Icemaker Install
#11
New house has nice ceramic tile floors but no hole for the Icemaker line. 
I need to drill a hole in the floor for the water line and when I pulled out the fridge I discovered that the tiles extended under it. - DARN!  My first attempt started out well. A 1/2 in. masonry bit in a regular cordless drill started the hole but quickly became visibly dulled & useless. Conventional wisdom suggested a hammer drill another bit. 
What kind of bit ?? How long will it last ??  I can probably rent a hammer drill at Home Depot but I don't want to buy 3 more $10  masonry bits
Ideas and suggestions cheerfully accepted

PS  We love the tile. It's hard when barefoot but much easier to clean after 24 years with a hardwood kitchen floor.
TIA.................George
Reply
#12
I've used this set to drill clean 1/2" holes in porcelain tiles. Lowes/HD might sell something similar. Amazon

I wouldn't use any impact tools that might crack the tiles.
Reply
#13
(10-07-2021, 01:16 PM)joe1086 Wrote: I've used this set to drill clean 1/2" holes in porcelain tiles. Lowes/HD might sell something similar. Amazon

I wouldn't use any impact tools that might crack the tiles.

+1 exactly what i would use,  go slow with the drill and some water.    Home Depot ,Lowes, and Menards all have them by the tile tools.     Roly
Reply
#14
Can you go up through the wall just behind the fridge? I would use an icemaker outlet box like this.  do a search at your Lowes or HD as they have different versions for PEX, PVC, etc.
Reply
#15
I also went up the wall into a recessed box. In my case was PEX line attached to sharkbite brand box w fitting. Once you cut the large hole into the wall for the box you'll have to figure out how to angle the drill bit to go through the 2x4 floor plates. In my case I had the walls open anyway so was easier.
Reply
#16
(10-07-2021, 01:16 PM)joe1086 Wrote: I've used this set to drill clean 1/2" holes in porcelain tiles. Lowes/HD might sell something similar. Amazon

I wouldn't use any impact tools that might crack the tiles.

I used this set to drill a faucet hole thru a granite countertop and it worked great. Should work better for your situation than a masonry bit.
Reply
#17
A hammer drill will destroy the tile. The tile is harder than carbide so that's a no-go. A diamond drill will work for you. 1/2" at Home Depot
Neil Summers Home Inspections




" What would Fred do?"

... CLETUS











Reply
#18
Is there a reason why you have to drill though the middle of a tile?  It would be much easier to drill through a grout joint.
Bob
Reply
#19
(10-10-2021, 01:07 AM)BobW Wrote: Is there a reason why you have to drill though the middle of a tile?  It would be much easier to drill through a grout joint.

No. I put the hole as close to the rear wall as possible of fish the line through the wall.
Neil Summers Home Inspections




" What would Fred do?"

... CLETUS











Reply
#20
(10-09-2021, 05:00 AM)Snipe Hunter Wrote: A hammer drill will destroy the tile. The tile is harder than carbide so that's a no-go. A diamond drill will work for you. 1/2" at Home Depot

This is the way I would do it as well. I make a quick and dirty template out of 1/4" masonite/scrap plywood. Make a hole in the template to act as a well for the water that you will spray on the bit continuously as you drill. I tape the template to the floor. Has worked well for me.
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

Product Recommendations

Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.