Remember the lights in the wine bottle? That idea has been stuck in my head and I’ve dying to try something similar. But I was intimidated to drill through glass. I’ve never done it before! So of course, I stopped at my local True Value to get the low-down on how it’s done (I adore my local store. It’s so easy to find someone to help.) I asked lots of questions. Do I need to buy a Dremel tool? How slow do I need to go? What drill bit is best?
The True Value guys said I could use the drill I already own, but that I should add a drill bit made specifically for glass and tile. They told me not to go full power on the drill and that I should think about it like “carving away the glass” instead of drilling through. Very helpful imagery for me.
So I gave it a try. Ben Blair took turns too. And it was a success! I used a 3/8″ bit — just right to fit a twinkle light through. I have a full DIY project in mind for this and will definitely share when I’m done, but in the meantime, I’m setting aside all the most-interesting bottles that come into our home.
What about you? Have you ever drilled through glass or tile?
P.S. — This is another project as a True Value Blog Squad Member. It’s been such a great way for me to try new tools and ideas. A big thanks to True Value for helping me make it happen.
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve never drilled through glass or tile — totally intimidated. I did watch my dad drill through my newly-tiled bathroom to install a toilet paper holder, and it freaked me out because the drill threw off smoke, didn’t push through the tile very quickly, and because if he made a mistake, that was one expensive slab of tile (plus labor)! But your info here makes it seem a little more do-able. (Although I still would be scared to drill into freshly-installed kinda-pricey bathroom tile — thank goodness for my awesome dad!)
What safety precautions did you have to take? Eye protection? Looks like you were working over a towel or padding, too. Did you have to take temperature into account — like, can it be too cold to drill into glass? I’d love to know — I might get even LESS intimidated. Thanks for sharing, Gabrielle!
I love it! We’re iced in today, kids home from school, and I have a crafty itch. I think I’ll try this.
I tried once before but stopped because I was intimidated. I ended up just bringing the extra cord over and down the backside of the bottle. A drilled hole would look much better… I will look forward to the tutorial.
Ohhh I am so happy you posted this! It’s something I have wanted to do but didn’t know how. I should have gone to the store to ask like you do. . . they LOVE to help :)
Thanks for sharing!
happy day!
oh lordy! just drilled 5 glass globe vases for a chandelier… thought it as going to be much more dramatic and shrapnel-ey than it was. i say, drill baby, drill.
I have! I’ve also drilled through a lot of plexi. I’ve had luck by bracing it between two pieces of wood.
Kelly
hmmm, this has me thinking about all those baby food jars I have saved up because I feel bad about throwing such nice little jars away.
Oh my gosh – I CAN’T WAIT to see what you’re making. They already sound utterly fabulous and all you’ve got is a jar with a hole in it! Not that I mean to detract, in any way, from your holey bottle! I think you’re very brave and and totally inspiring to have done that. Bring on the gorgeous lit up stuff!
I’ve been holding on to tons of baby food jars waiting for inspiration to strike – consider it struck! Thanks
I’m feeling incredibly inpatient to see what is to come of this project. Oh, hurry, hurry! ;)
Have a fantastic Thanksgiving with your sweet family! I give thanks for you and all your great inspiration!
Glad to hear you say it was easy. I noticed you did not cool the drill with water. I keep reading that is important to keep it cool. By the way, I LOVE the True Value guys. They are like hanging out with dad. So helpful and willing to listen to my “great ideas”.
I have drilled through glass. If you put your bottle into a tub of water, or keep a stream of water on the spot that you are drilling, the drill bit will stay cool and not smoke, and will also prevent glass chips from flying around if it should break. I used my drimel, but using a drill sounds easier.
I have made numerous lamps out of odd shaped wine bottles. I found that if you oil the drill bit (baby oil works), it goes faster and doesn’t get as hot. lots of fun and great results….really pretty gifts too.
I have used a ceramic drill bit to drill drainage holes in ceramic dishes and containers so they can be used for plants. The thrift stores usually have cute containers that can be purchased for next to nothing.
This reminds me of a project that was popular quite a few years back. In the jar add dry potpourri. Cover the top with a wrap of tulle. As the lights glow you will get a lovely scent.
As a glass artist, I would recommend using water to keep you drill bit cool. Keep a trickle going or immerse in water. Always use a diamond bit meant for glass. Nothing else will work. I use the fastest setting on my Dremel drill. Start at an angle and then straighten up so the drill bit doesn’t slip.
i saw a picture of hanging bottles with plants growing out of the bottom and wondered how they cut off the end of the bottles (like wine bottles). it was a stunning patio decoration. any ideas of how to do it? i’ll hunt that picture….
This link is to that picture of the bottles with plants growing out the bottom. I just found it on my FB wall.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/432151_318682981521880_100001405410731_893015_1350129643_n.jpg
I have tried one time with broken results. I have a diamond tipped bit for tile and glass (3/8″) and I tried to drill a hole in the bottom of a very large mason jar. The glass is very thick at this point. I used a 1″x1″ stick of wood on the inside for support. Everything went fine for a while, I had a hole that was funnel shaped – smaller on the inside than the outside. As I tried to drill so the hole was cylindar shaped (the glass was thicker then the bit was long?), the jar broke. I have not tried again. Any suggestions?
What about drilling through old China plates? I’ve seen tiered cake plates made from old china and would love to use Granny’s old set but would hate to use the wrong bit and break a treasured plate. Fun stuff!