How to screw into tile?

[bettyrocker]

Hi everyone 👋

Im going to install some open shelves in my kitchen and would love some advice on the best way to go about attaching to tile wall. 

I’ve got the brackets, it’s difficult to tell if there are studs behind the tile so I think it’s safest to assume there isn’t. Im guessing this means I should use some type of plug?

What type of screw or plug would you recommend so my shelves don’t collapse 🤣 thanks in advance!

[EricL]

Hello @bettyrocker 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's marvellous to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about drilling into tiles.

I suggest using QEP 8mm Diamond Tile Drill Bit, I've used this drill bit on ceramic and porcelain tiles, and it's an excellent drill bit. However, it's important that you use the water-cooling system that comes with it to prevent heating up the drill head and the tile. If too much heat is generated it will ruin the drill bit and split the tile. 

To anchor your brackets, I recommend using Ramset 8 x 50mm Universal Anchor - 20 Pack. This screw set will work on concrete, plasterboard, timber and hollow wall applications.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[clarexp]

what will happen when I need to replace the shelf? how to take the screw out without damage the tiles?

[JacobZ]

Hi @clarexp,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you join us.

The method of drilling through the tile to install an anchor is inherently damaging to the tile, the damage is simply localised to a single hole that an anchor is put through.

Removing the screw that has been driven into the anchor will not create more damage, but there will be a hole left over. 

This hole can be patched with the use of a suitably coloured silicone sealant to return the tile to an aesthetically similar state, but please remember, there is no way to return the tile to its original undamaged state.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob