Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings

Whether you're making a wind chime or a necklace, it can be tricky to drill holes in a shell. It can be dangerous and difficult to use a drill, and sometimes the shell can crack as a result. Below you can find out how to safely and easily make a hole in a seashell.

To step

1. Choose a shell. Keep the following things in mind:
   • Thickness: a thin shell can crack more quickly, but a thicker shell can be more difficult to drill and the job also takes longer.
   • Size: A large shell is easier to work with, but make sure your shell is the right size for the project you're working on.
   • Layers: Some shells have layers that can break off, revealing a nicer layer.
2. Decide where you want to make the hole. Make sure there is enough space to make a hole of the size you have in mind. Remember, the closer the hole is to the edge, the faster the shell will crack.
3. Mark the spot with a small dot.
4. Take a pair of scissors or pocket knife and scratch the spot of the dot in the shell to a depth of 1 to 2.5 millimeters. Proceed with caution.
5. Tuck the small sharp edge of your tool into the deepest part of the scratches.
6. Slowly rotate the tool, applying pressure to the shell. Keep turning the tool vigorously into the shell until you reach the other side of the shell. Then rotate the device for another 5 seconds and stop.
7. Blow into the hole to remove the dust. Then look at the size of the hole. If necessary, rotate the tool even longer in the hole until the hole is the desired size.
8. Rinse the shell under the tap and clean your tool and workplace.

Tips

• Use a very sharp tool.
• The dust coming off the shell can be harmful to your lungs, so make sure you have the right personal protective equipment.
• Stick transparent tape over the hole on both sides of the shell, so that the shell does not break and small pieces do not come off.

Warnings

• During this job, dust comes off the shell, which creates some mess.