I need to drill drainage holes into new decorative planters.

June Rozniak
by June Rozniak
They are made of some kind of ceramic.
  7 answers
  • Layce Layce on Jun 11, 2016
    you can use a reg drill bit or rechargable screw driver with long bit. the KEY is to do it in water. make sure the hole and the bit are under water. about 3/4 inch will do. that's it. take it easy with quick bursts
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Jun 11, 2016
    I would be very cautious using an electric drill on anything submerged in water. Not sure a rechargeable screwdriver would provide enough "oomph " for something like this. You can purchase a drill bit for glass and ceramic and just drill very slowly. Give it a try on something of similar substance before trying it on your actual planter. Good luck.
  • William William on Jun 11, 2016
    A masonry or glass drill bit for would work, like MN MOM suggests. You can use a rechargeable drill, at LOW speed. Use WD40, not water as a lubricant. Apply very little pressure, let the bit do the work. The weight of the drill should be enough. Good luck .
  • Veronica Davenport Veronica Davenport on Jun 11, 2016
    I watched a t.v. show host do this once and have used this technique many times. I use a cordless drill (purchased by myself, for myself, lightweight), some masking tape and a little water. You must use a bit especially made for glass and ceramics. Rest the upside down container on a piece of cardboard (so you don't damage the rim), put an X of tape over where you want to put the hole, add a smidgen of water and drill away. Use a firm but not forceful hand. Practice on some things you don't really care about first. I wouldn't do this myself to a 14th century Ming vase. For anything that is costly, search out a lamp shop to do it for you.
  • Carrol Aizenman Carrol Aizenman on Jun 12, 2016
    I used a dremel without water & it worked fine. It went quickly & didn't get overly hot.
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Jun 12, 2016
    Tape the pot where you are going to drill to help keep it from cracking.
  • Dwa523415 Dwa523415 on Jun 15, 2016
    My husband uses a glass bit for his drill. Run water on the drill bit so it doesn't over heat.