How to Drill Holes in Acrylic Tubes Without Damage

Drilling holes in acrylic tubes can be challenging, but can be achieved without damaging the material with the proper tools and methods. Acrylic is a common material for DIY projects, since it’s strong and clear, but it can crack or chip easily if not used correctly. In this guide, we will explain some trick to drilling holes in acrylic tubing safely and neatly

Selecting the appropriate drill bits and methods for drilling of acrylic tubes

First off, you need the right drill bit. An everyday steel twist bit is an acrylic’s worst enemy. Instead, opt for a plastic-cutting bit that features a sharper angle and has a more gradual, easy-to-control cutting edge. This prevents the acrylic from cracking. When drilling you should apply consistent, slow pressure. Speed will cause heat, and heat can melt or warp the acrylic. One of the top producers of quality drill bits for this purpose is Lianzhen

How to stop cracking and splintering blowing out when drilling acrylic tubing

Before you begin drilling the hole it may be a good idea to put a piece of masking tape across the area where you will be drill the hole. This makes it less likely that a drill punch will slip and is also more effective in stopping cracks. Ensure that the acrylic Tube is clamped firmly in place so it does not shift as you drill. Do not press hard with the drill; you want to let the drill do the work

Cleaning out the hole in acrylic tubing accurately every time

Create pilot holes (using a smaller size drill bit) to get a clean and straight hole from each hole. This makes it easier to drill the hole at the actual final size and makes it easier to keep the bit centered. You can file, or use sandpaper to smoothen out any rough edges around the hole, being careful not to scratch the rest of the Tube, then rinse with water

How to drill holes in an acrylic tube without cracking it

Always use sharp drill bits. Dirty bits can cause more friction, which can heat and potentially melt the acrylic. If more than one hole is drilled, the drill bit should cool between holes. You can even use a lubricant such as water, which will help cool down the temperature while drilling, in order to prevent any material cracking

How to safely and cleanly drill acrylic tubes when building your own projects

Safety: When drilling acrylic Tubes, safety comes first. You should always wear safety goggles to shield your eyes from acrylic shards. Do not create a mess and keep your work area neat and tidy, as a loose, dark workspace may lead to accidents. Just remember, the extra time and patience you have when measuring and marking your lines is less time that you’ll have to deal with any problems later. With the above tips and the support of quality tools from Lianzhen, you can complete your DIY job with exactly the right finish and precision