Drilling Bathroom Fittings: Match the Bit to the Tile

Before drilling for a towel rail or bathroom hook, identify the tile and the wall behind it. A neat hole through the tile does not by itself make a secure fixing.

Choose for the tile

Bosch's tile-drilling guide recommends glass/tile bits for soft and medium-strength tiles, and diamond bits for very hard tiles such as porcelain. Do not assume a bit marked for ceramic will suit every porcelain tile. Check the exact bit's material list and drill compatibility.

Keep hammer action off through tile

Bosch warns that percussion can damage tiles. Use the specified rotary method and light pressure, following the bit maker's instructions. Cooling and speed requirements vary: do not apply one water-cooling or RPM rule to every bit. Wear suitable eye protection and check for hidden services before drilling.

Fix into the right base

Fischer explains that tiles and plaster are not load-bearing base materials. Identify the bearing wall behind the finish and select a fixing whose instructions cover that substrate and application. Check the required hole diameter, depth and fixing length; do not choose only by the tile thickness.

Our wall-plug guide explains the next checks. If the tile type or wall construction is uncertain, pause and ask an installer. Take tile details and fitting instructions to Jinnah's team to confirm the exact bit, fixing and availability.