How to Drill a Hole in a Plate using a Diamond Bit

Using a Diamond Bit

Have you ever wondered how to drill a hole in a plate, vase, glass bottle, or tile? It’s really not as hard as it sounds! It is actually very easy when using a diamond bit, and I’ve created my very first video below to show you how!

Safety First

Always wear safety glasses as well as a pair of gloves that you don’t mind getting wet. It could be disastrous of the glass or ceramic piece shatters and you’re not wearing safety gear!

The Diamond Bit

A special bit, referred to as a diamond bit (<– affiliate link!), is needed to cut through glass or ceramic material to make the hole. Yes, there are really diamonds pressed into the steel – well, diamond dust, actually. Though they can be a bit pricey, diamond bits are absolutely worth the cost and can last a very long time as long as they are used properly. In my opinion, masonry bits do not work as well but the same techniques apply…

Use a Constant Stream of Water

In the video, I have a stream of water running over the bit to keep it cool while drilling. Diamond bits, as well as any other bits using for glass or ceramic items, tend to get very hot very quickly thus shortening the life of the bit. The stream of water (which should be cool not cold or hot) keeps everything from overheating and breaking. Another alternative to holding the item under a stream of water is to drill the hole with the item under water in a plastic tub. Lay a towel in the bottom of the tub as a cushion, and fill the tub with water so that the item can be laid on the towel with the water covering a good portion of the bit. Also, there isn’t enough movement for the drill to get wet, either (unless you drop it!).

The Drilling Technique

Whatever you do, do not use force or heavy pressure when drilling into glass or ceramic. Light, consistent pressure is all that is needed, and it does take a little while to drill completely through but light pressure will also keep the item from breaking.

Also, go slow. Drilling into glass or ceramic is not the same thing as driving a screw into wood! Slow is better, and you’ll have a nice hole without chipping or breakage!

Other Applications for Diamond Bits

Diamond bits can be used to drill drainage holes in ceramic planters (I’ve used a larger one for this purpose!). They can also be used to drill holes in stone – I haven’t tried this myself but if you do, let me know how it turned out!

My Projects using the Diamond Bit

I used the diamond bit to drill holes in a dinnerware place setting to make a jewelry organizer for my mom. It is one of my most popular projects and was so easy to make. I also used the bit to drill a hole in a cat-shaped wine bottle to make a lamp for my daughter.

The Video How-To

Please excuse the lighting… It was cloudy that day and hard to get it right but that is not the point, is it? The point is the instruction on how to drill the hole! Plus my son, who was the one filming, was making me laugh so he is no longer allowed to be the “cinematographer”.

Ok, so now you got to see the real me in action and learn how to drill a hole in a plate using a diamond bit! Ha! Just for the record – I know it sounds like it but the plate did not break once the drill bit went through ~ I swear! I have broken a bottle while drilling and it was due to the water being too warm. Thankfully, I was wearing gloves when it happened! Have questions about how to drill a hole in a plate using a diamond bit? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2013-04-12 08:00:15.