Sea Glass Drill Bit Size Guide

Drilax makes small diamond drill bits for sea glass, shells, beads, stones and gemstones in 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm and 3mm, plus a 1/8" (3.2mm) hollow core bit. Here is how to choose a size and a set.

Which size?

• Match the hole to what goes through it – the jump ring, wire, cord or chain. Measure it, then pick the bit that is the same size or slightly larger.
• Smaller holes (1mm–1.5mm) suit fine wire and small jump rings and look neat on small pieces.
• Larger holes (2mm–3mm) suit cord, leather and thicker rings.
• Not sure? A mixed set lets you try several sizes: the 1mm, 2mm & 3mm set or the 1mm–2.5mm set with collets.

Sizes and sets

1/8" shank or collet?

• 1/8" shank sets (30-piece): each bit has a 1/8" shank, so it goes straight into a rotary tool with a 1/8" collet.
• Collet sets (10, 20 and 24-piece): twist-tip bits with a 135° split point. These bits have a thin shank, so they are held in the brass collet that comes in the set.
• The 20-piece 1mm set comes with a brass 1mm collet that fits standard rotary tools with a 1/8" connection.

Drilling tips

• Drill wet – under a little water in a shallow tray, or with a steady drip.
• Use low speed and light pressure. Let the diamond do the work.
• To shape or widen a hole, use the diamond burrs.