How Can I Drill a Hole in a Glass Vase?

Glass vases can be drilled and cut to make other objects

Glass vases are in nearly every home. You can use these sometimes decorative items to create many other projects. Decorating an old glass vase can bring new life into a room. Lamps, fountains and many other things can be made from an old vase. Sometimes your project will require making a hole in the vase. Drilling a hole into a glass vase is a difficult process, but it is one you can master with a little practice and the proper technique.

Things You'll Need

• Glass vase
• Deep sink
• Water
• Rechargeable rotary tool with diamond tip bit
• Clean, dry cloth
• Safety glasses
• Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Fill the sink with enough water to completely submerge the vase. Place the vase into the water. Allow the water to reach room temperature.

2. Grip the vase firmly, hold it just under the surface of the water and place the tip of the bit against the glass. Engage the rotary tool at slow speed. Apply only enough pressure on the rotary tool to make a mark in the glass. Continue drilling into the glass until the hole is complete. Hold the opposite end of the vase to keep it perfectly still while drilling.

3. Drain the water from the sink. Run water over the inside and the outside of the vase to wash away any glass slivers created by drilling the hole. Dry the inside and outside of the vase with a clean, soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Safety glasses are a necessity when drilling glass.

• Only use a rechargeable, battery powered tool for this project. Using corded tools in water is extremely hazardous.

• Do not submerge the rotary tool into the water past the bit as this will cause damage to the tool.

• Rubber gloves should be worn during the drilling process to assist you with your grip and prevent a mild electric shock if the rotary tool accidentally falls into the water.

References

• Drill Glass: How to Drill Glass