how to get drainage holes in bottom of ceramic pot?

Hi Everyone - I have a very large ceramic crock type of pottery that would be good for large plants if there were any drainage holes in it. I need ideas of what type of drill bit a person would use to do this or any other ideas for getting holes? I want to use this large pot outdoors, so the holes are necessary. Thank you for all replies.

Ruby

if you use a drill, do it slowly and lightly. carefully. Otherwise, don't do it.

buy a drill bit made specially for ceramics. i bought mine @ HD. ask clerks for assistance, not easy to find.

there are certain drill bits for the right materials. good luck!

yes Ma - I was thinking about maybe that person didn't have those avenues. but YES

Thank you both. I will tell hubby that he just needs to ask for a special one wherever he decides to shop for it. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Ruby

go slowly! don't crack or break it! ;-)

Carbide drills or masonary drills likely would work.

my dp drilled holes in all of my pots over the years...he uses a masonery bit and he says it's not a question of going slow, your finger on the trigger is either on or off, but a question of pressure. don't try pushing the drill too hard to help the bit along, just let it do it's work.

Thank you all for the input. I believe that we have some masonry bits already, just need to find them. Also thank you to those who mentioned putting another pot inside the crock. It is too nice a pot to go to waste. It needs a plant in it for sure.

Ruby

Its safer to use a grinding bit than a drill. Less chance of fracture, and like everyone says go slow and put a little bit of water in the bottom as you grind.

X

i never thought about water, makes sense. we always turn ours over and drill through the bottom.

Thank you everyone. John used a masonry bit with his drill and it worked great. Yes, I can see where water is sometimes needed on cutting jobs. I have seen people using a saw to cut tile, and water is used for that also. I will enjoy using this pot now.

Ruby

Another trick I remember seeing somewhere was to put heavy tape (duct tape would work) in the spot where you are going to drill. It's supposed to keep fractures down but I think the proper drill bit and pressure as is mentioned above are key points. I would put the tape on both sides of the pot.

Great idea there Outside. Thank you for sharing.

Ruby

the best drillbits for the job are for glass drilling. they're not expensive and come in sets for less that $20. at both wally world and harbor freight.

I use them to drill holes in no hole pots and also when making tabletop fountains out of just about anything.

Hey Jude - Ha-ha. Always wanted to say that to someone. Love your name. Do you have pics of any of the fountains that you have made. It sounds very interesting. Thanks for the tip about the glass bits.

Ruby

am off to class, but will take some pics tonight and try to remember to post.

got home later than I expected and not getting pics tonight, but while I was driving, I was thinking that I forgot to tell you to start drilling with the smallest bit. once you break through, then drill the same hole again with a larger bit and so on until you have a hole the size you want. It saves a great deal of heartache by not breaking your piece. Drill with pressure, but not force, if that makes sense. Glazed pieces have to have the glaze cut through first, which takes a bit of time. As you are drilling, stop occasionally, close your eyes and blow out the dust from within the cavity. It will tend to clog the bit otherwise.

enough for tonight, off to dream land

Wow, you have this hole drilling down to a science. Thank you for being so thorough in your description. It will be a great help the next time I have to drill a hole.

Ruby