Tile and Glass Drill Bit (8mm)

A 1/4 inch quick release hex shank means the bit drops into a cordless impact driver or a quick change holder rather than needing a chuck tightened around it. On most bits that is about convenience. On a tile bit it is about control, which is the thing that decides whether the tile survives.

The reason is that tile drilling demands low speed and light, steady pressure, and a cordless driver held in one hand gives you far finer control over both than a large corded drill does. You can feather the trigger, you can stop instantly the moment the tip breaks through, and you can hold the tool close to the wall where it is steady. A powerful mains drill at its lowest setting is often still faster than a tile wants, and it has the mass to wander before you can react.

One caution that goes with it. If your driver is an impact driver, it will begin delivering rotational hammer blows when it meets resistance, and that impact action is not wanted on tile. Many drivers can be kept below the impact threshold with a light trigger; if yours cannot, use a plain drill on its lowest speed instead.

Eight millimetres is the size for heavier wall fixings: cabinets, water heaters, grab rails, larger brackets and shower fittings.

YG6X cross carbide tip on a medium carbon steel shank, sand blasted finish. Keep it slow, keep it cool, and switch hammer action off.

Buyers are tilers, plumbers, bathroom and kitchen fitters, shopfitters, and hardware shops supplying them.

Ask on 94 77 111 8880 if you are unsure whether your driver suits this work. We deliver island-wide.