Many installations in kitchens involve making attachments on a tiled surface. It is essential to use the correct technique for drilling through tiles so they do not crack. The dust created from drilling ceramic tiles can discolor grout and sealant, so try to vacuum dust from the hole as you drill it.

Step 1

Prepare to Drill

Mark the point for the attachment using a felt-tip pen. Apply some masking tape over the mark — it should still be visible (Image 1). (Tape will help keep the bit from sliding.)

Fit a tile drill bit and switch off any hammer action (Image 2).

Step 2

Drill a Hole

Position a vacuum cleaner below the mark and switch it on. Start up the drill on a low speed, and slowly increase the speed (Image 1).

Once through the tile, exchange the bit for a masonry bit or wood bit, depending on the surface below (Image 2). Drill to the required depth.

Step 3

Plug the Hole

Once you have drilled the hole, remove the masking tape from the tile surface (Image 1).

Plug the hole with the appropriate anchor and insert the fastener as required (Image 2).