Drilling or Piercing Holes in Polymer Clay (Raw Vs Baked)

[@slivyivy4169]

Was under the impression that if you wanted to make a hole after baking you needed an electric drill! Lol thanks so much

[@gabrielabbezerra]

So do I! This video changed my life!!

[@PaulsMom93]

Same here!!

[@SmilyLily1996]

I own two little drills that are actually made for nails. People sometimes put little rings or "piercings" in their nails, usually acrylic or gel nails and that is done with a tiny drill. One I got for my birthday a long time ago and one I got at a store where they also sell cheap plastic stick on nails and such things. It is wonderful for polymer clay since it is just big enough for the wire I use to go through. It usually has a little head at the top that twists freely so that rest in the palm of your hand while your fingers can twist the actualy drill part. Now I must say I like the one from the store with the cheap nail supplies a little more because it has a cap on it and the drill itself is one piece, while the one I got as a gift is a two part thing which screws apart often when using it. I just thought I'd share it since I don't think many people know such a thing even exists :)

[@ShellyeneLionheartShey]

Super helpful!! Thanks for zooming in and showing the tools!

[@robinstowers1969]

I looked at drills this weekend......I didn't buy one but now I will find a pen vise! Perfect tutorial and just what I needed to see. Isn't it funny how that just happens sometimes! I have picked up so many tips from your videos, Cindy. Thank you!

[@lionsdontlie]

Omg I don't need to use an actual drill just the drill bits?! Genius

[@PolymerClayTutor]

💖

[@roscoepolo100]

I found a "dottie tool set" on etsy that has several (6 or 7) different size hole cutters. They range from very tiny to about the size of a straw hole. They work great on raw clay. Seller was my mandarin ducky - in England. Set was $8 usd.

[@melieykt680]

Thank you for the tip with the exacto knife!!!

[@joycebower3007]

Ur top on drilling holes in baked or unbaked was very helpful I didn't know u could drill in polymer clay without useing a drill to do it. So thank u so much

[@anithajayaraj9713]

Thank u for the video Cindy. i always thought i would need an electrical micro driller or something to drill holes in the clay after baking. thank you again for the tutorial.

[@ericamanda01]

Thanks bunches for all your videos. I agree that drilling a hole in after baking is so much better. I personally I have an electric acrylic nail drill that I use for filing my acrylic nails. I was able to find a great drill bit that I use exclusively for clay and its so easy. Its basically a small Dremel.

[@arlenespaulding9686]

I'm really glad you had this video, I had no idea you could use an Xacto holder to insert a drill bit. I just need to figure out where to get a drill bit long enough to go through a polymer clay piece that is 3/4" wide. Thank you again.

[@beritblackie3168]

You are an outstanding teacher! Enjoyed many of your tips and suggestions. 😊

[@JaydeTaulien]

This was exactly what I needed to know! Thank you so much for this tutorial, it has been more helpful than you know!

[@juwel201]

you are so great at making these videos, and I for one can't tell how much I appreciate your help. I started working with polymer clay not long ago and was terrified of trying to make anything. I just want to thank you so much for your help and time it takes for you to make each and every video for us not so great at making these beads,braclets and canes. I could not have done it without you. actually sometimes I feel like you are talking just to me. THANK YOU JULIA A.

[@PolymerClayTutor]

You are very welcome Julia :)

[@danmoore6321]

I have been doing this very thing :/ so I thought of what I could do without buying drill bits and so I used a coffee stirrer straw that has a very tiny tiny opening and it looks amazing! I might get the drill bits but this works for now. HOWEVER I never would have thought of this if I hadn't seen this video! Thanks!

[@BelindaPort]

Your teaching is evergreen. Thanks for them all.

[@PolymerClayTutor]

Thank you for the love Sarah sarah! 💖

[@darlene50vaughn]

Hello Cindy thank you for the tute. Just last week I was saying to myself if there was a difference between drilling a hole before or after curing the clay. You answered that question and demonstrated how to make a clean professional looking hole. Thanks Cindy my prayers were answered. I'm enjoying your tutes.

[@TeresaPandoraSalgado]

I recommend using a Dremel. Nice for buffing too.

[@darlene50vaughn]

Yes, looking into purchasing a dremel. Thank you

[@normagt9845]

Ive watched so many of your tutorials. You are so awesome and amazing. Thank you so much! 🤗

[@kelseytout9385]

I knew I could trust you to have the tutorial I need right now! Hope you're well, I miss having you on KZbin! 😘😊

[@CindyLietz]

Thank you, you're so kind! (Don't worry, we'll be back. Getting closer to finishing the website and when we're done, we'll get back to filming KZbin videos.)

[@EJPARSONSUK]

@@CindyLietz I second the above comment .... great news to hear you're coming back to You Tube!! 🤗😊

[@PolymerClayTutor]

@@EJPARSONSUK Thank you Emma! 💖

[@emilysnider3952]

OMG! Thank you! I have been stressing over a solution for weeks! I’m subscribing.

[@lushlady118]

This is great! I didnt know you could use this instead of buying a drill in the beginning!

[@hollytucker3332]

You have taught me so much about my new hobby, thank you

[@praynow1]

I would love to see a tutorial that shows how to put clay backing psalms on clay pendants. Sometimes I don't want to drill a hole or use one of those Metal bails, so making my own clay back to hang chain or chord would be great.

[@candacecole1822]

a long time ago when i was still working with clay, i found that straws works as well. since it takes the clay out with it and if you dip it in water before making the hole the clay can just be blown out the end or pushed pulled out with a smaller stick or piece of hanger wire. mabe you could test this one on softer and harder clays for those who wish to still make there holes before baking so when they seal after baking the piece it will seal arount the hole inside.

[@PolymerClayTutor]

Great tips, thanks for sharing!

[@MLV45]

Candace Cole

[@ratchet600]

Any tips or experience regarding drilling into a polymer clay piece containing a foil armature/packing?

[@yaver999]

Very interesting and useful! Thank you for this amazing video.

[@chloest.thomas6847]

I stared out with the poking. Drilling is much cleaner as you say. I'm looking for a good place to order fimo. There haven't been many colors I'm able to get.They have so many great choices.

[@TheCocoaFairy]

Hi, cindy! Loving your tutorials! I already have a Dremel. Are there any precautions I need to take (other than the usual for power tools) to use it for making holes post-baking polymer clay?

[@TheThrillofTheThrift]

Great Great tip Cindy!! Thanks so very much!

[@jfaycomedy]

I can never get my holes in the same place on both earrings. Any tips?

[@EJPARSONSUK]

Great video, as always 🤗😊 I've been using a hand drill to drill small holes in baked polymer clay that I've coated with UV resin, but I'm sometimes getting cracks and peeling resin around the holes. The clay pieces are relatively thin and the resin coating is essentially a glaze (2 or 3 coats). Was wondering if you have any tips or suggestions? I was considering drilling before adding resin, but figure it would be messy trying to keep resin out of the holes .... 🤔😦

[@PolymerClayTutor]

You can drill your piece before the resin. You just need to make sure you are drilling nice clean sharp holes, with straight edges and that you are using a doming resin like Ultradome. Doming resins have a strong surface tension so they won't flow into the hole if the hole is sharp.

[@EJPARSONSUK]

@@PolymerClayTutor Great. Thanks very much for that, Cindy. Will give it a try 😊

[@ritawashere5787]

@@PolymerClayTutor has anyone made a keyhole into the back of a polymer project in order to hang it on the wall? If so do you do that once it's done baking? Essentially the idea I have is something like a golf ball to go on the wall but it needs the key hole in the back to hang it. So it's a thick piece of clay. Thank you in advance

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Good to know. Thanks Cindy!

[@nicolenewman5679]

Hi Cindy, I am really enjoying learning from you. I got some of the Turnip Souffle, I fell in love with the color after you used it in a minnie tute. Here is my question, I am disabled and putting in holes manually is very difficult. Could I use a dremel? Would that cause cracks? I am really enjoying the polymer clay, I love that I can work at my own pace and even stop working on a project for a couple of days and then pick up were I left off. I finally found a creative outlet that works with my disability. Thank you for all of your wonderful teaching.

[@PolymerClayTutor]

Hi Nicole Newman You can use a Dremel, just be careful when holding your piece that you don't drill into your fingers or hands. A drill press also works great or a hand piece on a Flexshaft.

[@nicolenewman5679]

Thank you.

[@TheCocoaFairy]

PolymerClayTutor Ha! I asked a similar question about the Dremel before I saw this. Thanks for answering before I even asked! LOL I'm guessing a lower speed is probably better than higher?

[@nicolenewman5679]

I was thinking the same thing about lower speed. I have very limited strength & thought the Dremel would make nice holes and I wouldn't hurt myself in the process.

[@teresaboane]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@heatherperry9338]

Hi Cindy: what ate your thoughts on putting grommets in the holes before baking? I've had pendants ruined when the home gives out.

[@aracelim1532]

Great video. Super helpful!!!

[@Joesmith-fz3ju]

could you used an electric drill?

[@rankinstudios5342]

Can I rebake undercooked polymer clay to cure it properly? I baked for 30 minutes as package stated but it is cracked and brittle.

[@YogiUToo]

Thanks for sharing this great information! I'm interested in learning about making those extra large beads, tube, the barrel shapes and the large pod shaped beads. Hope you will share how to make those without them getting all wonky. :) Thanks for all you do!

[@mallorikerr4092]

why didn't I think to try my exacto knife handle for the small bits I bought??

[@kaydeejean]

When I try and drill after I bake my clay always cracks and breaks. What am I doing wrong?? I have tried to lower my whole so it’s not close to the top but it never fails, always breaks

[@sarakahrs6860]

Mine too!

[@mcwhetsell]

Did you ever figure this out? Mine breaks too

[@memoriasdaje]

Hi!! Maybe you can try to conditioning you clay more before bake it. I realize that on my pieces too. They where really fragile. Try it out!

[@KathySpiersSilverKat]

Excellent info! THANK YOU!!

[@denisseperez7008]

Super helpful thank you !

[@PolymerClayTutor]

You're welcome!

[@loriede6442]

Thank you so much for your help!!

[@Psychotarotpeutic]

So helpful! Thanksss

[@susane945]

Thanks 😊❤

[@dscourrejou]

Very helpful!

[@ronieGirl327]

I used hot glue to make a handle. I did it when I made my own needle tool for when I decorate my cookies, and thought... hey, that would work for my drill bits. :) I didn't even think of using a like wood block. I have some of those from when i made some small wooden dice to play games with the kids during family fun time.

[@ronieGirl327]

I also use a fine sharpie to make my drill marks. I found I rather like drilling than putting the whole in before baking.

[@ronieGirl327]

oh, I also found I like putting holes in my beads and then reshape it need be, but I still have a little pin hole to direct my drill. you're tips are great by the way!

[@Reiskorn]

thank you for your tutorial Cindy! I am making buttons - and until now i always was pushing them in with a knitting needle - and I am searching for new solutions. What is the tool called you did the holes in the raw clay? Drilling just seems a lot slower than putting holes in advance. But Maybe I'll give it a try. Greetings, Sophie

[@PolymerClayTutor]

Hi Reiskorn Buttons look 1000% better when drilled after baking. There is no point in going faster if it is not going to look as nice. imo

[@ariannymercedes4874]

Love this! You are great

[@missmemissy]

How do you stop the polymer clay from sticking to your shape cutter?! I can’t figure it out 🤣 mine always stick and then I have to try pushing it out without damaging the piece

[@PolymerClayTutor]

You can dip your cutters in a plate of cornstarch. That will help let your clay release from the cutter.

[@missmemissy]

PolymerClayTutor thank you!!

[@jaykay7325]

Do you ever have your resin separate from the clay when you drill it? We are having some issues of that happening. What would you suggest?

[@Yargo73]

Thanks, as ever, for sharing...really interesting...I tried a couple of times to make holes before baking with a needle tool but the result was very poor...I prefer much more to drill the hole after baking, before finishing with resin, and it works well for me...but...If I need absolutely to make the hole BEFORE baking I prefer to use a little cutter (ex: Premo! #Sculpey Mini Metal Cutters or even a simple straw) obviously the hole is bigger than I really need...but in this way the result is fine...

[@Annaanna1104]

You are fantastic

[@terrafallow]

thank you so much 💚 thumbs up!

[@dnicegirl123]

Cool. This helped a lot. Now I just need to get one :-)

[@laurenfleisher8888]

I have used one of the small drill bits and it caused cracking. How can I avoid this?

[@PolymerClayTutor]

There are a couple of things that will cause chipping or cracking when drilling polymer clay... 1) A low quality clay is brittle and chips easily. 2) Underbaked clay will chip easily. 3) Trying to remove too much clay at once by starting with too large a bit or jumping sizes. Start with a very small bit or a tapered bit first and then go up in sizes in small increments instead and you will get better results.

[@monelleny]

Doesn't anyone make a holder that spins as you push down?

[@PolymerClayTutor]

There are tools like that out there. Here is one on Amazon (**Affiliate link) amzn.to/2BdZQOs

[@LittleAmyHe]

I think those are called spring drills maybe?

[@PolymerClayTutor]

Hi Amy He I just found these drills (Spiral Drills with or without spring) at Contenti contenti.com/drilling/drilling-devices/spiral-hand-drills

[@jannethcameron3009]

Why my piece gets broken when I drill the hole, to me this is hard, I have to repeat the piece.

[@PolymerClayTutor]

If your piece is breaking when you are drilling it, it either is a cheap brittle brand of clay or the piece is not cured properly. I have several videos that will help you choose the right brand of clay and to bake so that your pieces are strong and durable. I understand how frustrating it can be to have your beautiful work break. Hope this helps! 💖

[@tinaday-sloop7258]

funny I just asked this question and tada here is my answer.

[@claudiahamel-poitras109]

Will you make new videos one day? 🥺

[@PolymerClayTutor]

Yes we plan to come back as soon as we finish our website upgrades.

[@caszwoo6768]

💞