How to Drill into Tile, Brick and Concrete

Drilling into tile, brick or concrete requires a different approach than drilling into wood or drywall. Using the wrong bit or tool setting can crack a tile, dull your bit instantly, or leave a ragged hole that won’t hold an anchor. This guide explains which bits to use for each material, how to set up your drill, and how to prepare the hole so your anchors fit securely and the surrounding surface stays intact.

What You Need

Having the right bits and accessories on hand before you start makes the job go smoothly. Below is a list of what you will need for each material.

Drill Bits by Material

• Brick, block and concrete: Use a carbide-tipped masonry bit. These bits have a hardened tip that can handle the abrasive nature of masonry without dulling quickly.
• Ceramic wall tile: A tile or glass bit with a carbide ground-point tip works well for softer tile. For harder materials such as porcelain or glazed tile, a diamond-tipped bit or a diamond core bit is the better choice because it grinds through the hard surface rather than trying to cut it.

For a broad selection of drill bits suitable for these materials, see the drill bit sets page.

Drill and Settings

• Hammer drill function: Use the hammer mode only for brick, block and concrete. The hammering action helps the bit pulverize the material ahead of the tip.
• Rotary-only mode: Use this setting for tile. Never use hammer mode on tile; the impact will crack or shatter it.
• Side handle: Install the side handle on your drill and hold it with both hands whenever you drill into masonry. The bit can grab unexpectedly as it passes through voids or hard spots, and the second handle gives you better control.

Safety Gear

• Eye protection: Safety glasses or goggles are essential. Chips and dust fly off masonry bits at high speed.
• Dust mask or respirator: Masonry dust contains crystalline silica, which is harmful to your lungs when inhaled. Wear at least an N95 respirator or a dust mask rated for silica.
• Hearing protection: Drilling into masonry with hammer mode is loud. Earplugs or earmuffs are recommended.

Other Items

• Pipe and wire detector: Before drilling into any wall or floor, use a detector to locate hidden pipes, electrical cables or rebar. Drilling into a live wire or water line is dangerous and expensive.
• Masking or painter’s tape: Placing tape over the spot where you plan to drill on tile keeps the bit from wandering and reduces the risk of chipping.
• Spray bottle with water: For diamond bits used on hard tile, keeping the bit cool with water prevents overheating and extends bit life. Check the bit manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended cooling method.
• Vacuum or blow bulb: You need a way to clear dust from the hole before inserting anchors.
• Anchors: Wall anchors come in various types for hollow walls, brick and concrete. Match the anchor to the weight of what you are hanging and follow the package instructions for the correct drill bit size.

You can find general accessory guidance on the tool accessories page.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Locate Hidden Hazards

Run a pipe and wire detector over the area where you plan to drill. Mark any live cables, water pipes or reinforcing steel with a pencil. If you detect something, move your hole location well away from the hazard. When drilling into a tiled wall that backs onto plumbing or wiring, be extra cautious and consider using a shorter bit if you only need a shallow hole.

2. Prepare the Surface

For tile, press a piece of tape over the spot and mark the center. The tape gives the bit a textured surface to grip, which prevents it from sliding. For brick and concrete, you can mark directly on the surface with a pencil or a marker. If the surface is dusty, wipe it clean first so your mark stays visible.

3. Set Up Your Drill

• For tile: Set the drill to rotary-only mode. Select a tile bit or diamond bit that matches the desired hole diameter. Insert the bit fully into the chuck and tighten securely.
• For brick and concrete: Install a carbide-tipped masonry bit. Set the drill to hammer mode. Attach the side handle and grip the drill with both hands.

4. Start the Hole

• Tile: Start at a low speed with very light pressure. Let the bit do the work. Drill at a slight angle at first to create a small notch, then straighten the drill to vertical. The notch helps prevent the bit from skating. Keep the speed low throughout to avoid overheating the tile. For diamond bits, apply a small stream of water to the drilling area if the bit maker recommends wet drilling. If the manufacturer specifies dry use, take frequent breaks to let the bit cool.
• Brick and concrete: Begin at low speed with moderate pressure. Once the bit has established a small divot, you can increase the speed and apply steady, firm pressure. Let the hammer action do the heavy work; pushing too hard will overheat the bit. Pull the bit out periodically to clear dust from the flutes.

5. Drill to Depth

Drill until you reach the depth needed for your anchor. A common approach is to place a piece of tape on the bit at the required depth as a visual marker. For tile, once you have penetrated the tile, you may encounter a softer backing material such as drywall or mortar. Switch to a masonry bit if you need to continue into brick or concrete behind the tile, and only turn on hammer mode once you are past the tile.

6. Clear the Dust

After drilling, remove the bit and blow or vacuum the dust out of the hole. A blow bulb or a narrow nozzle on a shop vacuum works well. For overhead holes, tilt the vacuum to let the dust fall out. The hole must be clean so the anchor can seat fully and grip the sides of the hole.

7. Insert the Anchor

Choose an anchor rated for the weight you plan to hang and for the type of wall material. Check the anchor package for the required drill bit diameter. If the bit you used is the correct size, the anchor should slide in snugly. Tap it flush with a hammer if needed. For screw-in anchors, drive them until they are flush with the surface.

Common Mistakes

Using Hammer Mode on Tile

The most frequent error is leaving the drill in hammer mode when drilling through tile. The impact vibrations crack the tile surface before the bit even penetrates. Always switch to rotary-only for tile.

Pressing Too Hard

Forcing the bit into masonry or tile generates heat that dulls the tip and can glaze or crack the surface. Apply steady, moderate pressure and let the bit cut at its own pace.

Mismatching Bit Size to Anchor

Drilling a hole that is too large prevents the anchor from gripping. A hole that is too small makes it impossible to insert the anchor or may damage the material. Always read the anchor package for the recommended bit diameter.

Skipping Tape on Tile

Without tape, the bit can slide across the smooth glazed surface, leaving a scratch or starting the hole in the wrong spot. The tape only takes a few seconds to apply and prevents a costly mistake.

Troubleshooting

The Bit Skids Across the Tile

If the bit refuses to stay put, reapply a fresh piece of tape and make a small dent with a center punch or a sharp nail. Tap gently with a hammer to create a tiny dimple. This gives the bit a starting point.

The Hole Is Too Shallow for the Anchor

Stop drilling and check your depth. If you have not yet reached the required depth, continue drilling with steady pressure. For concrete, you may need a longer bit if the hole is unusually deep. If you have already drilled as deep as your bit allows, choose a shorter anchor.

The Anchor Won’t Fit Into the Hole

Clear any remaining dust from the hole with a vacuum or blow bulb. If the hole is still too tight, your bit may have been slightly undersized compared to the anchor recommendation. In that case, try a different anchor that matches the hole diameter, or re-drill with the correct bit size.

The Tile Cracks Around the Hole

This usually happens because of hammer mode, excessive pressure, or too high a speed. If the tile is already cracked, remove the damaged tile and replace it before proceeding. Next time, use a diamond bit at low speed with no hammer action.

Drilling Produces Excessive Dust

Masonry drilling creates fine dust that spreads through the room. Use a drill dust collector cup that fits over the bit, or have a helper hold a vacuum hose near the drilling spot. This cuts down cleanup time and reduces airborne dust.

FAQ

Can I use a regular drill instead of a hammer drill for brick or concrete?

You can use a standard drill with a carbide-tipped masonry bit for soft brick or block, but you will need to apply more pressure and the work will go slower. For concrete, a hammer drill is strongly recommended because the hammer action breaks up the aggregate and speeds up the cut. Without it, the bit may glaze over or stall.

Should I use water when drilling tile with a diamond bit?

Follow the bit maker’s instructions. Many diamond bits for porcelain require water cooling to prevent the bond from softening and the diamonds from losing grip. For ceramic tile, some diamond bits are rated for dry use. If you are unsure, wet drilling is the safer choice. Use a spray bottle to apply a light stream of water to the bit tip while drilling.

How do I know what size drill bit to use for a wall anchor?

Check the anchor package. The manufacturer lists the recommended drill bit diameter on the packaging. If you lost the package, refer to the standard that anchor size and bit size are matched: the bit diameter equals the anchor body diameter. When in doubt, drill a test hole in a scrap piece of similar material to confirm the fit before drilling the actual hole.

Do I need to wear a dust mask when drilling into masonry?

Yes. Drilling into brick, concrete or mortar releases crystalline silica dust, which can cause serious lung disease over time with repeated exposure. Wear a dust mask rated at least N95 or a half-face respirator with particulate filters. A regular cloth mask is not sufficient.

Final Tips

Before you start, read the manual that came with your drill and bits. Check that your anchors are suited to the material you are drilling into and to the weight you plan to hang. Match your bit size to the anchor package, keep the hole clean, and always work with both hands on the tool. Taking these steps helps you drill safely and get a result that holds securely.