Drill Bit Chooser
Fragile material drilling

Can you drill this glass—and with which bit?

Glass fabricators drill required holes before tempering. Attempting to drill an already-tempered panel can shatter it.

Quick answer

First identify the glass. Already-tempered glass should not be drilled after tempering. For verified annealed, non-safety glass, a suitable glass-rated diamond or approved spear-point carbide bit may be used under its manufacturer’s process.

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Interactive selector

Find a bit for your setup

Answer only the questions that change the selection. If the combination is not documented, the tool will say so.

Anchor / safety details (important for wall drilling)

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This does not verify workpiece condition, bit stock length, chuck capacity, structural loads or exact cutting speed. Follow the chosen manufacturer’s specification and use appropriate eye, hearing, workpiece and dust protection.

What changes the bit choice?

Tempered glass is a stop condition

Glass fabricators drill required holes before tempering. Attempting to drill an already-tempered panel can shatter it.

Unknown, laminated or installed glass is different

Do not assume safety glazing, mirrors, doors or installed architectural panels behave like a loose annealed scrap panel. Obtain a fabricator assessment.

Support and cooling are bit-specific

Use a supported workpiece and follow the bit maker’s cooling/speed recommendations. Never use percussion.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Trying to drill an already-tempered panel.
  • Guessing glass treatment by appearance alone.
  • Drilling installed architectural glazing without expert assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Can tempered glass be drilled after manufacturing?

No ordinary drilling recommendation is appropriate once glass has been tempered; required holes are made before tempering.

What if I do not know the glass type?

Stop and verify with its manufacturer or glass fabricator.

Need a different material? Browse all ten material guides. Interested in wall fixings? Read our anchor-size warning and workflow.