The simple guide to drilling a hole in natural stone | Salvatori (2024)

FAQs

The simple guide to drilling a hole in natural stone | Salvatori? ›

To avoid chipping or splitting the stone, the recommended technique is to position the drill bit at a 90-degree angle and start slowly, then gradually up the speed once it has penetrated the stone. The idea is to then replace the bit with a slightly larger diameter and make your way up through the dimensions as needed.

Always make sure your masonry drill bits are made with tungsten carbide tips, which is strong enough to work effectively, and without wearing out too quickly. If you're working with particularly hard materials, like stone or porcelain, a specialty bits with diamond coating are needed.

Pebble, beach stone, garden pebble or other natural stone. Marker pen or Chinagraph pencil. A rotary tool such as a Dremel or regular drill (I'm using a Dremel 3000) with Flexible Shaft (optional) and/or drill press.

An easy way to drill a hole to a set depth is to simply wrap a piece of masking tape around the drill bit and stick the two ends together to form a “flag” on one side of the bit. Stop drilling when the tape brushes away the shaving, indicating that the desired depth has been reached.

To further reduce the likelihood of any damage to the stone itself, make sure the drill bit does not overheat. The easy solution is to use water on it or on the area you are drilling, as this will decrease the amount of friction and lower the temperature.

1 Answer. You'll need some quality masonry drill bits or some diamond core bits depending on the size of the holes you'll be drilling. The hammer drill you picked out will do the job, just take your time, let the drill do the work.

The stone(s) you want to drill a hole in. Dremel, Foredom or similar rotary tool, preferably with a flex-shaft attachment (can be done without the flex-shaft, but will be much easier with). Container deep enough for the stone being drilled, but not so deep you can't comfortably hold the stone in place.

Using a rotary tool fitted with a carbide or diamond-coated drill bit can get the job done. You must drill the hole under water to keep the drill bit and stone cool as well as to flush the hole and the drill bit as you progress.

A regular drill with a masonry bit will also work. It just takes longer. It would be best to use a corded drill if you can, since drilling through concrete can discharge a battery fairly quickly.

Drilling stone can be hard work. At the very least carbide tipped 'masonry' drills are needed. I've always found it difficult to keep the drill steady and straight, but I'm getting better with practice.