Any good tip on how to drill through granite countertop?

#1: Post by **silkypull** » August 12th, 2020, 6:29 pm

alex leva is on its way... but i still need to drill a hole in the granite countertop. since my leva will be next to the sink, for the drain line, i was thinking to just let it hang out to the side exposed and drain directly into the sink. so will just need a 1.5" diameter hole for the water line.

which type of tip did you guys use? i have a dewalt drill and an impact drill, but i heard not to use impact drill. i found some tips on amazon, but some seem to be for drill press type to use. so figured best to ask HB folks that's been there and done that to get some pointers.

thanks~

#2: Post by **civ** » August 12th, 2020, 7:04 pm

Hello:

silkypull wrote: ... an impact drill ...

No, you'd crack it in no time with an impact drill.

If you are handy and have the proper tools, see this video.
There are many others on the web with more or less the same info.

If not, you may be better off getting someone to do it for you.
Granite countertops are not cheap and cracking it is a possibility.

Cheers,

CIV

August 12th, 2020, 8:49 pm

civ wrote:Hello:

No, you'd crack it in no time with an impact drill.

If you are handy and have the proper tools, see this video.
There are many others on the web with more or less the same info.

If not, you may be better off getting someone to do it for you.
Granite countertops are not cheap and cracking it is a possibility.

Cheers,

CIV

thanks, i'm pretty handy... at least i think i am..

gonna go pick this up and see. i'll probably be scary out of my pants, but only one way to learn.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1 ... /204994414

#4: Post by **shotwell** » August 12th, 2020, 9:02 pm

Having drilled many holes in a lot of different surfaces, I'd strongly recommend working with a guide for something in a counter you're not planning to replace. The kit below isn't foolproof, but you're far less likely to have the bit wander and damage the finished surface. There are other ways to solve the problem, but for the cost this is a reasonably good solution.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/QEP-1-3-8-i ... /311091645

#5: Post by **GreavesManchu** » August 12th, 2020, 9:25 pm

+1 +1

#6: Post by **Randy G.** » August 12th, 2020, 10:52 pm

Hire a pro to do it. They can radius the edges and polish the finished opening, and maybe make a matching plug for when the hole is not needed. Having it done right is a lot cheaper than having a mistake repaired.

August 13th, 2020, 2:29 am

thank you all.. chatting a buddy tonight and he asking why don't i just drill a 1/2" hole and run the plastic water line to the braided. at least this way, if ever need to cover up the hole, it'll be easier.

so i think i'll return the one i bought and get the 1/2" instead.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1 ... /204994403

will practice on some old granites before attempting.

August 13th, 2020, 8:19 am

Rui,

You need to check the fittings as well to make sure 1/2 is big enough. I do think you will be much happier with draining that way. Also make sure you do get the item recommended above to help hold the saw in place. Good luck.

PS is the San Jose water free enough of chlorides to plumb in without RO?

August 13th, 2020, 12:00 pm

Yup.. the water in my area is pretty good. Just hard. But we have. Whole house softener and BWT bestmax premium.

#10: Post by **sweaner** » August 14th, 2020, 12:16 am

It will be next to the sink?
Just dump the drip tray when needed and save the granite.