How to Drill Marble: Drill Bits and Techniques to Avoid Damage

Drilling marble is an activity that can lead to various problems if not approached with the proper precautions. Because this material - which is born from the crystallization of calcium carbonate over time - is as hard as it is delicate. So it's not simply a matter of making a hole in a wall or in a stone: the toughness and resistance of this so sought-after and particular material must be considered.

Then there is the need to evaluate its fragility, its tendency to crack, chip and crumble if not faced with the right precautions. And above all, if an unsuitable drill bit is used. Let's add other details: often we have to drill marble that will have a central role in the aesthetics of the home or terrace and maybe there is a need to make a wide hole. For example to let a faucet pass for the sink in the bathroom or kitchen. So, it's not easy to drill marble: you need guidance.

Choose the right drill for drilling marble

You must set the drill with the classic rotary function. In fact, for holes in stone or in reinforced concrete walls we use the percussion movement, but this solution on marble can lead to cracks and fractures. So, even before choosing the right drill bit, you must remember that the drill must be set without vertical movement but only rotation.

Which bits to use to make holes in marble

Let's move to the crucial point for drilling marble - but also granite, porphyry and travertine - namely the choice of the ideal bit for working this structure. Do you need special bits? Certainly you need specific solutions for this task.

The Superior model from Krino with high performance is perfect for work on masonry and natural stone. The milled body with L-shaped groove, brazing at 1100 degrees and the MD tablet guaranteed against strong impacts confirm the ideal performance for this work. But it is also true that good results can be obtained with universal tools and suitable for different purposes like the MultiK foratutto.

What are the characteristics of this drill bit for drilling marble? The already mentioned brazing at 1100 degrees and the diamond-honed tablet allow you to work on various natural stones, including marble (here you find more information on the Multik bits).

How do you proceed, however, if I need to make a wide hole in marble? The solution has a name: hole saw. Specifically, with diamond-coated profile with continuous crown or coated with tungsten carbide in grains as in the case of the Krino model 21105. The different sizes make these tools perfect for drilling marble with wide and generous diameters for any furnishing activity.

Do you want to be certain that you have purchased the right drill bit for working marble? Use it on an area that won't be seen or on a piece to be thrown away: this way you can see the final result and evaluate. Avoiding significant damage.

How to drill marble, useful techniques

Now that you have the right equipment you need to work on the drilling technique: everything very simple, first you must position the element you want to drill on a stable surface. In the Krino catalog you find excellent suction cup masks.

They serve to avoid one of the typical problems of drilling marble: slipping of the bit. Before you start remember to evaluate any presence of imperfections and cracks, they could weaken the marble and cause unexpected breakage.

For the rest, drilling marble follows a very simple rule: low speed, little pressure and few stresses at the exit of the bit. Do you know what this means? Better to put another piece of natural stone (which you don't have to use for other work) under the block you're drilling so the bit doesn't chip the marble on exit.