Using Hammer Drill on Granite

[Frank]

The contractor that will be installing my shower walls, who works for the shower wall manufacturer, says he uses a hammer drill when drilling granite. He has about 15 holes to drill in 1/2" granite tile that's 5" wide, and 3 holes to drill in my 3 cm slab. I get nervous when I here "hammer drill" and "granite" used in the same sentence. Is this common or safe?

Thanks
Frank

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[JTG]

If he has been doing this for awile I'm sure he knows what will work and what won't. I wouldn't worry.
JTG

[jadnashua]

I've not drilled into my slabs, but I've drilled probably 15-20 holes in granite tiles with my hammer drill...if the tile is properly installed (no voide underneath), it'll work fine.

[Mike2]

For others who might come along reading this thread:

My take on this hammer drill business is VERY risky, very risky business indeed. We have a thread in the Liberry on the proper way to drill holes in tiles. :nod:

Let the hammer driller beware. :o

[DonB]

Hi Frank,

I wouldn't do it but if the contractor's buying, what difference does it make? I know using a hammer drill on uninstalled porcelain tile is an excellent way to break it.

Don

[Frank]

There is no way to match the slabs if this one gets broke, it's a 3 piece tub deck and without the same lot it wouldn't look good, same way with the tile. I have diamond tip granite drill bits, I might insist he uses them. The bits I have must be kept wet, my idea is to use some plumbers putty, twist it into a rope and circle where I need to drill. Then fill the small puddle with water to cool the bit. I don't know what I'll do with the overhead holes that need drilled.

[jadnashua]

use a pump spray bottle and a rain hat.

[GraniteGirl]

Don't use the plumbers putty on the stone. The oil in the putty is almost guaranteed to stain your stone. Build a duct tape/masking tape dam in stead.