Guide on Drilling Glass Without Creating Chips or Cracks

In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, handyman and home services expert Jason Phillip founded Iconic Interior Installations in 2013. The company specialises in professional interior installation services, and now, we're sharing Jason's expertise with you through this article on drilling glass.

Drilling through glass might seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be accomplished with ease. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Secure the glass onto a work surface, mark the spot where the hole will be drilled, and install a drill bit made for cutting glass.
Wet the surface with water or glass cutting oil to reduce heat and friction.
Drill through the glass with a low speed setting.
Once the hole is drilled, smooth the edges with sandpaper or a diamond file.

If chipping occurs when drilling through a flat piece of glass, stop about halfway through, flip the piece over, place tape where the hole is, and start slowly drilling into the glass from the back to finish the hole.

Drilling holes may be necessary before putting up a mirror or frame that doesn't have mounting holes yet. This could also apply to custom glass shelving, where drilling holes through the glass panels might be necessary to install mounting brackets.

Safety should always be a priority when drilling glass. Always wear safety glasses, a dust mask, and work gloves. If cracks start to form while drilling, stop immediately, use a glass cutter to score the glass around the cracks, and carefully hold the glass on both sides of the cut to separate the panel from the cracked pieces.

Crafting with jars and bottles can also benefit from drilling a hole. Drilling a hole through a Mason jar or wine bottle can be used to make an accent light or help with soil drainage in a plant pot.

For larger aquariums, drilling holes for fixtures like filters and bulkheads might be necessary. The article also mentions Bicycle Glass Co., a glass lighting company that uses renewable energy and hand-blown techniques to produce high-quality, recycled glass products.

This article, co-authored by Jason Phillip and Hunter Rising, provides valuable information on the best drill bits for glass, uses for drilled glass, troubleshooting tips, and even a video. It has been fact-checked and has been viewed 1,409,974 times.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional handyman, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to drill glass confidently and safely. Happy drilling!