5/16" Diameter Drill Bit - for drilling plastics

Designed specifically for plexiglass and polycarbonate lexan, these drill bits are great tools for drilling through plastic sheets. Many DIY plexiglass and lexan sheet projects require a hole or two. Using the right kind of tools is important when working with many types of plastics. How many times have you tried drilling holes in acrylic only to end up with a busted panel? These bits, when used properly, will help to keep you from chipping and cracking plastic sheets that often occurs with standard drill bits. They will also minimize melting.

We stock the drill bits in 8 different diameters (1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16" & 1/2" diameter). They are made of hardened steel with a 90 degree sharp point and 0 degree rake to produce clean holes in acrylic sheets and help prevent chipping, cracking and melting.

Tips for Drilling Plexiglass Acrylic and Polycarbonate Lexan:

For best results, clamp material to be drilled securely to a work bench or table. Placing a backing block of scrap acrylic, mdf, or plywood panel under the drilling point will add extra help to prevent chipping when the bit breaks through. Be sure to firmly chuck the drill bit in the cordless hand drills or drill press. When using hand drills, a slow speed setting works best with plexiglass and lexan. For drill presses, a slow speed is also recommended, but consult the manufacturer for the best settings for drilling plastics such as plexiglass acrylic and polycarboante lexan.

Apply a steady pressure while drilling the hole, and then reduce pressure just before the drill breaks through. Try not punch the bit through the material when almost at the end of the hole. This may cause chipping as the bit comes out the back side of the panel.

When drilling holes for screws and bolts in plexiglass and most other plastics, you'll need to make the hole larger than the bolt or screw to allow for expansion and contraction that occurs in the sheet.

Also, when considering hole placement, drill the hole or holes as far from the edge of the sheet that your project will allow. Avoid drilling holes closer than 1/4" from the outside of the hole to the edge of the sheet. The larger and heavier the sheet, the more distance you'll want between the outside of the hole and the sheet's edge.