How to Drill a Hole Into Pond Rocks

Use rocks to create new pond features, from waterfalls to secure viewing areas. However, to get the most from pond rocks you need to drill holes in the rocks. This allows you to run fountain heads, electrical wires, lights or wooden poles directly through your pond stones. With some care and the right equipment, you can drill rock holes at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Drill
  • Diamond tip drill bit
  • Wooden block
  • Strong plastic tub
  • Water
  • Pencil
  • Drill press (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a wooden block into the bottom of a solid plastic tub. Put the pond rock on top of the wooden block. Mark a small cross on the rock at the point you want to start drilling. Fill the tub with water until it reaches just over the top of the rock. Select a tub and block that suits the size of the rock.

    • 2

      Secure the diamond tip drill bit into the drill head. Only a diamond tip will be strong enough to pierce the rock. Select a drill bit that's wide enough for the rock's purpose. For example, if you want to thread wires through the rock, you'll need a drill bit a little wider than the total diameter of the wires. Plug your drill motor into a power outlet that's properly grounded.

    • 3

      Mount your drill in a drill press, ideally. Ensure that the drill aims down in a straight, vertical line, not at an angle. A drill press is the best way to accomplish this.

    • 4

      Secure your footing alongside the tub. Aim the drill at the pencil cross on the rock and start drilling. Drill in short bursts. If the water starts to dip below the level of the rock, top it up to its original level. Alternatively, get a friend to spray or drip water onto the point of contact for the duration of the drilling. This helps to keep the drill bit cool.

    • 5

      Pull the drill bit up and push it down several times to clear the hole all the way through. Ensure that the drill body never touches the water. Stop if any debris clogs the hole or gets in the way.

    • 6

      File down rough edges at the lips of the hole. Use as intended in your garden pond.