Clawfoot Tub Drilling Information

One distinct advantage to buying a clawfoot tub from Signature Hardware is the number of different faucet mounting options that are available. Most of our bath tubs are manufactured without faucet holes drilled. Many are also manufactured without an overflow hole drilled. The advantage of this is that at the time of order, we custom drill the tub to your specifications. This way the tub will fit your unique situation.

Which tub drilling do I need?

There are three distinct ways to have your tub drilled.

	Traditional single ended roll-top tubs have been manufactured with the holes set in the end wall of the tub and require a tub wall mount faucet or a tub wall mount faucet with a handshower. Most old tubs were manufactured with the faucet holes 3-3/8" apart when measured from the center of each hole. The overflow hole is typically 3" below the faucet holes in the center.
	Many reproduction rim mount faucets (or deck mount faucets) are made to fit tubs that are drilled 7" apart when measured from the center of each hole. The overflow hole is then drilled in the wall of the tub centered between the two faucet holes. This is a typical setup for tubs that have curved ends.
	Slipper tub or free standing water supplies can be used to mount the tub faucet. In this case, the tub faucet is not physically mounted to the tub. Only an overflow hole will be drilled in the wall of the tub. The tub may also be pushed up against the wall of the home and a wall mount faucet can be mounted to the wall of the home.

How do you drill the tubs?

Some tubs are purchased pre-drilled, and some are drilled at the time of order. We have special templates that are placed over the tub to ensure a perfect faucet setting every time. Once the template is used to mark the spot on the tub, the template is removed. We then use a low speed drill (600 RPM) fitted with a diamond encrusted holesaw accompanied with a pilot bit. Light pressure is applied to the bit while it cuts through the tub. Using the specially tipped holesaw allows us to drill a smooth hole without distorting the tub walls.

What size are the holes drilled?

Typically the overflow hole is 1-1/4" in diameter. Faucet holes drilled in the wall of the tub are also 1-1/4". Holes drilled in the rim of the tub are 1".

Can I buy the tub undrilled?

In most cases, yes.

Can I drill the tub myself?

We recommend for warranty purposes that all tubs are drilled before they leave our warehouse. However, you can drill the tub yourself if desired. A wood holesaw drill bit will drill through the tub. You must be careful not to get the bit too hot. A wood holesaw will typically last for only one or two sets of tub holes. Most hardware stores carry wood holesaws.

What if I have a faucet that needs a special hole configuration?

We will be more than happy to accommodate any special requests and will work with you to the best of our ability to accommodate special hole drilling. What we will require is a specification sheet of the faucet that clearly shows the hole diameters, spread of the faucet, and diameter of the faucet escutcheons. One item to keep in mind is the tub overflow drain is beneath the faucet on double ended tubs. Faucets that require three holes or single holes may interfere with this type of faucet. We always recommend that you choose a faucet from our preselected line of clawfoot tub faucets and soaking tub fixtures.