Tiles are hard surfaces to drill through. It can get very frustrating when using the wrong drill bit. Also, finding the right bit is not usually a walk in the park.
We have put together this article to assist you in finding the best drill bit for tile. In it is a detailed review of different drill bits that are ideal for tiles and at the end is a buyer’s guide.
Our Top Picks
 | Top Pick: | BOSCH GT3000 Drill Bit Set |
| | Runner Up: | DRILAX Diamond Drill Bits Set |
| | Budget Friendly: | HomeIdol 6pcs HOMEIDOL-1 Drill Bits |
| | Best Rated: | SHDIATOOL 6PCS Drill Bits Set |
| | Most Simplistic: | Drilax 5 inch Tile Drill Bit |
| | Highest Drilling Rate: | WERKSTEIN WS - 700 Dry Diamond Drill Bits |
Comparison of Top-Rated Drilling Bits for Tile on the Market
They come in different sizes and designs necessary for drilling tiles. We have put together the comparison table below with a list of the most highly rated drills for tiles. You can check it out.
Ranking of the 11 Best Tile Drilling Bits (Reviewed in 2023)
1. BOSCH GT3000 Carbide Drill Bit for Tile – Top Pick
- Finish Type: Black Oxide
- Shank Type: 3-Flat
- Tool Flute Type: Straight
- Size: 1/8″ 3/16″ 1/4″ 5/16″ 3/8″ 1/2″ 5/8″ 3/4″
- Drill Bit for: Glass, Tiles & Ceramic
- Application: Engineered for use in Glass, Regular and other specialty Tiles (Specialty Tiles that may be harder than normal ones).
- PRECISION: Yes
- QUALITY: Yes
- VERSATILE: Yes
- RELIABLE: Yes
- INNOVATIVE: Yes
TODAY’S DEAL on HOME DEPOT TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON
The set includes a carbide tip of high quality with a reinforced head. This helps in preventing bit cracking and also reduces stress. Along with that, the diamond cutting edges ensure a longer life.
What’s more, this 8-piece set is perfect for a variety of applications. These include shower and bathroom installs, relief holes required for glass cutting, and fastening and drilling mirrors, among other uses. It can also be used to set concrete screws in tiles.
Other Features
In addition to that, the shank ensures excellent grip on bits 5/16 inches and larger. This helps in preventing slippage. Also, the tile bits and Bosch glass are easy to use. Along with that, they also provide sufficient speed to ensure that the job gets done faster.
On top of that, the branded Bosch innovative geometry ensures faster drilling. The bits are also clearly labeled to ensure that the right bit is selected for the task.
Customer Review Section
- Easy to use
- Used for various applications
- Excellent grip
- Fast drilling
- Heats up during use
2. DrilaX DRILAX100750 Diamond Drill Bit Set – Runner Up
- Finish Type: Silver
- Shank Type: Diamond Hole Saw
- Tool Flute Type: Straight
- Size: from 1/4 inch to 2 inches: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 1 1/4″, 1 3/8″, 1 1/2″, 1 3/4″, 2″
- Hole Saw Drill Bit for: Quartz, Granite, Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles, Glass, Marble, and many types of Stones.
- Application: Can drill through thicker materials.
This 10-piece set of diamond drill bits come in 2, 1 ¾, 1 ½, 1 3/8, 1 ¼, 1, ¾, ½, 3/8, and ¼-inch sizes. Also included is an elegant zipper storage case.
Buying this set could end up saving you money. You may not need to purchase any other drill bits, as it handles almost all the applications you may need it for.
Other Features
If you compare to others, these drill bits are taller. This makes drilling through thicker materials a lot easier. Also, the diamond coating ensures great performance and durability of the drill bits.
To add to that, it comes with a guide. This ensures excellent results for granite, glass, slate, marble, ceramic and porcelain tiles, and different types of stones. Also, the set can drill up to 1 1/8 inches in depth.
Besides that, you can use common cordless or electric drills, since the size of the shank is 3/8 inches.
Something to note is that center pilot holes are not needed for these tools. Along with that, ensure that the drill bit does not run dry.
- Long-lasting
- For various applications
- Cost-efficient
- Includes a guide
- The coating wears off when hot
3. HomeIdol 6pcs Drill Bits for Tile – Budget Friendly
- Material: Carbide
- Finish Type: Titanium
- Shank Type: Straight
- Size: 5/32” (4mm), 3/16” (5mm), 1/4” (6mm), 5/16” (8mm), 3/8” (10mm) and 1/2” (12mm).
- Drill Bit for: Cinder Block, Chrome Plated with Industrial Strength Carbide Tips, Cement, tile, concrete, brick, glass, ceramic, wood, Bottle, Plastic, Concrete and Brick Wall, flower pots, porcelain ,plastic case, tile and glass, tile, ceramic tile, soft metals, glass stucco.
- Application: Ideal for drilling fastner holes in bathroom tiles, or wall mirrors.
This is a set of glass drill bits that offer good performance and make accurate and clean holes. It is also very easy to work with.
The features that stand out about this set are the quality and the design. It is made from cemented carbide and the set has 4 cutting edges. These ensure fast speed and drilling stability. The holes made are also neat and smooth with no broken edges or tremor phenomenon.
Other Features
To add to that, the bits have a carbide tip for durability and a cross-tip design that ensures reduced breakout.
What’s more, they ensure accurate and smooth drilling on various applications. These include marble, ceramic tiles, china, glass, and mirrors. They can also be installed in the bench drill, electric hand drill, and the impact drill.
An important step is to always lubricate the materials with water while drilling or cutting to protect them from overheating.
- Durable
- Cutting and drilling precision
- Easy to use
- For different applications
- Wears off when drilling fast
4. SHDIATOOL SA854S23 Diamond Core Drill Bits – Best Rated
- Material: Artificial diamond and Steel body
- Shank Type: Straight
- Size: 1/4″(06mm), 5/16″(08mm), 3/8″(10mm) Diamond Drill Bits
1″(25mm), 1-3/8″(35mm), 2″(51mm) Diamond Hole Saws. - Drill Bits for: Porcelain Tile, Granite, Marble, Stone, Brick, Vacuum Brazed Hole Saw.
- Application: Ideal for drilling the faucet mounting holes in stone countertops, plumbing lines in showers and vanities.
This set consists of 6 pieces of differently sized drill bits. The sizes are 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 25mm, 35mm, and 51mm.
Something loveable about it is it offers dry and wet drilling for granite, porcelain tile, stone, marble, masonry, and brick.
The recommended machine to use for this set is an angle rider. However, to fit the set on an electric drill or any other machine you will need an adaptor.
Other Features
To add to that, this set ensures smooth and fast drilling. It can also last for a long time thanks to its artificial diamond core and steel body. Besides that, there is less chipping and breakage, and less loss of material when drilling.
What’s more, you will experience less heat generation thanks to the wax inside that helps in cooling the bits. All in all, the set ensures a better finish quality.
- Smooth and fast drilling
- Less heat generation
- Lasts long
- Less loss of material
- Not for cordless drill
5. Drilax 5 inch Diamond Hole Saw Tile Drill Bit – Most Simplistic
- Material: Nickel Coated Steel
- Size: 5 Inch
- Drill Bit for: Ceramic, Porcelain Tiles, Glass (Not Tempered), Marble, Quartz – Granite Countertop
- Application: Engineered Wood, Porcelain, Wood, Glass, Ceramic.
- PROFESSIONAL Quality: Yes
- HIGH QUALITY: Yes
TODAY’S DEAL on WALMART TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON
This is a diamond-coated drill bit 5 inches in diameter. With water as a coolant, it ensures a fast and dustless operation. Along with that, its 3/8-inch shank can be used with a standard cordless or electric drill.
What’s more, it can be used for diverse applications. These include drilling holes in porcelain tiles, ceramic, granite countertop, marble, and glass that is not tempered.
Other Features
Other than that, the diamond coating ensures good performance and longer lifetime. In addition to that, center pilot holes are not needed for this tool.
Also, the tool drills up to 1 inch deep, and it is necessary to ensure it never runs dry. If it gets too hot, the diamond coating begins to wear off.
In general, this hole saw saves you a lot of money in your DIY bathroom, kitchen, tile, and shower installation projects.
- Used with cordless drills
- For diverse applications
- Lasts long
- Good performance
- The coating wears off when hot
6. WERKSTEIN Dry Diamond Drill Bits for Tile – Highest Drilling Rate
- Material: Metal
- Shank Type: Hex
- Style: Tile Drill Bit
- Usage for: Tile, Ceramic, Marble, Porcelain, Glass
- Color: Blue
- Size: 1/2 diamond drill bit,
1/4 inch carbide drill bit,
1/4 inch diamond drill bit,
5/16 inch diamond drill bit,
3/8 diamond drill bit.
This drill bit set cuts holes from around 6mm to 16mm or bigger in diameter on glass and glass bottles. It also cuts holes from around 6mm to 12mm or bigger in diameter in flower pots, porcelain, and ceramic.
To add to that, it also works for various applications including marble, granite, bathroom tiles, and shower tiles. It can also drill holes for jade, jewelry, stone, seashells, beach glass, or gemstones.
Other Features
In addition to that, the set ensures quicker and easier drilling. It also ensures no slipping and no skip. This makes it a very reliable tool in fine drilling.
To top it up, it provides fine and detailed work in carving, engraving, touch-up, polishing, and finishing. What’s more, it is very durable thanks to the diamond coating. As long as you use water, they can last long.
Also included is a detailed user manual.
- Fine and detailed work
- For diverse applications
- Easy and quick drilling
- Long-lasting
- Manual is not clear
7. Mgtgbao 10pcs Black Tile Drill Bit Set
- Material: Carbide
- Shank Type: Hex
- Tool Flute Type: Spiral
- Size: 5/32” (4mm), 3/16” (5mm),1/4” (6mm), 5/16” (8mm) ,3/8” (10mm), 1/2” (12mm) fit your different needs.
- Drill Bit for: Glass, Brick, Tile, Concrete, Plastic,Ceramic and Wood.
- Application: for drilling walls, bricks, ceramic, wood, glass, tiles, stainless steel, concrete, etc.
- HIGH-QUALITY: Yes
- EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP: Yes
- NEW DESIGN: Yes
This set has a triangular cutting head made of high quality cemented carbide that provides smaller resistance. It ensures higher hardness, more efficiency, and more resistance to wear.
In addition to that, the drill bits come in different sizes to fit different needs. These include 2 x 8mm, 2 x 6mm, 2 x 5mm, 2 x 4mm, 1 x 12mm, and 1 x 10mm. What’s more, it comes with a hard plastic storage case for keeping the ceramic drill bits organized and safe.
Other Features
Other than that, the set has a spiral handle design and a drain groove designed in a u-shape. These ensure smoother drilling and ease in the removal of chips while working.
To add to that, the drill bit surface is treated by electroplating. This prevents rusting and ensures it lasts longer.
To top it up, the set is also used widely for a variety of applications. These include drilling bricks, walls, wood, ceramic, glass, tiles, concrete, and stainless steel. Besides that, it is necessary to add water or coolant while drilling to prevent overheating.
- More wear-resistant
- Has a storage case
- Electroplated drill surface
- Various applications
- Wears off if overheated
8. QWORK WD1801 Multi-Material Drill Bit Set for Tile
- Material: Carbide
- Shank Type: 3-Flat
- Tool Flute Type: Spiral
- Size: 5 Pcs, 2x 6mm(1/4″), 1x 8mm(5/16″), 1x 10mm(3/8″), 1x 12mm(1/2″)
- Drill Bit for: tile, glass, ceramics, cinderblock, plastic and wood,etc.
- Application: ideal for drilling fastner holes in bathroom tiles, or wall mirrors. Once it drills through the tile or mirror this drill bit will cope easily with any masonry behind it.
This set is suitable for drilling holes in wall mirrors or bathroom tiles. To add to that, it easily copes with any masonry behind the mirror or tile after drilling through.
Also, the strong carbide tip easily penetrates different materials. These include concrete, tile, glass, brick, wood, and plastic.
Other Features
The drill bits come in four different sizes to meet your drilling needs. These are 2 x 6mm, 1 x 8mm, 1 x 10mm, and 1 x 12mm.
What’s more, the flat shank provides a firm hold and stability in the power drill. Along with that, the slot design ensures fast drilling and easy dust removal.
Besides that, it is necessary to lubricate using water when using it on hard materials.
- Works on various materials
- Good performance
- Fast drilling
- Easy dust removal
- Chips glass
9. BOSCH GT2000 Carbide Ceramic and Tile Drill Bit Set
- Material: Carbide
- Finish Type: Black Oxide
- Tool Flute Type: Straight
- Shank Type: 3-Flat
- Size: 1 8 in., 3 16 in., 1 4 in., 5 16 in. Drill Bit for: Glass and Tile
- Application: glass cutting, bathroom and shower installs, drilling and fastening mirrors, setting concrete screws in tile and many more.
- PRECISION: Yes
- QUALITY: Yes
- VERSATILE: Yes
- RELIABLE: Yes
- INNOVATIVE: Yes
The set has a unique precision tip to help with bit-walking or bit-wandering. Also included is a carbide tip with the head reinforced to prevent bit cracking and reduce stress. Along with that, the diamond cutting edges ensure a longer life.
What’s more, the bits are clearly labeled for ease in selection and come in different sizes to meet your drilling needs. These are 1/8 inches, 3/16 inches, ¼ inches, and 5/6 inches.
Other Features
In addition to that, the set has a three-flat shank that provides an excellent grip on 5/16 inches and larger. This prevents slippage. The bits are also easy to use and work fast.
To top it up, the set is suitable for common applications. These include bathroom and shower installs, fastening and drilling mirrors, and setting screws in tiles among other uses.
- Fast drilling
- Easy to use
- For various uses
- Excellent grip
- Does not last long
10. Hilbertbrook Orange 10Pcs Ultimate Drill Bits
- Material: Carbide
- Shank Type: Straight
- Size: 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 1/2″
- Drill Bit for: Concrete, Tile, Glass, Ceramic, Brick, Wood and Plastic
- Application: Concrete, Tile, Glass, Ceramic, Brick, Wood, Plastic, Bits for Power Drills
- PROFESSIONAL DESIGN: Yes
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Yes
- SMOOTH HOLE: Yes
- Color: Orange
This set has a carbide tip and a reinforced head to prevent bit cracking. The entire set is also made of a durable and hard alloy that ensures longer life.
What’s more, the bits come in four different sizes to suit various uses. These include 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm.
Other Features
In addition to that, the set has an antiskid triangular handle that allows for tight handling and stability. Also, the slot design ensures fast and easy drilling as well as dust removal.
More to that, the strong carbide tip has a pointed design that easily penetrates diverse materials. These include brick, concrete, tile, plastic, glass, and wood.
- Durable
- Tight handling
- Various uses
- Easy to use
- Doesn’t fix hex drill head
11. COMOWARE 6Pcs Tile Glass Masonry Drill Bit Set
- Material: Metal
- Shank Type: Hex
- Size: 1/8”, 3/16”, 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8”, 1/2”.
- Drill Bit for: Glass, Ceramic, Tile, Mirror, Plastic.
- Application: suitable for Ceramic, Tile, Mirror, Wood, Porcelain, Brick Wall, Glass，etc.
- PROFESSIONAL DESIGN: Yes
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Yes
- SMOOTH HOLE: Yes
- WIDELY APPLICATION: Yes
The tip of this set has been designed as a spear to reduce bit walking and bit skating. To add to that, the high-quality carbide plus the reinforced head ensure a longer life and prevent bit cracking.
In addition to that, the set is made of hard carbon-steel material to ensure fast cutting. Also, the hardness offers great cutting power and extra durability. Along with that, the galvanized coating prevents rusting.
Other Features
What’s more, the hex shank is ¼ inches and fits easily and securely into various power tools. Also, the drill bits ensure smooth and fine drilling thanks to their small incision resistance.
On top of that, the set can be used on different applications like tile, ceramic, wood, mirror, brick wall, porcelain, and glass.
- Fast cutting
- Long-lasting
- Smooth drilling
- Wide application
- Wears off without lubrication
How to Choose Quality Tile Drill Bits
There are a few things you may need to consider when purchasing a drill bit. Here’s a short guide to assist you.
Surface and Type of Tile
You will need different drill bits for different types of tiles and surfaces. Hard surfaces like marble, slate, and granite need carbide or diamond-tipped bits.
However, when you are drilling a hole through a mirror or glass, carbide drill bits made for glass should be used. Also, you can use diamond-tipped drill bits which are stronger, for drilling through porcelain tiles.
Number of Holes
The number of holes you intend to make also determines your choice on a drill bit set. You do not need a set of bits if you only intend on drilling one hole. Instead of buying an expensive set for this, purchase a masonry bit which is cheaper and discard it after use.
Also, for larger holes, you can buy a single drill bit the same size as the hole instead of buying a set. A set of these can be expensive.
Size of the Hole
Your drill bit choices will defer depending on the size of the hole you want to make. To make a small hole in the wall to attach something, for example, you will need a smaller sized drill bit. However, for a larger hole for piping, a bit size same as the size of the hole is more suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We came across some commonly asked questions during our research and shall attempt to answer a few.
Q. Do you need a hammer drill for tile?
A. The answer is no. For drilling tile, it is advisable to stay away from a hammer drill. In most cases, the continuous pounding ends up cracking the tile. Instead, keep steady pressure when using the drill and in no time you will have your desired hole.
In case you are drilling holes of a large diameter in ceramic tile, you can use diamond-tipped or carbide-tipped drill bits. These are strong and ensure fine drilling.
Q. Can I screw into ceramic tile?
A. It is not possible to drill screws directly into tiles because unlike with drywall, they will crack. Also, the screw may not be strong enough to go through the tile.
Instead of finding yourself having to repair your cracked tiles, fit a carbide-tipped hole saw to your drill. Along with that, ensure that the hole saw is the same in size as the wall anchor before drilling through.
Verdict Choice
Our drill bit of choice is Bosch GT3000 5/16-inch Ceramic, Tile, and Glass Drill Bit. This set comes in different sizes, suitable for different applications. What’s more, it has a carbide tip that delivers fine drilling without bit-walking and cracking.
In addition to that, the shank provides a firm grip and it works with speed. Also, each bit is clearly labeled for ease in selection and they are suitable for common applications. To top it up, the diamond cutting edges ensure a longer life.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, what is important is that the drill bit gets the job done without causing damage.
The right drill bit can make such a huge difference in the entire drilling experience. We hope that the list we have shared on the best drill bit for tile helps you in your search.