If you drill your own glass blocks, you will need to clean out the glass dust. Following are some suggestions for ways to clean your blocks.
Try using rice and water shaken around in the block to clean it out. Then simply empty out the rice, rinse, and let the block air dry.
Another method that works well is to use an empty toilet paper roll attached to the end of your vacuum hose. Bend the unattached end into a cone shape and insert and tape a drinking straw to the cone. Put the straw inside the block and suck out the dust.
Finally, just wash each one with hot water "no soap", immediately after drilling and turn them hole side down in a dish drainer. Washing this quickly will not allow the glass dust to dry inside. They just sparkle when you are done.
How do I make a slot in the top of a glass block to make a bank. And how do you smooth the edges after drilling?
Drilling glass blocks.
Step 1
You have to use the right rpm range, there should be something on the side of your drill listing the rpm.
Step 2
Step 3
Use a carbide bit especially for glass.
Step 4
Tape a small piece of cardboard to the glass block so it doesn't slip.
Step 5
Place light pressure on the drill.
Empty wine bottles are often used in craft projects. Using the right process you can successfully drill holes in the glass. This is a page about drilling a hole in a wine bottle.
How can I prevent glass shards from falling into a wine bottle, which is creating scratches in the bottle?
There is a special drill bit you can buy at Home Depot or Lowes. It costs about $8
I am wanting to drill a hole in the old glass insulators to make a pendant light. What is the best bit to use and size if anyone knows?
By Judy B
We drilled a case of glass blocks and the rinse out process didn't work, there is still residue left inside. How do we get the cloudy residue out?
By Ma
Crushed ice and salt swirled around the inside and then rinsed out. You can also use crushed ice and broken up egg shells.
I am looking for a diamond drill to drill a 3/4 inch hole in glass blocks. Can you help me find one?
By Greg I
I found my bits at Sears. They are not cheap, but they last a long time!
Try Home Depot or Lowe's. Like the poster said, they aren't cheap, but they last. You could try your local freecycle group also.
I am looking to find the best way to drill a hole in glass. I have used the Dremel rotary tool, and also a drill press. Both of these work, but it takes so long just to make one hole. It is very time consuming. I would be grateful for any info.
By Rose M from UT
Having a diamond tipped bit helps. Also if you want one to last longer, sintered (sp?) is the way to go.
Does anyone know how to drill a hole in sea glass without it breaking?
By Marlene
Can someone tell me of a tool that will make a hole in a glass jar for wiring a light? The drill bit tools don't work. Or can I buy jars with a hole in them already? Please help.
By DONNA
If you go to a community college in your area that teaches stained glass, the instructor can help you drill a hole in glass for a minimal fee. They have the tools and know how on this subject.
You might also try a glass company in your area. They work with glass and may have the tools you need.
You need a diamond drill bit. There are several sizes, just depends on what you are going to put through the hole. I make night lights with very small wine bottles, drill a hold about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the glass on one side and then stuff a 25 light string in the bottle.
You can purchase glass drills. They have a rounded point. I dipped mine in oil and went slowly. Careful not to break through as that will crack your glass. Check the web to see what they look like. You may have to purchase them there also.
What do I need to cut a hole in glass (bottle, blocks)? I want to put lights in them and use them for decoration. Can anyone tell me the tools that I would need for this? Or if there is a web site that I could go to for help. Thanks.
By Karen from Reynoldsville, PA
My daughter and I are currently working on these. Get a 1/2" glass drill bit, they are shaped like an arrowhead at the tip. When drilling, drill slow and try to keep the drill bit wet so it doesn't get too hot.
Will a 10 inch drill press work for drilling holes in glass blocks for Christmas decorations?