Tool to cut holes in wall tiles

[Tiger]

I'm wondering what is the cheapest tool to use for cutting 35 to 50 mm diameter holes in wall tiles. Have about 5 holes to cut and the sizes vary from about 35 to 50 mm diameter. Not something I will use a lot so after something not too expensive. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Calm]

When i worked for my BIL tiling about 25years ago we used to drill several 1/4 holes with a masonary bit and then us pointy nose pliers or pincers to break through to get thecentre out then work on the edges to get it to the size we wanted.

When drilling make sure they are sitting flat or you will have a big pile of broken ones before you get a good one. The scret is go slowly and little bits at a time, dont try to rush the job.

[scooter]

May be able to hire holesaws with diamond grit or carbide grit on the cutting edge, from somewhere like Reece's or Tradelink.

[memphis]

dont hire them, buy them, something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/DIAMOND-HOLE-SAW-set-of-3-CORE-DRILL-40-45-50mm-HS4_W0QQitemZ360024672922QQihZ023QQcategoryZ105778QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Perfect holes every time. They are throw away items after a few uses but you should get your 5 holes from them no problems.

[joe greiner]

Dremel has an accessory tool holder, a small version of their router plate accessory, and a carbide bur, which function similar to RotoZip(tm). Or use the RotoZip(tm) if you have enough work to justify purchase.

Joe

[Tiger]

The tiles are like mini floor tiles and they are fairly hard. They're about 7mm thick and a brand new masonry bit struggled through it and still didn't make it all the way through. Have got a dremel tool but not sure it will get through these tiles.

[Calm]

The tiles are like mini floor tiles and they are fairly hard. They're about 7mm thick and a brand new masonry bit struggled through it and still didn't make it all the way through. Have got a dremel tool but not sure it will get through these tiles.

If they are ceramic tiles drill from the back where you have no glase to contend with.

[Tiger]

Hi David,

Tried from the back, still very hard, although the bit may have become blnt when I tried drilling through the glaze to begin with.

[Dean]

Get something with diamonds on it. They will carve through the ceramic tiles much better :)

[Tiger]

Thanks all, couldn't justify the $100 + cost for diamond hole saws so I used an angle grinder to cut square holes from behind the tiles, the tap shrouds covered the holes so just got away it.