If you want to make wind chimes or shell necklaces, drilling the shells can be difficult. Using an electric drill is quite dangerous, difficult, and sometimes cracks shells. Here's how to make a hole in a clam shell safely and easily.
Step
Step 1. Select the shell
Consider the following:
- Thickness: thin shells can crack easily, but thick shells are difficult to punch and take longer.
- Size: large shells are easier to work with, but make sure they are the right size for your project.
- Lining: some shells have a coating that can crack and reveal a prettier coating inside.
Step 2. Determine the location of the hole
Make sure there is enough room for the hole you want. Remember, the parts of the shell that are near the edges are easier to crack.
Step 3. Mark the location with a small dot
Step 4. Take a pair of scissors or a penknife and scratch the dots on the shell to a depth of 1-2.5 millimeters
Be careful.
Step 5. Place the sharp, small tip of your tool into the deepest part of the scratch
Step 6. Gently twist your tool while pushing into the shell
Continue twisting until it goes through the shell, continue for another 5 seconds then stop.
Step 7. Blow the hole to clean the dust, then assess the size of the hole made
If necessary, re-twist in the hole until the hole is the size you want.
Step 8. Rinse the shell in the sink and clean your equipment and workspace
Tips
- Use a very sharp tool.
- Shell dust can harm the lungs so wear protective equipment.
- Apply clear tape to the holes on both sides so they don't cut or break.
