How to Drill Through Granite on a Wall

Place a drop cloth on the floor under your work area. This will collect dust, water and debris throughout the drilling process. Wear safety goggles during the job.

Create a cross or “X” shape with masking tape over the spot you plan to drill through. Mark the exact drilling spot with a marker.

Equip your high-speed drill with a diamond-tipped drill bit appropriate to the size hole you wish to drill. Don't attempt to use a standard drill bit on a granite surface as it will simply wear out the bit.

Dip the tip of the drill bit in cutting oil to prevent wear and overheating.

Set your drill's speed to 400 RPM for a 1/2-inch bit, 300 RPM for a 1-inch bit, 150 RPM for a 2-inch bit, 100 RPM for a 3-inch bit or 75 RPM for a 4-inch bit.

Hold the drill at an straight, 90-degree right angle to the mark so that the drill is completely level. Never drill at a skewed angle, such as a 45-degree angle, as you may crack the granite. Apply light pressure as you drill into the granite on the wall.

Drill very slowly through the granite. It can take up to three minutes to create an indention 1/4-inch deep.

Keep the drilling area wet throughout. Have a buddy help you by misting the drilling area with a spray bottle of water or squeezing a wet sponge against the wall above the drilling area.

Stop short of drilling all the way through the granite if possible. Drilling all the way through increases your chances of cracking the stone.