You can also use painter’s tape, medical tape, or another textured type of tape if you don’t have any masking tape on hand. Duct or electrical tape may also do the trick, but be warned that they’ll be slicker than other varieties. The tape will not only help you keep track of where your hole needs to go, but also provide a little traction for the drill bit, keeping it from slipping on the slick glass. [2] X Research source
This dot will serve as a kind of bullseye for your drill bit, allowing you to fine-tune the placement of your hole.
You’ll have the easiest time drilling your bottle when it’s resting on a work surface that’s around waist- or chest-high.
It’s important to make sure that the bit you’re working with is tipped with either carbide or diamond. Both are very strong materials that will easily cut into the fragile glass without shattering it. [5] X Research source Spear-tipped bits come in a wide range of diameters, so you should have no trouble finding a set that’s just the right size for your project.
Tilting the upper portion of the bottle up at a 30-45 degree angle can put it in a more natural position for drilling. That way, you won’t have to try to move your drill straight up and down. Another option is to place your pad on the ground, kneel over the bottle, and squeeze the neck between your knees to hold it steady. [8] X Research source
For a more traditional approach, you can also mold a hunk of plumber’s putty into a ring, press it onto the bottle around your drilling site, and pour some water into it to form a “dam. ”[9] X Research source The friction of the drill bit on the glass will generate a lot of heat. The warmer the glass gets, the higher its chances of cracking or shattering.
Consider putting on cut-resistant gloves, a safety mask, and some type of eye protection before you begin drilling to limit your exposure to potentially-irritating dust particles. [11] X Research source It may take several seconds to get all the way through the glass, especially if it’s particularly thick.
Remember to keep the glass cool and lubricated each time you put drill to bottle. It shouldn’t be necessary to change bits more than 2 or 3 times. If your hole needs to be especially big, it will be easier to simply use a hole cutting bit.
This step is optional. There’s no need to file or sand the finished hole if you’re going to be using your bottle as a hands-off decoration.
Don’t forget to flush out the inside of the bottle, as well. The best way to do this is to fill it up about one-third of the way, swish the water around, and dump it out through the neck.
You can pick up a 2-pack of rubber grommets for around $1 at any hardware shop or home improvement center, as well as most craft supply stores. Be sure to pick out grommets that match the diameter of your hole. Curving a small piece of tape around the inner edge of the hole will also do the trick if you’re not too particular about looks.
