When looking for the best drill bit for ceramic tile you should be looking at either carbide or diamond tipped bits.
Ceramic is Hard
Even though ceramic tile might seem easy to drill, it is not.
We know it seems like it would be easy to drill since ceramic tile is brittle and can break fairly easily compared to a metal like steel.
Ceramic, even though it is brittle, it a very hard material.
Because of this hardness, the best drill bit for ceramic tile is one made of a very hard material.
Bit Material
Because of their hardness, carbide and diamond are the best drill bit material for drilling ceramic tile.
We would normally recommend diamond over carbide.
Diamond is usually a little more expensive, but the added durability of diamond tipped drill bits make it well worth the investment.
The Best Bits
Now that we know what the best type of drill bit is best for ceramic tile, let’s take a look at the best ones.
SHDIATOOL Diamond Hole Saw Kit
Here is our tip pick for the best drill bits for ceramic tile, the SHDIATOOL diamond hole saw kit.
This diamond tipped drill set is not the least expensive one.
But it is high quality, and has some nice features.
The vacuum brazed, industrial diamonds are permanently attached for maximum durability.
These bits have a 5/8-inch-11 threads for attaching to a tool like an angle grinder, but the kit comes with an SDS adapter to use these bits with other tools such as drills.
The smaller bits come with a wax filled core to help with heat dissipation.
A finger bit is also included in the set to allow enlarging, shaping, or rounding existing holes.
This kit comes with a nice storage/carrying case as well.
There are several versions of this kit with different size bits.
Check SHDIATOOL Diamond Kit Prices
Drillax Diamond Hole Saw Bits
Here is another good choice for the best drill bits for ceramic tile, the Drillax diamond hole saw bit set.
This set of diamond tipped drill bits are great for hard materials like ceramic tile as well as glass, porcelain, granite, marble, slate, and quartz.
Diamond is the hardest material known to us, and is extremely durable and cuts more quickly than other bit materials.
The Drillax kit comes with 10 bits and a nice storage case as well.
The following sizes are included in the Drillax kit: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/4, 1 3/8, 1 1/2, 1 3/4, 2 inches.
These bits are hollow core hole saw type bits, and can cut to a depth of 1 1/8 inches.
This kit also includes a polyfoam template that can be used a a drill bit guide.
Once you have this kit, you have everything you need except a material to drill, and the drill itself!
Check Drillax Diamond Bit Set Prices
Owl Tools Carbide Drill Bit Set
Here is a less expensive carbide drill bit set that can be used to drill ceramic tile.
While we think the diamond bits are the best choice, these carbide bits are recommended by the manufacturer for drilling ceramic material.
The Owl Tools carbide drill bit set is a high quality set of drill bits that can be used to drill ceramic tile, cinderblock, cement, concrete, glass, brick, wood, and more.
The carbide tips on these bits are made from industrial grade carbide for maximum longevity.
This set come with 10 bits in the following sizes:
- 1/8″ x 3″ length (2)
- 1/4″ x 4″ length (2)
- 1/4″ x 6″ length (2)
- 5/16″ x 6″ length (1)
- 3/8″ x 6″ length (2)
- 1/2″ x 6″ length (1)
Owl Tools is a USA based company, and these bits come with a lifetime guarantee.
Check Owl Tools Carbide Bit Prices
Other Options
If you want to take a look at other options besides the ones we have mentioned then please click on the link below and take a look at other bits that are suitable for drilling ceramic tile.
Conclusion
When drilling ceramic tile picking the best drill bit is very important since ceramic tile is much harder to still than many people initially think.
We hope our recommendations for the best drill bit for ceramic tile has been helpful to you, and we wish you the best of luck on your projects!