How Do You Drill Holes Through Glass?
Drilling a hole in sheet glass can be done if the correct type drill bit and glass is selected. • Select a sheet of glass that is suitable in size and thickness for the project you have in mind. Make sure the glass you choose is not tempered or safety glass. These types of glass can only be drilled with special equipment not available to ordinary craftsmen. • Purchase a selection of glass bits from the local home center or hardware store. These bits have a spade shaped point, and are made of tungsten carbide, to withstand the friction of drilling in glass. (Please note that multiple sites on the net recommend round-head diamond bits for holes up to 1/2″, and hollow-core diamond bits above 1/2″. Note that this method is a one-bit, one-pass operation). • Cut the sheet of glass the size you want for your project, or have it cut and the edges beveled or finished at the place where you buy it. • Hole too close to corner Measure the location of your holes, being careful to stay as far away f
You can drill a hole of any size through glass if you choose the appropriate drill bit. To drill holes smaller than 1/2 inch, choose a diamond drill bit with a round-end cylinder or use a ball-shaped bit. To drill holes larger than 1/2 inch, choose a diamond core bit. Typically, drilled holes are smooth and won’t require any finishing. Put on your safety glasses to protect your eyes from any shards of glass. You may also want to wear protective gloves. Place the glass onto a sturdy, flat surface. This will support the glass as your drill into it. Mark the locations where you will drill your holes. Leave a 1-inch margin around the perimeter of the glass to avoid breakage. Insert a 1/8- or 3/32-inch diamond bit into the drill. Starting with a diamond drill bit that is smaller than needed will help to keep the glass from cracking as you drill. Apply lubricant to the drill bit. Drill halfway through the glass using very light pressure. Start drilling at about 2500 to 5000 RPM, increase the
