Given the strength and beauty of the material, kitchen countertops and granite flooring are quite popular with builders and homeowners. Granite is available in various colors and finishes and, despite the rather high cost, continues to be one of the most used materials in construction and renovation projects. However, due to its hardness and relative friability, granite can be difficult to work with; to cut a tile you need special saws and you have to resort to industrial tools to cut the largest slabs. To drill the granite you need to take special precautions and have the right equipment. Using the wrong tool or drilling incorrectly can ruin the drill bit or crack the granite. Be that as it may, with the right tools and using the correct techniques any do-it-yourself lover can drill granite like a pro.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure it is absolutely necessary to drill into your granite surface
Consider other alternatives before you start drilling, especially if you are going to drill into a particularly expensive slab, such as a kitchen countertop, for example.
Step 2. Determine the ideal hole width
Step 3. Mark the area where you are going to drill
For small holes, you can make a dot. For larger holes use a template or draw a perfect circle that exactly matches the diameter of the hole you intend to make.
If you are concerned that the drill bit will deviate from its trajectory, use a vise to attach a perforated wooden plank to the marble counter and use the hole as a guide - which should be the size of the one you intend to make in the granite
Step 4. Place a stone slab under the point you are going to drill and tighten everything with a vice; this will prevent the granite from cracking underneath
For added safety and effectiveness, place a vise on both sides of the area you want to drill.
Step 5. Insert the diamond bit - the size you need - into your high speed drill or grinder using an adapter
- Make sure the bit is specific for drilling granite and that it can reach the depth you need.
- Diamond-core bits are believed to be particularly good for drilling granite; a good drill should be able to pierce a slab of about 2 cm in less than a minute.
Step 6. Start drilling at a constant speed
- Some drill bit manufacturers recommend using a little water to cool and lubricate the bit while drilling; others argue that, relying on their tips, this process is unnecessary. However, using water significantly reduces the dispersion of granite dust in the surrounding environment.
- If using water, dam around the hole area using pipe putty.
- If you don't use water, get someone to help you vacuum up the dust with a garden vacuum while you drill.
