Very often during construction and repair, there is a need to drill a hole in a granite slab. If you need a hole urgently and do not have time to wait for a craftsman, you can drill the hole yourself.
Drilling holes in granite can be a difficult and time-consuming process. However, with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to drill holes in granite without too much difficulty.
The first is the type of drill bit you will need. For granite, you need to use a carbide-tipped drill bit.
The second is the speed at which you drill. You need to drill slowly to avoid cracking the granite.
The third is the amount of pressure you apply. Again, you need to apply just enough pressure to avoid cracking the granite.
Due to the beauty of the pattern, the variety of colors, and its durability, this natural material is very much in demand in high- and high-class buildings, as well as in reconstruction projects of old buildings. Therefore, the issue of processing natural stone, including drilling granite, is relevant during construction and repair work.
How to drill granite – basic rules
Holes in granite stone are made only at the first or second speeds of the power tool. The rotation speed of the granite drill (the number of revolutions per 1 minute) is set depending on its size (diameter):
- For a drill with a diameter of 6 mm, the rotation speed is 2000 revolutions per minute;
- For a drill with a diameter of 12 mm – 950 revolutions/minute;
- For a drill diameter of 20 mm, 700 revolutions should be performed in 1 minute
As the diameter of the crown (tubular drill) increases, its rotation speed decreases.
The marking of a polished granite slab is made using masking tape, which is pre-glued to the material, after which the drilling sites are marked on it.
Methods of Drilling Holes in Granite Countertops
- The drill is positioned at a slight angle to the plate, after which a test groove is drilled. Next, the drill bit is smoothly placed in a perpendicular position. This is an important rule, and failure to comply with it will lead to the crown hanging on the polished surface of the material and not moving deeper into the plate.
- Inaccurate centering of the drill on granite and marble, as well as the lack of accumulated practical experience of the person performing drilling, can lead to the fact that the polished slab will be scratched. This can be avoided by first making a hole in an unnecessary granite trim. An accurately executed test hole will serve as a template for drilling holes already on the main plate.
What Is the Feature of Drilling Holes in Granite Countertops?
When drilling holes in granite countertops, it’s important to use a carbide-tipped drill bit. This type of drill bit is designed to cut through hard materials like granite. You’ll also need to use a water-cooled drill to prevent the drill bit from overheating. To drill the hole, start at a slow speed and increase the speed as you go. It’s also a good idea to tape off the area around the hole to prevent chips from flying into your face.
Once you’ve drilled the hole, you can then add a faucet or other fixture. If you’re adding a faucet, you’ll need to install a granite countertop support bracket to prevent the weight of the faucet from damaging the countertop.
What Tools Are Better to Use for Drilling Holes in Granite Countertops (Tools, Drills)?
There are a few different types of tools that can be used to drill holes in granite countertops. The best type of drill to use is a hammer drill.
- A hammer drill is a power drill that has a hammering action that helps to break up the granite.
- Another type of drill that can be used is a rotary drill. A rotary drill is a power drill that uses a rotating action to drill through the granite.
Drill bit
The best type of drill bit to use when drilling through granite is a carbide drill bit. Carbide drill bits are made of a harder material that helps to wear down the granite. The drill bit should be sharpened before each use to ensure that it is able to drill through the granite easily.
Speed
When drilling through granite, it is important to go slowly and use a lot of pressure. The granite will chip and break if the drill bit is not sharp enough or if the drill bit is not moving fast enough. It is also important to wear safety glasses when drilling through granite to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Tips
Beginners who do not yet know how to drill granite are advised to practice beforehand. For this, you can use a small piece of granite stone that was rejected or simply is not needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions are collected here.
Do you need a special drill bit for granite?
There are special drill bits made for drilling through granite, but with the proper technique, you can drill through granite with a regular masonry drill bit.
Will granite crack when drilled?
Granite can crack when drilled if the person drilling does not use the proper type of drill bit or if they apply too much pressure when drilling.
How hard is it to drill granite?
Granite is a very hard type of rock, so it can be difficult to drill through it. A drill bit that is made of granite may be required.
Conclusion
Thanks to the beauty of the pattern, the variety of colors, and its durability, this natural material is in high demand in buildings of high and high class, as well as in projects for the reconstruction of old buildings. Therefore, the issue of natural stone processing, including drilling granite, is relevant during construction and repair work.
Granite countertops have to be drilled for the water faucet, as it is often used in the kitchen. In this article, we figured out what you need to drill a granite countertop and how to drill it correctly. I hope this article has helped you to understand the topic.
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