How to easily drill plexiglass, lexan and acrylic sheets

[@Nichrs81]

Thank you so much for this video. I watched several before that used industrial tools that not everyone has access and many of them give us more fear than trust. Your video is the opposite, simple, affordable and passes confidence that, with proper care, anyone can accomplish this task. Thanks again!

[@Komgol]

I love how simple this video is. You get straight to the point, and I appreciate that. Very helpful tips as well!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thank you Sir!!

[@heyheythecat]

Of all the acrylic drilling videos, this is the best.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thank you

[@DAVESLAM]

Just an FYI: Plexiglas and Lexan are both Trade Names. Plexiglas is "Acrylic" and Lexan is "Polycarbonate". Acrylic will crack/break, it doesn't shatter like tempered glass. Lexan is "Virtually Unbreakable", it is however softer than Acrylic so it does scratch easier.

[@noelv1976]

So can I use this same method to drill a hole through the Lexan?

[@sum1liteamatch]

@@noelv1976 hey, professional sign guy here. You can use dang near anything to drill through lexan. You have to work hard to break that stuff

[@core17]

This is incredibly helpful! Thanks!

[@FlowerChyld43]

Very good to know!

[@jimboalogo]

The painter's tape/WD-40 method worked like a charm. It turned out perfectly. That's genius. And simple! Other videos made this task way too complicated. Big thumbs up!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Great to hear!

[@clooney3511]

Nicely done how-to video. Much more importantly it worked for me. I used painter’s tape and an almost new 2mm metalwork bit. Went slow, hole perfect.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad it helped

[@TrojanHorse1959]

Great video and tips, thank you! P.S. In case anyone wants to know, they do make special bits to drill plastics, but they can be pricey.

[@artdonovandesign]

I wouldn't be in business if it weren't for Step Drill Bits! They're the most versatile drill bits I've ever used. And of all the brand's out there, there is only ONE kind I've found to be the all-time winner: "Unibit" by Irwin Tools because of it's superior SINGLE FLUTE DESIGN. Accept no substitutes!

[@tomherd4179]

I forgot to add something about Step Drills. While they change sizes from smaller at the tip to larger there is another size to consider. This would be the size (depth) of each size step. I had picked up a Step Drill from my welding store which has a larger depth size for thicker metals. The same would hold true for different thickness of plexiglass. Just thought I would add more confusion to what should be a simple process. But if one is going to buy one it would be good to know it could drill the wanted size hold completely through the material being drilled. Thanks again!

[@canuckle7shucks]

Step bits and crown point are pretty good, had good luck with them for 37 years in the sign biz. For polycarbonates keep water on surface to avoid melting. Low end extruded utility grade acrylic is more prone to cracking and melting apposed to cast acrylite GP or plexiglass G

[@yairakatz8688]

I used this as a guide to drilling holes in a 1/4 inch thick piece of acrylic. I only had a normal drill bit. It took a really long time (I had to drill a lot of holes), but it was successful! Thank you.

[@jayc3110]

That was a terrific tutorial on Drilling holes in plexiglass. Short, concise and very efficient! Thank you and best wishes.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tomherd4179]

Good video. If I am correct my take from the video is the drill bit of choice would be the STEP DRILL. Thinking the pulling action of the twist drill would be removed. Thanks for sharing.

[@thekbshouse]

So use lube, insert it in with light pressure. Got it.

[@michaelpaul2312]

Very helpful. I am glad I found this site before drilling.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DoriJenn]

Good tip!! Thanks 😊

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@OurCatioHome]

Thank you so much, your video was quick and to the point, just what I needed to hear...

[@brooklynarman9323]

I used the drill bit method and it worked beautifully!!! Thank you!!!!

[@mccartney2]

FAB INFO..JUST WHAT i NEEDED..THANK YOU

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You are so welcome!

[@FlowerChyld43]

Thank you! This was very helpful!

[@metronews-west4583]

This is an excellent tutorial. Thank you, sir. And the other suggestions in the comments are helpful also. Thanks to everyone for that.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You're very welcome!

[@Raul28153]

Acrylic, is poly methyl methacrylate and that's what Plexiglass is also, So twice you called out the same thing by different names. Lexan is just a trade name for Polycarbonate. If you are going to do machining operations on MethylMethacrylate, you need to do a Stress relief operation, or you will likely get crazing in the plastic as the stress develops into little shatters. Not needed for polycarb'

[@sahzookey]

Your videos really motivate me to begin projects.

[@1988nProud]

Thank you. Just what i needed

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You're welcome!

[@justanamerican9024]

Thank you for sharing. Haven't cut plexi in a couple of decades, now with your refresher course I feel confident!

[@rebeccastanten3031]

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad I could help!

[@hippo-potamus]

Thank you! Straight the point and very well demonstrated. -Cheers

[@jakopath7]

I didn't think about using WD-40. Thank you for the video! :)

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@webtron44]

This worked perfectly. Thank you for the video.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Great to hear!

[@victorfox9623]

Better way to drill with a twist drill bit is to use a small bit for the pilot hole and then use a larger bit in reverse. Drill in reverse till the acrylic melts and you melt a hole through. Bigger bits will crack the acrylic once you drill all the way through because they pull themselves through before the hole is completely cut.

[@tomherd4179]

I have had the same experience with drill bits as well. Plexiglass same as metal at just about pull through. I was thinking perhaps the Step Drill might be better to use than twist drills.

[@Chillnel]

See this is the exact kind of information I was looking for this guys video was just like drilling sold timber lol thanks

[@besthobbit]

I kept cracking my plexiglass. Going to try again with your tips. Thanks

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Good luck!

[@MrPAKETE69]

Im trying to learn how to do it, I want to make a arcade controller and I need to make holes on it for the buttons and stick, which are 9 ( 30 mm each hole ) on a 12 x 8 sheet... I think wont be easy

[@rickeythomas9861]

@@MrPAKETE69ever found a way to do it more efficiently? I’m having that problem right now. I found a case I like but want to drill a few more holes for extra buttons. The site doesn’t offer customization to thr cases when it comes to layout

[@homermunoz5069]

Great video. Thanks so much!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kevinkline3938]

Spend $600 to $800 on an index of plexi-point drill bits. They work perfect.

[@prempremglamourz1]

Thanks for sharing this lovely tutorial, very helpful.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You’re welcome 😊

[@jimthorstad6226]

Excellent how-to video!!

[@lovlimeg]

Thanks for sharing.. just subscribed

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thanks for the sub!

[@joanbyrne1931]

short and sweet. Thanks!!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad you liked it!

[@delorestaylor8114]

Thank you for the video!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

My pleasure!

[@elspethmacdonald6411]

great! thanks

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You're welcome!

[@aloha3615]

Simple, great. Thanks

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hubert-williams3379]

Nice work, I'm looking to do indentation about 3/4" in diameter in acrylic sheet that's 1" thick, is there a tool that could do this?

[@ethanfulton9659]

Thanks that helped a lot!!

[@roysolis2324]

Excelente,saludos desde Panamá

[@j.mccarthy3008]

Way cool!! Thank you

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad you liked it!

[@wayneknight7727]

Great video, Thanks

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad you liked it!

[@starrystarrynight9822]

Very well done; straight to the point-- thank you!

[@Cyber.n-line]

Would you recommend pre drilling a hole for screws, installing hinges. If so would I go slightly smaller than the screw or same size then use a clear silicone when installing the screw? Thanks

[@zeeke05]

Thank you!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You're welcome!

[@joseluisruiz3789]

Jesus Chroist why do other acrylic drilling videos make things more complicated? This video should be number one Recommended by youtube when you search for Acrylic hole drilling! This was very well explained. Thank you so much!

[@question_it_701]

This isn't the definitive answer. I tried it exactly as he showed, and it cracked. I'll actually find out how to do it. As in failsafe. This video is obviously not fail safe.

[@ibreak4pie990]

@@question_it_701 Dont blame the video, blame the guy doing it... lol

[@zulupox]

Thanks for the video! Do you have any tips for what to think about when gluing plexi-glass?

[@tevinheath5078]

thank you c=very much

[@belindamartinez8441]

Good lesson 👍

[@bradleycomer8392]

3:05 wood chips in your wood pile lol. Sounded like you were searching for another word. All kidding aside thanks for the video. short and to the point

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You bet

[@RonaldCHillberg]

Drill is prety dull. I think a dull drill is safer. A sharp drill can go through without rounding out the hole and break the plexi. A good base wood and light pressure helps.

[@question_it_701]

Yep. I used a brand new bit on 1/8 Plexi and it instantly cracked

[@USA__2023]

Years ago I had to build a big annunciator panel for an alarm system. Cracked a lot of plexiglass at first. So I tried a different method. I dulled a drill bit and it went through like butter. It was pretty much melting it's way through but it worked great. Probably should have tried a lubricant. :)

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thanks for sharing

[@karenpopcorn9257]

Love this video, read the comments, but can anyone tell me if its okay to use a hole saw, for say a 35mm hole??

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Do you ever do anything such as a chamfering bit on the outside edge of the hole if it can’t have a sharp edge? Or would you just use a torch on it?

[@docfaceful]

Thanks ,definitely don't want crack this ,so ..go slow!and oil kinda something!and tape!

[@toddhower8215]

thanks! that was helpful

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You're welcome!

[@flawdanative3223]

Just the Facts... Thank You!

[@sarcasmo57]

I want to drill a hole with a 6cm diameter. Any advice? I'm thinking a circle saw will destroy the acrylic.

[@beastking55]

THANX

[@martinaschulz7740]

What does the tape do exactly? Protect from scratches?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Yes and chips

[@ArmenTeKortvzw]

TOP

[@patmat.]

Thank's a lot

[@denekabudget]

Thank you so much

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You're most welcome

[@Lloyd.B.]

Is it going to be impossible to drill a 3mm hole in 4/5mm thick acrylic please?...

[@lennybruce6635]

Great video I needed to drill in my screen protector camera hole missing.

[@thania2266]

thank you

[@Originalxlander]

Something I learned from the guys that designed the YF-23 fighter jet canopy. Slow speed and hands soap with water

[@AndrewBoundy]

New to all this - you say "twist drill" - is that a wood bit, metal bit or something special? Thanks.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Yup reg standard wood drill or steel drill. Nothing special

[@hlpang1075]

What kind of drill bit do you use? The kind for drilling metal?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Yes nothing special

[@hlpang1075]

@@DIYeasycrafts thank you

[@Breeze06]

Hi, there. Can you tell me the difference between plexiglass and velvet glass, please?

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Sorry never heard of velvet glass

[@maryschermerhorn3893]

I have a mirror (3) on a medicine cabinet and the hinge on the bottom of the mirror is broken. I can see that plexiglass could help to replace it. There is a slim tear drop that hangs down from the door into the wood of the frame which allows the mirror to swing open or close. Can a dobble of something hot be used to made it stretch to have it look like a up side down little teepee? I'm not very good in sending pictures I can use messenger. Can I send pictures on you web site?

[@WeatherNut27]

Great video! I need to do a 4" hole for a dryer duct. Maybe you can do a video for larger holes? Thanks

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I did a video on cutting plexi. Have attached link. For large holes I would use a dremel. Check out video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6nSkJWKrtFknbM

[@WeatherNut27]

@@DIYeasycrafts Thanks! Hmm, a dremel. Great idea!

[@crossacoustics6814]

Thank u

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Welcome

[@maryabrams5872]

What do you suggest if you need a larger hole like 1inch diameter or so? Can you use a door knob like cutter?

[@frankiechartrand4331]

Use a very very small pilot bit and a LOT of lubricant if ur gonna use a hole saw

[@robertkoernke588]

Amazon Drill bit? Which step-bit to buy

[@zakiausa]

Wow 👍👍👍💐👍💐❤

[@macpakinga377]

Awesome 🤗👍🌏 FNZealand Thank you

[@ed-dmayeur2222]

How do you drill a curved acrylic globe?

[@L8rCloud]

Wouldn’t WD-40 act as a solvent on acrylic?

[@candacecruz-bond7349]

Can it be any tape or just painters tape?

[@graywybenga3808]

What is this "Lexeeyun" to which you refer?

[@paddeemusio]

What if I want to put a knife slot into a piece of Perspex? How would I do that without getting any burring or cracking

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thats tough. I would cut the hole with a small dremel and then use a torch to get rid of the bur

[@paddeemusio]

@@DIYeasycrafts I’ll give that a try although any time I apply heat the material seems to bubble

[@user-rx6ek4hg3h]

It appears to me that the twist bit was dull as a rock. When I drill Plexiglass (c), I get shavings, not granules.

[@atomictyler]

I don't think you're supposed to use oils as a lubricant for acrylic. just water or water with some dishsoap.

[@turbo3089]

Any idea where I can find cheap already used plexiglass possibly for free

[@tedmankowski7505]

Craigslist

[@johnnyshd8250]

There was a ton of plexiglass used lately.

[@Trig242]

My god.... I need a step drill bit

[@kendrickcartman7589]

Use painters tape on BOTH sides. Drill a tiny pilot hole very slowly. Then hole of size required. Don’t use WD40/lubricant. Plexiglass, Lexan, whatever clear sheet you use is oil based plastic. Putting any form of oil, for any amount of time, will weaken & possible cloud the plastic over time.

[@jorgegutierrez8823]

I've seen dish soap used in other videos. Do you think that would work better than WD40? Or is it even necessary in your opinion?

[@moniquegunnis6958]

How thick is that acrylic you are using. Does this work on thinner acrylic sheets?

[@question_it_701]

No. I tried it on 1/8 thick Plexi. . I started with 1/8 inch drill bit and worked up one size at a time, and when I got to 5/32 it broke. Thinner is harder to drill.

[@leethomas8697]

Ditto to what Daniel wrote.

[@QuantumKatmusic]

I wish I would have seen this before I cracked My glass 😅

[@user-eq3pu9jj7f]

step driill , i'm stuck

[@josebotelho427]

Sorry but lexan is not the same as plexiglass. One is acrylic (more flammable), one is polycarbonate (does not have oxygen in the molecule) and is more hard

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Never said it was the same. Just showing how to cut both.

[@NucleaRockStudios]

Great video but I wish you wouldn’t talk and drill at the same time 😆

[@Chillnel]

I feel like there’s no information here, just common sense drilling lol but good to know you drill like everything else, if you go nuts with pressure on most stuff it’s no good haha it’s not steel

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Your correct but for steel you do want pressure and very slow speed

[@RaviShankar-ee1kt]

Your idea is rich not simple and pour , easy

[@kennethpierce7304]

Thru the comments this might be a good video but I struggled to hear it.