how to drill a hole in glass?

[tian0915]

hi guys, i recently want to upgrade my tank and want it drilled, what kind of tools should i use? for right now, i just have a drill, what kind of head should i buy?

any suggestion?

thanks in advance.

[gauthier613]

I used these one of these bits with a drill press.  I liked it because the bits are matched to the specific bulkhead took the pain of trying to figure out which one to use.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Plumbing-and-Pumps-Schedule-80-Plumbing-Diamond-Glass-Drill-Bits/c14_15_41/index.html

[groan]

I cant vouch for availability or cost but there are users around who can do the drilling for you and they are good at it. for some stupid reason I am drawing a blank on the name!!!
Do a search on drilling and I'm sure you will get it.
Found it, Look up Snigger. He may be able to help.

[redbelly]

Drilling a tank is easy!

1) Pick up the phone
2) Call Snigger
3) Relax

[charlie]

This thread might be helpful if you choose to go the non DIY route
http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=33485.0

[az]

for 1 or 2 holes dont bother doing it yourself, there are few people in here who drills, try groupie02, he is very reasonable.

[Adam Chappell]

i use a crap external over flow that had dumped water on the ground twice would it be possible to drill a stocked tank

[FocusFin]

i use a crap external over flow that had dumped water on the ground twice would it be possible to drill a stocked tank

It's been done http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlaOl-dBniI&feature=related but I'd only let an experienced person do it and I'm not sure an experienced person would want to take the risk.

There's a certain method to getting the "groove" that people who have done it can recognize, I don't think you'd want to try your first time on a full or semi-full tank but maybe you like to live dangerously

[tian0915]

wow, thanks guys! i think i will first try it on a piece of glass

thanks again!

[Quatro]

My first attempt was on a 20gal tank.  The smaller tanks have thinner glass so it goes quicker but more chance of cracking the tank.  No problems for me so far.

Some pointers....

-create a reservoir where you want to drill to hold some lubricant (I have heard play-doh works, I used a cut up top of a CD spindle with vaseline to hold it
-add lubricant into reservoir (I used vegetable oil, seriously)
-a drill press is best if you can do it but I used a hand drill
-if using a hand drill it will "dance" on the glass so be sure to brace it with one hand and pull the trigger with the other
-do NOT push down, let the weight of the drill be the only force (you can push a little but the more force the more likely you will crack it
-expect 5-10min to drill through, be patient
-go slow as to not damage the drill bit

[Vincenzo.]

u can pick the bit at home depo, rona,.. The dimond bit is small and like 30-50 bucks

[markw]

u can pick the bit at home depo, rona,.. The dimond bit is small and like 30-50 bucks

Be careful about these bits. The ones I have seen at home depot are for tile and not for glass. Most specialty aquarium supply online sources carry various brands. You also need to ensure the hole matches the size of the bulkhead.

[Consigliere]

Glassholes.com is a good resource for parts and information.

[fender316]

u can pick the bit at home depo, rona,.. The dimond bit is small and like 30-50 bucks

That's crazy talk....its been a few years since i drilled a tank but i originall got my bits from Hong Kong for less that $5.  still got em!

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=2+1%2F2+glass+bit&_sacat=See-All-Categories

[Vincenzo.]

That's crazy talk....its been a few years since i drilled a tank but i originall got my bits from Hong Kong for less that $5.  still got em!

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=2+1%2F2+glass+bit&_sacat=See-All-Categories

^u get what you pay for. plus after you add shipping, it's very close

[fender316]

^u get what you pay for. plus after you add shipping, it's very close

I work with hardwood full-time, and i would never be caught dead buying a drill bit from home depot unless it was an ermergency.  i'd be broke and out of business in no time.  where do you think preston hardware and these places get they're bits from?  its all the same junk.  5$ free shipping is a lot better than $30-$50+tax, and i couldnt tell you how many tanks i drilled with that bit.

[gauthier613]

Just drilled a new holes.  This time skipped the Drill Press because I didn't care.   Just wanted to leave the post that by hand with a drill is was just as easy.  Starting on a 45 to get my groove then finished of.  Plumbers putty and water.  Still used the Bulk Reef Supply bits.   Took about 7min