How to drill a hole in a granite sink. Is it worth it to make holes for the mixers yourself

Currently, there are many models of sinks that have symmetrical shape. Such sinks are extremely convenient, as they can be installed both on the left side and on the right.

Some models of modern mixers: a - a mixer for kitchen sink; b - a mixer for a kitchen sink with a shower screen on a flexible hose.

In order for the sink to be installed on any side, it does not have an exit under the mixer during manufacture.

It is assumed that a hole for the mixer of the required diameter will be made immediately before the installation of plumbing. On the one hand, this is very convenient, because it is not always possible to choose a sink with ready-made outlets due to a discrepancy in the parameters.

Single hole kitchen sink faucet: drawing.

Most ready-to-install kitchen sinks have a factory outlet of 32mm, while faucet diameters can be over 34mm. Currently, sinks without a ready-made outlet are produced in both stainless steel and ceramic. For many, making a hole of the required diameter may seem like an impossible task, but in this case there is whole line measures that can be taken.

In some points of sale of such sinks, it is quite possible to use the services of specialists: they will select the outlet for the mixer of the desired diameter, they will do everything with the help of special tools. But such services are not provided everywhere, and the owners of sinks without a ready-made outlet for the mixer will have to make it on their own.

It’s worth saying right away that you can make a neat hole on your own only in stainless steel, while experimenting on a granite or ceramic kitchen sink is fraught, as the material may crack.

Work on the manufacture of outlets for communications in a ceramic sink must be carried out as carefully as possible so as not to spoil appearance shells. If possible, you need to purchase tools: for stainless steel, special cutters for making holes are sold; for ceramics, it is best to use diamond-coated drills. Drill through ceramic plumbing conventional drill will not work, as the ceramics will simply crack. However, it is quite possible to get by with some improvised means, but you need to act very carefully.

Tap hole in stainless steel sink

Scheme approximate dimensions kitchen sink.

There are several proven ways to drill a smooth hole in stainless steel. It should be noted right away that it is impossible to make an exit under the mixer in an already installed plumbing, since due to the support on the countertop there is a possibility that the plumbing will crack. Before carrying out work, the sink must be turned upside down so that all its edges rest on the surface of the table, and only then proceed to work.

If it is possible to purchase or rent a special cutter for making holes, it will not be difficult to carry out the work. First of all, you need to make an initial hole with a drill and a 10 mm drill. Next, the cutter screw is inserted and tightened with the help of 2 keys, so it turns out that the metal is squeezed from 2 sides and pressed through by the press method. The diameter may vary depending on the type of cutter used. If it is not possible to purchase special device, you can use other methods.

So, in order to make an outlet for communications of the desired diameter in a stainless steel sink without using special means You will need the following tools and materials:

Scheme of the device mixer for the kitchen.

• marker;
• mounting tape;
• hammer;
• round file;
• center punch

In order for the diameter to correspond to the norm, first of all it is necessary to make a circle from mounting tape right size and forms. The cut circle must be attached to the selected place under the mixer and circled with a marker in order to cut an even hole in the future. In addition, you need to mark the center in order to make the initial hole with a center punch. The tip of the punch should be directed to the center of the circle from the mounting tape and punch the initial hole with light taps. If you have a drill, you can drill with it. Next, the initial hole must be expanded with a round file to the boundaries noted earlier.

Just drilling an outlet for a faucet in a stainless steel sink is not enough, as the edges can turn out to be crooked, and it will be very problematic to align them later. After you get the exit under the mixer of the desired diameter, you need to carefully sand the edges of the cut, then you can proceed with the installation. To prevent further oxidation of the metal, the edges of a fresh saw cut must be treated with a sealant. After it hardens, you can proceed to install the sink.

It so happened that we were faced with the need to install a sink. For various reasons - it has lost its attractive appearance, is outdated, damaged, etc.

How difficult is it to install a sink on your own without involving expensive professionals? Let's figure it out.

So, having gone through the options of sinks from various materials, you have opted for stainless steel sinks. as from a huge model range choose what you need?

It's not difficult at all. Washers are of two types:

• overhead;
• Mortise.

If you have a built-in kitchen set with a monolithic worktop, then, of course, you need mortise sink. Overheads are used in small kitchens, where it is impractical and expensive to install built-in furniture.

According to the shape of the sink, they are conditionally divided into:

• Classic (regular, rectangular);
• Round and oval;
• With two or more bowls.

For corner sinks, round or, for example, radially rounded sinks are suitable.

The surface texture can be polished or matte. It is important to remember that with all the beauty of a glossy sink, it requires additional attention to itself.

All droplets and scratches are perfectly visible on the surface, so you need to handle it very carefully, and wipe it after each use so that there are no traces of water.

Have you decided which shape and texture you like? Now the most important thing is to make sure of the quality of the steel from which the sink is made. The easiest way to understand this is if you choose a sink from a well-known manufacturer, or on the recommendation of professionals, friends, acquaintances.

So, the sink is purchased, delivered home, and here the question arises - how to install and fix it ?!

If you have an overhead sink, there are no problems - the dimensions are standardized, the old cabinet-cabinet is ideal for a sink, the fasteners are universal and it is enough to read the instructions to cope with the fastening on your own.

And if you have a monolithic countertop and your “new thing” does not want to match the hole for the previous sink in any way?! No problem. A drawing with mounting dimensions is included with each sink. What tools do you need to install the sink:

• Electric jigsaw with files;
• Manual drill-driver;
• Drill with a diameter of 10 mm;
• Transparent silicone sealant;
• Pencil, ruler, template.

We mark the shape of the future hole in size in the drawing using a ruler and, if necessary, a template.

To start working with a jigsaw, you need to drill a hole next to the saw line into which the file passes. We cut a hole carefully along the contour, take out the sawn part.

It remains to install the sink in place! We apply on the countertop along the contour of the sink silicone sealant, install the sink bowl, mount the fasteners that are included in the kit, press and remove the remnants of the sealant.

Everything! Wait a minute, but you wanted to install a filter faucet in the sink drinking water and there is no hole in the sink! What to do, how to drill metal?

In order to make a hole in the sink under the tap, home craftsmen use different tricks:

• Drilling along the contour big hole perforation with a thin drill, then cut out and clean the edges of the hole with a file;
• They are cut down with a thin chisel (not always accurately and accurately);
• A hole of large diameter is immediately drilled with a drill with a victorious tip (there is a risk of not being able to cope with the drill, since the force applied is very large).

The easiest way to use crown carbide drill. They come in diameters from 12 to 150 mm. The drill is a hollow tube with a thin, so-called pilot drill in the center.

Drilling technology is extremely simple! We mark the right place with a center punch, set the tip of the pilot drill and ... full speed ahead!

The pilot drill, having made a small hole, is drawn into the drill mechanism with the help of a spring, and the crown continues the intended movement exactly in the specified place, without slipping and without tearing the drill out of the hands.

The hole is perfectly even, without burrs and scratches, does not require additional processing. Install the faucet and enjoy the work done!

Answering Dmitry Panin's question (http://website/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1370), I didn't delve into the details of the terminology, because the essence of the answer would not change. But, preparing the material for the Master Class, I can no longer handle terms so freely. Therefore, let's start with the classification of sinks.

Depending on the material used in their manufacture, there are:

1. stainless steel sinks. The traditional material is food grade stainless steel.

2. ceramic sinks, which are made of refractory clay or, as Blanco does, porcelain ceramics (kaolin).

3. sinks from a granite crumb. They are a composite, 70-80% consisting of granite chips ( quartz sand) and acrylic resins and pigments. Granite composite is extremely durable artificial material. The strength characteristics of these sinks make it possible to withstand the fall of a steel disk weighing 800 g without consequences.

Therefore, Dmitry’s letter is, of course, not about a sink made of granite chips (note: “fragranite” is trademark Franke for sinks made of granite composite), but about a ceramic sink. Sometimes this confusion in terms leads to the same cracks during installation, since the manufacture of holes in ceramic sinks requires a specialist to take other actions than those recommended for sinks made of granite chips. So, in order.

The easiest and most versatile way to make holes for two types of sinks is to use diamond crown(photo 1). But at the same time, of course, it is assumed that the master has it. If it is not there, then it is precisely here that one should pay attention to the difference in the ways of performing the work. Further advice is given in accordance with the recommendations of Franke for granite sinks and Blanco for ceramic sinks.

According to experience, there are always weakened cast plugs in a sink made of granite chips, which should be knocked out at the time of installation (photo 2). As a rule, they are already marked with a colored circle on the front surface of the sink.

First of all, the sink should be freely installed in the cutout in the countertop (photo 3). At the same time, the elements fixing the sink to the countertop are not fixed.

Next, you should install a suitable tool and knock out the cast plugs with a strong blow of the hammer down (Fig. 1). A suitable tool in this case would be a punch with a diameter of 8 mm or a round steel bar, and by no means a screwdriver! Keep in mind that the cork should only be pierced from the front (upper) side.

Use a rasp to line the edges of the hole (photos 4 and 5).

When preparing to make holes in a ceramic sink, immediately consider that manufacturers recommend doing something with the sink only when it has reached room temperature. In no case should you make holes in the sink, which was brought in from the cold. An unfixed ceramic sink requires careful handling. Until the end of the installation of the sink in the countertop and installation drain fittings it is not recommended to allow sharp blows to it.

To make a hole in ceramic sinks, mark the center and draw a circle (photo 6).

Along the perimeter of the circle, holes are carefully drilled with a thin drill at a distance of 4 mm from each other (photo 7). It is best to use factory-prepared places on the back of the sink for this (photo 8). To avoid cracks and chips, install the sink into the cutout of the countertop or otherwise firmly fix it before knocking out the hole.

Then, from the front side of the sink, without applying significant force, knock out the drilled disk with a punch or a round steel bar (photo 9).

If there is a need to expand an existing hole in a ceramic sink, then draw a circle of the required radius around the existing hole with the same center. From the front side of the sink around the entire circumference, make frequent (at a distance of 4 mm from each other) cuts (photo 10). Using a chisel or punch, gently remove the remaining parts (photo 11). Then smooth out the edges of the hole with a rasp.

Compliance with these simple requirements will allow you to avoid both cracks and save time and nerves on finding the guilty, buying and reworking the sink. And, quite a banal advice, immediately hire a qualified specialist.

Usually in sinks there is a hole for installing a mixer. But there are stainless steel models in which there is no groove. The way out is to make a hole of the desired diameter yourself. How to make a hole for a faucet in a stainless steel sink.

Reasons for the lack of holes

Manufacturers of sinks and plumbing fixtures are trying to standardize the dimensional parameters of the models so that they are as compatible as possible with each other. But there is one important circumstance: individual layouts are very popular both in the kitchen and in the bathroom. To meet such needs, it is required to produce models of sinks that do not have a hole for the faucet. The groove is made independently to the maximum convenient location and with the required characteristics.

There are no holes in metal sinks with two bowls, where by default the grooves for washing or drying are not provided for practical reasons. A person chooses the best option for himself by installing the sink on the spot.

The size of the holes depends on the design of the valve. Mixer models can vary significantly. The size of the required groove in the sink depends on this.

What matters is: the location of the hot and cold water, design of fastening mechanisms.

Before performing work, you need to choose a model, find out its parameters and design features.

Preparatory activities

Before cutting a hole, you need to thoroughly prepare. First, measurements are taken. The groove should have such a diameter that the mixer can easily pass during installation. There should also be no problems with fixing the crane. The measured diameter is applied at the drilling site. It is important to measure everything, because a mistake will cost a lot.

After marking at the place of making the groove, you need to prepare the workspace and tools. The place where the work will be performed must be free and spacious. The sink must be stable and secure. All excess must be removed.

The hole for the mixer in the stainless steel sink is drilled with a drill and various nozzles. Tools you will need to drill a hole in the sink for the faucet.

1. Drill.
2. Needle file, file, skin.
3. Small file or metal cutter.
4. Protective glasses.
5. Brush.
6. Water for cooling.

Drill bits that can be used to make a hole:

1. conventional drill bit for metal (preferably diamond-coated);
2. herringbone cone drill;
3. bimetallic hole saw crown type;
4. Pobedito hinged drill with a diameter of 28, 30, 32 or 35 mm (the size depends on the parameters of the mixer).

Sequencing

The methods by which you can make grooves in the sink depend on the specific tool. You will need some kind of drilling nozzle for a drill. Most affordable way- making holes with a conventional drill bit for small diameter metal: 6, 8, 10 mm.

Sequencing.

1. By marking the circle, several grooves are made around the perimeter.
2. Cooling is carried out periodically with water. Drilling is performed at low speed.
3. The grooves are connected using a metal file or a file.
4. The edges of the hole are processed and leveled with a needle file, file and sandpaper.

How to cut a hole in a sink for a faucet using a bi-metal hole saw.

1. At the required location of the hole, a markup is made with a pencil, nail or other improvised object - a circle of the desired diameter with a dot in the center is applied.
2. A conventional drill bit for metal of small diameter is inserted into the drill: 6, 8 or 10 mm.
3. A shallow notch is drilled at the marked point in the center of the circle. It will allow the bimetal hole saw to catch on.
4. A hole saw of the required diameter is inserted into the drill. In a specialized store, choosing a crown of the desired diameter is not difficult. Standard sizes– from 28 to 50 mm in increments of 1 or 2 mm, depending on the manufacturer. Notable Manufacturers hole saws: Banco and Irwin.
5. The crown is carefully placed in a vertical position, so that the central drill goes into the previously made notch. Drilling in progress. For the safety of the crown, it is recommended to drill at low speeds. Chips are periodically removed with a brush, water is poured to cool the metal and the crown.

The method using a crown is used for mass making holes in sinks. One with periodic cooling is enough for drilling 1015 grooves. Without cooling, the hole saw will fail after 23 holes.

In a similar way, you can drill grooves using a Christmas tree or a Pobedite hinged drill. After making a groove, the edges are processed. For this, a file, a file, a skin are used.

Trauma is full of people who thought they didn't need insurance. And the shops are full of sinks that do not have holes for installing a mixer. And no double-hole sink to accommodate two faucets, one for each hole. It is understandable. Why install two faucets in one sink?

And if from time to time it seems to you that you are the only hole in the sink and you feel lonely on the island, limited by its outer, smooth ceramic edges, then who will understand this, and to whom you can tell about it, counting at least on the fact that you listen, not to mention sympathy and understanding?

It seems to me that two holes in the sink for the faucet will be too many, and none - too few. Therefore, today we will talk about how to drill only one hole in the sink. In a ceramic sink that does not have a single hole for installing a mixer from the very day of its birth, if only sinks have such days, birthdays.

Some people do not understand the importance of having a hole in the sink for the faucet and consider any text containing a lot of the words "hole" to be nonsense. Therefore, I will try to write in a simpler way, without abusing such words as “hole” and “sink”.

Where to start drilling a sink
and how to drill a sink

To drill a sink, you will need ceramic drill bits and a tungsten carbide hole saw for cutting round holes with a diameter of 33 mm. For drilling, it is better to use a hammer drill, not a drill. And not because the perforator has a stronger blow. We won't be hitting at all. At the perforator less speed rotation, but more weight in kg. and power in watts. But if you don’t have a hammer drill, then of course take a drill, but slow down, otherwise there will be no sense from the crown.

Marking and drilling

Start with markings, this is the smartest thing you can do, decide where the hole will be where the faucet will be installed. Once you've made your decision, use a marker and draw a dot at the desired location.

Now load a chuck with a ceramic drill clamped in it into the puncher and start drilling. Need to do through hole. The hole is needed so that you can insert the drill that comes with the crown into it.

The ceramic from which the sink is made is very durable. Its strength is comparable to porcelain stoneware. If you had to drill or cut porcelain stoneware, then you will understand me. Porcelain stoneware material is very durable, but fragile. If you are not careful, it can be easily split. Therefore, drilling a hole in a ceramic sink should be done carefully and without haste.

First you need to drill a very narrow hole in the center, and then expand it with another drill. First, use a 6mm drill. Then change to 8 or 10. While drilling, keep the area cool. cold water pouring from a bottle or other container.

Having finished with the center hole, start drilling with a core bit. The first 2-3 mm. ceramics will be drilled without much difficulty, but then you will be disappointed in the capabilities of the crown. The crown will rotate on the ceramic surface without causing any visible damage to it and without going even a fraction of a millimeter deep.

In order for the crown to continue drilling, it needs help. It is done like this. Take a thin ceramic drill and drill shallow holes around the entire circumference already selected by the crown. Now the teeth of the crown will have something to catch on and then things will go faster. As soon as the crown deepens and begins to slide again on a smooth surface, do the whole operation again.

Sharpening a drill for ceramics

Ceramic drills dull very quickly. The tip is made of a very hard alloy, so they cannot be sharpened on a regular abrasive or metal cutting disc. But if you install a diamond segmental disk on the grinder, then you can cope with the sharpening of the drill for ceramics. Many do not know, but such diamond discs cuts steel well aluminum structures or cast iron.