Nowadays, the question quite often arises of how to drill a hole in a granite sink. A similar circumstance is connected with the fact that in most cases, when purchasing the specified plumbing product, it does not have the mounting holes necessary for installing a mixer or flush switch.

Of course, the most simple option There will be help from specialists, although if you follow the basic recommendations, you can perform this procedure yourself.

Types of “granite” sinks

Despite the fact that almost all sanitary ware manufacturers call their sinks granite, in reality this is not entirely true. And a more appropriate term would be “artificial stone.” So, each manufacturer has its own idea of ​​what belongs to this category and what components should be present in such a product.

For us, before choosing a cutting tool for drilling mounting holes, it is very important to know what kind of material we will have to deal with (various degrees of density and hardness).

Therefore, when the sink has already been delivered, the first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with technical characteristics products and specify the type of base material. Most often, porcelain stoneware, polymer-mineral compositions (fragranite, silgranite) or acrylic stone are used for the manufacture of such plumbing fixtures.

How to drill a porcelain stoneware sink

Among the above materials, porcelain stoneware is the most durable. Plus, this component is quite resistant to chemical and temperature influences and can easily withstand mechanical stress. His distinctive feature is ringing sound, which just indicates the minimal presence of artificial additives.

The downside of such strength is the difficulty of processing porcelain stoneware, and it will be unrealistic to make a hole in such a sink with a regular drill. That is why in this case it will be possible to drill a hole using cutting tools (mills, drills, crowns) equipped with hard alloy tips (for example, diamond).

When working with such a tool, you should be very careful and not allow it to overheat, for which it is recommended to cool the drills (crowns) with water (supplied to the drilling site in a thin stream) and drill at low speeds (not higher than 400 rpm).

As a continuous feed device cold water can serve plastic bottle with a hole in the lid. By pressing on a bottle of water, the resulting stream flowing to the drilling site will cool the tool well. You can find out more about the technique of cutting porcelain stoneware in the following article.

Cutting tool must be constantly in the water.

How to drill a sink from agglomerate

The second most durable material for making kitchen sinks is fragranite (silgranite), which is why it will be somewhat easier to prepare a hole in this element. In addition, many brands offer the user to simply knock out the required hole using a metal rod (8mm in diameter). Why are areas with prepared recesses provided in the product? This is done so that the user can independently choose the location of the mixer depending on the right or left position of the wing.

If you are not ready to use the proposed method (there is a possibility of chipping), then again you can use a diamond-coated cutter (crown) and make a hole according to the algorithm described above.

A more affordable option would be to use a Fostner cutter, which will also cope with the task. However, after a couple of such drillings, the cutter will not be suitable for subsequent use.

Often, agglomerate sinks provide places for knocking out holes, but despite this, many consumers complain that they cannot knock out a hole without problems. Since a visible chip may form on the front of the sink. To prevent this from happening, you should carefully study the instructions for installing the plumbing fixture, and only after that begin the work.

If we consider the manufacturer’s recommendations, then to punch holes in the product, you should use a metal core with a diameter of about 8 mm and strike at a strictly marked point on the front side of the product (usually the places for installing the mixer are indicated by a sticker of a signal color - yellow, red or green). If you try to perform this operation from the back of the sink, there is a possibility of chipping.

Well, in order not to carry out this work by weight, it is more justified to first install the sink in a given place, and only then, using a core and a hammer, make a hole in a strictly designated place.

Please note that the location of the proposed hole should have a cylindrical recess on the back of the sink.

How to drill a sink from acrylic stone

Due to the fact that acrylic stone is the least durable among the listed materials, it is easiest to drill holes in it. And even an ordinary wood drill can cope with the task. However, given that the standard hole for installing a mixer should have a diameter of 35mm, it is still more justified to use a pen drill or a Faustner drill.

Plumbing is a fragile business. . . The main thing is to organize it correctly workplace. Therefore it is recommended to use wooden joists, which will successfully replace the usual wooden pallet for drywall or foam concrete. Everyone who has started a renovation probably has one. You need to place the sink on a pallet, and place the intended place for drilling so that it is just between the boards. Now, in order: how to drill a hole in the sink.

The standard diameter of the part of the mixer immersed under the sink does not exceed 35mm. Therefore, standard sink holes are quite suitable. But kitchen sinks from some companies (we are talking specifically about ceramic and porcelain stoneware products) are supplied without any holes for faucets at all. This is due to the fact that some faucet models are installed on the wall rather than on the side of the sink. Therefore, the question of how to drill a ceramic sink or porcelain stoneware sink is more relevant than ever. Although, with a drill and the appropriate type of drill, this is a matter of minutes; even a teenager can handle it.

Using a bit with a diamond core (for example, D35m), you will not need to cool the drill or add water to the hole. This is all yesterday. It is important to buy a suitable crown - any construction supermarket will tell you what to choose. With it, in a matter of seconds, you can create a hole in a ceramic sink with smooth edges, without chips or cracks. It can also drill holes in ceramic tiles And natural stone. The following explains how to install the faucet on the sink. After all, this is an important part of the process, so that the resulting cut is covered and water does not get through it under the sink.

Almost every model of faucet designed for installation on the side of a sink has a protective ring-plug, sometimes with rubber gasket. This design does not require additional measures. Otherwise, depending on the product model, it is important additional elements waterproofing: fum tape, rubber ring with a diameter of 35mm, or silicone putty. Often this knowledge will be useful to those who are wondering how to install a tulip sink. After all, it requires several holes with a diameter of 35 mm in the ceramic tiles of the wall for the sewerage and water supply outlets.

A person who is doing his own plumbing for the first time can be advised not to neglect complete set tools designed for this. To connect pipes, be sure to use fittings with fum tape or oiled tow; install shut-off valve elements (shut-off taps). This will prolong the operation of the entire system.

Well, in order not to be interested later in how to eliminate the smell from the sink, be sure to install siphons under each drain hole and clean them periodically (at least once every six months). This will ensure you have fresh air in the bathroom and kitchen, easy drainage and exemplary home hygiene.

The absence of special holes for faucets or taps in sinks that are produced in our time cannot be called a defect, it is just a necessity. The fact is that installation technologies for such products require several location options for the sink itself. The modern assortment offers several standard diameters for plumbing fixtures, so it is quite difficult to guess the size in advance. It's better not to guess once again and don’t take risks, but figure out how to make a hole in a stainless steel sink yourself for a faucet.

Types of modern sinks

The two main types of kitchen sinks that are in greatest demand today are stainless steel and ceramic. Manufacturers are in no hurry to make holes in them, placing this work entirely on the shoulders of sellers and end consumers.

Important! If you wish, you can agree directly in the store to drill a hole required size. The cost of such manipulation is quite reasonable; all you have to do is indicate the location, diameter, and make payment. As a result, you will receive ready product with designated places for installing mixers and taps.

It would seem that the problem has been solved, but in practice situations often arise that do not coincide at all with the plans of consumers. For example, when ordering a kitchen non-standard sizes, or the kitchen equipment itself, if the owner of the house is left-handed, the hole in her new sink is located on the right side, which is incredibly inconvenient for her.

Before cutting a hole in the sink for the faucet, first install it, take a good look, and only then decide where to make places for the nests. If you still decide to do everything yourself, then use the following useful recommendations:

1. Perform all manipulations with the product immediately before installing it in a permanent location - this will prevent premature damage and deformation of the item.
2. The sink should be installed horizontally on wooden base, then drill a hole with a special drill.
3. If you use a punch and a hammer, punch a sufficiently fixed bowl manually with special nozzles, previously selected to match the diameter of the holes of the faucet or mixer in the new sink.
4. If you want to use a specially designed punch, please note that it operates using the extrusion method. As a rule, such a device consists of two nozzles and a threaded pin, a pressing washer and a tap. It is enough to replace the pin with outside, screw on the washer, tighten and press.
5. The use of a special drill involves the use of a cone-shaped drill that works according to the simplest principle.
6. When purchasing a mixer with large diameter glasses, it becomes necessary to prepare a special mounting socket. This problem can be solved in two ways - you can order a socket in the store or drill several holes around a circle with a smaller diameter.

How to make a hole in a ceramic sink with your own hands?

Making a hole in a ceramic sink for a faucet yourself is quite simple. The work includes the following stages:

• Make a mark where you want the hole to be, then drill.

Important! This seemingly simple manipulation in practice causes many problems for inexperienced people. Here you cannot use a drill with a pobedit stand, because instead of drilling, it peels or chips the material. A metal drill has proven itself to be excellent here, but it will require a drill with minimal speed, preferably a hand drill.

• Walk the tool several times along the partitions between the holes.

Important! Remember that when drilling, ceramics can heat up quickly, so this must be controlled. It is better to drill with a thin drill and work around the entire perimeter of the future nest.

• Use an electric soldering iron to cut the lines and knock out the plugs with a hammer.
• Cut the material with a jigsaw so that the edges are perfectly smooth.
• Sand the circumference of the socket with a round abrasive pad. If you don't have one on hand, you can use a round file.

Important! Some modern bowls already have special marks on which you just need to hit them accurately with a hammer to make a hole. But it is recommended to do this as carefully as possible so as not to destroy the material.

How to make a hole for a faucet in a stainless steel sink?

There are several proven options for cutting a hole in a sink for a mixer tap made of stainless steel. It is impossible to make such holes in already installed plumbing fixtures, since they may crack due to their support on the countertop. If possible, rent or buy a special cutter to make your job easier.

Prepare the following tools:

• Mounting tape.
• Marker.
• Round file.
• Hammer.
• Kerner.

Instructions for making a hole look like this:

1. Before starting work, the sink should be turned upside down so that all edges rest against the table surface.
2. Make a circle of the required shape and size from mounting tape, attach it to the selected location, and outline it with a marker.
3. Mark the center to make it easier to make a hole with a center punch.
4. Direct the tip of the center punch to the center of a circle made from mounting tape and punch the starting hole with smooth tapping movements.
5. Using a round file, widen the starting hole to the previously marked dimensions.
6. Carefully sand the edges of the cut to obtain an exit of the required diameter.
7. Apply sealant to the edges of the fresh cut.
8. You can install a sink.

When purchasing a sink made of acrylic stone, the client often encounters a similar difficulty as the lack of a hole for the faucet. Of course, you should contact specialists, but decide this question possible without outside help.

In order to understand how to drill a sink from acrylic stone , you need to figure out from the very beginning what it is made of. There is no clear definition of “acrylic stone”, so various manufacturers call it this term. different materials, distinguished by density and features.

The most popular are:

• ceramic granite;
• stone agglomerate (fragranite, silgranite and their analogues);
• fake diamond.

When working with each of these materials there are specific specifics. To form with that , What kind of drill to use to drill out a sink made of acrylic stone, you need to understand from the very beginning what was actually purchased.

Porcelain stoneware countertops Porcelain stoneware is considered the most durable and durable of the materials listed above. It is not afraid of temperature and chemical influences, is resistant to impacts, scratches, and so on. It stands out due to its ringing “glass” sound. Other types of acrylic stone produce a duller sound due to the addition of plastic and polymer-based materials. Despite the fact that making a hole in other materials is easier than drilling a sink made of ceramic granite , Quite often the choice of users falls on it. Taking into account the unusual density of the material, ordinary drills will be powerless here.

Only a crown or a carbide-tipped drill, preferably diamond, can handle ceramic granite. It will also be possible to work with sintered annular drills, but their price is much higher, so they are selected infrequently, only if there is a need for a significant amount of work. Due to its great strength, when working with such material it is necessary to cool the drill and the working surface with water. It is necessary to work with ceramic granite at very low speeds (300-400 no more).

Read more about how to drill ceramic granite in this material.

Where to cut the hole?

Another significant question that will arise no matter what materials the sink was purchased from is to cut a hole in it from the front after the installation has taken place? Or should I do this before installation and from the rear?

Each method has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

In the first option, the edges on the front side will be much smoother, but there is a possibility of damaging the front side of the sink with a drill, and if it has a narrow side, then splitting the edge.

In another option, the risk of ruining the bowl is much less, but there is a possibility of getting a sloppy edge of the hole on the front side. In many cases this is not a problem, since the edges of the hole are closed with a tap. When turning over, there is an option to unintentionally make a hole on the wrong side, so it is best to select the side on which you want to install the water tap.

In any of the methods, it is best to place the hole further from the edge of the product, but without touching the bowl. To do this, at the beginning of work, you need to attach the bottom nut of the water tap to the sink and highlight its center.

Differences between stone algomerate shells

If, for example, you purchased a sink made of stone agglomerate, it will be a little easier to work with.

Artificial stone sink made from agglomerate Well-known manufacturers in most cases include a cutter or core, which knocks out a piece of stone that has already been drilled, but not completely. If they are not present, then great option use a diamond-coated cutter or crown and proceed as you would when working with ceramic granite.

A Fostner cutter will also cut a hole in a stone agglomerate product. But be prepared for the fact that you will need to sharpen it later, or even throw it away completely.

Be sure to read the instructions and operating rules before taking any action, so as not to accidentally void the product warranty.

Fake diamond

If the sink is realized as a single unit with the countertop and the same color as it, then it is acrylic decorative rock. Of the materials listed above, this one has the lowest density, making it the easiest to work with. If the purchased sink is made from artificial stone, then the answer to the question of how to drill a sink from acrylic stone is very simple - traditional drills for working with metal or wood.

The hole for a typical water tap, in many cases, has a diameter of 35 mm. In a product made of artificial stone it is easy to drill feather drill for woodworking or a forstner cutter of similar diameter. You need to work at low or average speeds. When this material is drilled, the vast majority of shavings will appear, and plastic, which is part of the artificial stone, produces bad smell, somewhat reminiscent of epoxy-based glue.

Sink made of acrylic stoneAcrylic stone is the softest of all acrylic stone options, due to which a significant part of the countertops are made from it. If there is a need to make a hole in it for a sink or hob, it is better to practice in advance in the middle of the cut part so as not to damage the entire tabletop. Despite the fact that artificial stone can be sawed with a jigsaw without any problems, it is not advisable to make cuts with it. While working with a jigsaw, stress concentrators often appear (sharp transitions, sharp corners, small cracks) that affect the life of the product.

Gone are the days when the vast majority of people had enamel sinks in their kitchens. Today, each person can, depending on the kitchen interior designer designed, install sinks from the most various materials. However, such “permissiveness” can cause difficulties if, in addition to the standard mixer, you want to install additional equipment (filters or water purification systems, dispensers detergents and so on).

Drilling a hole in granite, tutorial:

This is especially true for mine, which are made from natural or artificial materials(granite, porcelain tiles, ceramics, stone and so on). The high hardness and brittleness of these materials makes drilling somewhat difficult, especially if you decide to make the necessary hole yourself.

In order to drill a hole in, you will need: a hand drill, a carbide or diamond cutter, a Pobedit drill bit with a diameter of 6 – 8 mm, a cutting fluid and a “sprinkler” that can be made from a bottle of household detergents. As a cutter, at home, you can use a diamond or bimetallic “crown”, which can be purchased at construction or tool stores, and it is advisable to use unizor or emulsol as a cutting fluid. If you are unable to purchase these liquids, you can use soapy water. And the kitchen sink itself, I bought myself the GRANFEST F-12 model, black.

Rice. 1 GRANFEST F-12 top view

Rice. 2 GRANFEST F-12 bottom view

Rice. 3 Milling cutter

On most models of branded sinks, on the back side there are several small indentations, which will help us avoid centering the future hole. According to the operating instructions for the equipment that you are going to additionally install, select the location for its future installation.

Taking a drill whose diameter is equal to the diameter of the guide cutter or head, drill a hole. Important: the drill must “float” in the cutting fluid. This is necessary for several reasons:
1. You don't need to use excessive force when drilling.
2. In this way, you can save the sharpening of the drill and thereby extend its service life.
3. And finally, this will help avoid excessive heating of the granite sink and thereby prevent its destruction.

Rice. 4 Drill an intermediate hole

After you have drilled the hole, turn your sink over and attach a cutter or bit to the drill and start drilling the diameter you need. Needless to say, the diameter of the cutter or bit must be equal to the installation diameter additional equipment. Everyone has modern faucets, the mounting hole is equal to 3.5cm. It is necessary to drill a hole with a cutter or head from the front side, since chips may form at the exit due to the fact that it is almost impossible to determine the last seconds of drilling and reduce the load on the drill in time. Do not forget that at this stage of drilling the hole you need to “fill” the tool with your cutting fluid. Unlike drilling a hole with a drill, you don't want to press too hard on the drill.

Rice. 5 Drill a hole with a milling cutter

As a result last stage work, you should end up with a kind of donut, which will indicate that you did not distort the drill during drilling and completed your task efficiently.

Rice. 6 Finished hole

The hole for the mixer is ready. Good luck!