"Recession" Remodel Dilemma

Hello All,

Various and sundry leaks and other wall malfeasances forced me to do a quickie remodel of our master bath before we were ready to take the big plunge. Eventually we'll do all new tub, tile and fixtures but we need to economize for now. All the problems are fixed (finally) but I'm stuck on one little area.

My wife brought home a new bathroom sink fixture she found on deep discount. It is very nice but the pop-up actuator rod does not fit down the smallish center hole in our present 20 year old-ish porcelain sink.

Is it possible to widen or drill out the 1/2" center hole to 3/4 or maybe 1" without chipping or destroying the sink in the process? I know I can keep the sink from chipping if I duct tape the hole before I drill but what do I use to drill the hole if it's possible? I tried widening the hole by using a tapered stone bit but ended up narrowing the bit instead of widening the hole. I'll spend a few bucks on a tool but I want to make sure of what I'm getting before I do.

Any assistance in this area would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Jerry

New sinks come with a larger center hole than this one. The rod is fine. It's just in the wrong place to fit down the 1/2" center hole in the sink. If I drill out the center hole, the problem is solved.

Use a carbide tipped masonry drill bit, and go SLOW. Don't get in a hurry; let the bit do it's work. You'll be fine.

If it is a porcelain sink it is going to be a real *itch to do anything with. Carbide might do the job, but you will probably chip it. I would be inclined to go with a diamond hole saw, like used on glass, with lots of lube. A cheaper route would be a diamond tip on an air grinder. Don't breath the dust, it comes off like chips of glass. Kind of hard on the lungs. Good luck.

Edit: you might call a plumber and see if they have a way of doing this. Slip them some cash and let them do it.

Datsun1500 wrote: Can you polish up the old rod and use it?

That's what she said!