Drilling A Hole

[Thedoctor]

HEllo

Looking to drill a hole in the bottom of my tank to create a tap to easily drain the tank.

Is this possible and what tools, equipment, technique is needed?

Thanks for any and all help.

 

[Tolak]

You can only do this if the bottom is not tempered. You need a hole bit for glass, a drill, some water in the tank to keep it wet and to act as a coolant, and a bulkhead fitting to provide a non-leaking receptacle for the valve.

You are grinding a hole more than drilling it, light pressure and slowly grind through. I've found it best when drilling a tank to have some sort of backer so the glass rests on a larger surface. This would be a piece of plywood or board for a tank with a floating base design. For sides you need a trickle of water and a couple of clamps to hold the board on the back. The hole bit looks similar to a bit for drilling & installing lock sets in doors, but instead of teeth it is impregnated with carbide or diamond.

 

[Thedoctor]

Thank you very much.