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Milwaukee Diamond Hole saws - anyone use?

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Basil

Basil

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In my on-going Bathroom remodel, now that I've completed tiling the floor with porcelain tiles, I have installed a new set of sliding doors for the walk-in closet. Installing the new track in the header and hanging the doors (which came in about 20 pieces - must have been designed by IKEA) was relatively easy. However, now I have to affix a bottom "Dorr Guide" piece to the floor in which the two doors will pass through as you open' close the doors.

I am terrified at the prospect of drilling holes in the newly laid porcelain tiles as I know porcelain is very hard and also very brittle (prone to cracking).

I've seen these "Diamond: drill bits and was wondering if anyone has experience with these for drilling in porcelain? My thought is to drill s a couple of mounting holes, then tap in some plastic plugs and screw the screws into the plugs to hold down the door guide piece.

Anyone ever use these drills?
 
I do not have experience cutting holes in tile. However, water for cooling is probably essential. (Used carefully if an electric powered tool for the obvious reasons.)
 
Popeye said:
I do not have experience cutting holes in tile. However, water for cooling is probably essential. (Used carefully if an electric powered tool for the obvious reasons.)
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Yes, that much I'm sure of. I used a "wet saw" to cut these tiles in the first place so I'm sure that keeping the work site cool with water when drilling is also essential.
 
NutmegCT said:
Shot in the dark: what about using an epoxy glue to hold that guide? Lightly sand the surface, apply the glue and guide, wait 'til set.
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I have thought of that as a possibility but felt that affixing it with screws would be a more “professional” and sturdier long-term solution.
 
I used a small dab of construction adhesive. After it dried, it’s not going anywhere.
IMG_4320.jpeg
 
Hamish Racing said:
Must admit a modern adhesive must be an option.

Or you must have something like this over there
Glass and tile drill bits
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Well shoot, I just realized that in fact I have used one of these Milwaukee Hole saws before, but I had forgotten about it because it was much larger (1 inch) that the application I need now. I now remember that I bought a 1" version of this type of hole saw to cut the hole in a 12x24" porcelain tile to accommodate the shower head pipe in my shower. As I recall, that thing cut through that tile with only minimal effort (of course keeping it wet as Worked.)

So, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a set of three in different sized (3/16, 1/4 and 5/15). The listing says it's specifically for "all porcelain, tile, and stone." I'll practice on some scrap tile before attempting it on my finished floor (my fear is that I might crack a tile, which would be a disaster). My thought is to drill the holes in the porcelain tile (and underlying concrete) to a sufficient depth to allow me to insert a tight-fit plastic plug into which I can then screw the door slide to the surface. While I'm at it, just for good measure, I'll probably use some construction adhesive like FuzeIt just to add some strength.
 
I have used those carbide bits several times on wall tile but never a floor tile. I understand they are harder.
 
Bayless said:
I have used those carbide bits several times on wall tile but never a floor tile. I understand they are harder.
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The carbide bits, or so I've heard, don't work well on porcelain. These odd-looking diamond "hole saws" are not traditional drill bits in that they don't have a pointy tip and are diamond coated. When I get them I'll report on how well they work, but hopefully since the much larger 1" hole saw I used for the shower head pipe hole seemed to work pretty well, hopefully these much smaller versions will work similarly.
 
I've used the Milwaukee bits quite recently. The sizes you ordered will make quick work of the tile without cracking. Without the pilot bit, I got the drill up to speed before touching the tile. I also went in at an initial angle to cut a half moon groove. Once the groove is made, you can start centering the bit as you drill. This kept the bit from skating across the tile.
20250514_162024.jpg
.P.S. I'm not a fan of the plastic plugs. I would drill through the tile and concrete and use a wood screw into the sub floor.
 
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GregW said:
I've used the Milwaukee bits quite recently. The sizes you ordered will make quick work of the tile without cracking. Without the pilot bit, I got the drill up to speed before touching the tile. I also went in at an initial angle to cut a half moon groove. Once the groove is made, you can start centering the bit as you drill. This kept the bit from skating across the tile..P.S. I'm not a fan of the plastic plugs. I would drill through the tile and concrete and use a wood screw into the sub floor.
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. Thanks Greg. Only problem with the wood screws idea is that my tiles are on a concrete slab
 
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