Tile – Enlarge opening in porcelain tile already tiled

porcelaintiletiling

I have some small porcelain tiles, hexagonal, each approximately the same size as a tennis ball. The tiles have already been hung on the wall, cement board using a tile glue.

I am installing a wall sconce, but the mounting plate for the light has some small bumps on the back. My tiler made the hole slightly to small, so I need to remove an extra 1/4 inch of tile so the mounting plate sits flush.

Looking for recommendation on the best way to enlarge a hole on a tile already mounted on the wall. Pic for reference. Thanks!

Picture of electrical junction box in tiled wall

Best Answer

A rotary bit designed to cut tile, which are made for "cutout tools" (essentially a rough and lightweight router) - they will have a diamond pattern on the SIDES of the bit, as they are made to cut sideways more than to drill, and a drill bit is not what you want.

Tile saw bit from Lowes - not a purchase recommendation, just an example You can use one in a drill you probably already own for a small cut like this, if you are patient and wear appropriate safety gear (eye protection and dust protection. Ear protection as well would be wise.) If you happen to have a cutout tool already, you'd probably have thought of this already, but perhaps not if you think of it only as a drywall tool. For a job this small I doubt it's worth purchasing the power tool specifically, but the fact that the bits are made for it will allow you to get the job done with what you have - or you could rent/borrow one.

I would NOT put one in my router, simply because the tile dust is prone to damaging tools/motors, and a cheap cutout tool is far better to abuse than an expensive router.

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