Drilling tiles
When drilling in hard shiny surfaces, ceramic tiles, for example, you often find that the drill bit wanders out of position as soon as you turn on the drill. To avoid this, cover where you want the hole with masking or sticky tape.
It’s not just hard surfaces that can make the drill wander off course. It can happen on plaster, too. Here the answer is to make a shallow dent by turning the bit by hand. The dent should then keep the tip of the drill just where you want it.
Sticky tape is also handy for making sure you don’t drill too deeply. Just wrap it round the drill bit the length of the plug in from the tip, to form a little flag. When the flag touches the wall, you know you’ve drilled far enough.
Take care when drilling into walls not to go through electric cable. The main danger areas to avoid are above and below light switches or power sockets, and anywhere near wall lights. Also avoid areas near pipes.