Q&A for How to Drill Through Granite

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  • Question
    Are there any tips for using a power drill?
    Jason Phillip
    Handyman
    Jason Phillip is a handyman and owner of Iconic Interior Installations based in New York City, New York. With over five years of experience professionally mounting and installing objects through his company, Jason's work includes mounting window AC units, designing art gallery walls, installing kitchen cabinets, and replacing light fixtures on drywall, brick, and plaster. He has been rated a "Top Pro" every year since 2016 by Thumbtack for being one of the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
    Handyman
    Expert Answer
    One tip is to use the torque settings. When you use a power drill, you can either use it so that it just keeps moving or you can use the torque settings, which are usually 1 through 20. With the torque settings, the drill will stop turning after a certain amount of pressure. First start with the lowest setting, which is usually one. When it stops and the screw doesn't go in anymore, then slowly turn it to a higher setting until you get to the highest setting in order to get the screw into the wall.
  • Question
    What if it's not possible to clamp any scrap stone under the granite?
    Community Answer
    It is not necessary. This is just for a more finished look under the sink.
  • Question
    Won't it be better if we start with a C-cut (a segment of the circle to be drilled), then gradually tilt the tool to cover the entire circle? Is the 'rotational movement' you are using necessary once you get a bite? What if the tool is held perfectly vertical and steady at low RPM?
    Community Answer
    if you tilt the bit, the edge of the hole is parabolic and not circular. "Hole saws" for larger-diameter holes usually have a drill bit in the center that either sets or benefits from a pilot hole, so tilting might be highly problematic with the hole saw. For smaller-diameter holes this is not an issue, but also there's no real advantage to tilting at the beginning of the cut.
  • Question
    Can I file the faucet holes of a granite top? The water faucet is too tight and will not go down all the way. It is an 8-inch faucet, center to center.
    Community Answer
    Use a rotary rasp. Keep it wet if possible. The rasps come in file, or stone. You will use up at least one rasp per hole.
  • Question
    Is there a risk of cracking the granite when drilling through it?
    Community Answer
    There is always a risk of cracking. Take your time. As long as the cutter is cutting don't force it. It's better to take twice as long rather than to damage the worktop.
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