Multiple drill bits with different sizes
- Set includes a user manual
- Offer long-lasting effectiveness
- No storage container
Our Top Pick
The Bosch GT400 Carbide Tipped Tile and Ceramic Drill Bits are our best choice. This is thanks to their sturdy, non-wandering carbide tips which are further reinforced with diamond cutting edges for added durability. Additionally, the patented tri-flat shanks ensure a comfortable grip for shatter-free drilling. If you are interested in the best drill bits for ceramic pots, check out our article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s now focus on some of the questions many users have been asking about ceramic tile drill bits.
How can drill bits be sharpened?
Drill bits are easily sharpened with a bench grinder or a file. The art of bit grinding isn’t an easy one; it is a risky adventure that requires practice or expert skill.
What are the maximum number of holes a single drill bit can make?
There’s no exact answer to this question because the number of holes a specific bit makes depends on how you use it.
Why is a lubricant needed when drilling through tile?
Water, oil, or any other coolant helps prevent the bits from heating up. This, in turn, enables you to finish your tasks in a shorter period of time.
Important Tips About Drill Bits For Ceramic Tile
Drilling into any tiled surface requires care to prevent shattering the pieces apart. The following tips will help you out.
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Lubrication
Both the surface you are drilling into and the bits should be lubricated regularly with either water or oil. This cools the bits down and prevents them from overheating.
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Drilling Process
Always start slow or drill at an angle, and only increase the momentum as you increase the depth of the hole. In other words, take your time throughout the whole drilling process.
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Keep Safe
As you drill, tile scraps are bound to scatter everywhere. Safety goggles will come in handy, while gloves will allow for comfortable use of the drill.
In this next section, we dive further into the seven best drill bits by detailing their features, pros, and cons. Read on to find out more.
Final Opinion
Ceramic tiles help enhance the interior décor of our homes and offices. We use them for walls, floors, pools, and more. But, what if you need to do some plumbing work around the existing tiles? The truth is that ceramic tiles are hard to drill into since they are brittle and need careful handling.
You, therefore, require drill bits that are made specifically for fragile materials like the ones we’ve discussed in this article. Above all, patience is vital when it comes to achieving excellent results in ceramic tile drilling.