Drilling through glass requires patience and the right tools in order to avoid cracking or shattering.
Time 10 - 20 minutes
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$0 - $20
Introduction
Drilling through glass doesn't have to be daunting. These steps break down how to drill a hole in glass for perfect results every time.
Drilling a hole through glass is quite different from drilling through most other surfaces. To do it safely, you must apply water to the area where the drill bit creates the hole. Water helps contain the dust from the glass while also lubricating and cooling off the glass. You can use two types of drill bits: diamond drill bit and carbide drill bit. You can purchase these at your local hardware store or online.
Just remember, while drilling, it’s important not to apply too much pressure. Many people (including myself) make the mistake of exerting too much force while drilling into the glass, which can result in the glass cracking. So, take your time and allow the drill bit to do all the work. I recommend using a vise or clamps to stabilize the glass objects while drilling through them.
This project can get a little messy, so I suggest doing it outside or in a garage or workshop. Also, remember glass is likely to flake off shards while cutting and easily shatters, so safety glasses are a must.
Tools Required
- Carbide drill bit
- Clamps
- Diamond drill bit
- Drill
- Vice
Materials Required
- Clean water
- Empty 2-Liter bottle
- Foam board insulation
- Permanent marker
- Plumber's putty
- Plywood scrap
- Tack
Project step-by-step (8)
Step 1
How To Drill a Hole in Glass Without Breaking It
Create a hole saw bit template
If you are using a diamond hole saw bit, you can make your life easier by creating a wood template to reduce the risk of the bit slipping. To create a template for your hole saw, drill a hole through a wood scrap the same diameter as the diamond hole saw bit you are using.
Step 2
Secure the template to the glass
Safely secure the template onto the glass pane with a clamp to prevent movement while drilling. Place a piece of foam board insulation underneath to protect the table and glass.
Step 3
Create a constant water source
To prevent dust and debris from flying around and to lubricate the cut while drilling, you can fill a spray bottle with water and have someone continuously spray the area you are working on.
If you don’t have anyone to help you, you can create your own continuous water source by taking an empty two-liter bottle, filling it with water, tightening the cap, and poking a small hole halfway down the bottle with a tack. To start the flow of water from the pierced hole, simply open the cap.
Step 4
Drill hole in glass
- To begin drilling a hole in the glass, aim the water flow at the spot where you want to drill. Make sure you are using a diamond drill bit or a carbide drill bit.
- Start drilling slowly without exerting too much pressure to prevent the glass from cracking.
- As the bit penetrates the glass, speed up the drill. Let the bit do the work, exerting no more downward pressure than the weight of the cordless drill and enough to keep the bit properly tracking.
- When you’ve cut through, clean the glass on both sides.
Step 5
How To Drill a Hole in a Glass Bottle or Jar
Secure the glass jar
Safely secure the glass with a vice to prevent movement while drilling.
Step 6
Prepare the water dam
Using a permanent marker, mark the exact location where you want to create a hole in the glass. To create a water dam, roll out a circle of plumber’s putty and place it around the marked location. Press down firmly on the putty to make it watertight. Then, fill the dam with water.
Step 7
Drill hole in glass
- Just like when drilling into the pane of glass, you’ll need a constant water source to drill a hole in the glass jar. Using the same two-liter bottle method, start the water flow and aim it at the spot where you want to drill. Make sure you are using a diamond drill bit or a carbide drill bit.
- Start drilling slowly without exerting too much pressure to prevent the glass from cracking.
- As the bit penetrates the glass, increase the speed of the drill. Be patient and let the bit do the work.
- When the hole is completed, remove the plumber’s putty, clean the glass and wipe away any remaining debris.
Step 8
FAQs
How should you apply water to glass while drilling?
To drill through glass, you need a continuous flow of water at the drilling spot. The simplest way to achieve this is by having someone else consistently pour water onto the area of the glass being drilled. Alternatively, you can use plumber’s putty to form a water barrier around your drilling site and fill it with water. Take a two-liter plastic bottle filled with water and make a tiny hole in it to create a steady water flow.
Can you drill through glass with a regular drill bit?
You should not use a regular drill bit to drill through glass. Glass is a hard material that can crack with too much force, so you need to use a drill bit made to drill through glass safely, such as a diamond or carbide drill bit.
Do you drill glass fast or slow?
When drilling through glass, it’s crucial to maintain a gentle and steady pace. This approach prevents the glass from cracking or getting damaged. Begin drilling slowly, then gradually increase the speed as you progress.
Originally Published: December 07, 2017
