Need to make a circle in ceramic wall tile

[alexkuzn]

I have a leaking bath tub faucet. Repair requires to cut a circle hole arount faucet to access its guts. What would be best way to do it? I have a Dremel tool and concidering buying a tile cutting bit.

Thanks.

[sleepdog]

You can get a hole cutting drill bit for tile. I think they go up to an inch or more in diameter at HD. Depends on how far the faucet stem sticks out of the wall. If you plan on replacing the stem maybe cut it off it gets in the way of cutting?

[SQLit]

The box store bits are carbide. The directions say to cut from the back. IE NOT from the glaze. I have one and just used it for my shower head.

My suggestion is a diamond blade 4 inches and a grinder. Cut a square hole smaller than the trim. Diamond blades are not that expensive at harbor freight. One blade one hole worth the 8 bucks for me.

[Sacramento Dave]

[Alex]

It'll be a tile and a cement board(looks like green color Sheetrock)

[Sacramento Dave]

I would try to get the tile off in one piece ( not easy) unless you have extra tile or can get it. You could use a small cold chisels to make hole. What is leaking? and are you sure? I have a feeling your hole will get larger once you get into it.

[siralfred]

why cut a circular hole? You will need to replace the tile anyway - or are you getting a new faucet with a larger escutcheon plate? If you have tile left over from installation you're good to go. Just scratch out the grout and knock out the tiles around the faucet to get the access you need. Your biggest challenge will be to repair the backer (cement or greenboard?) once your faucet repair is done.

[G Henslee]

4" grinder w/ dry cutting diamond blade. You need to add more detail for specific help.

[Alex]

I am replacing a central assembly part of my faucet. It's round and has little smaller diameter than the decorative cover plate. I can't break existing tile since I don't have the same kind of tile to replace it.

If I can make a round hole(square hole won't work since replacement part is round and not much smaller than cover plate) I will be able to replace part and save the tile. Under the tile is a cement board.

Thanks.

[Alex]

Here is the answer. I've bought a tile cutting bit for Dremel for $6 and a Guide Cutting Kit that keeps bit perpendicular to cutting surface.

Cutting bit works pretty well. I worked slowly applied light pressure and wet tile surface frequently. Guide Cutting Kit wasn't necessary. In fact it gets in the way.