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Our bathroom walls are completely tiled from floor to ceiling. I need to install a couple extra towel bars to hang towels for drying. What is the best way to install a towel bar without cracking the tiles? Should I drill into the grout between the tiles? We looked into getting a freestanding towel rack but the ones we looked at were too small or too cheaply made.
You really need a good masonry bit for a drill to get through the tile. Mark where the holes need to be and tape over it which will help prevent cracking. Also, go slowly with the bit until you break through the outer layer of the tile.
Lowes and Home depot sell a diamond spade bit in several sizes, about $6. Drill slow to not burn up bit. Use a expandable tampon or hollow wall anchor(Hilti, Redhead) if you do not hit a stud.
I have found chipping the tile just slightly at the spot I am going to drill in the tile to be helpful to keep the bit from skipping across the tile. I use a sharp nail such as a drywall nail and a gentle tap of the hammer to make a spot.
That is great as long as you do nto crack the tile.
I use tape or a blob of clay to help prevent cracking. I have heard the caulk works well too. I also found that it helps to keep the drill bit cool and lubricated. I dribbled a bit of colds soapy water down the bit to accomplish both purposes. You just have to be careful and take your time. Cracking a tile is a disaster.
Learn from my mistake. Make really really certain that your location is definitely where you want the towel rack first. It stinks to get one put up and then realize that you really want one somewhere else.
By the way, I would nto drill at the grout if you can avoid it. At least for me it seems like tile is more likely to crack at the edge than in the middle.
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