How to Drill a Hole in Glass
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about How to Drill a Hole in Glass and hope the blog can help you.
Be boring—in a good way! Follow this guide to take your glass- and mirror-centric DIY crafting projects to the next level.
You’re a crafty DIYer who’d love to create a lamp from an empty wine bottle or hook that mirror through a hole, but the thought of drilling through glass or other such fragile material stops you cold. With the correct drill bit and proper technique, it’s easy to learn how to cut a hole in glass and take on crafting projects you haven’t yet tried—that is, as long as you don’t attempt to bore through tempered or “safety” glass (identifiable by markings at the corner of the pane), which will shatter upon applying mechanical force.
Choosing the Best Drill Bit for Glass
Bits suitable for boring glass have spear-shaped carbide or diamond tips. These drill bits have a spear shape that’s sharp enough to safely drill into glass without damaging it. Carbide- and diamond-tipped bits are much sharper than masonry and other types of drill bits, which will break or chip glass instead of boring a precise hole.
Available at most hardware stores, glass-boring bits come in various sizes. It’s a good idea to buy a small glass drill bit (either a 1/8-inch or 3/32-inch) for making pilot holes, and larger bits to suit the diameter of the finished opening you want to make.
RELATED: The Best Drill Bit Sharpeners of 2022
Safety Considerations
When working with glass, it’s important to follow safety precautions carefully. Always wear goggles to protect your eyes from airborne glass shards. A dust mask will prevent you from breathing in glass and dust particles. Finally, safety gloves can help you avoid cutting yourself while working with glass or mirrors. cuts.
As to drilling technique, be sure to maintain low speed and moderate pressure. If this is the first time you are drilling a hole into glass, we recommend first practicing the technique on a spare piece of glass. Keep your drill rpm below 400. If you drill too quickly, it will generate heat that damages your drill bit.
The following steps will walk you through how to drill a hole in glass without breaking it.
Tools & Materials
Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.