Learn the simple steps of drilling a hole into glass.
The speed of the drill must be kept slow to control the temperature.
If the glass gets too hot, it may break.
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In addition, starting the hole can be tricky since the drill bit tends to skitter across the surface.
A continuous stream of water on the surface helps lower the temperature of the drill bit and the glass.
An assistant can carefully pour a thin stream of water over the surface as you drill.
Lee Wallender
Purchase a diamond-coated or carbide-tipped drill bit for the best results.
Safety Considerations
Drilling into glass is hazardous.
Be sure to wear safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask at all times.
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Glass dust is very harmful, so never breathe it in, and keep it off of your skin.
The constant flow of water will help hold down the glass dust and wash it away.
Warning
Only use acordless drillfor this project because it involves water.
Lee Wallender
Only use the tip of the drill bit in the water, do not immerse the cordless drill.
Donotuse acorded drillas this presents a shock hazard when used in conjunction with the water.
If you are drilling flat glass, it must be supported from below, as well.
Lee Wallender
Mark the spot with a marker.
The tape cushions the area and also stabilizes the drill bit once you begin to drill.
Clamp the Glass
Clamp the glass very gently.
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Too much pressure when clamping glass can cause it to crack.
Clamp directly onto the padding, not the glass itself.
Drill through the cardboard; this helps to steady the drill bit.
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Then, put the dam back on and resume drilling.
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender
