How does one drill into ceramic tile without cracking the tile?

Use a masonry bit.
If you are drilling a hole bigger than 1/8", use a 1/8" masonry bit for a pilot hole then use the masonry bit for the size hole you need.

How does one drill into ceramic tile without cracking the tile?
Using a masonary bite. Don't start to big...

To start the masonry bit on the glaze of the tile use a pointed object like a small phillips screwdriver and put the point on the center of where you are going to drill, Then tap the handle end of the screwdriver lightly, just enough to chip the glaze of the tile. Then you masonry bit will drill without slipping all over the tile before it make a hole.

Check your local hardware store. There are drill bits especially for ceramics, these are different than masonary bits.

Just saw today on the DIY channel the also kept splashing water on the tile to cool and lubricate it looked like a good idea, my wet saw blade is submerged in water. Just a thought

Get a diamond tipped masonry bit at your local home improvement store.

Get a diamond tipped masonry bit at your local home improvement store.

You may also get diamond 'cookie cutter' hole saws that have a pilot drill setup for making larger holes for pipes. (I.e. A shower head gooseneck or toilet supply needs at least a 3/4" hole for pipe clearance and slight off center alignment. A beauty ring (escutcheon) can hide the hole. Nm

How does one drill into ceramic tile without cracking the tile?
First use masking tape to cover the area you are making the hole then #2Answer : Use a masonry bit.
If you are drilling a hole bigger than 1/8", use a 1/8" masonry bit for a pilot hole then use the masonry bit for the size hole you need. And yes you need some kind of lube to keep it cool and you should not have a problem

First use masking tape to cover the area you are making the hole then #2Answer : Use a masonry bit.
If you are drilling a hole bigger than 1/8", use a 1/8" masonry bit for a pilot hole then use the masonry bit for the size hole you need. And yes you need some kind of lube to keep it cool and you should not have a problem

Hi PJS,

Good suggestion about the masking tape on ceramic tile. If this is for shower or wall plumbing holes an arbored bit with a diamond hole saw combination is usually used in one drilling. If the tiles are not a fired hard ceramic, then care needs to be taken from too much drilling pressure that will crack a thin clay tile. Nm

How does one drill into ceramic tile without cracking the tile?
How to drill a hole in a ceramic tile without breaking the tile

I agree with hwonkihele, That was what I was going to susgest the special bit made for drilling ceramic tile Good Call Hwonkihele;;;;;;