Drilling into a glazed earthenware pot

[237SJ]

My Mum wants to plant an Azalea into a pot that hasn`t got any drainage holes in the bottom. If I get the drill out and try to drill some holes in the bottom, would the pot crack? Is there a way to do it that minimizes the chance of the pot cracking?

[Mick-Talbot]

Try a drill bit designed to cut holes in ceramic tiles.

[Mick-Talbot]

Make sure the drill is not on hammer

[237SJ]

Thanks Mick. I`ve got a porcelain tile bit. I`ll try that.

[Philtaz]

Plenty of tape on the side you're putting the drill through, same the opposite side and/or a large lump of modelling clay or similar.

And eeeeeeeeasy on the pressure!

[237SJ]

Thanks Philtaz. You`ve reminded me that I`m supposed to put a cross of tape on the bottom and drill in the middle of it. I`d forgotten that.

[murraymints]

yup plenty of tape and slow speed drill,....

[Mosaic]

...and before you start, just check the pot is not a rare Ming vase. It's happened before now. The holes bring the auction price down.

[The Builder]

You do look after your old Mum, 237 ;o)
Repeating Murray's comments ............... start slow, almost nil. Hold the drill firmly with both hands, and without leaning on it :o)

[237SJ]

She`s here at the moment Builder. I did dinner for her. I won`t tell her you called her "old mum". She`s very fiesty like that. She might have lived in Devon for 52 years but she`s still a Londoner :-)
Thanks for the advice. I`ll have a bash at the pot next week.