Black & Decker Glass/Tile Drill Bit, 1/4-Inch x 2-1/4-Inch, Silver

Why I reached for this bit

I spend a lot of time drilling “non-wood” materials—backsplash tile, glass shelves, the occasional bottle for a project—and I’ve learned that technique and the right bit matter more than brute force. The Black & Decker glass/tile bit in 1/4 inch has been in my kit as the “simple answer” for small holes in brittle surfaces. It’s not a miracle worker, but when used correctly, it’s a dependable, low-drama way to get clean holes in glass and ceramic without turning your project into confetti.

Design and build

This is a straightforward, carbide-tipped bit with a spear-like point geometry and a 135-degree cutting angle. The carbide tip is the star of the show—it’s durable enough to nibble through glazed surfaces without skating, and it holds an edge acceptably for softer materials. The shank is straight and fits just fine in any standard 3‑jaw chuck on corded or cordless drills.

Specs worth noting:
- Diameter: 1/4 inch (6.35 mm)
- Usable cutting length: about 2-1/4 inches
- Overall length: roughly 5.8 inches
- Tip material: carbide
- Finish: silver
- Weight: light (about 17 g)

The longer-than-average overall length gives decent reach for backsplash and fixture installs, though you’ll rarely need more than a fraction of the cutting length on typical tile.

Setup and technique matter more than you think

With glass and tile, the right process is half the battle. Here’s what worked best for me with this bit:
- Mark your hole location and apply painter’s tape or a small adhesive pad to give the tip traction.
- Set the drill to low speed (use low gear on a cordless drill) and keep RPM modest—think slow and steady, not screaming fast.
- Keep the bit and work surface cool. A small dam of putty with water, a spray bottle, or a wet sponge pressed against the area will do the job.
- Start with very light pressure, letting the carbide point establish a dimple. You can begin at a slight angle, then bring the drill upright once the tip bites.
- Never use hammer mode. Ever.
- Support the backside if possible to avoid blowout; a piece of wood with tape helps a lot.

Used this way, the Black & Decker bit starts cleanly, stays on line, and produces neat holes in the materials it’s intended for.

Performance on common materials

• Ceramic wall tile: This is the sweet spot. The bit starts easily, resists skating, and produces a clean exit with minimal chipping. With water cooling, I can make repeat holes without noticeable loss of edge right away.

• Glass (plate, mirror, and glass mosaic): If I keep the speed low and the bit cool, it cuts predictably and leaves surprisingly tidy holes. You still need to respect the material—support the backside and don’t push your luck near edges—but the bit’s geometry does reduce cracking risk compared to a standard twist drill.

• Porcelain tile: This is where expectations need to be managed. Porcelain is much harder and more abrasive than ceramic. The bit will cut, but it dulls quickly and slows down noticeably after a couple of holes, even with cooling. For a one-off hole or two, it’s workable; for more, I’d jump to a diamond-tipped wet bit or a diamond core bit.

• Stone, granite, tempered glass: Not the right tool. Use diamond bits and wet drilling techniques for those.

Accuracy and surface finish

The point geometry and carbide tip do a good job avoiding “walk” on glazed surfaces, especially with tape. Entry edges on ceramic are clean, and on glass, chipping is minimal if you let the bit do the work and keep it wet. If I need an especially pristine exit hole, I tape both sides and back the work with wood; that cuts blowout dramatically.

Runout feels reasonable for a single bit in this price class. I didn’t see any eccentricity that would cause trouble for normal work like mounting hardware or anchors.

Heat management and durability

Heat is the enemy here. Carbide is tough but brittle; too much heat leads to micro-chipping at the cutting edge and a steep drop in performance. With a steady water feed and low speed, I can get multiple holes in ceramic without drama. On porcelain, I typically get only a couple of clean holes before the edge is notably dulled and progress slows. That’s not a knock on this bit so much as the reality of the material. If porcelain is your primary target, plan on diamond tooling.

As a maintenance tip, a quick touch-up on the carbide with a diamond hone can squeeze a bit more life out of the tip, but most users will treat this as a consumable and replace it when it stops cutting efficiently.

Compatibility and control

It works well in both corded and cordless drills. I prefer a compact 12V or 18V cordless drill because the low-speed control is better and it’s easier to manage delicate pressure. The straight shank seats securely; just make sure the jaws are clean and tighten the chuck firmly to avoid micro-slip when starting on glossy tile.

Where this bit makes sense—and where it doesn’t

Use it for:
- Ceramic wall tile, glass mosaics, and mirrors
- Small fixture holes (anchors, clips, cable pass-through)
- Occasional glass craft projects (non-tempered glass)

Avoid or reconsider for:
- Porcelain floor tile in volume (use diamond)
- Natural stone, granite, porcelain slab (use diamond)
- Tempered glass (don’t drill it)

If you need large diameter holes for plumbing or outlets, a diamond hole saw is the right tool. This 1/4-inch bit is ideal for anchors, pilot holes, and smaller hardware.

Practical tips from the shop

• Tape the surface and mark clearly. A center punch is a bad idea on brittle materials; let the bit and tape do the “centering.”
• Keep it wet. A spray bottle and a sponge are all you need; a putty dam is even better for vertical surfaces.
• Use low speed and light pressure. If you see dust turn dark or smell hot tile, you’re overheating.
• Don’t rush the exit. Ease off as you break through to avoid chip-out on the backside.
• Consider stepping: On tougher glazes, make a small “seat” by lightly kissing the surface, then continue with steady pressure.

Value and alternatives

For a single, versatile 1/4-inch solution to small holes in glass and ceramic, this Black & Decker bit offers good value. It’s affordable, easy to control, and kinder to brittle surfaces than a general-purpose twist bit. The trade-off is durability on hard porcelain. If porcelain is the main event for you, a diamond-tipped wet bit or a small diamond core bit will last longer and cut faster, though at a higher cost.

The bottom line

I keep this bit in my drill case because it handles common glass and ceramic tasks with minimal fuss. It starts clean, reduces the risk of cracks and chips when used properly, and fits the way most of us work—low-speed cordless drill, a little water, and a steady hand. It’s not a porcelain workhorse, and it’s not intended to be. For occasional porcelain holes, it will get you there; for many holes or very hard tiles, step up to diamond.

Recommendation: I recommend this Black & Decker glass/tile bit for homeowners, DIYers, and pros who need a reliable 1/4-inch option for ceramic tile and non-tempered glass. It’s straightforward to use, plays nicely with both corded and cordless drills, and produces clean results with proper technique. If your project list is heavy on porcelain or stone, pair it with a diamond bit for those tasks; otherwise, this is a solid, budget-friendly staple that earns its spot in the kit.