Drilling Through Tile

[Creato]

I'm finishing up my bathroom renovation and will be installing my shower doors this week. They're by-pass style by Sterling being installed in a 53" opening (http://www.sterlingplumbing.com/onli...num=5305EZ-59).
My question is this: has anyone installed the side and bottom rails with only silicone caulk and not the screws. Once set, caulk is very strong. I ask this as I'm stressing over drilling the holes through the tile for the screws for fear of cracking the tile.

Thanks,
Joe

[Brad Denny]

Hi Joe,
I wouldn't think the caulk will be enough. Over time it will degrade a bit and it would be unsafe not to have it stabilized with screws. What kind of tile do you have?

[Creato]

It's porcelain.

[Brad Denny]

HD has glass and tile bits that are shaped like a spade on the end. I've had luck with these though they don't last long. There are others out there that will last, but if you need less than ten holes you'll be fine as they can be pricey. You can use them in a cordless, letting the bit eat through without tons of pressure. Drill for a four count then stop and put the head into a cup of water to cool. Repeat until drilled and let it totally cool before going to the next hole. Heat is what you want to avoid. Oh, it's good to use the smallest bit in the set then work your way up to the largest for your final hole.

[GHR]

What do the instruction say to do? The page you linked to says there's "...no cutting or drilling required." How do they state to fasten the frame? Is there an online link to the instructions I didn't see?

[GHR]

To add to what Brad said. If you don't find the bits in the tile area, try where the regular drill bits are. You might get lucky and have a store where the employees aren't idiots so they stock tile stuff together, but it's not likely...

[Brad Denny]

I haven't seen a system like this, but it works like a tension shower rod. I guess they'll stand behind it being installed like this, so you can disregard everything I've said

[Creato]

Hold up guys, I stuck the wrong link in here-- I didn't realize thay had an "EZ" version of this shower door. Anyway, here's install instructions for the one I've got: http://www.sterlingplumbing.com/onli.../1034037_2.pdf

Thanks,
Joe

[Brad Denny]

Ok, disregard what I said about disregarding me . The center punch might be useful, but we're talking about a little itty bitty tap, just enough to roughen the surface for the bit.

[Creato]

Brad,
Have you used (or anyone else) the drill bits at the TYW store? http://www.constructioncomplete.com/...inePTC316.html
I really don't have a problem spending $50 for a bit if it can save me from a cracked tile. I'd rather spend the money and save me massive frustration!

Joe

[GHR]

Is the EZ version much more expensive? Sound like you might be better off using that one if it'll fit the opening you have. Lots less work with that tile bit.

[Brad Denny]

I do have a 5/16" PTC, but have only used it once so far. It cuts great, but I'd used the HD bits on four different grab bars before I bought the good stuff. The fourth one went slow, but it worked.

[Creato]

GHR- Yeah, I agree, except... this door was a special order from the Blue Box, and I don't want to wait another three weeks-- Oh man, I can just hear my wife now. It would definitely be the couch for me!

[Creato]

Brad- These wall jambs call for three holes each- six total. I'm liking the PTC bit the more I think about this.

[Brad Denny]

I like good tools, too. I usually end up on the couch for that reason.