22/11/2014
Drilling into Tiles.....
..... I'm aware that time for repairing things is limited, especially over the weekend (not to be confused with weak end.....) between the football games, 19th holes and kids' parties....... BUT........ there's that nagging little project of putting up the towel rails.......
The problem is you've got to drill into tiles. Every self-confessed DIYer's worst nightmare.......
It takes long and you're not certain whether you'll be calling your tiler on Monday to redo your entire bathroom.....
So here's a quick easy way to sort the towel rail out.... You might even be able to do it in the half time break.....
There are only two things to remember here:
1) The drill bit, and
2) Making sure the bit doesn't bounce around on the tile.
Spend a little more on a tungsten carbide or diamond tipped drill bit. It will save you tears..... Then buy some 45mm wide masking tape.
Measure and mark the holes clearly. Then put a few pieces of masking tape crisscross over the mark. If the mark becomes difficult to see, just trace it onto the masking tape.
The masking tape will allow you to drill on the mark without the drill bouncing around (don't be shy with the masking tape as you almost want it to form a 'guide hole' as you drill through it and make contact with the tile).
Make sure the tape is smooth and adhered tightly to the wall..... Smooth your hand over it a few times to get it right.
FINALLY, THE SECRET....... and this is the 'vanilla' in the recipe.... Don't forget this!
The trick is to keep the drill cool..... So have a mug of water handy and dip the drill bit into the water every minute or so, allowing some of the water to get into the tile too.
Also..... let the tool do the work..... Don't be tempted to press hard as this could break the tile (only 5 or 6mm thick on average).
....... The second half is about to start and see..... The rail is up, no chipped or damaged tiles...... JOB WELL DONE.......
