Glass Drill Bits

By Author: The PorcelainPlus Speedbit was specifically design
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Starting at the beginning, measure where you want your shower curtain rod or grab bar, and hold the item in place so you can mark the exact spots where to drill the holes. Have a helper check the level and placement, because you only get one shot at this.

Ideally, you will drill into a stud to provide the support you need, especially when installing a grab bar. If you don't, the bar may pull out and someone could be injured. So grab your stud finder and crack a cheesy joke about it before locating the two-by-fours behind your shower wall.

Begin to drill through tile
drill through porcelain tile
Use a diamond drill bit and water containment unit for porcelain tile.

Once you’ve marked the holes, fill up the water containment piece, and keep a wrung-out sponge and bucket of water handy. Place the guide where you want to drill the hole, filled with water, and drill with a slow steady pull of the trigger, nice and easy at first, until you feel the bit grab the tile.

I usually pump the bit out and back in every 6 seconds so the water can cool it. Be sure the containment unit holds water the ...
... whole time. Take your time and keep drilling steadily until you feel it give and know you've pushed through the tile.

Repeat this process patiently and consistently for all the holes you need, and then test fit the bar again to make sure you got it right.

Seal the shower tile holes
Next, dry off the area, including the holes, and get your silicone ready. It's extremely important to fill the holes with clear silicone before you screw the bar in. You want to maintain the waterproofing in the shower.

drill through porcelain tile
Fill holes in your tile with silicone before installing a shower curtain rod or grab bars.

I also like to put a bead of silicone where the bar attaches for extra support and water resistance.

Keep a rag handy, because silicone is not water-soluble and will make a real mess if it drips where it shouldn’t. Mineral spirits, however, can clean up silicone before it dries.

Once you have filled the holes and applied the silicone, you can screw in your bar. Don't over tighten it or you could crack the tile. Screw it in just enough to hold firmly. Once you have all your screws in, give it a little tug to ensure it’s solid. Let the silicone cure for 24 hours before use.

If you follow these guidelines, you’ll have a secure grab bar or shower curtain rod, and you will finally be able to use that beautiful new shower.