About

Cost
$ $ $ $ $
Difficulty
• • • • •
Time
5 mins

For making natural beads.
I got bored one morning and I decided to see how I could drill a hole into a rock 1) without it breaking and blinding me, 2) relatively simply, and 3) without too many tools to have on hand. What I came up with was this rig.

Posted by IntrepidMoose from Madison, Wisconsin, United States • Published See IntrepidMoose's 5 projects »
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  • How to make a beads. How To Drill Holes Into Stones Or Glass - Step 1
    Step 1

    These are your materials (stones/glass, plastic container you don't want, rotary tool, diamond tip). Assemble!

    (Not pictured: Water)

  • How to make a beads. How To Drill Holes Into Stones Or Glass - Step 2
    Step 2

    So first take your rotary tool, and get a diamond head. Diamond heads usually look like this.

  • How to make a beads. How To Drill Holes Into Stones Or Glass - Step 3
    Step 3

    Put that on the drill. Now pour your water into the unwanted plastic container. Put a small rock into the container. Add water until the water level comes up just above it. Switcho on your drill and, trying to keep it level, start to drill into the stone under the water. Try to keep it straight! If you have a drill press, it's best to use that.
    In this image, I'm not holding it. For camera purposes. But really, hold it with your pliers. Please. That's a better idea than your hands

  • Step 4

    CAREFUL THOUGH!
    Every few seconds or so, ease up on the drill. Pull it up off the stone or completely out of the hole you are creating. Let the water into the hole you're drilling to cool the stone off so the stone doesn't crack or destroy the diamond tip on you.
    This whole process can be repeated the exact same way with a piece of sea glass (or glass, if you prefer that) instead of a stone.

  • How to make a beads. How To Drill Holes Into Stones Or Glass - Step 5
    Step 5

    And hey, look at that! Now you've got a wonderful stone with a hole in it. Make with it what you want! Enjoy!

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Comments

Donna Lee L.
Donna Lee L.
Thank you very much for sharing this how to. I have some flat stones and glass ones that I want to do this to and didn.t know how, now I do!
IntrepidMoose
IntrepidMoose · Madison, Wisconsin, US · 26 projects
I'm happy to help! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! I'll do my best to answer Happy
Reply
BeckyJo M.
BeckyJo M.
what kind of drill is needed for this project ? I'm new to this type of crafting !
IntrepidMoose
IntrepidMoose · Madison, Wisconsin, US · 26 projects
A craft rotary tool (i.e. Dremel, Proxxon, or something like it).
Reply
Witchy
Witchy · New Zealand, Prince Edward Island, CA · 43 projects
could I use a normal drill just with the diamond tip drill piece?? just wondering as I dont own a rotary tool Happy and have wanted to do this forever!! Tongue
IntrepidMoose
IntrepidMoose · Madison, Wisconsin, US · 26 projects
I actually don't know... I apologise profusely- I wish I could be more help. Sorry. Happy
Reply
diane.lewis.5205
diane.lewis.5205 · Dallas, Texas, US
Thank you, you may hear from me again real soon. I like your work.
Reply
diane.lewis.5205
diane.lewis.5205 · Dallas, Texas, US
Thanks for the instructions.
IntrepidMoose
IntrepidMoose · Madison, Wisconsin, US · 26 projects
It was no problem. Happy If you need any more help, you can ask me anytime.
Reply
diane.lewis.5205
diane.lewis.5205 · Dallas, Texas, US
Thank you for the information.
Reply
diane.lewis.5205
diane.lewis.5205 · Dallas, Texas, US
I need to kniow what drill bit to use?
IntrepidMoose
IntrepidMoose · Madison, Wisconsin, US · 26 projects
Reply
diane.lewis.5205
diane.lewis.5205 · Dallas, Texas, US
Where are the instructions?
IntrepidMoose
IntrepidMoose · Madison, Wisconsin, US · 26 projects
You can't see the steps?
Reply
Steph.
Steph. · Reading, England, GB · 212 projects
Does it work for slate?
IntrepidMoose
IntrepidMoose · Madison, Wisconsin, US · 26 projects
It should, but if you do attempt it, remember to wear safety goggles and be careful with the slate, as it's liable to chip some during the drilling process.
Steph.
Steph. · Reading, England, GB · 212 projects
Ok, thank you! Happy
Reply
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