Tiling sometimes goes in close enough to a tap spindle that there's no straight access for maintenance once the tiler's finished — a problem that doesn't show up until someone needs to service the tap months later and finds the tile sitting hard against where a spanner or driver needs to go. The Plumtool Spindle Access Drill (PTSA656, $227.26) is built specifically for that situation.
What it does
It's a diamond core drill sized to open up clearance around a tap spindle without having to remove and relay the surrounding tile. Rather than treating a tight tile gap as a reason to chip tiles out and call a tiler back, the access drill creates the clearance needed to actually get a tool onto the spindle.
Where this comes up on site
It's most useful on jobs you didn't tile yourself — a bathroom reno where the tiler worked to the tap rough-in position without leaving service clearance, or an older install where a tap has been re-tiled around at some point since. It's a specialist, occasional-use tool rather than something every service plumber needs permanently in the van, but it's the difference between a five-minute fix and pulling tiles.
Part of a wider tap service kit
If spindle access is one of several tap maintenance issues you're dealing with on the same call-out — handle removal, flange work, thread cleaning — see our Tap Service Kit guide for the tools that cover the rest of a standard rebuild.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this drill damage the surrounding tile?
It's a diamond core drill designed to open clearance around the spindle specifically, rather than a general-purpose masonry bit — used correctly it's the tool built for this job without disturbing tiles beyond the clearance needed.
How often is this tool actually needed?
It's an occasional, specialist tool — most jobs have enough clearance around the spindle already. It earns its place on a reno or an older re-tiled bathroom where that clearance wasn't left.
Is this the same drill used for tap hole cutting in sinks?
No — the 32mm and 35mm tap hole cutters are separate tools for cutting mixer tap holes in sink tops, not for opening spindle clearance through tile.
What's the alternative if I don't have this tool?
Without it, the usual fallback is chipping out and relaying the surrounding tile to get clearance — considerably more work and cost than using the purpose-built drill.