How To Make Holes In Plastic Pots Without A Drill

18 June 2013 How to Drill Drainage Holes in Ceramic Flowerpots and Planters

How to Drill Drainage Holes in Ceramic Flowerpots and Planters

I have come across many clay flowerpots and planters I absolutely adore only to pick them and find out they do not have any drainage holes. It's a big disappointment, considering pretty much all plants need adequate drainage to survive – however, it's not that difficult to drill drainage holes yourself with just a few simple supplies.

how to make drainage holes in planters
I have used this method on several different ceramic containers over the years to create some pretty unique planters – even though they were not originally intended for plants.

carbide tip masonry drill bit
The key to properly drill drainage holes is using the correct drill bit. Many of the ceramic containers intended for plants are made from soft terracotta clay. These containers can be found either glazed or left in their natural state. Both can be drilled – though pottery in it natural state is by far the easiest.

For unglazed terra cotta pottery & ceramics – Masonry Drill Bits are used.
For harder, glazed surfaces – Glass and Tile Drill Bits are used.

Carbide Tip Masonry Drill Bit
Masonry drill bits, like the one shown above, come in various diameters. The tip is slightly larger than the actual drill bit itself. These can be found right at your local hardware store
– here is a online link if needed for reference.

Glass and Tile bits can also be found at your local hardware store and are shaped with a spear point head as shown here.

Both of these drill bits are not design to be used on other materials such as wood or metal – so be sure to use them for their intended purposes only.

drilling flowerpot drainage holes
A piece of masking tape or painter's tape placed on the bottom of the container will help keep the drill bit from slipping.
It's not necessary especially on soft surfaces – but does help steady the bit as you begin drilling.

drill drainage holes
Drilling at a slow steady pace is best, as you do not want to crack the container. Apply very little pressure and most importantly let the drill do the work.

How to drill flowerpot drainage holes
The ease of drilling is of course going to vary depending upon the material of the container – however, do not be intimidated as terracotta containers are very easy to drill.

drilling drainage holes
I have only ever lost one pot – and that was one of the first pots I ever drilled – I pressed way to hard and the drill was spinning full blast.