Glass drill bits are used to make a hole in the mirror. Are you planning on drilling a hole in a mirror? You have come to the right place. We all love glassworks with a beautiful hole that attracts everyone. You can effortlessly drill a hole in a mirror with the proper skillset and appropriate drilling pieces of equipment. It needs some specific skills and caution to drill a hole in the mirror without breaking it. Here we will provide a step-by-step guide on drilling a hole in a mirror with a glass drill bit. After finishing the article, you will be able to drill a hole in a mirror with a glass drill bit safely and, of course, without breaking it.
How To Drill Holes In Mirror With Glass Drill Bits – Choose The Right Glass Drill Bit
Drilling a hole in the mirror is not like drilling into wood. It would be best if you choose the right bit to drill a hole in a mirror. You will need the right tool in your hand. If You follow the correct technique, then creating a hole is in a mirror is not that tough.
As glass is brittle material so you will have to pick a sharp, tricky drill bit to drill a hole into that. Don’t apply excessive force either, as that can break the mirror. You have to adjust the drill to a lower level. Please don’t go for cheap bits as they won’t last long and definitely harm your mirror.
You can choose between two types of bits for drilling holes in a glass: the tungsten carbide-tipped drill bit and the diamond drill bit. Carbide-tipped drill bits are used for non-tempered glass, ceramics, tiles, etc. But for tempered glass, the mirror diamond drill bit works better. A diamond drill bit creates holes from one-fourth inch to larger. It creates smoother holes. The diamond drill bit is specially made for drilling a hole in a glass.
You can dry with regular drill bits, but you have to be a superman to achieve that.
How To Drill Holes In Mirror With Glass Drill Bits – Materials You Will Need
Please make a checklist of the following materials before you start drilling holes in glass with glass drill bits.
- A power variable speed drill (Cordless or Corded both will work)
- Flat surface, a table would be best.
- Cardboard
- Painter’s tape/ Ruler
- Lubricant, oil, or water.
- Marker (To mark the area of drilling)
- Glass drill bit
- Gloves
- Safety Glasses
- Long tight pants
- Small towel or paper towel – We will use it to clean the area.
- Cushion (Optional)
Preparation To Put Hole in Glass With Glass Drill Bits
Before starting the project, please wear the right outfits. You have to wear the proper clothing. Otherwise, you can hurt yourself in an accident. Don’t wear loose clothes as they can be very dangerous. If you wear ornaments or any other fancy kinds of stuff, please remove them before you proceed. Don’t forget to protect your eyes with safety glasses. We also recommend you wear hand gloves to protect your hands from glasses. In summation, you must prepare yourself as mentioned below:
- Do not wear loose clothes.
- Wear safety glass
- Long trousers
- Remove pieces of jewelry and watch
- Thick pair of gloves
How To Drill Holes In Mirror With Glass Drill Bits – Mark the Hole Location
- Determine the location: Decide where you want the hole to be on the mirror. Measure the distance from the edge of the mirror to the center of the hole and mark the spot with a marker or painter’s tape.
- Use a level: Use a level to ensure that the mark is straight and even. This is especially important if you are drilling multiple holes and want them to be aligned.
- Double-check the location: Before drilling, double-check the location of the hole to ensure it is where you want it to be. Make any necessary adjustments to the mark if needed.
- Use painter’s tape: Apply a small piece of painter’s tape over the mark. This will help prevent the mirror from cracking or chipping while drilling.
Prepare the Mirror Before drilling
Preparing the mirror before drilling is a crucial step to ensure that the mirror does not crack or shatter during the drilling process. Here are some steps to follow when preparing the mirror:
- Clean the area: Use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to clean the area where you will be drilling. This will remove any dirt, dust, or smudges that could interfere with the drilling process.
- Cover the area: Apply a piece of painter’s tape to the mirror to cover the area where you will be drilling. This will help prevent the mirror from cracking or chipping while you drill.
- Spray water: Spray the area where you will be drilling with water. This will help cool down the drill bit and lubricate the area, making it easier to drill into the mirror.
- Position the drill: Hold the drill perpendicular to the mirror surface. This will help ensure the hole is drilled straight and does not damage the surrounding area.
Start Drilling a Hole in Glass With a diamond drill bit
We assume that you have taken the proper safety measures. And you also have brought the correct glass drill bit and diamond drill bit. Now you can make your hands dirty.
Important: Before you start, you must use painter’s tape to attach the mirror to the board. Mirrors are slippy materials and can sleep while you have started drilling holes in the glass with a glass drill bit. So, use the tape and attach the mirror firmly to the board.
Step 1 – Use the permanent marker to mark the location where you want to drill a hole in the glass.
Step 2 – Put the diamond drill bit in the drill. It would be best if you started with a smaller diamond drill bit. If you plan to create a giant hole, don’t worry, as you can enlarge the hole with a significant drill bit later.
Step 3– Wear your safety glass to protect your eyes from any unnecessary accidents. Don’t forget to wear gloves also.
Step 4 – Put the mirror on a flat and solid surface(A table would be best). You must attach the mirror perfectly to the board. Use the cushion to adjust it firmly.
Step 5 – Power up the drilling machine. For this kind of hole, it is better to hold the drill at a 45-degree angle. Do not hurry to put the hole and never panic. It would be best if you never put extra pressure like that that can break the glass. Let the drill to the job, not your force.
Step 6 – When you feel you have created a primary hole in the mirror, it’s time to go to the next phase. Hold your drill at a 90-degree position and continue drilling.
Step 7 – You should use water or other lubricants that you have brought to complete the job. This will protect the glass from heating. Overheating can break the glass, so keep using water.
Step 8 – Don’t get over-excited. You should know the thickness of the glass mirror and how deep you want to make that hole. It should take 4 to 5 minutes for a standard mirror. For a thicker glass mirror, you should drill for 5-10 minutes.
Important: For inside-out holes, drill from both sides. Do not try to drill from one side; that can break the mirror glass.
Cleaning Up After drilling a Hole in the Glass Mirror
After drilling the hole in the mirror, it’s important to clean up the area to ensure that there is no debris or residue left on the mirror surface. Here are some steps to follow when cleaning up after drilling:
- Remove the painter’s tape: Gently remove the painter’s tape from the mirror surface.
- Clean the area: Use a glass cleaner and a clean, lint-free cloth to clean the area where you drilled the hole. This will remove any debris, residue, or fingerprints left on the mirror surface.
- Remove debris from the hole: Use a soft-bristled brush or a cotton swab to remove any debris that may be stuck in the hole.
- Inspect the mirror: Carefully inspect the mirror to ensure that there are no cracks, chips, or scratches that may have occurred during the drilling process.
Cautions While Drilling A Hole In Glass Mirror
We have learned how to drill holes in a glass mirror. But some amateurs can break the glass while drilling. Glass mirrors are brittle materials, so you have to be patient and use the proper drilling techniques when you are drilling a hole in a mirror with a glass drill bit.
DO NOT use an old bit. You should start with a new drill bit. We suggested a diamond drill bit. But like any other glass drill bit, the diamond bit also gets dull. So we strongly recommend that you use a fresh bit. If you use a dull bit, then the glass mirror can shatter, and the glass mirror will break down.
Support the glass mirror at all times while drilling. The glass should be on a plain and flat surface. If the surface is not plain enough, your glass mirror will break for sure. It would help if you produced appropriate support.
Drill gently and slowly. Remember, it is a delicate drilling application, and you have to be patient. Drilling a hole in the glass mirror is not the kind of work that you can do in a rush. It is recommended to start with 1/8” or 3/32 in size to create a dimple in the glass. You also should begin with a 45-degree angle and then go with a 90-degree angle. Don’t start drilling vertically from the beginning; you will break the glass for sure.
Always start with the small hole and use a tiny size bit. Do not worry about the finished hole at the beginning. You should begin with a bit of a hole at first. As we stated, early start with a small diamond drill bit like 1/8” or 3/32 in size. Create a dimple first, and after you create the hole, you can change the drill bit and go for a giant hole with a more significant bit.
Ensure that the glass mirror does not catch high temperatures: The glass mirror will surely heat up while you are drilling. You must be conscious of the scenario or end up with a broken glass mirror. Control the temperature with water or another lubricant that you brought and use that material frequently.
DO NOT drill near the edges of the glass mirror. Experts say that you should keep at least ¾ inches distance from the borders of the glass mirror. You can not get sufficient support if you drill near the border. So, there is a high chance that the glass mirror will break into pieces. Do not drill through the near border.
Clean the surroundings with the towel properly. Do not remove your gloves before you clean the area properly. Tiny pieces of glasses are hazardous, and they can hurt you severely.
Recommended Glass Drill Bit
Baban 10Pcs Hole Saw Diamond Drill Bit
This is an excellent diamond bit set from Baban. You will get ten drill bits in this set ranging from 6mm to 32 mm. This diamond-coated core l bit from Baban can remove a complete circle from glass, tiles, granite, ceramic, marble, or others. The diamond drill bits of this set are ideal for drilling holes in regular and tempered glass, fibreglass porcelain tile ceramic, gentle light stone, block jars, and other brittle materials.
These diamond drill bits of this set are made of high-speed steel. Those high steel aluminium are durable and lasts for a long time. Moreover, the material confirms excellent quality and high-performance drill bits to create a precise and perfect hole for every project. These diamond drill bits won’t get dull very soon.
Every diamond drill bit comes with a high-quality diamond coating. The diamond hole saw can create perfect holes with exquisite precision. You will get a smooth cut without any broken edges. If you drill at a low speed and without much pressure, by putting water in a regular interval, you can extend the lifespan of the drill bits of this set considerably.
Key features
- Comes in satisfied sizes for all kinds of drilling applications with brittle materials. 6mm/0.23″, 8mm/0.31″, 10mm/0.39″, 12mm/0.47″, 14mm/0.55″, 16mm/0.62″, 18mm/0.7″, 22mm/0.86″, 26mm/1.02″, 32mm/1.26″.
- The diamond bit is ideal for a wide range of applications, such as removing a complete circle from glass, tiles, marbles, ceramic, granite, or others.
- The diamond bit set is perfect for drilling glass, block jars, tile bottles, fibreglass porcelain tile ceramic, slate Marble, granite light stone. Etc.
- The bits are made of high-speed steel that is highly durable and has a long service life,
- The high still ensures a clean cut without breaking any material.
- The bits are coated with top-quality diamond. The diamond hole saw
- Coated with high-quality diamond, the diamond hole saw is capable of creating a high precision, smooth cut with no broken edges.
- With proper maintenance like using at low speed, applying low pressure, using adequate water, you can extend the lifespan of the drill bits.
Diamond Drill Bit Set Hole- 15PCS
This is another excellent diamond bit set, and it comes with five more bits than the previous set. Made of industrial-grade carbon steel with nickel platted coated body to prevent corrosion. This diamond drill bit is also suitable for heavy-duty drilling tasks. With this drill bits set, you can drill glass, fiberglass porcelain tile ceramic, gentle light stone, block jars, and other brittle materials.
Every hole is treated with smooth and perfect surface treatment, and the top of the hole is thickened so that you can achieve excellent cutting strength. You will get 15 bits in the package ranging from 6mm to 50mm. The size of the bits and numbers ensure that you can use the set to meet various purposes, from DIY to professional purposes.
As we described in the article earlier, you have to be extra careful with the temperature when working with brittle materials. Whether drilling a hole in a glass mirror or working on tiles, you have to be cautious about the heat from the applications. So, always use sufficient water. With adequate water, you can extend the lifespan of this bit set remarkably. On the other hand, if you don’t use enough water, you will harm both the diamond bit and the material you are working with.
Key features
- Comes in various sizes: 6/ 8/ 10/ 12/ 14/ 16/ 18/ 20/ 22/ 25/ 26/ 28/ 30/ 40/ 50 mm, confirming that you can use the set for various purposes.
- You can use it on Drill Glass, Tile Bottles, Wood, Slate Mable, Ceramic, Blocks Jars, Granite Light Stone, and other hard surfaces.
- Made of industrial standard carbon steel with a nickel-plated coated body, and resist corrosion.
- Provides fine artistry and super wear-resistant
- Very much sharp and ensure precise cut and reduce the chance of breaking the material.
- Every hole comes with smooth and accurate surface treatment, and the top of the hole is thickened to achieve excellent cutting strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Drill Bit Will Cut Through Glass?
Diamond bit. Diamonds are a more rigid material than glass. Therefore, you should use diamond bits for glass.
A diamond drill bit combines the work of a router and a drill bit, making it versatile. These bits mainly consist of a diamond embedded in a metallic segment and a steel shell with components connected to the chopping edge. Diamond bits work at relatively low speeds. You can use a diamond drill bit for a wide range of applications, such as drilling a hole in a regular glass, glass mirror, tempered glass, tiles, fiberglass porcelain tile ceramic, gentle light stone, block jars, and other solid and brittle materials.
Can You Drill Glass With A Normal Drill Bit?
Regular bits are specially made to drill on wood or other soft materials. But you can drill into a glass with a standard drill bit with proper drilling skills and patience. Glass is a brittle material and, therefore, vulnerable to a typical drill bit. But if you want to put a hole in a thick glass mirror or similar kind of glass, we recommend using a diamond drill bit. Diamond-coated drill bits are vital and are specially made for glass and other similar strong materials. With proper caution and drilling skills, you can create deep and precise holes in glass with a god diamond drill bit.
How Can I Drill A Hole In Glass Without Breaking It?
First, choose the right drill bit. You must use a carbide or diamond drill bit to drill a hole in the glass. If you want to drill into a strong or tempered glass, using a diamond drill bit is best. Diamond drill bits are strong, sharp, and made for heavier tasks like drilling a hole in the glass without breaking it. You also should take proper measures to drill a hole in a mirror. Use cardboard to cover the glass and drill through the cardboard. Use water regularly, or the glass could break from overheating.
Conclusion
Drilling a hole in a mirror with a glass drill bit is not that tough if you have the proper drilling skill and drill bit. Use a diamond drill bit and take appropriate precautions. Don’t forget to wear safety glasses and gloves. Use water throughout the drilling process so the glass mirror doesn’t break due to overheating. You also can use a drill press to drill holes in a glass mirror.
We hope the tutorial helped you drill holes with a glass drill bit if you were looking for the proper way to drill a hole in a mirror. Best of luck with your project, and see you in another tutorial.
